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ASHIA RESUMES BHCPF ENROLMENT ACROSS ANAMBRA

By Chisom Okafor

The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Augustine Ezeka, has announced the resumption of enrolment into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) programme across the state.

Speaking to journalists in his office in Awka on July 13, Dr. Ezeka said the enrolment exercise commenced on July 14 to enable more vulnerable residents access quality healthcare services through Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).

He disclosed that 329 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state have been designated for the exercise and urged eligible residents to visit the PHC closest to them for enrolment.

According to him, the programme is open to pregnant women, children under five years of age, elderly persons, and indigent individuals, who stand to benefit from free, quality healthcare services under the BHCPF scheme.

Dr. Ezeka stressed that the National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory for registration and advised all intending beneficiaries to present their NIN at the point of enrolment to ensure a seamless registration process.

He reaffirmed ASHIA’s commitment to expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare for vulnerable populations as part of the state’s drive towards achieving universal health coverage.

Chisom Okafor is of the Ministry of Information and value reformation, Anambra State

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ANAMBRA YOUTHS COMMEND SOLUDO ADMINISTRATION ON SKILLS ACQUISITION, CALL FOR EXPANSION TO BOOST EMPLOYMENT

By Chinyere Nwoye

Youths in Anambra State have commended the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for its commitment to youth development through well-structured skills acquisition programmes, while urging for further expansion to reach more young people across the state.

Speaking on this year’s World Youth Skills Day, observed annually on July 15, the youths said equipping young people with practical, relevant and future-ready skills remains key to driving economic growth, financial independence, and reducing involvement in crime.

They noted that successive administrations in Anambra have introduced various youth empowerment initiatives, but stressed that the current administration has recorded significant progress in aligning these programmes with global trends.

The youths particularly applauded the state government’s 1Youth, 2Skills Programme, which they said has empowered thousands of grassroots youths with training in Information and Communication Technology, Artificial Intelligence, digital skills, and other modern vocational trades.

A resident of Ichida community, Mr. Osita Ozallagba, described the programme as a bold step by the Soludo administration toward preparing Anambra youths for the evolving global labour market.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Sunday Nwokoye, also lauded the initiative as a genuine effort at building future leaders through practical training. He, however, appealed for an expansion of the programme to accommodate more unemployed youths.

The respondents also commended wealthy individuals, philanthropists, and political office holders for complementing government efforts through empowerment in areas such as soap making, bead making, tailoring, hairdressing, and other vocational skills that have provided livelihoods for many young people.

While acknowledging that unemployment and economic hardship remain national challenges, the youths said Anambra is making commendable strides through evidence-based planning and targeted interventions.

Speaking on the challenges, Deputy President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr. Innocent Nduanya, called for increased funding, stronger implementation, and reduced political interference to ensure greater impact of youth programmes.
Also, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Anambra State, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, urged government and partners to strengthen inclusion by providing facilities that support persons with disabilities in empowerment centres.

The youths expressed optimism that with the Soludo administration’s continued focus on innovation, digital literacy, green skills, and entrepreneurship, Anambra will set the pace in youth empowerment and job creation in Nigeria.

They reaffirmed their support for government policies aimed at building a productive, skilled, and self-reliant youth population in line with the administration’s agenda of a livable and prosperous Anambra.

Chinyere Nwoye is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

ARC ARIZE URGES REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS TO ALIGN WITH STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSING AGENDA

By Ekweaga Uzoma
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The Anambra State Commissioner for Housing, Arc. Henry Arize, has called on real estate developers to align their activities with the state government housing development agenda to promote sustainable growth and expand access to affordable housing.
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Commissioner Arize made the call when the executive members of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Anambra State Chapter, paid him a courtesy visit at his office in the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, on July 14.
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The commissioner said Governor Chukwuma Soludo remains committed to infrastructural development, particularly through the state’s social housing programme. He disclosed that the government is prepared to allocate land with Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to credible developers capable of completing housing projects within agreed timelines.
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He urged the association to align its requests with the state’s land administration policies, noting that Anambra is the second smallest state in Nigeria by land mass after Lagos State.
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Commissioner Arize expressed concern over fraudulent practices in the real estate sector, alleging that some operators have exploited people’s lands for business transactions without proper safeguards.
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Speaking on access to housing finance, the commissioner clarified that there is no law requiring real estate developers to register with REDAN before they can access loans from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).
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According to him, any qualified landowner who can provide the required 30 per cent equity contribution is eligible to apply for a Federal Mortgage housing loan.
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On the state’s social housing programme, Commissioner Arize disclosed that the Ministry of Housing has entered into agreements with some financial institutions to facilitate the project, explaining that once the design stage is completed, construction will commence, while site layout preparations are already underway.
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Earlier, the Chairman of REDAN, Anambra State Chapter, Dr. Sunny Nwachukwu, congratulated Arize on his appointment and reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the ministry and the association, expressing concern that Anambra had not benefited significantly from several federal government housing initiatives, including the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, particularly the proposed 2,000 housing units targeted at low-income earners.
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He appealed to the commissioner to facilitate a meeting between the association and Governor Soludo to enable REDAN to brief him on the Federal Government Housing Schemes and the potential benefits for the people of Anambra State.
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The REDAN chairman noted that the association possesses the technical capacity and professional expertise to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic development while helping to reduce the housing deficit.
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Also speaking, the immediate past Chairman of the association, Sir Lawrence Nkwonta, stressed the importance of cooperative societies in accessing housing finance, saying that cooperative membership is a prerequisite for obtaining certain housing loans through REDAN and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.
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Other members of the REDAN delegation included the Secretary, Dr. Nzube Ekebosi; Financial Secretary, Mr. Benjamin Okeke; Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ikpeze Emeka; and member, Chief Ike Ezeokafor.
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Ekweaga Uzoma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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NYSC TO BLACKLIST EMPLOYERS WHO DENY CORPS MEMBERS ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT

By Doris Onyekachi

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says it will blacklist employers that fail to provide accommodation and transportation for corps members posted to their organisations.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this on July 15, during a working visit to Kogi State, where he interacted with corps members, according to a statement shared on the scheme’s official social media platforms.

Nafiu said organisations that neglect the welfare of corps members by failing to provide the required support would no longer benefit from the services of the scheme.

He urged employers to prioritise the welfare of corps members, noting that adequate accommodation and transportation would enhance their productivity and overall well being during the service year.

The NYSC Director-General also assured corps members of the scheme’s commitment to protecting their interests and ensuring a safe and conducive environment for national service.

Doris Onyekachi is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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ENUGWU-AGIDI UNION BACKS DR. CLEM AGUIYI’S ENVIRONMENTAL VISION FOR ANAMBRA

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‎By Amaka Isikala
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‎The Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union (EBU Nigeria), Abuja Main Branch, has thrown its weight behind the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, congratulating him on his appointment and expressing confidence in his capacity to drive the state’s environmental transformation.
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‎The union’s goodwill message, signed by its Chairman, Amb. Sunday Uchendu, was presented to the commissioner at his office on July 16, by the branch Secretary, Mr.Benjamin C. Okoye on behalf of the Executive Committee and members of the Union.
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‎Commending the Governor for his appointment, the Union described Dr. Aguiyi’s emergence as a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding professional achievements, competence, and unwavering commitment to public service.
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‎ It noted that his elevation has brought immense pride to the people of Enugwu-Agidi and expressed optimism that his leadership would deepen environmental protection, promote sustainable development, strengthen climate resilience, and accelerate the realization of a cleaner, greener, and healthier Anambra State.
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‎Responding, Dr. Aguiyi thanked the leadership and members of the Union for their show of solidarity and goodwill. He described the Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union as a dependable partner in advancing environmental sustainability and urged members to become champions of environmental stewardship by promoting responsible environmental practices and mobilising their communities to protect and preserve the environment.
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‎The commissioner reaffirmed that the Ministry of Environment remains committed to delivering on Governor Soludo’s Environment and Urban Regeneration agenda through strategic partnerships, public enlightenment, and active community participation, all aimed at building a clean, green, livable, and environmentally sustainable Anambra State.
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‎The visit concluded with renewed assurances of support from the Union as Dr. Aguiyi continues to provide leadership in advancing the state’s environmental sustainability agenda.
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‎Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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TCI SEEKS STRONGER FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES IN ANAMBRA

By Stanley Nwako

The Challenge Initiative (TCI), has called for stronger investment and collaboration to improve family planning and reproductive health services in Anambra State.

TCI Regional Manager, Dr Obasesam Etowa, made the call during a presentation to the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, at an inception meeting.

Dr Etowa said TCI’s new strategy would focus on sustaining contraceptive uptake, addressing commodity stockouts, strengthening financing and integrating family planning into maternal, newborn and child health programmes.

He noted that although Anambra’s modern contraceptive prevalence rate increased from 11.7 per cent in 2013 to 22 per cent in 2024, unmet need for family planning rose to 15 per cent.

He also identified inadequate funding, frequent contraceptive stockouts, shortage of trained providers and weak coordination as some of the challenges affecting family planning services in the state.

Responding, Dr Obidike welcomed the TCI team and commended the organisation for its support to the state’s health sector.

Dr Obidike said the presentation provided useful insights into the progress recorded and the gaps that still require attention, assuring that the state government would continue to work with relevant partners to improve healthcare services for women and families.

The commissioner stressed the need to strengthen postpartum family planning counselling, improve the availability of family planning commodities and build the capacity of healthcare workers to provide quality services.

He assured TCI of the Ministry’s readiness to strengthen collaboration in line with the state’s health priorities.

Stanley Nwako is of the Ministry of Health, Anambra State

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BLESSED TANSI SHRINE ON COURSE TO BECOME GLOBAL PILGRIMAGE DESTINATION

By Ikem Ngozi

The Anambra State Government has intensified efforts to develop the Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine, Aguleri, into an internationally recognised pilgrimage destination, promoting religious tourism and strengthening pilgrimage administration across the state.

The initiative was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrims, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, to Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke at Ekwulobia Diocesan Secretariat.

Barr. Ezeh said the Aguleri Shrine possesses outstanding spiritual and historical significance capable of attracting pilgrims from Nigeria and abroad through sustained investment, improved infrastructure and strategic partnerships with stakeholders.

He called on churches, faith-based organisations, philanthropists and the private sector to embrace the government’s Public-Private-Community Partnership initiative by investing in facilities that will enhance pilgrims’ experiences and unlock economic opportunities.

According to him, the Soludo administration, through the Office of the Deputy Governor, remains committed to repositioning pilgrimage administration by making pilgrimage opportunities accessible to deserving Anambra citizens regardless of financial status.

Barr. Ezeh explained that the Deputy Governor’s Pilgrimage Exchange Programme will attract pilgrims from within and outside Nigeria, promote religious tourism, increase internally generated revenue and create employment opportunities statewide.

He recalled his assessment visit to the Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine on May 10, 2026, expressing confidence that adequate investment and modern infrastructure would make Aguleri compete favourably with global pilgrimage destinations.

Responding, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke commended the government’s renewed pilgrimage initiatives, urging sustained collaboration with bishops and churches while encouraging preservation and development of indigenous pilgrimage centres across Anambra State.

Both parties reaffirmed commitment to stronger collaboration promoting spiritual renewal, religious tourism and socio-economic development, with the shared vision of positioning the Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine, Aguleri, as a globally recognised pilgrimage destination.

Ngozi is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.

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ANSEC DEEPENS FIGHT AGAINST EROSION, APPROVES BOLD REFORMS FOR TRANSPORT, TRAFFIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

By Lilian Ezejiegu

The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), at its meeting on Monday, July 13, 2026, approved far-reaching measures to strengthen erosion control, improve transport safety and promote community-driven development across the state.

During an interview with journalists at his office in the Government Secretariat, Awka, on July 14, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, said erosion remained ANSEC’s top priority, reflecting Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s long-held position that it is Anambra’s greatest environmental challenge.

Dr. Mefor recalled that Governor Soludo recently declared a state of emergency on the environment, encouraging residents to clear drainage channels while government evacuated the debris. “I rate that compliance 80 to 90 percent, very impressive,” he said.

Building on that progress, he disclosed that ANSEC has resolved to deepen the intervention by working more closely with communities and encouraging greater grassroots participation in protecting the environment from erosion.

“ANSEC would mandate the communities to take specific measures against erosion in their communities,” he said, stressing the need to stop harmful practices such as dumping refuse in drainages, building on water channels and piping water directly onto roads.

Dr. Mefor described the initiative as a bottom-up approach that empowers community leaders to champion environmental restoration. He added that the campaign will also reach primary and secondary schools to encourage positive environmental habits from an early age.

On transportation, the Commissioner announced that ANSEC approved plans to modernise and digitise motor parks across the state, introducing standard facilities to improve commuter experience, enhance safety and eliminate long-standing operational challenges.

“If after the period of grace… a park in Anambra that is still not measuring up, such parks will be closed down until the standard facilities approved by government are put in place,” he warned.

The Council also approved tougher traffic penalties, including heavier fines and mandatory mental status examinations for dangerous traffic violations, describing reckless driving as a serious threat to lives, property and public safety across the state.

Dr. Mefor commended Ndi Anambra for supporting the Soludo administration through the Private and Public Community Partnership (PPCP), which has helped communities co-fund roads, schools and hospitals. “No government is ever enough… cooperation of the people will help government facilitate development,” he said, urging residents to sustain the partnership.

Lilian is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.

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BIOTECH FIRM PAYS COURTESY CALL ON ANAMBRA HEALTH COMMISSIONER, PRESENTS TB SOLUTIONS

By Stanley Nwako

A delegation from Lost Life Biotech, a China-based biotechnology company, has paid a courtesy call on the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, to discuss innovative solutions for tuberculosis (TB) control.

Speaking during the visit, the company’s West Africa Representative, Mr Daniel Ta, said the delegation came to share its TB solutions with the Commissioner and explore possible areas of collaboration in the state’s health sector.

According to him, Lost Life Biotech is engaging governments and countries across the world to showcase solutions aimed at strengthening the fight against tuberculosis.

“We came to share with the Honourable Commissioner the solutions we have for TB and how effective they are. We are presenting more than three different types of solutions,” he said.

Mr Ta also disclosed that the delegation included the Chief Executive Officer AFKMED Biotech Nigeria Limited, Rainy Liu who is promoting a solution for blood sugar control, noting that his primary responsibility is focused on TB solutions.

Welcoming the delegation, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, thanked them for the courtesy visit and their interest in contributing to the state’s healthcare system.

Dr Obidike said the Anambra State Government remains open to innovative health solutions and meaningful partnerships that could improve disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment for residents.

He assured the delegation that the Ministry would carefully examine the solutions presented and consider possible areas of collaboration in line with the health policies and standards of the state.

The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange ideas on strengthening healthcare delivery and disease control in Anambra State.

Stanley Nwako is of the Ministry of Health, Anambra State

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COMMENTARY: DANGERS OF SOCIAL MEDIA MISUSE: LESSONS FROM ALLEGED DEFAMATION CASE INVOLVING FOUNDER OF IGBO TIMES MAGAZINE

By MaryAnn Chukwuma

Social media has revolutionised communication, empowering millions to exchange information instantly. However, its misuse for spreading falsehood, misinformation and defamatory content continues to threaten individuals, institutions, public trust and societal harmony.

The rapid spread of unverified information online, weakens the advantages of social media. False publication tends to travel quickly, causing reputational damage, emotional distress, public confusion and avoidable conflicts before facts emerge.

The recent case involving Igbo Times Magazine founder, Ejike Ofoegbu, demonstrates consequences of alleged social media misuse. Reports indicate that the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigerian Police, Awka, arrested and arraigned him before w Magistrate Court sitting in Amawbia.

According to reports, Ofoegbu faces charges of criminal defamation, impersonation and cybercrime arising from alleged false publications concerning the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and his family.

Following his arraignment, the court remanded Ofoegbu at the Awka Correctional Centre. Nevertheless, the matter remains before the court, as every accused person deserves a fair hearing through due legal process.

Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, yet that freedom must never justify publishing falsehood or defamatory content. Rights come with responsibilities, requiring users to verify information before public dissemination always.

Citizen journalism has expanded public participation in information sharing. Nevertheless, every publisher, blogger, influencer and content creator must embrace accuracy, fairness, balance and verification to maintain credibility and protect public confidence.

Defamation, Cyber stalking, and impersonation through social media attracts serious legal consequences under Nigerian laws. Courts increasingly recognise online publications as actionable, reinforcing that digital platforms remain subject to existing legal and ethical standards always.

Every social media user should embrace the principle, “Verify before you amplify.” Confirming facts through credible sources prevents misinformation, protects reputations, promotes responsible communication, and professionalism which strengthens public confidence in digital information.

The Ejike Ofoegbu case reminds everyone that social media is not a lawless space. Responsible communication, ethical journalism and respect for other persons reputations, remain essential for preserving justice, accountability and national unity.

Mary-Ann Chukwuma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State