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BE ROLE MODEL TO YOUR CHILDREN THROUGH YOUR CHARACTER, MRS SOLUDO CHARGES WOMEN

By Chidimma Okoye :

The wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has charged women to be role models to their children through their character at all times.

This she said during the women’s day celebration at Ojoto, the Idemili South local government Secretariat.

She said that women have a lot of work to do in their homes to ensure a better society as charity begins at home.

Mrs. Soludo said that the number one responsibility of a woman is to make her home peaceful and a haven for her, her family and the society to thrive.

She enjoined women to take out quality time to raise and nuture their children so that they do not end up in drugs and be problems to their neighbourhood and the society at large.

“Look down carefully to see if there are early warning signs that your child may be into drugs, check their rooms, bags, association, behaviours and intervene before things get out of hand,” she said.

Mrs Soludo called on women to endeavor to get basic education amid their multi task as it is a need for everything they will do in life and a preparation toward tomorrow.

The Anambra first lady also encouraged women to also take care of themselves while taking care of others.

She enjoined women to always support fellow women at all levels especially the ones holding public positions with the government so that they will be encouraged and do better at their respective positions.

Mrs. Soludo urged husbands to always love and appreciate their wives in all their endeavors so that they will do more.

“His Excellency, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo does not play with issues concerning women because they are trustworthy and committed at any given responsibility which is his reason for entrusting key positions in the state into the hands of women.

“Continue supporting Soludo’s administration as he marked two years in office to move Anambra to greater heights,” She said.

The Transitional Chairman of Idemmili South, Mrs Amaka Obi said that Mrs. Soludo has so much recognised women at the grassroots.

She said that Idemmili South Local Government has greatly felt the impact of the government undeniably, ranging from road construction to youth empowerment through 1youth 2skills, free ante-natal care and free delivery, as well as free education.

The Anambra State coordinator of Reproductive Health, Dr. Uju Okoye said earlier that healthy living with Nonye Soludo is a pet project of the wife of the governor aimed at improving the health of the people through eating alright.

She said that the project encouraged women to cook organic food and use natural ingredients as well in cooking.

Dr. Okoye discouraged women from cooking carsinogenic foods and foods made of gelatin like noodles, tinned food to reduce the high rate of cancer and kidney disease in the society.

She called on women to endeavor to eat fruits, plantain, others harvested in their compounds and sell only the excess produce from the harvest.

“Eat right sweat dirty,”  Dr. Okoye said as she enjoined women to add exercise to their daily activities to keep fit as exercise helps the heart to beat aright.

The Anambra State House member for Anaocha 1, Mrs. Nkechi Ogbuefi described Mrs. Soludo as a woman of substance, worth emulating and an epitome of support for fellow women.

She said that Gov. Soludo is a gender sensitive governor and has shown physical investment in women by appointing women into key positions in Anambra State with over four of the positions going to Idemili South Local Government alone.

Ogbuefi said that Anambra State House members are always on ground to assist the governor to develop Anambra State irrespective of political party differences as a clarion call by the governor.

The Commissioner of Special Duties, Mrs Nkemdiche Ikpeazu said that the governor has taken care of the stomach infastructure of the people by the free education, free ante-natal care and delivery, he has given.

She said that the governor did so to remove the burden off the shoulder of the people so that they can use the supposed money to buy food and invest in their businesses.

Ikpeazu, however, enjoined women to stand up for themselves and do something to make some earnings which will increase by the day so as to support themselves and their families.

She encouraged women to have a farm at least for vegetables to eat and to sell.

The Anambra State All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) woman leader, Esther Onyekesi, urged women to always come out en-masse with their families to cast their votes during election.

She described the Transitional Chairman of Idemmili South as hardworking and industrious, doing exceptionally well in the midst of 20 men.

Onyekesi said, “Idemmili South leads in ideas and development while others emulate”.

She enjoined the women of Idemmili South to spread the news of the good works of the present administration of Anambra State and support the government.

Mr. Don Onyenji, Commissioner for Entertainment, Culture and Tourism said that programmes like this bring women out from their inside villages to  the lime light to learn and to see the beauty of the day.

He said that Mrs. Soludo practices healthy living with organic food and recipe as she teaches which is reflective “I’m her life and the life of the governor as they are always healthy, strong and young”.

Onyenji enjoined women to emulate her and quit using artificial seasonings that is all over the market to cook.

However, he said that his department will start going around to palm wine bars to ensure that they sell natural palm wine and not artificial ones fabricated with saccarine for the health of the public.

Side attractions were various dance steps from women of the communities in Idemmili South

*Chidimma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

GOVERNOR SOLUDO’S HUGE FOOTPRINTS IN 2 YEARS

_THE 5-SOLUTION AGENDA_

March 17, 2024 marks exactly two years Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, and his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, were sworn into office.

Governor Soludo’s pitch for the job was crafted in his manifesto document, *THE SOLUDO SOLUTION – A PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO FOR A GREATER ANAMBRA*, which aims to transform the state into a liveable and prosperous smart mega city – a preferred destination to live, invest , learn, work, relax and enjoy.

To effectively realize these objectives, governance was strategically structured into five compartments or the famous *5 Solution Agenda* , namely: _Security, Law and Order; Economic Transformation and Infrastructure; Human Capital and Social Agenda; Governance, Rule of Law and Value System; and Environment_.

Guided by this agenda, Governor Soludo and his team have significantly created a humongous impact on Ndi Anambra and the landscape in just two years. Even the naysayers cannot but acquiesce that Odenigbo has done Very Well.

From tomorrow, Sunday, the 17th of March, I will, on daily basis, walk you through the journey so far in a 5-series Second Anniversary exposé.

Please watch out!

*PAUL NWOSU*

Commissioner for Information.

Anambra State

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: EXPERTS ROOT FOR NEW TECHNOLOGIES,ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION 

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

Participants at a two day farmers summit/international conference on agriculture have called on governments and stakeholders in the sector to deploy new technologies leveraging on the development of organic farming to boost food security in the nation.

Professionals in the sector comprising of practitioners,scholars and policy makers drawn from across the nation and beyond made this  call during the conference organised by the Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University,Awka at the Institution’s Auditorium.

Declaring Open the conference with the theme”Digitalisation of Agriculture and Bio-conservation for food security” the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone,  described the theme of the conference as apt considering the era of digital switch and it’s relevance in enhancing agricultural practice and food supply which is very pivotal to sustaining economic growth and development of the nation.

Prof. Esimone who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, , assured the Faculty of the continuous support of the present administration at a time where every citizen of the nation ought to join the practice of agriculture either by food production or animal husbandry. 

The scholar stated that now the Faculty is about completing her movement to its permanent site based at Ifite-Ogwari and Umueje, the University community is eagerly awaiting the advent of the Farmer’s Market which will lead to revenue generation for the institution and supply of farm produce to the University Community and beyond.

In her address, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Cordelia Ebenebe informed that the International Conference is aimed at relating with practitioners in the same trade at the global parlance, to learn from their achievements and strategies designed to surmount challenges.

 Prof. Ebenebe disclosed that it was on this note that the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) engaged not just erudite personalities in the field of agriculture but also real farmers with the wealth of experience in the sector.

In his Keynote Speech, a Former Director, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) Ghana, Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo harped on the essence of big data science and applications of digital trends to produce food.

Underscoring the importance of smart farming in the areas of irrigation, livestock farming,crop growth model,robotics and equipment automation,he made a strong case for use of lots of scientific and mechanical innovations to make farming more sustainable.

On his part, Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Foster Ihejiofor,who received  an award of recognition during the event, described the event as apt and designed to proffer solution to food crisis facing the nation.

He stated that all hands must be on deck in the practice of agriculture to make profitable and sustainable as it is a way of feeding the nation, creating of jobs and generating wealth.

Dr. Ihejiofor emphasized that the Gov. Soludo’s administration is using agriculture to provide opportunities and jobs for the youths of the state with technology driven ways to enhance their skills and competence.

The Agric. Commissioner informed that the state have gone into Oil Palm and Coconut tree planting by distribution and cultivation of seedlings which in the nearest future will generate funds for the state.

The lead paper presenter and Director, Songhai Integrated Farm, Port Novo, Republic of Benin, Rev. Fr. Prof. Godfrey Nzamujo presented a paper titled, “The Challenges today in Harnessing and Deploying Digital Technology to leverage Regenerative Agriculture,”  

He stated that the challenges facing the sector is on how to use agro-ecological and climate-smart principles and practices to turn our present food and agricultural system into a resilient, regenerative, high productive and sustainable system.

Prof. Nzamujo averred that agricultural initiative at Songhai Integrated Farm is based on the conviction that the present situation requires a radical change in our agricultural system to enable people to develop the awareness and capacities commensurate with the dynamics of biological systems and our environmental capital.

The scholar also highlighted that Green Economy of tomorrow termed Agro-economy should be based on tripod comprising of the living (Biological Sciences), Decentralized Renewal Energy and Digital Technologies.

While calling for new technologies adaptable in organic agriculture production,he showcased how he was privileged to witness new technologies deployed in both livestock and crop production in Songhai.

 He commended the Faculty of Agriculture for the initiative behind the all important conference geared towards enhancing the Agricultural sector.

On her part, the Chairperson, FAIC Organizing Committee, Dr. Eucharia Obidiebube noted that the conference provided a platform for discussion on the modern trends in agriculture and also a way to encourage the youths to embrace agriculture as a means of wealth creation.

The scholar disclosed that the Committee invited Prof. Nzamujo as one of the lead paper presenter to share in his wealth of knowledge and as well explore the Songhai Integrated Farm as the institution plans to establish a Pilot Farm with a view to having institutionalized based Songhai Farm.

Other scholars who spoke at the conference were Prof. Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University of Nigeria and Prof. Rotimi Akuko, Director Canada Research Chair Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research.

The opening ceremony of the conference also featured Farmers’ Summit, Conferment of Awards and Recognition of students of the Faculty for their academic excellence.

SOLUDO COMMISSIONS PROJECTS TO MARK 2 YEARS IN OFFICE

Paul Nwosu, Commissioner for Information 

 _Reacts to call for Federal and State Governments to prioritize security and food_

Rose Oranye :

Activities marking the second year in office of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, of Anambra State have commenced with the commissioning of roads and a plethora of other completed projects.

Anambra State’s Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, who disclosed this in an interview said the governor, on Tuesday, distributed 2000 laptops  to teachers and commissioned Port Harcourt and Niger Streets on Wednesday, and will proceed to Amansea-Ebenebe-Ugbenu-Ugbene-Awba Ofemmili Road on Thursday the 14th of March to perform the same function.

According to the Commissioner, “the unique aspect of the road commissioning is that, unlike some states that will fly in dignitaries to cut the tape, Governor Soludo believes that no commissioning can be better than the one done by regular members of the public such as the bus and keke drivers who ply the roads as well as the villagers who are having a tarred road pass their communities for the first time.

He said that the climax of the anniversary events will be an interdenominational thanksgiving service on Sunday, which will attract a lot of dignitaries, after which the commissioning of projects will continue, since there are quite a lot of them.

“To mark the occasion, we will soon release a document, cataloging over 100 sterling achievements of Governor Soludo within the two years for people to see and appreciate. Our  indefatigable Governor has done a humongous amount of work within this short period and it’s important that our people should know,” Nwosu said.

Reacting to the call by some politicians for federal and state governments to suspend everything they are doing and declare state of emergency on security and food, Nwosu said he would not speak for others but what he knows for sure is that when Soludo came into office, he declared a state of emergency on security. He created the Ministry of Homeland Affairs, appointed a retired Air Vice  Marshall as Special Adviser on Security and reorganized the Anambra Vigilante Group.

“He also developed a very good working relationship with the local commanders of the armed forces and the police. The result we see today is that seven out of eight local governments hitherto under siege by criminals have been liberated. Ndị Anambra in the diaspora can now return home to attend funerals and different social functions.

“At the inception of this administration, Governor Soludo came with a new concept to growing and producing food. He calls it Regenerative Agriculture.

This kind of agriculture enhances the organic nature of the crops we farm because natural manures are used. So when people are thinking of just producing food, Governor Soludo is thinking about the quality of the food we produce.

“For the Governor, it’s not just about consumption. He also thought about economic empowerment through agriculture. This led to the procurement and free distribution of 1,140,000 early fruiting varieties of hybrid oil and coconut palm seedlings to over 100,000 households of ndị Anambra. Another 1,000,000 will be procured this year, including 340,000 economic tree crops like ụkwa, akịlu, ọjị́ Igbo and pawpaw, among others”, he said.

The Commissioner further disclosed that the government, in partnership with IFAD, has empowered 27,800 small scale farmers across seven local governments with subsidized seedlings that have significantly jerked up agricultural production in the state.

“So, the argument that other aspects of governance should be suspended except provision of security and food is flawed. You know why? In the first place, there is no economy, even the best in the world, where people are kept in their houses for government to knock on their doors every morning and supply them food.

“Secondly people are economically active by nature.  That’s how God created man. The purpose of government is to create the conducive environment for man and his economic activities to thrive. And all of these, our progressive Governor has achieved through his policies and programs in the last two years. They are such that have created jobs through the many construction sites. They have empowered youths through skills importation and start-up grants. They have employed thousands of teachers and medical personnel whose salaries have been running uninterruptedly. They have supported a vibrant civil service whose regular salaries were increased even before the advent of palliatives. The free education has enabled the unprivileged child to acquire basic education. The free antenatal and delivery services.I can go on and on.”

The Commissioner concluded thusly: “Those politicians are entitled to their opinion but I am sure they were not directed at Soludo.*

SOLUDO EMPOWERS TEACHERS WITH TECH TOOLS, PROMISES WI-FI CONNECTIVITY IN SCHOOLS 

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has affirmed that teachers are the greatest while doling out over 1000 Lenovo brand laptops to Headteachers and Principals at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Awka.

Addressing the teachers and top government functionaries who graced the event, Mr. Governor applauded teachers for the great work they do toward moulding the future of the young ones entrusted to them. 

.

He said that the distribution of the laptops is in alignment with his administration’s quest to transform state schools into smart schools and it starts with those at the helm of leadership. 

He equally highlighted that the teaching profession is not just a job but a vocation. 

“If you want to predict the future of any society, you need to look at the quality of teachers and the quality of teachings obtainable in that society.” 

Prof. Soludo acknowledged that the state teachers are excelling nationally but enjoined them to look beyond the national level to international level and aspire to replicate what their counterparts are doing in the teaching sector.       

He said that the provision of the work tools is to help them be at the cutting edge of technology as the state is looking to train global children who would be useful at home and exportable abroad.

Gov. Soludo pledged that as long as the resources are available, his administration would prioritize the state education sector.                          

“My administration is out to turn schools into smart schools. My administration is out to end the era of schools without teachers, hence, the recruitment of 5000 teachers nine months after the assumption of office as the Governor of the state and the subsequent approval for additional recruitment of 3000 teachers,” he said. 

The governor said that he envisioned an era where every teacher in the state would carry their laptops just as they carry the phone, adding that in line with his administrative pillar on human capital development, basic training on computer skills and provision of WiFi to schools would be implemented. 

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh applauded Gov. Soludo for his passion and zeal to elevate the state education sector to international standard.

She acknowledged his dexterity and commitment to the teachers welfare which clearly showed that he is a teacher to the core.

Prof. Chuma-Udeh noted that with the pronouncement of free education by Gov. Soludo, there has been a surge in enrollment in public schools, emphasizing that this is an attestation that Mr. Governor knows and understands the pain points of the populace.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Post Primary School Commission (PPSC), Prof. Nkechi Ikediegwu, and the Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Prof. Vera Nwadinobi said that the provision of work tools to teachers would enhance efficiency and prompt service delivery in the sector.

In his vote of thanks, the State President, of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr. Jovita Arazu pledged teachers’ unwavering commitment to qualitative education in classrooms and collaborate with Gov. Soludo-led administration in raising a digitalized tribe of students who would be useful at home and exportable abroad.                   

The highlight of the event was the distribution of work tools to Headteachers and Principals.   

The distribution of Laptops to the Headteachers and Principals is the first phase of the initiative, a second phase will comprise the distribution of laptops to each classroom teacher and ICT teacher in all the schools in Anambra State.

*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

UNLOCKING THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM: ANAMBRA ICT AGENCY, ACTIV8 HUB EMPOWER MEDIA PROFESSIONALS ON AI

By Angela Nwanodu :

In line with its vision aimed at digitally revolutionizing the media landscape, the Anambra State ICT Agency, in collaboration with Activ8 Hub, on Thursday, hosted an enriching workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Journalism for media professionals. 

The workshop took the practitioners through emerging AI models, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Bing AI, Microsoft Copilot, among others, with the aim of enhancing their journalistic practices, ensure more efficient, accurate and compelling reportage.

 The event featured experts such as;  Mr. Chukwuma Mezie-Okoye, co-founder of Activ8 Hub, and Nehemiah Onyekachukwu Emmanuel, an AI Engineer with Microsoft who offered deep insight into the transformative impact of AI in journalism. With a focus on leveraging AI to bolster productivity, fact-checking, and narrative crafting, the session illuminated the path for journalists to integrate these cutting-edge tools into their work responsibly.

It also marked a significant stride in Anambra’s technological advancement, as was highlighted by the MD/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata who shared insights into the progress of work on the state’s ICT infrastructural development, which he noted has vastly improved internet connectivity, thus facilitating more innovative initiatives.

According to him, the digital revolution ongoing in the state is only possible because Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo understands the 21st Century technology demands and is providing the support and political will required to guarantee such advancements. 

“This workshop not only signifies Anambra State’s commitment to empowering its journalists but also reflects the government’s dedication to leveraging technology for societal advancement. 

“As AI continues to evolve, Anambra’s media professionals need to be better equipped to navigate the digital age, ensuring the delivery of credible, insightful, and engaging content to their audience.

“This training further underscores the state government’s undertanding of the critical role of media practitioners in the digital revolution in the state and our commitment to “EverythingTechnology, Technology Everywhere” in the state

“AI is  getting more sophisticated by the day and journalists must make the most use of the tool because it has the capacity to make enhance productivity,” Agbata concluded.

In his words, Co-Founder, Activ8 Hub, Mr. Chukwuma Mezie-Okoye, expressed profound appreciation for the partnership and pledged continued support towards the advancement of digital revolution in the state.

“The message is clear: Embrace AI, not as a replacement, but as a complement to journalistic excellence, shaping a more informed, discerning, and connected world, welcome to the future”.

Mr. Ogemdi Ozoemenam expressed gratitude on behalf of all participants, thanking the Anambra State Government and Activ8 Hub for the crucial training on AI in Journalism. ” We are optimistic that it will enhance our professional endeavors” he concluded.

* Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ENVIRONMENT COMMISSIONER CHARGES NDI ANAMBRA TO KEY IN TO  HEALTHY LIVING WITH NONYE SOLUDO 

By Kennedy Aniedozie :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu has charged Ndi Anambra to key in to the Healthy living with Nonye Soludo.

Healthy living with Nonye Soludo is a social health crusade founded by Dr.Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, aims at  re-establishing a health conscious mindset and promote the philosophy of right health in families, schools and communities in Anambra State and beyond.

The mission is to mobilise all critical segments of the society to make healthy living an important culture 

Speaking at the ASUBEB hall, during the distribution of 27,000 cartons of vitamins supplements to elderly people in the 336 wards of Anambra State by Healthy living with Nonye Soludo, the commissioner reiterates that good health and clean environment will bring out productivity in the lives of every onye Anambra for maximum output in rendering services.

He thanked Mr.Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for creating enabling environment for greener, clean and livable Anambra,  assuring the wife of the governor that he will personally take the crusade of healthy living with Nonye Soludo down to all corners of the state.

* Kennedy is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*

2023 PROF. NGOZI CHUMA-UDEH SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONS REWARDED: COMMISSIONER HAILS PUPILS’ DEDICATION 

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

 In her resolve to upscale the literacy skills of Anambra Students, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Ude has rewarded the winners of the 2023 Spelling Bee competition.

The competition held last year at Best Western Meloch Hotel, Awka featured first and third positions  clinched by Master Delight Okeke and Miss Lois Igube from Holy Ghost International Primary School, Awka.

Presenting the gifts to the pupils at Holy Ghost International Primary School Awka, the commissioner praised the pupils for their dedication to education and encouraged them to appreciate their parents’ efforts. 

She also acknowledged the school and its teachers for their role in shaping their futures. 

The school’s proprietor, Mrs Ubosi-Okeke Kenechukwu expressed gratitude to the commissioner and Governor Chukwuma Soludo for their contributions to the education sector. 

The highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to the winning pupils by the commissioner.

*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*

ANAMBRA ICT AGENCY APPLAUDS GOV. SOLUDO’S TRANSPARENT APPOINTMENT PROCESS,  CONGRATULATES DR. FLORENCE IDIGO-IBENTA’S SUCCESS

By Angela Nwanodu  :

The Anambra State Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Agency has extended its sincere appreciation to  Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo for the transparent and merit-based appointment of new permanent secretaries in the state’s civil service.

According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the agency 

attest to Mr Governor’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance and his prioritization of meritocracy, which ensured that the appointments are based on the candidates’ qualifications and commitment to service.

“It is also not lost on us, the meticulous consideration of criteria such as professional spread, which helped identify high-performing individuals from different professions and climes, who have shown great commitment to serving Anambra State.

“Among the distinguished appointees is Dr. Florence Idigo-Ibenta, a Director in the state Civil service, serving with the Anambra State ICT Agency. 

“Dr. Florence’s contribution towards the state’s recognition at the 11th National Council on Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) meeting in Kano, signposts her dedication and leadership. 

While appreciating Governor Soludo’s visionary leadership and expresses profound gratitude for the appointment process that upholds the principles of fairness and equal opportunity, the agency  congratulates one of her own, Dr. Florence Idigo-Ibenta for this great accomplishment and wishes her greater breakthroughs and success in her new role.

_Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State _

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