Author: Okechukwu Onwuka

ONITSHA NORTH MAYOR HONORED AS GRAND PATRON OF WIGA

By Claribel Udah/Chioma Nwankwo/Chika Obi/Nwegbo Ifeanyi/Kelechi Achukwu-Jide/Ogochukwu Mokwugwo :

The Mayor of Onitsha North LGA, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, has been installed as the Grand Patron of the Women Initiative for Greater Anambra (WIGA), Onitsha North Chapter.

The ceremony, which was held at the Mayor’s office, recognized his exceptional leadership and dedication to the welfare of the people.

The event featured a courtesy visit by WIGA women, led by the group’s Onitsha North Coordinator, Mrs. Nkeiruka Nnabuife.

During the visit, Mrs. Nnabuife praised Mayor Nwora for his commitment to the development of Onitsha North and congratulated him on his election victory.

She pledged the group’s continued support for his administration.

Presenting the Patronship Award, Mrs. Nnabuife highlighted the Mayor’s impactful tenure as both the Transition Committee Chairman and the current Mayor, emphasizing his consistent efforts to improve the lives of residents.

In his acceptance speech, Mayor Nwora expressed gratitude for the honor and urged the women to remain supportive of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.

He called for unity, encouraging WIGA members to embrace the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ethos of mutual support and solidarity.

The Mayor also lauded Gov. Soludo for his strategic development initiatives in Onitsha North, particularly road infrastructure projects.

Additionally, he congratulated Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, APGA’s National Chairman, on his recent Supreme Court victory, affirming his commitment to advancing the party’s vision.

He reaffirmed that his dedication to the welfare of the people of Onitsha North and development in the local government area still stands.

Chief Sir Okwy Mmaduekwe, Chairman of APGA Onitsha North, who accompanied the Mayor during the event, commended the WIGA women for their unwavering support of APGA, urging them to sustain their efforts in bolstering the party’s successes in future elections.

WIGA women have been instrumental in Gov. Soludo’s administration, playing a pivotal role in his 2021 electoral victory and actively supporting APGA initiatives across the state.

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

BILL TO ESTABLISH ANAMBRA ELECTRICITY SCALES SECOND READING

By Chizoba Okeke :

A bill for a law to establish Anambra State Electricity Market and Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission has passed second reading at the State House of Assembly.

The bill, aims to regulate electricity generation, transmission, system operation, distribution, and supply across the state.

Leading debate on the bill, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Assembly and Member representing Njikoka Constituency II, Dr. Jude Akpua, explained that it seeks to ensure equitable access to electricity across the state by integrating more areas into the national grid, noting that the commission’s primary objective would be to provide reliable and economically efficient electricity for the benefit of Anambra residents.

Supporting the motion, the Chief Whip and Member representing Ihiala Constituency I, Barr. Jude Ngobili, pointed out that the bill would play a significant role in addressing long-standing electricity challenges in the state, noting that it would facilitate the provision of electricity to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Uli Campus, which has been without power for over two decades.

The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, urged the relevant committee to thoroughly review the bill to ensure its effectiveness and stressed the necessity of establishing a regulatory agency capable of handling electricity-related matters in the state to improve power supply and economic growth.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA WINS PRIMARY HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE, TAKES HOME 1.2 MILLION US DOLLARS

By Nnedinma Okeke , :

Anambra State of Nigeria has taken first position in South East and overall best in the Country as they go home with cash prize of one million, two hundred thousand US dollars ($1,200,000) in the 2nd Edition of the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Awards.

The award, which was hosted by His Excellency, Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was an event dedicated to celebrating transformative leadership and excellence in primary healthcare.

The prestigious event took place in Abuja on December 12, 2024: a day of global significance as we commemorate Universal Health Coverage Day.

It had His Excellency, the Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima as its special guest of honor and Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammed Ali Pate as its keynote speaker.

At the event, Anambra State smiled home as the best State in South East zone and the overall best State in entire Country.

For winning the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge award as the best State in the Southeast zone, Anambra recieved a cheque of five hundred thousand US dollars ($500,000).

Also, for winning the overall best State in the Country at the PHC Leadership challenge, Anambra also received a cheque of seven hundred thousand US dollars ($700,000). This brings the total money won by Anambra State at the Challenge to one million, two hundred thousand US dollars ($1,200,000).

The Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo who received the award himself, was accompanied by the Commissioner, State Ministry of Health (SMOH), Dr Afam Obidike, Commissioner, State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Pharm Chisom Uchem, and the Managing Director, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr Simeon Onyemaechi.

The event was in collaboration with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Aliko Dangote Foundation, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and UNICEF.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

IGWE IWEKA HONOURS EX-PG OVER HUMANITARIAN SERVICES

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Igwe Chidubem Iweka III, the traditional ruler of Obosi, country home of former Secretary General of the Common Wealth of Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, has honoured a former President General (PG), of the community, Chief Mike Ikegulu, for his services to God and man when he was the PG.

Conferring him with the chieftaincy title of ‘Ndichie Owulu,’ the monarch reminded him that the honour means more work to the people, adding that he should use his position to assist in the development of the community

“You did very well as former PG and that is why we resolved to elevate you to the high rank of Ndichie Owulu for your services to God and man. It is a pay back to you for the task ahead to repeat your good work which you did as former PG,” the monarch said.

Responding, the newly crowned Owulu vowed to abide by the oath of office and constitution of the community even as he commended the monarch for finding him worthy to be so honoured.

“Ndichie is an elevation, more work, like the monarch said, giving service to the community. I will discharge my duty to the best of my knowledge,” he assured.

On why it took him so long to be conferred with the title, he said that he was not interested until now, adding that he enjoyed the traditional social activities and prayed that this yuletide period will be peaceful and next year bountiful harvest.

Expressing satisfaction with the honour done to Ikegulu, the traditional head of Isiowulu village, Chief Godwin C. Osakwe, thanked God for the elevation of the beneficiary, adding that he is one of the leading personalities in the village.

“It is my pleasure to see him crowned as Owulu. I wish the people peace and every good thing this yuletide period. The new Owulu will give succour to the people,” he assured.

Felicitating him for the honour done him, the Southeast Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Chief Dr. Augustine Udeozor, said that the beneficiary is his age mate and that he, Udeozor was the first to take the title of Owulu but in the Ozor title category.

“So because the newly crowned Owulu liked the name he decided to have it as his title name. The meaning of Owulu is like the biblical rejected stone that has become the corner stone of the building.

“I was conferred with the Owulu Ugonabo chieftaincy title in 2015 and I want to advise the new Ndichie Owulu that he should work without fear or favour,” he posited.

In his own contribution, the President, Onitsha Sports Club, Chief Dan Okafor, said that the newly conferred Owulu is their club member which prompted them to be here to felicitate Owulu on his elevation.

“This shows you that we are also interested in tradition. As the former PG of Obosi who performed excellently, the monarch decided to pay him back, though service to the people, “he further explained.

Ikegulu sibling, Deaconess Mrs Ogochukwu Nwachukwu, said that it was a special day for the family as everything went as planned for the occasion.

“With this elevation of my brother by the monarch, there are things that we will not involve ourselves in. We are now looked upon as those who stand by the truck in all we do.

“As a medical doctor, the beneficiary can now counsel and also administer drugs to patients as the two are similar. Hearing and deciding cases brought before Chief Ikegulu and also seeing to his patients,” she stated.

Earlier, the National Association of Seadogs led by Chima Egonu Okala, said that they were present to felicitate with their former leader who has been elevated by the monarch.

“This association is for humanitarian services, we settle cases, service to humanity. So today is Ikegulu’s day and that is why we are here,” he noted.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

DR MEFOR RECEIVES A UK FELLOWSHIP AWARD, APPOINTED VISITING PROFESSOR

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has been awarded Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Educational Practitioners, United Kingdom (CIEPUK).

According to the Global President of CIEPUK, Dr Marcel Ezenwoye, the fellowship award was in recognition of his outstanding professional achievements and contributions to the fields of mass communication and entrepreneurial technology. It also reflected his distinguished career spanning over three decades, during which he successfully handled notable media and communication projects domestically and internationally.

“Also, your fellowship with other Nigerian institutions is a testament to your exceptional expertise and commitment to excellence,” Ezenwoye stated.

Speaking during the Investiture and Induction Awards Ceremony, held at Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, where he was appointed a visiting professor, Dr. Mefor appreciated the institutions, respectively, assuring them of his support and that of his friends.

He further reiterated Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s special interest in education, which the governor demonstrated by offering free education from primary to secondary school for not only the people of Anambra but all residents of the state regardless of their states of origin.

According to him: “Free education is a tool created to break generational poverty transfer. Some families are so poor that unless something is intentionally done, the poverty will continue from generation to generation. With free education, it becomes possible that such families where you have dynasties of poverty can now become havens of wealth because, with a secondary school education, any person can spring up from the family with a basic education.

“The free education offered by Governor Soludo is not just for Ndị Anambra. As long as you live in Anambra, you will enjoy free education. I am aware that some people living in neighbouring states are enrolling in Anambra schools because of free education. We are not sending them back because Anambra is a place for all,” Mefor said.

The Vice Chancellor of Paul University, who handed Dr Mefor the fellowship award, approved the request of the Information Commissioner to lecture in the university gratis in his spare time, assuring him of his appointment as associate professor or professor after peer review of his academic credentials.

The vice chancellor also announced a 50% rebate for school fees for certain categories of students and the university’s readiness to partner with the Soludo administration to advance education generally in the state.

UDHR : CLO CHARGES GOVERNMENT TO MONITOR ACTIVITIES OF MISSION, PRIVATE SCHOOLS, OTHERS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Anambra State Chapter of Civil Liberties Organization(CLO), on Dec. 10, lamented on the exploitative and outrageous fees charges by majority of mission and private schools in Nigeria, saying that education as a veritable and inevitable weapon to fight ignorance, poverty, etc must be given priority attentions.

Making the lamentation while marking the 76th anniversary of Universal Declaration of People’s and Human Rights, UDHR, that is celebrated globally, the state CLO Chairman, comrade Evangelist Vincent Ezekwueme lamented that most pathetic and despicable is that government uses public funds to pay salaries, allowances and gratuity of their staff.

“We reiterate our incessant appeal for establishing primary and secondary schools in Mba Farm, 3-3, Nsugbe, Oze, Nkwelle axis, the only government schools in these areas are Oyolu Primary and Nkwelle Community Secondary Schools.

“It is incredible but existential reality that one Mission School at Onitsha collects little above N500,000 for JSS 1 students, whereas students entering SSS1 in the same school pay above N400,000 yet government failed to play its regulatory roles.

“”We Commend Governor Soludo for his educational revolution in the state, extending free education to SSS 3 and demotion of six principals for exploitation and extortion, such watchdog and monitoring should be extended to mission and private schools.

“With a gun you can kill a terrorist but with education, employment and skill acquisition you can kill terrorism. Citizens must adhere strictly to God’s commandments, ‘thou shall not kill,” he stated.

According to the group, Governments at all levels should live up to their responsibility if we lost glory of the country would be restored and employment opportunities created for the youths to have something doing.

“There is no day without ugly report of criminal activities in the state especially incessant killings, kidnapping, cultism and cult related violence, armed robbery, youth restiveness and what have you.

“We appeal to perpetrators to give peace a chance and embrace dialogue. Government should provide empowerments, skills acquisitions, employment opportunities and constant town hall meetings.”

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA LAWMAKER ILOH CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH N10M EMPOWERMENT FOR 180 IHIALA WOMEN, ENROLLS 100 IN ASHIA

By Chizoba Okeke :

The atmosphere in Ihiala Constituency Two was filled with joy and excitement as the member representing the constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr.Golden Iloh marked his birthday celebration by empowering 180 women involved in petty trading with a total sum of N10million.

The celebration, held at his country home in Okija, witnessed the presence of stakeholders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and well wishers. According to the lawmaker, flanked by wife, Mrs Chioma, the initiative was aimed at improving the lives of women in his constituency and boosting their financial independence.

He said that he has begun enrollment processes for 100 women into Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIA), to ensure that they have access to affordable and quality healthcare services.

The lawmaker, explained that the gesture was inspired by a covenant he had made with his late mother to always uplift the lives of women and the underprivileged, which aligns with his campaign promises to bring meaningful development to his constituency.

Speaking, Ihiala Local Government Chairman, Mr. Anayo Orjiakor, and APGA Chairman of the Council Area, Architect Chijioke Okoye, appreciated the benefactor for his kind gesture, saying that more of such initiative are expected from well to do individuals in the local government area.

Also Pastor Tony-Daniels Arinzechukwu of Shekina Love Assembly, commended the lawmaker for his kindness and commitment to well-being of his people, while the beneficiaries including, Mrs Cecelia Onyedike, and Mrs Josephine Okeke described him as a leader who truly understands the needs of his people.

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

ANAMBRA’S SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS SHINE IN GOVERNOR SOLUDO’S YOUTH EMPOWERMENT DRIVE

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

Students with special needs in Anambra State are actively participating in Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s initiatives to equip the next generation with practical skills and opportunities for self-reliance.

During a recent visit to the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the management of God’s Care Special Children’s School, Awka, showcased products crafted by their students. Among the items presented were various types of footwear and a handmade box, reflecting the students’ creativity and skill.

Commending their efforts, Commissioner Chuma-Udeh expressed delight at the students’ achievements, affirming the adage,”There is ability in disability”.

She encouraged other special needs students across the state to emulate the entrepreneurial spirit displayed by those at God’s Care Special Children’s School.

*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

WORKS COMMENCES ON UMUONA-AGULUZOIGBO -NANKA ROAD

By Sunday Okoli :

Construction work has commenced on Umuona-Aguluzoigbo -Nanka Road project recently awarded by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo in the last two EXCO meeting.

The handover ceremony of the road was performed by the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma. He charged the contractor to expedite action on the road and complete within schedule.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Planning, Design and Structural Department in the Ministry, Engr. Obi Okafor said that the road will connect Umuona, Aguluzoigbo and Nnaka communities. He said that the contract was in continuation of Mr. Governor’s promise to give Ndi Anambra dividend of democracy. According to the Commissioner, the completion period of the contract is 12 months.

On his part, the Area Manager of IDC Construction Ltd, Engr. Youssef Zghib promised to deliver the works on schedule and according to specifications as contained in the BEME.

*Sunday is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA HEALTH COMMISSIONER URGES STAKEHOLDERS ON IMMUNIZATIONS ROLES

By Nnedinma Okeke :

As part of Pre implementation activities to ensure success in the Big Catch Up (BCU) campaign to be held in nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) with zero dose/unimmunized children, Stakeholders in a meeting has been urged to play their roles by ensuring immunization message gets to grassroots.

The nine LGAs includes: Aguata, Ayamelum, Anaocha, Idemili North, Idemili South, Ihiala, Orumba North, Orumba South, and Nnewi South LGAs respectively.

The Stakeholders Engagement/Town hall meeting for the BCU exercise was organised by the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners.

Commissioner, SMOH, Dr Afam Obidike represented by the Permanent Secretary, SMOH, Pharm Obiageli Uchebo noted that immunization campaigns were opportunities for Stakeholders to play their roles in their respective communities.

“This is the time for us to inform, sensitize, and educate our people on vaccinations which is important, and key in eliminating vaccine preventable diseases.”

He explained that the catch-up exercise was an opportunity for missed children of zero to 59 months of age to be reached and immunised as vaccinations has drastically reduced deaths and abnormalities caused by vaccine preventable diseases.

The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem emphasized that immunization messages were life saving messages toward good health and well-being for all.

The ES represented by the Director Disease Control and Immunization, ASPHCDA, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi pleaded the Stakeholders to ensure that the immunization messages get to every part of their communities to ensure that no missed child was left unimmunized.

The Anambra State Chapter, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Venerable Joseph Nweke, thanked the State Government and Partners supporting the programme for all their efforts in ensuring that children were protected from vaccine preventable diseases.

He assured that Religious leaders would play their roles in ensuring that the BCU campaign was successful in the implementing LGAs of the State.

Prince Chris Azor, Chairman Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Anambra, noting that idea behind the BCU campaign was not to leave any child unimmunized, assured of CSOs support in informing and sensitising people on the exercise for it to achieve its desired results.

The meeting had in attendance: Traditional Rulers, Religious leaders, Presidents General, Women Leaders, Youths, CSOs, Education Stakeholders, the Media, State Team, and Partners.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State