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ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT SAYS ITS TELEMEDICINE STRUCTURE AIMED AT KEEPING HEALTHCARE CLOSER TO RESIDENTS

By Chris Chikelue

The Government of Anambra State has said that it is not giving up on its continuous adherence to innovation in the application of telemedicine into the healthcare delivery system.

Telemedicine was introduced by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo led administration to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state by keeping the residents closer to medical care at every given time of the day.

The concept introduced by the Governor Soludo’s government initially focused on hard-to-reach areas of the state, where access to qualified medical personnel was difficult.

To emphasize on the improved structure of telemedicine the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said the programme is being expanded to enable all residents to have easy access to quality medical personnel and improved health care.

“We started telemedicine with the hub-and-spoke approach; the hub has two medical doctors in each LGA while the ‘spoke’ refers to the Primary Health Care centers with nurses or other health workers that are directly linked to the hubs.

“What this means is that all the PHCs in Anambra State can access qualified medical doctors for accurate examination and proper medical care anywhere and at any time.”

“When patients walk into a Primary Health Care Centre in their locality and present a case, the nurse or health worker on duty reaches the hub with the aid of ICT gadgets and a doctor attends to the patient directly, online,” Commissioner explained.

Speaking on its expansion Dr. Obidike was of the opinion that it is necessary because every Anambra resident deserves quality medical care in line with the Governor Soludo administration’s policy on health care.

“We are expanding it so that every Anambra resident can access the hub, speak to a doctor and get a correct prescription from qualified medical doctors.

“This will curb the issue of self-medication and abuse in line with Governor Soludo’s programme on health care delivery.”

The Programme Officer, Dr. Ken Nwokolo was also of the opinion that with telemedicine residents of the state can access medical doctors 24 hours a day, also that residents can have access to a doctor even if the doctors in their hub are offline.

Chris Chikelue is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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UNIZIK VC, COOUTH CMD, OTHERS FOR HONOURS AT ANAMBRA NMA CONFERENCE

By Uzo Ugwunze

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State chapter, will honour the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie; the Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Dr Maureen Umeakuewulu; and the immediate past Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Prof. Ogochukwu Ezejiofor.

The awards will be presented during the association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), Scientific Conference and the 6th Emeritus Professor Festus Aghagbo Nwako Memorial Lecture, scheduled to hold on July 17 in Nnewi.

The NMA disclosed this in a statement jointly signed by its Anambra State Chairman, Dr Princeston Okam, and Publicity Secretary, Dr Ahoma Mbanuzuru.

According to the statement, the conference is themed, “The Future of Medicine in Nigeria: Doctors as System Architects; Innovation, Workforce Sustainability and Universal Health Survival.”

It said the sub-theme is “Medicine Under Pressure: Insecurity, Violence Against Healthcare Workers, Workforce Migration and the Struggle for Healthcare Survival.”

The association added that the conference, to be chaired by Prof. Alexander Nwofor, would bring together medical doctors, medical students, researchers, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and addressing emerging challenges in medical practice.

Uzo Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY: INVESTING IN ANAMBRA’S FUTURE THROUGH SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

By Chizoba Anazonwu

Every year on July 15, the world marks World Youth Skills Day to underscore the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and practical skills needed for employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development. This year’s observance highlights the need to prepare young people with the skills required to thrive in an environmentally conscious and rapidly evolving world.

In Anambra State, youth development remains a key priority of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo. Recognising that the future of the state depends largely on the capacity of its young population, the government has continued to invest in education, technical and vocational training, digital innovation, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programmes aimed at preparing youths for emerging opportunities.

Initiatives such as the Solution Innovation District (SID), Code Anambra, the 1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe programme and ongoing investments in technical education are equipping young people with digital, entrepreneurial and problem solving skills needed to compete in today’s knowledge driven economy. These interventions align with the global objective of empowering young people not only to secure employment but also to become innovators, entrepreneurs and employers of labour.

The state’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and expanding access to quality learning further reflects its determination to build a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and sustainable development.

However, government cannot achieve this alone. Parents, teachers, private organisations, community leaders and development partners all have important roles to play in nurturing the talents of young people. Likewise, youths must embrace lifelong learning, develop relevant digital and vocational skills, and cultivate discipline, creativity and resilience to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic global environment.

As Anambra joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Youth Skills Day, the occasion serves as a reminder that investing in the skills and potential of young people is an investment in the future of the state. A skilled, innovative and empowered youth population remains one of the strongest foundations for sustainable development, economic prosperity and lasting social progress.

Chizoba Anazonwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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CHINESE MEDICAL TEAM EXPLORES PARTNERSHIP WITH ANAMBRA TO STRENGTHEN TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL

By Chris Chikelue

A Chinese biotechnology firm, Lost Life Biotech, has expressed interest in partnering with the Anambra State Government to strengthen tuberculosis (TB) prevention, diagnosis and treatment through innovative healthcare solutions.

The delegation made this known during a courtesy visit to the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, at the Ministry of Health, Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, on July 14.

Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Obidike commended the group for its interest in supporting the state’s healthcare system, reaffirming the government’s commitment to collaborate with credible partners to improve public health.

He said the Soludo administration remains open to innovative and evidence based health interventions that will enhance disease prevention, early diagnosis and quality treatment for residents.

According to the commissioner, the Ministry of Health will carefully evaluate the proposals presented by the biotechnology firm to identify areas of collaboration that align with the state’s healthcare policies and standards.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the West Africa Representative of Lost Life Biotech, Mr. Daniel Ta, said the visit was aimed at presenting the company’s tuberculosis control solutions, exploring opportunities for partnership with the Anambra State Government.

He explained that the company is engaging governments and health institutions across different countries to promote innovative technologies that support the global fight against tuberculosis.

“We came to present our TB solutions to the Hon. commissioner for health and discuss possible areas of collaboration. We have developed more than three innovative solutions aimed at strengthening tuberculosis control,” he said.

Mr. Ta introduced the Chief Executive Officer of AFKMED Biotech Nigeria Limited, Mr. Rainy Liu, who is part of the delegation, noting that while Mr. Liu promotes biotechnology solutions for blood sugar management, the team’s primary focus during the visit was on tuberculosis intervention.

The visit underscores the growing interest of international health organisations in partnering with Anambra State to strengthen healthcare delivery, improving disease control through innovation and strategic collaboration.

Chris Chikelue is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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ARTMA EDUCATES MOTORISTS ON SPEED CONTROL SIGNS, URGES COMPLIANCE TO REDUCE ROAD CRASHES

By Obianuju Isima

The Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) has intensified its road safety awareness campaign by educating motorists on the importance of speed control signs, stressing that compliance with speed limits is essential to reducing road crashes and protecting lives.

In a road safety message released on their Facebook page on July 15, the agency noted that excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of traffic crashes, urging motorists to understand and obey all speed related road signs.

According to ARTMA, the maximum speed limit sign indicates the highest speed motorists are permitted to drive on a particular road, while the minimum speed sign shows the lowest speed allowed under normal driving conditions to ensure the smooth and safe flow of traffic.

The agency explained that the end of speed limit sign informs drivers that the previous speed restriction has ended, allowing them to proceed in accordance with the speed regulations applicable to the new section of the road.

ARTMA emphasized that speed limits are carefully determined based on road conditions, traffic volume, and the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

The agency urged drivers to avoid speeding, remain attentive to traffic signs and adjust their speed to suit prevailing road and weather conditions.

It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible driving habits through sustained public enlightenment, enforcement of traffic regulations, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to improve road safety across Anambra State.

Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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‎ANAMBRA POLICE REITERATES PLEDGE TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY POLICING VIA CREATIVE CONTENT PARTNERSHIPS

‎By Chizoba Njaka
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‎The Anambra State Police Command has reiterated its pledge to strengthen community policing by forming strategic partnerships with creative content producers including skit makers, comedians and other digital media influencers to promote peace, security awareness and responsible citizenship across the State.
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‎Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said on July 15 at the Command Headquarters in Awka that the initiative aims to leverage the wide reach and persuasive power of creative content to educate the public on crime prevention and to encourage law‑abiding behaviour.
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‎The programme is also designed to deter cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, gender‑based violence, misinformation and other social vices, while building mutual trust and cooperation between the Police and the citizenry.
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‎The Command underscored that the collaboration aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s community policing philosophy and the objectives of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), which focus on preventing crime through advocacy, public enlightenment and youth engagement.
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‎Police Command further assured residents of its continued commitment to adopting innovative and inclusive approaches to crime prevention and public safety.
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‎Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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‎ANAMBRA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DIGITAL LEARNING, STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH COOU

By Obiageli Nwankwo
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‎The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital learning, improving school infrastructure and strengthening partnerships with tertiary institutions as part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s education reform programme.
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‎The commitment was restated during a working visit to Flora Azikiwe Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Neni, on July 14, by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Longinus Ogugua, and the Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Omenugha.
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‎ The visit to one of the state’s smart schools was aimed at assessing the implementation of digital learning and exploring ways to strengthen collaboration between secondary schools and tertiary institutions. During the visit, Dr. Ogugua and Prof. Omenugha inspected facilities and interacted with the school’s management, teachers and students to assess the progress of the smart school initiative.

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‎Speaking to the students, Dr. Ogugua urged them to remain focused on their studies and make good use of the opportunities available to them. He encouraged them to draw inspiration from Prof. Omenugha, whose father was the pioneer principal of the school, saying that hard work, discipline and determination can lead to success.
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‎The commissioner said the Soludo administration would continue to invest in digital learning, modern educational facilities and strategic partnerships that would improve teaching and learning across the state.
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‎In her remarks, Prof. Omenugha commended the state government’s investment in education and called for closer collaboration between secondary schools and tertiary institutions to promote academic excellence, innovation and research. She also recalled growing up at Flora Azikiwe Model Comprehensive Secondary School while her father served as its pioneer principal, describing the experience as one that helped shape her academic journey.
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‎The visit highlighted the shared vision of the Anambra State Government and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University to build a technology-driven education system through stronger partnerships, innovation and digital learning, with the aim of preparing students for the demands of the modern world.
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‎Flora Azikiwe Model Comprehensive Secondary School is one of the public schools upgraded into a smart school by the Anambra State Government to promote digital learning and equip students with 21st-century skills.
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‎Obiageli Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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‎URUALOR YOUTH LEADERSHIP DECLARES ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ILLICIT DRUGS, CULTISM

By Emeka Ilozor
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‎The Urualor Village Youth, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke, has issued a strong warning against the use, sale, and distribution of illicit drugs within Urualor village and its surrounding communities.
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‎In a statement issued on July 10 and signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Kingsley Ubani, the youth leadership expressed profound concern over the rising incidence of illicit drug abuse within the community, describing the development as a significant threat to the peace, security, and future of the village.
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‎Speaking on behalf of the youth body, Mr. Okeke stated that anyone found engaging in the sale, possession, or use of prohibited drugs would face strict disciplinary measures and would subsequently be handed over to relevant law enforcement agencies for prosecution in accordance with the law.
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‎He further warned individuals involved in the illicit drug trade to immediately cease their activities or leave the community if they intend to continue such practices, emphasizing that the youth leadership would not tolerate actions capable of endangering the lives of residents.
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‎The chairman also extended the warning to all Urualor youths, urging them to stay away from cultism and all forms of criminal activities. He noted that any youth found participating in cult-related or criminal acts would face sanctions under the constitution of the Urualor Youths before being handed over to security agencies for further legal action.
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‎Reaffirming the commitment of the youth leadership, Mr. Okeke assured indigenes an residents that efforts would be intensified to rid Urualor of illicit drugs, criminality, and other social vices. He called on members of the community to support the campaign by providing useful information that would help maintain peace, safety, and order in the village.
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‎The statement concluded with a renewed pledge by the Urualor Youths to work with community leaders and security agencies in safeguarding the welfare and future of the community.
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‎Emeka Ilozor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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NONYE SOLUDO URGES OLDER ADULTS TO STAY ACTIVE FOR HEALTHY AGEING

By MaryAnn Chukwuma.
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‎The Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has encouraged older adults to make regular physical activity a part of their daily routine, describing exercise as a vital ingredient for healthy ageing and overall wellbeing.
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‎In a healthy living message shared on her official Facebook page on July 14, Mrs. Soludo urged senior citizens to remain active, stressing that simple activities such as walking, stretching and strength-building exercises can help preserve good health, mobility and independence.
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‎She explained that advancing in age should not be viewed as a reason to become inactive, noting that consistent exercise strengthens the body, improves flexibility and keeps the mind alert.
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‎Mrs. Soludo further stated that regular physical activity enhances balance, promotes cardiovascular health, supports cognitive function and may reduce the risk of age-related mental decline, including dementia, thereby enabling older adults to lead healthier, more independent lives.
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‎A longstanding advocate of healthy nutrition, physical fitness, mental wellness and disease prevention, the First Lady also called on families and communities to support and motivate older adults to maintain active lifestyles for healthier, more productive and fulfilling ageing.
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‎The advocacy aligns with the Soludo administration’s commitment to advancing preventive healthcare and enhancing the overall quality of life of residents across Anambra State.
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‎MaryAnn Chukwuma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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UNIZIK, KIGALI INDEPENDENT UNIVERSITY SIGN MOU ON RESEARCH, ACADEMIC COLLABORATION

By Nkiru Anakor

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kigali Independent University (ULK), Rwanda, to strengthen collaboration in teaching, research, innovation and academic development.

The agreement provides a framework for cooperation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Education, Humanities, Management and the Social Sciences.

The five year renewable MoU, concluded in April, was formally signed during a virtual ceremony on July 14.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, signed on behalf of the university, while the Vice-Chancellor of Kigali Independent University, Prof. Martins Onyekwelu Onuorah, signed for the Rwandan institution.

Present at the ceremony were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Alex Chinwuba Asigbo; the Registrar, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke; the University Librarian, Prof. Jacinta Eze; and the Director of International Collaboration and Linkages, Prof. Charles Nwadigwe.

Speaking after the signing, Anyaehie said the partnership would foster knowledge exchange, strengthen collaborative research and promote academic excellence for the mutual benefit of both institutions and the African continent.

Onuorah reaffirmed ULK’s commitment to the successful implementation of the agreement, expressing confidence that the partnership would yield impactful academic and research outcomes.

The MoU is expected to facilitate joint research, staff and student exchanges, academic collaborations and other initiatives aimed at advancing higher education in both institutions.

Nkiru Anakor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State