News

ASHIA TAKES HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLMENT CAMPAIGN TO MGBUKA MARKET, EXPANDS ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE

By Chisom Okafor

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has intensified efforts to expand health insurance coverage across the state with a sensitisation and enrolment campaign at Mgbuka (Fairly Used) Market, Nnewi, encouraging traders to enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme.

The outreach, held on July 16, formed part of the agency’s drive to promote universal health coverage by increasing awareness of the benefits of affordable and accessible healthcare.

Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Secretary of ASHIA, Dr. Augustine Ezeka, assured traders of the agency’s commitment to ensuring that every resident has access to quality healthcare without the burden of high out of pocket medical expenses.

He explained that enrollees receive medical services at accredited healthcare facilities across the state, enabling individuals and families to access timely and quality treatment when needed.

Responding on behalf of the market, the Chairman of Mgbuka (Fairly Used) Market, Hon. Anthony Okafor, commended ASHIA for bringing the enrolment campaign to the market, describing the initiative as timely and beneficial to traders.

He urged market members to take advantage of the opportunity by enrolling in the scheme and encouraging their colleagues to do the same.

One of the traders, Mr. Dozie Orji, shared his experience with the programme, saying his family’s medical expenses had reduced significantly since enrolling in the health insurance scheme.

He encouraged fellow traders to register, noting that the programme offers financial protection while guaranteeing access to quality healthcare.

The exercise attracted a large number of traders, many of whom sought additional information about the scheme and completed their enrolment, reflecting growing public confidence in ASHIA’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage in Anambra State.

Chisom Okafor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

anambraministryofinformationandvaluereformation

anambraisrising

ASHIA

universalhealthcoverage

healthinsurance

mgbukamarket

solutionishere

solutioncontinues

ANAMBRA ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY, NIGERIA FOREST SECURITY SERVICE PARTNER TO STRENGTHEN FOREST PROTECTION

By Ruth Orji

The Anambra State Ministry of Environment has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) to strengthen forest conservation, combat environmental crimes and promote sustainable management of the state’s forest resources.

The agreement was signed on July 16 at the office of the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, in Awka, in the presence of the Commandant of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, Mazi Destiny E. Jonas; the Head of the Forestry Department, Mrs. Achugamonye Onyinye; and other government officials.

The partnership provides a framework for collaboration in protecting Anambra’s forests through joint patrols, intelligence gathering, enforcement of forestry laws, prevention of illegal logging and encroachment, wildfire prevention, community engagement and capacity building.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Aguiyi described the agreement as a strategic step toward advancing Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of building a clean, green, secure and environmentally sustainable Anambra.

He noted that protecting the state’s forest resources is essential for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development, adding that stronger collaboration among relevant agencies would enhance environmental protection efforts.

The commissioner reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and safeguarding the state’s natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

In his remarks, the Commandant of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, Mazi Destiny E. Jonas, pledged the agency’s commitment to working closely with the ministry to secure forest reserves, prevent illegal activities and strengthen environmental security across the state.

He expressed confidence that the partnership would improve intelligence sharing, enhance surveillance and support more effective enforcement against environmental offences.

The MoU marks a renewed commitment by both institutions to deepen inter-agency collaboration in protecting Anambra State’s forests and preserving its natural heritage.

Ruth Orji is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

anambraministryofinformationandvaluereformation

anambraisrising

ministryofenvironment

forestprotection

environmentalsustainability

solutionishere

solutioncontinues

MOTHERS URGED TO BUILD CHRIST-CENTRED FAMILIES AMID CHANGING TIMES

By Osegbue Patricia

The Director of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Onitsha Archdiocese, Dame Ngozi Nwanosike, has urged mothers to remain steadfast in building Christ-centred families despite the moral and social challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Nwanosike made the call while addressing members of St. Mary’s Parish, Inland Town, Onitsha, during the 2026 Annual July General Meeting as part of her routine pastoral visits to parishes across the archdiocese.

She urged mothers not to neglect their God given responsibility of nurturing their children because of the pressures and distractions of modern society, but to build their homes on prayer, love, forgiveness, obedience to God’s word and service to God and humanity.

She also encouraged mothers to intentionally instil biblical values in their children, stressing that God had entrusted them with the sacred responsibility of raising families according to His will.

Also speaking, a retired teacher, Mrs. Patricia Atuanya, cautioned against the attitude of “Nwam akarịa m” (my child is above me), saying it encouraged indiscipline and could lead children into antisocial behaviour.

Atuanya emphasised the importance of education, discipline and proper upbringing, noting that raising morally upright children remained essential to building a responsible society.

In her remarks, a parish CWO member, Mrs. Helen Igwe, said many mothers had become overly preoccupied with the pursuit of wealth, urging them to devote quality time to their children and remain actively involved in their upbringing.

The multi day programme featured the conferment of the Ezinne title on deserving mothers, spiritual and health talks, as well as a candlel ighting exercise symbolising faith and family devotion.

In a vote of thanks, the Parish CWO President, Mrs. Ezinne Patricia Onwuegbuna, appreciated participants for their commitment and urged members to put the meeting’s theme, “Building Christ-centred Families in an Ever Changing World,” into practice in their homes.

Osegbue Patricia is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

Ministryofinformationandvaluereformation

Anambraisrising

Parenting

Solutionishere

Solutioncontinues

ANAMBRA REAFFIRMS BAN ON UNAPPROVED TEXTBOOKS, COMPULSORY SCHOOL LEVIES

By MaryAnn Chukwuma

The Anambra State Government has directed schools not to change prescribed textbooks without the approval of the Ministry of Education and reaffirmed the ban on compulsory graduation ceremonies and levies imposed on parents.

The directives are contained in a circular dated July 15, issued by the Ministry of Education and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua.

According to the circular, schools are prohibited from replacing approved textbooks without prior approval from the ministry to ensure uniformity in learning materials across educational institutions.

The ministry also directed schools not to prescribe textbooks containing printed assignments, exercises or activities that render them unusable by other learners, saying the measure is intended to encourage the reuse of books and reduce the financial burden on parents.

It said the policy was designed to promote prudent educational administration, improve access to learning materials and eliminate unnecessary costs associated with frequent textbook replacements.

The circular further reiterated that nursery, primary and junior secondary schools must not organise graduation ceremonies, while Senior Secondary School Three students must not be compelled to pay graduation levies or other related mandatory charges.

It also prohibited schools from compelling parents or guardians to purchase special uniforms, costumes, souvenirs, decorations or other materials associated with graduation ceremonies, adding that compulsory contributions for end-of-year parties, Christmas celebrations and similar events remained banned.

The ministry directed Education Secretaries, Area and Zonal Education Officers, principals, head teachers, proprietors and proprietresses of public, mission and private schools to ensure immediate compliance, warning that violators would face appropriate administrative sanctions.

It said the directives took immediate effect as part of efforts to promote affordable, equitable and quality education while protecting parents from unnecessary financial burdens.

MaryAnn Chukwuma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

Ministryofinformationandvaluereformation

Anambraisrising

AffordableEducation

Solutionishere

Solutioncontinues

‎ANAMBRA POLICE RESCUE UNIDENTIFIED MAN SUSPECTED OF DRUG ABUSE IN AWKA

By Chizoba Njaka
‎
‎
‎The Anambra State Police Command on July 16 rescued an unidentified middle-aged man who was found unconscious in Awka and is suspected to have been under the influence of hard drugs.
‎
‎
‎According to Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives from B Division found the man during a midday patrol on July 15 along Oby Okoli Avenue at the UNIZIK temporary site. The command said he was lying by the roadside with no visible injuries or signs of any struggle.
‎
‎
‎The operatives immediately evacuated the man to the Police Hospital in Awka, where he is currently receiving medical treatment. A search conducted on him yielded no means of identification, mobile phone, or any other item that could assist in establishing his identity or locating his next of kin.
‎
‎
‎Authorities’ initial assessment indicates the man may have been under the influence of hard drugs; efforts are ongoing to establish his identity and inform his next of kin.
‎
‎
‎The Anambra State Police Command described the incident as a warning about the dangers of substance abuse, especially for young people, and reaffirmed its commitment to the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV). The campaign focuses on preventive policing through advocacy, public education, and partnerships with stakeholders to curb drug abuse, cultism, and other social vices.
‎
‎
‎The command said it will issue further updates as investigations proceed and efforts to identify the victim continue.
‎
‎
‎
‎Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
‎
‎
‎
‎#Ministryofinformationandvaluareformation
‎#Ministryofeducation
‎#Anambraisrising
‎#Informationiskey
‎#Solutionishere
‎#Solutioncontinue
‎
‎

ORUMBA SOUTH CHAIRMAN FELICITATES FATHER ON BIRTHDAY, LAUDS CHRISTIAN VIRTUES

By Chioma Oyedozie

The Executive Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area, Hon. Shedrack Azubuike, has felicitated his father, Rev. Samuel I. Azubuike, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a devoted servant of God whose life reflects faith, humility, wisdom and selfless service.

In a goodwill message, on July 15, Azubuike said his father’s prayers, godly counsel and dedication to the service of God and humanity had positively impacted many lives and inspired people to embrace faith, hope and righteousness.

He commended the cleric for his exemplary role as a father, noting that his guidance, discipline and unconditional love had laid a solid foundation for generations.

The council chairman prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Rev. Azubuike, asking for divine health, renewed strength, peace, joy and long life.

He also prayed that God would grant the cleric greater accomplishments in His vineyard, making his latter years more glorious than the former.

Azubuike thanked his father for being a source of wisdom, encouragement and inspiration to his family and the wider community, while celebrating his enduring legacy and contributions to the Christian faith.

Chioma Oyedozie is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

Ministryofinformationandvaluereformation

Anambraisrising

ChristianValues

Solutionishere

Solutioncontinues

ANAMBRA INAUGURATES TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP TO TACKLE AVOIDABLE BLINDNESS, HEARING IMPAIRMENT, OTHER SENSORY HEALTH CHALLENGES

By Stanley Nwako

The Anambra State Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group on Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health to strengthen the prevention, early detection and management of sensory health conditions across the state.

Inaugurating the group in Awka on July 16, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, described the initiative as an important step towards improving access to quality eye, ear and other sensory health services for Ndi Anambra.

Dr Obidike stressed the need for accurate data, proper planning and coordinated action, urging the group to develop a clear, data-driven strategic development plan to complement its Annual Operational Plan.

He noted that statistics showing that about 84 per cent of blindness cases are avoidable through prevention, early detection or treatment must translate into practical interventions.

The commissioner also called for equal attention to hearing impairment and other sensory health conditions, noting that reliable data would enable the state to understand the burden and develop appropriate interventions.

He assured the group of the Ministry’s support and urged members to work with civil society organisations, development partners and other relevant stakeholders.

Earlier, the State Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health Programme Manager, Dr Chioma G. Ezeonyeka, said the programme, domiciled in the Department of Public Health, coordinates sensory health services and works to reduce avoidable sensory impairment.

According to her, cataract, glaucoma and uncorrected refractive errors remain major causes of blindness, while vision and hearing challenges affect learning, communication, productivity and quality of life.

Dr Ezeonyeka disclosed that glaucoma screening across health facilities in the state detected 118 cases, while previous eye health outreaches screened 1,528 persons and provided reading glasses to 1,102 beneficiaries.

She said the 2026 Annual Operational Plan includes free eye and ear screening, distribution of spectacles, glaucoma awareness campaigns, cataract surgeries for 100 persons and training of Primary Healthcare workers to identify and refer eye conditions.

Contributing, Prof. Sebastian Nwosu called for the involvement of social scientists, communication experts and creative professionals in promoting sensory health services.

He noted that technical expertise alone may not be enough to encourage people to access available services, suggesting that Nollywood practitioners and other communication professionals could support effective public awareness campaigns.

Prof. Nwosu also urged the group to explore community-driven funding rather than depending solely on pharmaceutical companies, banks and large organisations.

He recalled how a traditional ruler sponsored cataract surgeries for 56 people as part of his birthday celebration, describing the gesture as an example of how individuals and communities could support healthcare delivery.

“We may not always need to look outside for funding. We can start from home by engaging well-meaning individuals and philanthropists who are willing to support healthcare services,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in building the confidence of donors and development partners.

Dr Obidike, on behalf of the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, formally inaugurated the Technical Working Group and charged members to provide leadership, coordination and strategic direction towards improving eye, ear and sensory health services across Anambra State.

Present at the inauguration were the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr Afam Anaeme; Director of Civil Society Organisations, Prince Chris Azor; members of the Technical Working Group and other stakeholders in the health sector.

Stanley Nwako is of the Ministry of Health, Anambra State

Ministryofinformationandvaluareformation

Ministryofhealth

Anambraisrising

Informationiskey

Solutionishere

Solutioncontinues

ANAMBRA EXPANDS SOLAR ENERGY DRIVE TO POWER PUBLIC FACILITIES AND COMMUNITIES

By Ezumezu Nonyelum
‎
‎
‎The Anambra State Government, under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, is expanding the deployment of solar energy across public infrastructure as part of its Smart Anambra initiative. Primary Health Centres (PHCs), schools, streetlights, and water schemes are being equipped with solar panels and mini-grids to provide reliable, clean, and sustainable electricity.
‎
‎The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the state’s dependence on diesel-powered generators, ensure uninterrupted 24-hour electricity supply in health facilities, and enhance the delivery of essential public services.
‎
‎As part of the programme, the government has installed solar-powered streetlights across Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and major highways. The project is designed to lessen reliance on the national grid while improving public safety through better road illumination, supporting nighttime commercial activities, and reducing energy costs.
‎
‎The government has also extended solar-powered boreholes and community mini-grids to rural communities that have experienced prolonged electricity shortages. Under the initiative, town unions collaborate with the state government to maintain the facilities, while residents pay subsidised tariffs to enjoy a stable and sustainable power supply.
‎
‎To encourage private-sector participation, the state has created an enabling environment for renewable energy investments through the Anambra State Investment Promotion Agency (ANSIPA). The agency provides support to solar companies deploying renewable energy solutions for homes, markets, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping to lower energy costs, stimulate competition, and create employment opportunities.
‎
‎In addition, the government has introduced energy-efficiency measures across state ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) by installing LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances powered by solar energy. The initiative is aimed at reducing electricity consumption and lowering the cost of powering government facilities.
‎
‎Collectively, these interventions underscore the Soludo administration’s commitment to expanding access to renewable energy, reducing energy costs, and promoting sustainable development across Anambra State.For a news website, “Anambra Expands Solar Energy Drive to Power Public Facilities and Communities” is the strongest headline because it is clear, informative, and SEO-friendly.
‎
‎
‎Ezumezu Nonyelum is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
‎
‎
‎#Ministryofinformationandvaluareformation
‎#Ministryofeducation
‎#Anambraisrising
‎#Informationiskey
‎#Solutionishere
‎#Solutioncontinue
‎
‎

ENUGWU-AGIDI WOMEN LEADER APPOINTED ASTUC WOMEN WING COORDINATOR FOR NJIKOKA

By Emeka Ilozor

Lady Ebere Okafor, popularly known as Iyom Ugogbe and Chairlady of the Enugwu-Agidi Women Organisation, has been appointed Coordinator of the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC) Women Wing for Njikoka Local Government Area(LGA).

The appointment recognises her commitment to community development, women’s empowerment and dedicated service to Enugwu-Agidi and the wider Njikoka community.

In her acceptance message, Lady Okafor expressed gratitude to the leadership of the ASTUC Women Wing, the Njikoka Women Wing, the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and members of the Enugwu-Agidi Women Organisation for the confidence reposed in her.

She thanked the women of Enugwu-Agidi for their unwavering support, noting that their encouragement had contributed significantly to her emergence. According to her, “charity begins at home.”

Lady Okafor pledged to justify the confidence placed in her by working diligently to advance the welfare of women, strengthen community development initiatives and promote unity across Njikoka LGA.

She assured stakeholders of her commitment to collaborating with women groups, community leaders and relevant organisations to implement programmes that will positively impact women and families in the area.

Her appointment has been widely welcomed by members of the Enugwu-Agidi Women Organisation and other stakeholders, who expressed confidence in her capacity to provide effective leadership and promote the objectives of the ASTUC Women Wing in Njikoka.

They prayed for God’s wisdom, strength and guidance as she assumes her new responsibilities.

Emeka Ilozor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

anambraministryofinformationandvaluereformation

anambraisrising

ASTUC

enugwuagidiwomenleader

njikokawomenwingcoordinator

solutionishere

solutioncontinues

‎POLICING NO LONGER A ONE-SIDED JOB IN ANAMBRA, SAYS POLICE SPOKESPERSON

By Chizoba Njaka
‎

‎The Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, has said that policing in Anambra State has witnessed a significant shift in public trust, noting that security is no longer the sole responsibility of the police but a collective effort involving all stakeholders.
‎

‎Ikenga made the remark on July 16 while featuring on the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) programme, Let’s Talk Politics, where discussions focused on the theme, “Policing, Democracy and Public Trust.”
‎

‎Speaking during the programme, the police spokesperson said, “In Anambra, we have a great shift in public trust. Today, policing is no longer a one-sided job; everyone is involved.”
‎

‎He explained that increased collaboration between the police, residents, community leaders, vigilante groups and other stakeholders has strengthened security efforts across the state and improved public confidence in law enforcement.
‎

‎According to Ikenga, public trust remains a critical pillar of democratic policing, stressing that timely information sharing and active citizen participation have enhanced the command’s ability to prevent and combat crime.
‎

‎The discussion also examined the relationship between effective policing, democratic governance and public confidence, with emphasis on the need for sustained cooperation between security agencies and the public to ensure a safer society.
‎
‎
‎Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
‎
‎
‎#Ministryofinformationandvaluareformation
‎#Ministryofeducation
‎#Anambraisrising
‎#Informationiskey
‎#Solutionishere
‎#Solutioncontinue
‎
‎