Author: Okechukwu Onwuka

GROUP LEADER COMMENDS MARKET CHAIRMAN FOR EMPOWERING PETTY TRADERS, NURSING MOTHERS

By Juliana Nwachukwu/Ngozi Okoli/Anakor Judith :

Group leader, Anambra State Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), a Civil Rights Activist, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme AMBP-UN, has lauded the Chairman Sokoto Road Market Traders Association, Hon.Emeka Mbachu for empowering some petty traders and nursing mothers during the Association’s end of the year praying session on Nov. 8, 2024.

Ezekwueme in his release said that Mbachu’s humanitarian, patriotic and selfless disposition deserved commendation and emulation, a clear indication that he came to serve not to be served.

“He has demonstrated in words and actions that he has the wherewithall to render selfless services and sacrifices for the interest and social welfare of traders and citizens. He has to the best of his ability protected interest of most of the petty traders, hawkers, cart and barrow pushers, jobbers, downtrodden and indigent citizens.

“Recently because of his wisdom and maturity, he saved the life of a thief about to be lynched by angry mob for pick pocketing and stealing.

“Information at our disposal indicates that last year, he provided bags of rice to some indigent traders and it is yearly event as part of his social responsibility. He also provided mother care items to some nursing mothers, gave grants of #100,000 each to four indigent petty traders.”

Appreciating his generosity and compassion, some of his executive , friends and associates raised another amount that makeup the total amount to #400,000 which each of the recipients went home happily with #100,000 each.

“He has justified the confidence reposed on him through his good works, compassion, care and concern for his members.”

Ezekwueme appealed to other market leaders and affluent individuals to emulate him saying, “one has not lived unless he lives for others and leadership is a call for service to humanity not for accumulation of wealth or for self-glorification to the detriment of the people, which is now a norm”.

According to John Holmes, There is no exercise better for the heart and humanity than reaching down and lifting people up which Hon. Mbachu has manifested through his humanitarian disposition.

“Let us collectively and collaboratively show love, empathy, charity and goodwill to one another in order to make our good better, our better best,” Ezekwueme posited.

*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

NONYE SOLUDO’S HEALTHY LIVING PAP: SOLUTION TO MALNUTRITION

By Ginika Oguji :

The Matron of Comprehensive Medical Center (CMC), Akwuzu, Oyi LGA, Mrs Josephine Ajaegbo has highlighted on the importance of eating right to mothers during the weekly antenatal care, maintaining that the Nonye Soludo healthy pap is a good solution to malnutrition.

The Matron while speaking on the need to live a healthy life, urged mothers to inculcate the Nonye Soludo healthy pap into the feeding plan of their babies.

Ajaegbo explained that United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), records Nigeria as the second highest country with stunted children in the world, with a national prevalence rate of 32 percent of children under five, while estimated 2 million children in Nigeria suffer from severe acute malnutrition which only a few of these children affected receive treatment.

The new natural pap is an intervention according to the Matron that offers all Anambra children the opportunity to grow healthy and overcome the threats of malnutrition.

Speaking further, she said that a well structured approach has been adopted for the distribution of the healthy pap across the 21 local government areas of the State, including a referral Centre in every council area where the meal can be accessed.

Each referral centre according to her develops a database that feeds a central database with information about collection, monitoring, and progress, while every child who is on the meal would be consistently monitored to ascertain their recovery progress.

She praised the Governor’s wife on her Non Governmental Organization, “Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo” which she said has continued to evolve interventions like the Saturday workout, distribution of farm seedlings, Nonye Soludo organic farm, Nonye Soludo school club and pad Bank initiative that supports the state government’s strategies in delivering effective results in the health sector, especially with the heavy impact of food insecurity as well as social and economic challenges across the country.

Nurse Chinasa Chukwueze, a registered midwife, teaching on the nutritional values of the pap explained that it contains all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for the healthy growth and development of babies. The meal according to her is made up of three special ingredients, namely: groundnut, corn, and soya beans, which are rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, fibre, protein and zinc. The Pap also boasts nutritional benefits like vitamins B1, B2, B3, and iron.

Nonye healthy pap according to her is easy to make, just mix with water, add to boiling water, heat and stir while boiling till it thickens and colour changes to golden brown.

It can be recalled that the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo on August 6, 2024 launched a natural ready-to-use baby food known as ‘Nonye Healthy Living Pap’ for children in the state to curb children’s malnutrition.

During the unveiling at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, Mrs Soludo said that the idea behind the initiative is to rescue children with special nutritional needs as well as a mitigation programme to address challenges of malnutrition.

Nonye’s Healthy Living Pap is a pure natural meal that contains basic dietary nutrients to help children who are dealing with acute or minor malnutrition.

*Ginika is of the Ministry of Information , Anambra State

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY PASSES RESOLUTION TO ADDRESS HIGH COSTS OF TEXTBOOKS, UNIFORMS, AND EXTRAMURAL CLASSES

By Chizoba Okeke :

Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Education to engage public, private, and mission schools in the state to address the exorbitant costs of textbooks, school uniforms purchase from exclusively designated vendors and mandatory extramural classes.

The resolution was made following a motion moved by the Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme during the plenary session.

The Speaker, Rt Hon. Somotochukwu Udeze who presided over plenary read out the resolution and the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes.

Hon. Ofodeme submitted that the current practices in Anambra State Primary and Secondary Schools of using textbooks as workbooks, uniform purchase from exclusively designated vendor and mandatory extramural classes place undue financial burdens on parents and guardians, particularly for families with multiple children in the same school or classes.

He argued that the trends are counterproductive and that the new introduction of textbooks and workbooks in one single volume especially is gradually killing the good culture of use of school libraries and families creating library in their homes.

He further said that the practice prevents families from utilizing textbooks across siblings, compelling them to purchase new copies for each child, regardless of their financial ability, thereby deepening educational inequality.

“These practices negates the state’s efforts to alleviate financial pressures on parents in line with our commitment to affordable and accessible education for all. The education policies in Anambra State should foster inclusivity, affordability, and sustainability in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said

The Member representing Ogbaru Constituency I, Hon. Noble Igwe, his Anambra East counterpart, Barr. Obi Nweke, the member representing Nnewi North Constituency, Hon. Augustine Ike among other lawmakers, described the motion as life changing and shared same experiences of exorbitant costs of textbooks and school uniforms from same vendor provided by the school.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

EMPOWERING EDUCATION: TINUBU’ WIFE, NONYE SOLUDO DONATE WRITING MATERIALS TO ANAMBRA SCHOOLS

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Dr Nonye Soludo, wife of Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo have supported education in Anambra hinterlands with the provision of writing materials

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Education, Anambra State, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh during the distribution exercise to state government schools in Awka North Local Government Area.

In this initial phase, four primary schools in Awka North were among the beneficiaries: Obuno Primary School, Ebenebe; Unity Primary School, Awba Ofemili; Agueke Primary School, Ugbenu; and Community Primary School, Ugbenu, 205.

Addressing the pupils during the event, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, explained that the materials were donated by the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu through her Renewed Hope Initiative and Dr Nonye Soludo through the Healthy Living initiative.

Prof. Chuma-Udeh emphasized that the materials aimed to empower students in rural areas educationally and eliminate the challenge of studying without essential writing resources in these areas. She encouraged the pupils to study diligently to secure a brighter future.

Mrs. Agatha Ajuorah, Headteacher of Obuno Primary School in Ebenebe, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanking Dr. Nonye Soludo and Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She also commended Governor Charles Soludo for his commitment to ensuring that every child in Anambra State has access to quality education.

The event included interactive questions from the commissioner, with students rewarded for correctly stating the names of the First Ladies of Nigeria and Anambra State. The gathering echoed with enthusiastic chants of “Thank You, Mama Anambra” and “Thank You, Mama Nigeria” from excited students and teachers.

The distribution exercise was attended by the Ministry of Education’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, and board members from the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), and Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC).

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

HEADTEACHER DEMOTED OVER PERSISTENT ABSENCE IN AWKA NORTH

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The headteacher of Unity Primary School in Awba Ofemili, Awka North LGA, Mrs. Bertha Chidebe has been demoted and directed to hand over her duties to the next senior officer, Mrs. Helen Okafor, due to consistent absence from her post.

This action was announced by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, during the distribution of writing materials donated by Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Dr. Nonye Soludo to state-run primary schools in Anambra State.

The commissioner expressed disappointment with the poor condition of the school and, upon further investigation, found that the headteacher had been largely absent from her responsibilities.

During the visit, Prof. Chuma-Udeh observed that the school was in a state of neglect, with overgrown fields and classrooms in disrepair, some even missing roofs.

The commissioner urged community leaders and the town union to help renovate the school to create a safe and conducive environment for learning.

In a related visit, the commissioner also expressed concern over conditions at the Community Primary School in Ugbenu 205, where she noted that some students were leaving school before the official dismissal time of 1:30 p.m.

Furthermore, Prof. Chuma-Udeh announced that the state will conduct a re-evaluation and accreditation exercise for schools. She warned that any school failing to meet standard management practices will face consequences, including the demotion of its management or termination of employment.

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

DPO EKUASE ASSUMES COMMAND OF FEGGE POLICE STATION, WARNS CRIMINALS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

A new Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Ekuase Monday, (SP), has taken over the Fegge Police station in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Southeast, urged residents to come up with useful information that will lead to arrest of criminals.

Reading the riot act to criminals, he stated that they better vacate the area in their own interest or be ready to meet their waterloo, assuring the informants that their identity would not be disclosed.

Mr. Monday who is transferred from Makurdi, Benue State capital, and hails from Edo State, reiterated that the area cannot be save haven for criminals, expressed satisfaction with the hospitality of the residents.

The new DPO who succeeded Mr. Uche Noah, (CSP), the immediate past DPO of the station, expressed satisfaction with the hospitality of the residents, pledged their support to ensure that the area is free of crime and criminality.

“They are really good people and I am going to work with them to ensure that the area is crime free.

“My warning to the criminals is that they should leave Fegge or meet their untimely death. With the cooperation of the residents we will work in synergy because fighting crime is everybody’s business, it is not left for the police or security operatives alone,” he stated.

He disclosed further that the type of hospitality and cooperation he received from the residents have not been experienced in places he had served, adding that he will not disappoint them and the police authority to find him worthy to serve in Fegge Police station.

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

NEW YAM FESTIVAL: SOLUDO ENCOURAGES CITIZENS TO ENGAGE IN FARMING FOR FOOD SECURITY

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

Anambra State Governor Prof. Charles Soludo has urged the state dwellers to take up farming, which he describes as ‘farm to feed,’ to ensure food security in the state.

He said this will also lead to the reduction in the prices of agricultural products and make food more available to the people.

This was contained in his opening speech at the celebration of the 2024 Anambra state New Yam Festival held at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.

He emphasized that the ‘farm to feed’ initiative was launched particularly for the youths in the state in response to the Nigeria hunger protest, aiming to redirect their energy towards farming rather than participating in the protests.

Gov. Soludo said that his wife is actively involved in farming at the Governor’s Lodge where she distributes seedlings to encourage more people to cultivate food.

“If you have one square meter space where you live, utilize it for farming because if everyone plants what they eat once a year, you will notice that there will be a reduction in prices of food items and if anyone complains of hunger, inquire about their cultivation, for we are known to be hardworking people.

“Therefore, I challenge my Exco members to have farmlands for crop cultivation, as former President Obasanjo advised us. In the next edition, I will take part in the yam competition,” he said.

The governor emphasized that the new yam celebration is a significant festival in Igbo land which signifies the importance of the yam over other crops.

He highlighted several key projects underway in the state, including the dualization of some roads, the construction of a new Governor’s Lodge, and the renovation of Alex Ekwueme Square, among others.

He said that upon completion, the Solution Fun City would be the largest in Africa and a prominent tourism destination in the state.

On his part, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji said that the New Yam Festival is a traditional ceremony celebrated by the Igbo people worldwide to promote their rich cultural heritage.

“Whenever an Igbo person, especially from Anambra celebrates the New Yam Festival, it is an opportunity to connect with the home, their ancestors, and their roots. Only by honouring traditions like this can the world recognize the existence of a place called Igbo land.”

Mr. Onyenji emphasized that the governor values culture and traditions by establishing the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, “three elements interconnected to reflect the identity of the people”.

At the government cash prize give away, the sum of 3 million naira was awarded to Mr. Chigozie Anene from Akweze, Anaocha LGA for growing the largest yam this year, which weighed 80kg and shot him to the first position.

He also won a brand new tricycle donated by the High Chief Christopher Ndubuisi.

Other winners with the cash award of one million naira each were, Igwilo Paschal from Isuofia, Aguata LGA came second with a 71.5 kg yam, Emeka Stephen from Nimo, Njikoka LGA was third with 44 kg yam while Pius Okeke from Ukpor, Dunukofia LGA, secured the fourth position with 30 kg of yam and Nnazor Fidelis from Nzam, Anambra West LGA came fifth with 22.5 kg of yam.

The event included the ceremonial cutting of the new yam by traditional rulers, local government parades, masquerade performances and cultural dance displays.

CLEANLINESS: ONITSHA SOUTH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN AWARDS SWEEPING CONTRACT TO RYTEC COMPANY

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

In line with Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s resolve for a clean, green and healthy Anambra State, the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Emeka Orji, has awarded sweeping contract for most major roads in the area to Rytec Company Limited.

Giving reasons for the award of the contract, the council boss said that it is an eyesore to see the newly constructed roads by Gov. Soludo being littered with dirts, reiterating that Onitsha South under his watch must queue into the agenda of the governor.

Speaking shortly after the inauguration, the Coordinator of Onitsha South Street Sweepers, Mrs Chioma Eze, while lauding Chief Orji for the award of the contract noted that they started this sweeping exercise on February 2024 and had to stop due to conduct of election.

“During that time, Hon. Orji who was then the Caretaker Committee Chairman took it upon himself to see to our welfare.

“But recently, we are back to duty post with the recruitment of more workers (Men) whom their duty is to evacuate the sand at Niger Street because the women were complaining of waist pain after the evacuation.

“We started on Monday this week and we give kudos to Chief Orji for this, these sweepers are mostly widows and the poorest of the poor from the 17 wards of the LGA.

“We are to sweep From Niger Street –Ziks Avenue–Ochanja Roundabout–Biafra Market –Bridgehead (Ogbo- Osisi), sometimes Port Harcourt road and other strategic tarred roads in the area.”

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA NUJ HOLDS PRESS WEEK, MAN OF YEAR 2024 AWARDS

By Bernadette Nwakile :

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council holds Press Week and Man of the Year 2024 Awards at Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center, on November 7.

In his speech, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, expressed his profound gratitude to Anambra NUJ, noting that the activities of the Government are now being reported unlike before, pleading for continued support to the present administration.

Gov Soludo was represented at the event by Dr. Law Mefor, Anambra Commissioner for Information.

The Key Note Speaker, Dr. Monday Ashibogwu spoke extensively on the Theme: “The Media, And Trajectories for Anambra State’s Future In a Dwindling Economy”.

In her Speech, the Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Chinyere Okunna said, “the Roles of the Mass Media are Surveillance and Agenda Setting which we are doing today, to tell the public and masses what watchdogs is all about”.

She praised the State NUJ Chairman, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, for his doggedness and diligence in moving the Council forward as expected of him by members.

Contributing, the Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe who represented the Wife of the Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Chairman of the NUJ for the wonderful cooperation between members and the government, pleading to sustain that fellowship.

Earlier in an address of welcome, the Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC) Anambra State, Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor welcomed the Distinguished Guests and thanked the Governor of Anambra, Prof. Soludo for his support, urging him to carry Journalists along as the Watchdogs of the Society.

Highlights of the events were the presentation of Awards to Dr. Nonye Soludo, Anambra State Governor’s Wife/Founder, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, as the Most Supportive Governor’s wife in Southeast and Voice of the Voiceless in Southeast, 2024.

The Traditional Ruler of Alor, HRM, Igwe MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, bagged the NUJ Anambra 2024 Philanthropist of the Year for his proven track record of leadership, philanthropy and Community development.

Dr. Chinedu Anthony Umeadi, who was conferred 2024 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year was as a result of his support for education, improving the health of the people, youth empowerment and poverty alleviation through his Foundation.

Hon. Oliver N Okennah (Dikemba Ebenebe), bagged the 2024 NUJ Anambra Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year for using his innovative approaches to improving families in need, students for better tomorrow and agricultural productivity in rural areas.

The event was well attended by dignitaries including the 2023 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year, HRH, Igwe Pharm Alex Uzo Onyido(Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom).

In a vote of thanks, the Chairman, NUJ Anambra State, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD thanked all that graced the occasion, soliciting for financial support to enable the Council to complete the projects at hand even as he wished them journey mercies back to their different destinations.

*Bernadette is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SOLUDO COMMISSIONS SOLUTION ARENA FRUIT, VEGETABLE MARKET

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has commissioned the new Solution Arena Fruit and Vegetable Market in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, a major step forward in the state efforts to modernize its marketplaces, provide safe trading spaces and boost local economic activity.

Located on Agulu lakeside road in Umuowelle, Agulu, the new Solution Arena would serve as the permanent site for the Nwagu Agulu Fruit Market, which was displaced by ongoing road construction. The state-of-the-art market features 60 new shops, which would be given to traders free of charge.

Speaking at the inauguration, Gov. Soludo emphasized his administration’s commitment to economic and infrastructural transformation across Anambra, outlining various ongoing projects aimed at improving access roads and creating safe marketplaces to eliminate street trading hazards.

According to the governor, similar projects was underway in Onitsha and Nnewi where designated spaces would be prepared to relocate street traders and provide them with better facilities.

“Agulu is part of our state capital territory, and we have big plans for its growth. The Agulu Lake, a remarkable natural resource, has immense potential as a tourism destination. In line with our broader developmental agenda, we have laid out a comprehensive master plan to unlock Agulu tourism potential, creating opportunities for economic growth.”

Gov. Soludo called on residents to embrace a Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model for sustainable development, encouraging collaborative efforts between government, private entities, and communities, noting that through PPCP many communities have successfully built infrastructure, including roads and markets.

The Solution Arena project was successfully executed by Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), led by its Managing Director, Mr. Ossy Onuko, who received commendations from Gov. Soludo for delivering quality work.

In their separate speeches, Members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Nkechi Ogbuefi and Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, representing Anaocha Constituencies I and II, expressed their gratitude to Gov. Soludo for his commitment to Anaocha. They praised his efforts in improving road networks, enhancing healthcare facilities, and advancing Anambra State’s infrastructure.

On his part, the Managing Director of ACTDA, expressed gratitude for the governor’s leadership, saying that the new facility would be properly managed to ensure sustainability even as he urged traders to seize the opportunity to grow their businesses in the modern marketplace.

The beneficiaries of the new market shops, Mrs. Catherine Agajielu and Utonyili Ngozi while expressing their gratitude, noted the improved safety, convenience and quality of the new market, thanking Gov. Soludo for his efforts to support small businesses, praying for his continued success.

In attendance includes Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Chinedu Nwoye Glamour, Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area, Mr. Rome Ibekwe, top government functionaries, community leaders and women groups.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State