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ỌMAA VEHICLE ASSEMBLY HOSTS ANAMBRA TRANSPORT MINISTRY ON STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP VISIT

By Chikodili Ideke E.
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‎In a move to advance sustainable transportation, the Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Edward Obiefuna Ibuzo, on 10 July 2026, led senior officials of the Ministry on a strategic working visit to Ọmaa Vehicle Assembly in Umunya to explore areas of partnership.
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‎The Managing Director and Founder, Chinedu Oguegbu, an indigene of Igbo-Ukwu, introduced Ọmaa as a local vehicle assembly company committed to regional developments, innovative transportation solutions, and to making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland.
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‎Oguegbu explained that Ọmaa produces commercial vehicles of diverse models powered by Compressed Natural Gas, electricity, and other alternative energy technologies. He said the name “Ọmaa” is derived from the Igbo expression, “Oma Mbala”.
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‎The delegation inspected modern CNG buses, smart passenger management systems, and Semi-Knocked-Down assembly operations. They were also briefed on the company’s roadmap toward Completely-Knocked-Down manufacturing to strengthen indigenous automotive production.
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‎Oguegbu demonstrated the company’s advanced CNG technology, which allows seamless switching to petrol through Electronic Control Unit calibration. He also showcased Ọmaa’s automotive training centre for technicians in vehicle assembly and electric mobility.
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‎He described Ọmaa as a practical solution to transportation challenges, citing its successful Awka–Onitsha pilot service. He highlighted that the dual-fuel buses are equipped with advanced security features including cameras, tracking devices for real-time monitoring, separate entrance and exit doors, charging ports, and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable and safe journey for passengers.
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‎Discussions focused on introducing rechargeable debit card ticketing, scheduled bus departures, and a Public-Private Partnership pilot. The proposed pilot, both parties said, will generate operational data to support affordable fares, efficient planning, and sustainable transport service delivery.
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‎In his remarks, Hon. Ibuzo proposed partnering with Ọmaa to build the automotive engineering capacity of Transport Ministry personnel. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to cleaner transportation, skills development, indigenous vehicle manufacturing, and Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision for a sustainable transport system.
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‎Both parties expressed optimism that the proposed collaboration would strengthen public transportation, promote local industrial growth, create employment opportunities, and accelerate Anambra State’s transition to a modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable transport system.
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‎Chikodili is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
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NGO OFFERS FREE TUBERCULOSIS AND CANCER SCREENING IN ANAMBRA NORTH

By Patricia Osegbue

Residents of Onitsha and surrounding communities have been urged to take advantage of free medical screening services for tuberculosis (TB), high blood pressure, pneumonia, breast cancer, cervical cancer and other life threatening infectious diseases being provided by the Save the World Support Foundation, a non-governmental organisation funded by the Global Fund.

Speaking during a free medical outreach held on July 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Inland Town, Onitsha, the Executive Director of the foundation, Mr. John Ibekwe, said the organisation is committed to bringing quality healthcare closer to the people through early disease detection and treatment.

According to him, the foundation’s operations cover the seven Local Government Areas(LGA) in Anambra North Senatorial District, where its health teams conduct community to community and house to house case finding exercises, particularly for chest related illnesses.

Ibekwe explained that the foundation uses portable mobile X-ray machines and other diagnostic equipment to screen residents for tuberculosis, pneumonia, hypertensio and other infectious diseases, noting that all services, from diagnosis to treatment, are provided free of charge.

He disclosed that the organisation conducts breast cancer and cervical cancer screening. Citing a recent outreach at Nkataku Community in Ogbaru LGA, saying two women were diagnosed with cervical cancer among those screened, underscoring the importance of early detection.

According to him, the foundation has entered into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with other non-governmental organisations to ensure that women requiring further breast and cervical cancer tests receive the services at subsidised rates.

Ibekwe, who has spent many years working as a health officer, said his passion for providing free healthcare is driven by the desire to save lives through early diagnosis and timely treatment.

He described cervical cancer as a disease linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), noting that the virus is commonly transmitted through sexual contact.

He advised sexually active persons, especially those with multiple sexual partners, to undergo regular screening, stressing that early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.

Speaking on the Global Fund programme, he said Nigeria has implemented six Global Fund grant cycles across the states and is currently implementing the seventh cycle, which will run until December before the eighth cycle begins in 2027.

He, however, identified some challenges affecting the programme, including shortages of cartridges and laboratory reagents, delays in salary payments to staff, and the introduction of external bodies into the project, which he said can sideline local health workers familiar with the communities and terrain.

Although the foundation operates extensively in Anambra State, Ibekwe noted that it receives no direct financial support from the state government, adding that the government provides manpower and accommodation to support some of its activities.

He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to expanding access to free healthcare services and reducing the burden of tuberculosis, cancer and other infectious diseases across communities in Anambra North.

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

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SOLUTION 2.0: ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT TO EMBARK ON STATEWIDE MOBILISATION FOR EROSION CONTROL, CRACK DOWN ON TRAFFIC OFFENDERS

PRESS RELEASE

On Monday, July 13, 2026, the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), in its sixth meeting of the second term of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration, held at Light House, Awka, took far-reaching decisions aimed at deepening good governance, environmental sustainability, and public safety in the state.

Key resolutions include:

STIFFER PENALTIES FOR SERIOUS TRAFFIC OFFENCES
ANSEC resolved to approach the Anambra State House of Assembly for an amendment to the extant traffic law to impose tougher sanctions on dangerous driving.
Offences such as driving against oncoming traffic and driving across dual carriageways to shorten U-turn distances will attract very heavy fines and a Mental Status Examination (MSE).
The measure is intended to curb recklessness and protect lives on Anambra roads.
GOVERNMENT WELCOMES FAIR CRITICISM, CONDEMNS CRIMINAL DEFAMATION
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to open governance and welcomed constructive public criticism.
However, it strongly condemned the spread of fabrications and falsehoods on social media, describing them as criminal defamation.
Public servants whose character and reputation are injured by such fabrications were advised to seek legal redress.
Content creators were also cautioned to distinguish between fair criticism and criminal fabrication.
The Council further reiterated the government’s resolve to sustain the fight against fake native doctors, fake pastors, and other fraudulent practices.
STATEWIDE MOBILISATION FOR EROSION CONTROL
Following the state of emergency on the environment declared two Saturdays ago, ANSEC resolved to deepen the intervention at the grassroots.
Communities will be mobilised to take proactive steps against erosion and to enforce compliance against practices that worsen it, including:

Dumping refuse in drainages
Channeling runoff water from homes directly onto roads
Building on water channels

Primary and secondary schools will play a central role in the mobilisation to entrench environmentally responsible behavior among young people.

STANDARDISATION AND DIGITISATION OF MOTOR PARKS
To improve the quality of transport services, all motor parks in the state will be standardised and digitised.
The modernisation will ensure a minimum infrastructure benchmark for parks and streamline intrastate and interstate commuting.
Parks that fail to meet the set standards within the stipulated grace period will be phased out.
NIGERIA FOR WOMEN PROGRAM SCALE-UP PROJECT
The Council reviewed progress on the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), a Federal Government initiative supported by the World Bank and aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of rural and peri-urban women.
As the first standalone programme dedicated to women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria, NFWP seeks to bridge gaps in opportunity, skills, and resources.
Strategies were mapped out to ensure that women targeted by the programme in Anambra State receive the full benefits.

Law Mefor, PhD,
Commissioner for Information & Value Reformation,
Anambra State.

July 14, 2026

UDEMADU KOSISOCHUKWU WINS N200,000 AT YOUNG MINDS MATHEMATICS CHALLENGE OGBARU 2026

By Ngozi Okoli
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‎The grand finale of the Young Minds Mathematics Challenge Ogbaru 2026 was held on July 12 at Community Secondary School, Okoti-Odekpe, bringing together some of the brightest secondary school students from across Ogbaru Local Government Area in a keenly contested mathematics competition.
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‎The competition began with ten finalists drawn from eight secondary schools. After two intense rounds of questions, five contestants advanced to the final stage, demonstrating exceptional mathematical skills, confidence and problem-solving ability.
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‎The participating schools were Madonna Academy, St. James Secondary School, Our Lady of Grace School, The King’s Ambassador Seminary, Community Secondary School GMO, Okpoko, Community Secondary School Iyiowa, Archbishop Albert Obiefuna Secondary School, Iyiowa, and St. Patrick’s Secondary School, Mkpikpa.
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‎At the conclusion of the competition, Udemadu Kosisochukwu of Community Secondary School GMO, Okpoko emerged as the overall winner, receiving a cash prize of N200,000, a gold medal, a school bag, educational materials, and a certificate of excellence. Ezechukwu Tochukwu of King’s Ambassador Seminary, Atani finished as the first runner-up and received N100,000, a silver medal, a school bag, educational materials and a certificate of outstanding performance.
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‎The second runner-up position went to Ekeneyerenwa Valentine of Archbishop Albert Obiefuna Secondary School, Iyiowa, who was rewarded with N50,000, a bronze medal, a school bag, educational materials and a certificate of achievement.
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‎A special recognition award was presented to Miss Collete of St. Patrick’s Secondary School, Mkpikpa, who received a cash prize of N100,000 from a distinguished guest. Other finalists were also presented with school bags and educational materials in appreciation of their impressive performances.
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‎The organisers further recognised 22 students who qualified from the first stage of the competition but did not reach the final. Each student received a school bag and educational materials in recognition of their hard work, determination and academic excellence.
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‎Speaking at the event, the Deputy Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Hon. Charles Umunna, expressed appreciation to the sponsors, partners, guests and supporters whose contributions made the competition a success. He expressed confidence that the initiative would continue to inspire academic excellence and produce more outstanding young scholars in Ogbaru.
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‎Ngozi Okoli is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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RESIDENTS SEEK URGENT GOVT INTERVENTION AS EROSION DEVASTATES EKWUSIGO COMMUNITY

‎By Ngozi Okoli
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‎Residents of Obiofia Ibolo in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, have appealed to the Federal and Anambra State Governments for urgent intervention as a worsening erosion menace continues to destroy homes, roads and critical public infrastructure.
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‎The appeal followed an inspection visit to the affected community on July 13 by officials of the Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency (ANSEWCCA), who visited the site on the directive of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to assess the extent of the damage.
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‎Speaking during the visit, the President-General of Oraifite, Mr. Vin Dike, blamed the erosion on inadequate drainage provided during the construction of the Onitsha–Owerri Expressway. He noted that the situation has deteriorated over the years, posing an increasing threat to lives and property.
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‎According to him, at least seven houses have already been destroyed, while several roads, school buildings and other community facilities remain at risk as the gully continues to expand. He further revealed that a World Bank-assisted hanging bridge serving the community is under serious threat of collapse if urgent erosion control measures are not put in place.

‎The residents called on the relevant government agencies to act without delay by constructing effective drainage channels and implementing sustainable erosion control projects. They expressed optimism that prompt intervention would help safeguard lives, protect public infrastructure and prevent further devastation in the community.
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‎Ngozi Okoli is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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FABRICATION, NOT CRITICISM: MEFOR DRAWS THE LINE AS BLOGGER FACES SUIT OVER SOLUDO FAMILY CLAIMS

By Lilian Ezejiegu

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, has drawn a clear distinction between free expression and criminal defamation following a lawsuit against blogger Ejike Ofoegbu over allegedly fabricated stories targeting Governor Chukwuma Soludo and members of his family.

Speaking with journalists at his office in the Government Secretariat, Awka, Dr. Mefor explained that the blogger’s conduct amounted to criminal defamation, a matter distinct from legitimate criticism and one that falls within the purview of the Nigerian Police.

“This young man’s case has been very typical,” Dr. Mefor said, noting that the blogger did not merely speculate but deliberately fabricated the story against the Governor, his son, and his family.

He stressed that because the claims were consciously invented rather than mistaken, they could not be excused as opinion. “He knew it was a lie, he made it up,” Dr. Mefor said, adding that the motive appeared to be financial gain.

According to the Commissioner, the blogger reportedly used the fabricated content to drive traffic to his social media platforms, benefiting from monetisation as engagement increased through the circulation of the false claims.

Dr. Mefor urged content creators and social media users to exercise responsibility, reminding bloggers that there is a clear boundary between fair criticism, which strengthens democracy, and criminal defamation, which carries legal consequences.

He reaffirmed that the Soludo administration welcomes fair and constructive criticism, describing it as valuable feedback that helps improve government policies, strengthens implementation, and promotes greater accountability in public service.

“Criticism, when fair and constructive, is healthy for democracy,” Dr. Mefor said, noting that Governor Soludo’s administration actively encourages such engagement from the public.

However, he made it clear that the government draws a firm line at criminal defamation, pledging support for any public officer seeking legal redress against fabricated claims deliberately intended to damage personal reputation.

“Everybody has a name to protect,” Dr. Mefor said, urging public officials to press charges where necessary to expose fabrication for what it truly is.

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

#AnambraIsRising #SolutionIsHere #Solution2.0 #SolutionContinues

2026 AFIOLU NNEWI FESTIVAL TO HOLD 26–29 AUGUST- FOUR DAYS OF CULTURE, TRADITION AND CELEBRATION AWAIT

By Enoch Uzuegbunam

Preparations are in top gear for the 2026 Afiolu Nnewi Festival, scheduled to hold from Wednesday, 26 to Saturday, 29 August 2026 in Nnewi, Anambra State.

Organisers said this year’s edition will be the grandest celebration of Igbo heritage, featuring Nnewi tradition, music, dance, cuisine, and craftsmanship.

The four-day programme includes masquerade displays, royal processions, wrestling contests, age-grade parades, cultural competitions, a football match, and a grand finale concert with top indigenous artistes.

“Afiolu is our identity, our pride, and our unity,” a member of the planning committee said. “We are expecting record attendance, new cultural exhibitions, and performances that will leave lasting memories.”

Local businesses and hospitality providers are preparing for a surge in visitors, with hotels and markets expected to be fully booked.

Residents have been urged to come out in traditional attire and take part in the festivities.

Enoch is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra state.

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ACTDA SEALS ILLEGAL GAS PLANT, DEMOLISHES UNSAFE STRUCTURE IN ENUGWU-UKWU ENFORCEMENT SWEEP

By Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige

The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Enforcement Team was on ground today in Enugwu-Ukwu for a major compliance operation aimed at sanitizing the area. The operation is part of ACTDA’s directive to ensure orderly growth and protect residents from avoidable hazards.

The team, led by the Commander of Enforcement, Mr. Jude Nworah, moved across residential and commercial zones to identify illegal developments and structures that violate planning laws and safety standards within the Awka Capital Territory.

During the operation, the officers sealed an unauthorized gas plant that was erected without approval from ACTDA.

Commander Nworah said investigations earlier carried out by ACTDA showed that the facility did not meet safety requirements and was located in a densely populated area.

He explained, “Illegal gas plants like this pose a serious threat to the community because they can cause fire outbreaks, gas explosions, and loss of lives and property.” He further said, “No approval was granted for the facility, and it will remain sealed until due process is followed.”

The enforcement team also demolished an illegal projection built directly under high-tension cables. The commander explained that the structure violated the mandatory safety setback required by law for power line corridors. “Buildings under high-tension lines endanger occupants, disrupt power supply, and make it difficult for EEDC to carry out maintenance,” Mr. Nworah said.

He warned that “such structures will continue to be removed because they put both residents and utility workers at risk.” He added that “these actions are part of ACTDA’s ongoing commitment to ensure a safer, cleaner, and well-planned Awka Capital Territory. The agency is working to prevent disasters, protect public infrastructure, and ensure all developments align with the approved master plan.”

According to him, enforcement will be sustained across all communities in the capital territory, and defaulters will face the full weight of the law.

The commander advised the public to always obtain approval from ACTDA before building or siting any business, noting that structures under high-tension cables and illegal gas plants put everyone’s life at risk.

Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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ANAMBRA GOVT INTENSIFIES CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL STREET TRADING

By Ngozi Okoli
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‎The Anambra State Government has intensified its campaign against illegal street trading, with the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade carrying out a decongestion exercise that led to the confiscation of goods displayed in unauthorised public spaces.
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‎The enforcement operation, conducted on July 13, covered Ogidi, Afor Igwe Umunnachi, Oye Agu Abagana and Nkpor. Officials targeted traders who displayed goods along roads, walkways, drainage channels and other prohibited areas.
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‎During the exercise, the OCHA Brigade confiscated items found in violation of the state’s environmental regulations and dismantled illegal shanties obstructing vehicular traffic, pedestrian movement and access to public infrastructure.
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‎According to the agency, the operation forms part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to restore order, improve environmental sanitation, enhance public safety and ensure the free flow of traffic and movement across affected communities. The agency added that similar enforcement exercises would continue in other parts of the state as part of its commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly environment.

‎It advised traders and business owners to conduct their activities only within approved markets and officially designated trading areas to avoid the confiscation of their goods during future enforcement operations.
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‎The OCHA Brigade also warned against displaying goods on roads, walkways and drainage channels or erecting illegal structures, stressing that anyone found violating the state’s environmental laws would continue to face appropriate enforcement measures.
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‎Ngozi Okoli is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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FORGIVENESS BRINGS FREEDOM, HEALING, EZEOBI TELLS WORKERS

By Sunday Okoli

The Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, has urged staff of the ministry to cultivate a forgiving spirit, describing forgiveness as a pathway to freedom, healing and lasting peace.

Ezeobi gave the charge on July 13, during the ministry’s weekly prayer devotion at the Ministry of Works Conference Hall, where he reflected on Matthew 6:9–13, particularly the passage: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

He said forgiveness was essential because everyone, at one time or another, offended others and equally desired forgiveness for their own shortcomings. He urged workers to let go of bitterness and resentment in their homes, workplaces and relationships.

The commissioner acknowledged that forgiveness could be difficult, especially in situations involving betrayal or other painful experiences, but stressed that Christians were called to forgive. He noted that forgiveness did not condone wrongdoing but helped individuals release bitterness and begin the process of healing.

Ezeobi also admonished believers not to harbour anger, citing the biblical instruction not to let the sun go down while still angry, and encouraged them to reconcile with others before approaching God in worship.

According to him, many personal and interpersonal challenges stem from unresolved hurts and unforgiveness, adding that choosing to forgive fosters healing, strengthens relationships and promotes peaceful coexistence.

The prayer devotion featured intercessory prayers for Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, members of the State Executive Council, the management and staff of the ministry, as well as a thanksgiving session.

The event coincided with Ezeobi’s birthday celebration and culminated in the cutting of a birthday cake alongside his wife, members of the ministry’s management and staff, and officials of Zenith Bank.

Sunday Okoli is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State