Author: Okechukwu Onwuka

ANAMBRA SPEAKER, UDEZE EULOGIZES CARDINAL ARINZE ON HIS 92ND BIRTHDAY

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze said Anambra State has produced a renowned priest in Africa in the person of Francis Cardinal Arinze.

Felicitating Cardinal Arinze, the Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on his 92nd birthday, Udeze described him as an outstanding religious leader.

The Speaker who called on other religious leaders to emulate Francis Cardinal Arinze’s humility, uprightness, good nature and devotion, noted that he has done the state, Ndi Igbo, Nigeria and Africa proud in his religious career.

He revealed that Francis Cardinal Arinze has in the course of his priestly mandate and duties, received an unprecedented Gold Medallion from the International Council of Christians and Jews for his outstanding achievements in inter-faith relations.

The speaker while praying God to continue to strengthen Francis Cardinal Arinze in all goodness, wished him more eventful years ahead as he continues his service to God and humanity.

Okeke is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ANAMBRA FIRST LADY LAUNCHES WEEKLY EXERCISE, GARDENING PROGRAMS

By Chiedu Uche Okoye and Uzo Ugwunze :

The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has launched two innovative initiatives under her “Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo” project.
The Weekly Exercise Regime and Gardening programs kicked off at the Idemili North LGA Headquarters in Ogidi and are set to expand to other local government areas across the state.

Mrs Soludo advised the people of Idemili North LGA to start weekly physical exercise regime as their participation in physical exercises would bring countless and immense health benefits to them.

” Doing physical exercise improves our hearts’ condition; and it helps us to check and maintain our body weight, Not only does our participation in physical exercises improve our moods, but also it offers us the opportunity to congregate and socialize with one another, ” Mrs Soludo said.

She noted that volunteers, who are physical fitness experts, are needed to train those who would participate in the newly introduced weekly physical exercises.

More so, she introduced gardening to the Idemili North people, the aim of which is to cultivate vegetables like water leaves, water melon, okro, hot pepper, fluted pumpkin, garden egg, lettuce, green pepper, carrot, cabbage, and maize.

She promised to give the farmers organic seeds which would mature for harvest within three months of planting them.

While saying that the garden produce would be sold in the farmers’ market, she stated that soil fertility would be maintained over the years, by using organic fertilizers.

The Chairman of Idemili North LGA, Mr. Stanley Nkwoka, thanked Mrs. Soludo for starting the physical exercise and gardening initiatives at Idemili North LGA, and promised to support them, wholeheartedly.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, highlighted Gov. Soludo’s lofty achievements in health care which included; provision of free antenatal care services for pregnant women in the state.

Dr. Obidike emphasized that pregnant women who deliver their babies through either normal and safe delivery or cesarean section won’t pay any money, provided they’ve registered with the designated hospitals.

He assured the people that Gov. Soludo would not discontinue the implementation of his people-oriented policies, especially the Anambra free education policy and the construction of roads.

The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, pledged his unalloyed support for the things, which Mrs. Soludo are doing in the state.

Hundreds of people, including APGA faithful, attended the event and cheered Mrs. Soludo as she unveiled the weekly exercise regime and gardening initiative.

Among those who attended the event were the Chairman of APGA in Anambra State, Ifeatu Obi-Okoye; Mrs Amaka Obi, Chairperson of Idemili South LGA; the Commissioner for Special Duties, Beverly Nkemdichie; Deputy Chairman of Idemili North LGA, Lady Phina Onwuachu; among others.

Okoye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

HAPPY NEW MONTH NDI ANAMBRA

TAX PAYMENT NECESSARY FOR REALISATION OF SOLUDO’S ANAMBRA AMBITIOUS PLAN – DR. MEFOR

By Rose Oranye :

The Commissioner for Information, Anambra State, Dr. Law Mefor, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Executive Officer, Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Dr. Greg Ezeilo, at his office in Awka.

While addressing the AIRS Chairman, Mefor said he was there to familiarise himself with the institution and its management and see what could be done to sensitise Ndị Anambra on tax payment, which is necessary for the quick realisation of Soludo’s ambitious plan for Anambra and the state’s development.

According to him, Governor Soludo has a lot of mega projects ongoing in various parts of the state, which will be realised fully and in good time if the internally generated revenue is improved.

“When the Governor is crying about revenue, we can understand because he has a lot of mega multi-billion naira projects across the state, which is a testimony that he is putting the taxpayers’ money to good use.

“It’s a lot of pressure on you, and we are there in the Ministry of Information to help. We want to work with you, and we are ready to do whatever can be done to sensitise our people to understand that payment of tax is necessary, especially as the state does not get much from the centre, so we have to survive from inside.

Dr. Mefor commended Ndị Anambra for their support so far to the Soludo-led administration through the payment of taxes and urged them to do more.

“I’m sure that if Ndị Anambra are well mobilised and sensitised that their money is being put to use, they will be happy to pay their tax regularly. That’s why I keep saying that Governor Soludo’s achievements are underreported. Our people need to know about the achievements of the Soludo government and the projects and programmes in the works. Information ministry will therefore join hands with AIRS for a massive public enlightenment on tax compliance by our people,” he said.

In his remarks, the AIRS Chairman, Dr. Ezeilo, stated that Anambra is making much progress under Governor Soludo through internally generated revenue from his office. He added that he is convinced that other states will soon come to study Anambra’s revenue generation management.

Ezeilo, who used the opportunity to conduct the commissioner round the office, presented various awards won by AIRS as the best-performing government institution in the South-East, among others.

* Oranye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

DR. MEFOR DECRIES JOURNALISTS’ WELFARE, PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR 2025 ANAMBRA NUJ ELECTION

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has advised the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to work towards prioritising the welfare of members.

Addressing members of the NUJ, Anambra State Credentials Committee, who visited him at his office in Awka, Mefor decried the plight of journalists in Nigeria, pointing out that they are not only underappreciated but are sometimes maligned by those in other professions, particularly politicians who obstruct their jobs and put them in harm’s way.

“Every news media platform should work out some life assurance for journalists. I would want the NUJ to think in terms of basic welfare packages for members, particularly their family members when they go prematurely in the line of duty.

“As for your program, you need to seek more support outside because you have been working for society. The job is a thankless job. Journalists are underappreciated and maligned by others who obstruct their jobs and put them in harm’s way. The job is very risky. Society should appreciate your work by supporting your programs. I noticed it’s only the press that is called out and given the responsibility to hold the government accountable in the Nigerian Constitution. This is a tool media practitioners have to leverage to make the profession much more potent and relevant,” he said.

The commissioner further assured that he will study their requests regarding the forthcoming NUJ Anambra Election and make a case to the appropriate quarters as the ministry can’t do much.

Earlier, the chairman of the Credentials Committee, Dr. Stanley Ikem Onunkwo, informed the Commissioner of the NUJ Anambra Election coming up in January 2025 and asked for the government’s assistance to ensure a successful election.

In a vote of thanks, a member of the group, Comrade Ebele Ézè, lauded Dr. Mefor’s numerous contributions in the field of journalism and urged him to assist them in reaching out to people.

Other members of the committee present during the visit were Mr. Chris Obileri of Radio Nigeria Purity FM and the Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika.

SOLUDO’S LEADERSHIP QUALITIES, WORTHY OF EMULATION—EZEAJUGHI

By Rose Oranye :

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has been extolled for his exemplary and positive leadership qualities, through which development is being brought to rural communities and all parts of the state.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Ernest Ezeajughi, made this known while speaking on the ‘Impact of Positive Leadership in the Dynamics of Development’ at the Annual Lecture Series in honour of the late Chief Joseph Ndubuisi Nwokedi, to mark the 3rd Ofala Festival of Igwe Sunny Ositadinma Nwokedi, Uthoko VI of Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area.

Ezeajughi, who represented the governor at the event, urged the people of the area to continue supporting Soludo’s vision and aspirations for a second term in office to enable him to complete what he started.

“Since his inauguration as Governor of Anambra State, the state is wearing a new look. Things are happening in the state. If this is how the government is in Nigeria and other states, things would have been better. He’s an exemplary leader whose leadership qualities should be emulated by others,” he said.

The Chief of Staff further stated that the Governor has demonstrated that he came prepared to govern the state through his infrastructural and other development projects, including the 10 km road that leads to Achalla through Isuanaocha, which will reduce travel time from Awka to Achalla when completed, as well as the employment of over 8000 teachers, free primary and secondary education, free antenatal and delivery services, the building of new general hospitals, and the new Government House complex, among others.

The Chief of Staff was accompanied to the event by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor

SENATOR NWOYE INSPECTS 3.3-NSUGBE-UMUERI ROAD

By Ifeanyi Nwegbo :

Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North senatorial zone has emphasised that Anambra North serves as the nation’s food basket. To boost the transportation of agricultural products from farms to markets and enhance economic activities, he prioritized the rehabilitation of road projects in the area.

Sen. Nwoye said this while inspecting rehabilitated federal road linking the major communities in the area, which are; Nsugbe, Umueri,Aguleri and Omambala communities.

He noted that the road rehabilitation which was facilitated by him was sequel to his intervention in fulfilment of his promise to his constituents who brought his attention to the deplorable state of the road

Sen Nwoye promised to install street lights along 3.3-college road. And also thanked the Federal Ministry of Works through it’s agency, Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for handling the road rehabilitation.

Mr Ifeanyi Ogbaji thanked Sen Nwoye for fulfilling his promise and also pleaded him to do more in the north senatorial district, mostly 33-Umueri road down to Adani for easy transportation.

Appreciating Sen Tony Nwoye, all Keke and bus drivers and road users thanked the Senator for the intervention of which helped in reducing hardship they faced on the road.

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

GOVERNOR SOLUDO CLEARS EDUCATION FUND BACKLOG, PAVES WAY FOR ANAMBRA’S UNDER-12 SPORTS COMPETITION

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo has cleared a significant backlog of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) grant for the years 2019, 2020, and 2022, a financial obligation he inherited upon taking office.

Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Vera Nwadibobi made the announcement during the 2024 Under-12 sports competition held at Fun City Stadium in Awka.

Dr. Nwadinobi highlighted that this long-awaited payment enabled Anambra’s participation in the annual sports event organized in collaboration with UBEC, Abuja, underscoring the essential role of funding in fostering educational and extracurricular opportunities.

Representing the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, commended the initiative, stressing that sports is a vital part of education and promotes students’ holistic development. She encouraged students to embrace the spirit of competition, noting that success lies in participation.

The event showcased talent from primary schools across Anambra’s 21 local government areas, featuring track events and other sports activities aiming to identify and nurture young talent as they advance toward the national stage.

ANAMBRA GOVT RECOGNIZES CREATIVE INDUSTRY’S POTENTIALS, SAYS CULTURE COMMISSIONER

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

The Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, says the Solution government acknowledges the potential of the creative industry, which encompasses arts, tourism, entertainment, and culture, by repositioning, developing and transforming the state into a tourism destination hub through the ongoing construction of projects such as the Solution Fun City, Agulu Lake Resorts, others.

The Commissioner made these remarks during a courtesy visit from the executive of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Anambra State Chapter, in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat in Awka.

He emphasized that the creative industry is a leading source of global employment, highlighting that the filmmakers have a significant role to play in promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people and nation’s growth.

“The message we pass through films is very critical. We must always use film to market our state, promote our core values and cultures to the world. Again, this government recognizes your guild by appointing a known face to be part of the government,” he added.

He congratulated the new executive, encouraging them to use their films to highlight the developmental progress occurring in various sectors of the state.

The State Chairman of AGN, Anambra Chapter, Mrs. Anyaegbunam Chinyelu expressed gratitude to the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for the massive development going on in the state and to the Commissioner for the warm reception accorded to them.

She expressed that their visit was to felicitate and present the new executive of the AGN to him as well as declare their interest in promoting the Ministry’s projects when beckoned.

She said, “We need government recognition and support in accommodation and logistics just like our counterparts in other states enjoy from their government, to enable us to function effectively and have a strong filmmaking hub”.

*Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

DR. MEFOR VISITS ANAMBRA POLICE COMMISSIONER —CALLS FOR ADEQUATE TRAINING AND PROFILING OF VIGILANTE OPERATIVES

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, on Monday, October 28, 2024, paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, to familiarise and share ideas on better ways to improve on the current security situation in the state.

Addressing the Police Commissioner at his office in Amawbia, Mefor opined that profiling and adequate training of vigilante operatives by the police will not only enable prompt and proper flow of information but will help build their general orientation to effectively discharge their duties.

“I felt the need to see you. I speak for the government, and that means I have to comment on security issues whenever the need arises. We really need to be in touch so that we will be on the same page in matters of security.

“I want to commend the police for their efforts in combating crime. I am also worried about the issue of profiling of vigilante operatives in the state. Security challenges in Anambra State are becoming more and more asymmetric, meaning that a lot of the enemies are embedded. We need to know who the vigilante security operatives are. They need to be trained psychologically apart from weapon handling and otherwise.

“Undergoing training by the police will help build their capacity for the job. Most of them are barely trained in gun handling. If the vigilante security operatives are properly constituted, they will be an extension of the police and supply basic information that will help your work as expected in community policing. There’s a need to fully recover the state from criminals,” Mefor said.

Responding, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam expressed happiness over the Commissioner’s visit and expressed commitment to improving the security situation of the state and urged Ndị Anambra to always cooperate with the police to enable the Force to serve them better.

While appreciating the Information Commissioner’s suggestion about vigilante security operatives’ profiling, CP Itam assured that the police have plans to restructure operations regarding the vigilante operations and other levels of security operations in the state.

The Police Commissioner further disclosed his plans to commence a radio program ‘Ask the Police,” with Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), where DPOs and other senior police officers will interact with the people in the weekly radio programme.

* Oranye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.