Author: Okechukwu Onwuka

ANAMBRA’S NEW INFORMATION COMMISSIONER, MEFOR ASSURES COLLABORATION WITH JOURNALISTS

Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, today, September 19, 2024, received the leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.

Addressing the delegation, led by the Anambra State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu phD, Dr Mefor, who assured of his commitment and transparency in the discharge of his duties, urged journalists to help showcase the good works of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

According to him, it’s a fact that Governor Soludo has achieved so much, with awarding and execution of over 400km of roads in different parts of the state, with over 200 already completed and in use, among other developmental projects without borrowing a penny.

“I understand Governor Soludo’s vision and it’s expansive nature. He’s working for total transformation of the state – socially, economically and culturally and he has achieved so much.

” For the governor, politics is not business unlike other politicians. Development is his primary concern.l want you to join me in giving a fair assessment of what he’s done.

” I want to arrange a project inspection tour for journalists. After that, you will be the judge. You will see everything he has done without borrowing a penny. No government has ever done that. He is doing so much with so little and should be given credit for that.

“Journalists need to give him fair reportage. His government’s achievements are under reported. Report what you see; report fairly,” the commissioner said.

In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu phD thanked the commissioner for meeting with them, lamenting that journalists have been disenfranchised and abandoned in the past but assured the commissioner of the union’s full support.

Odogwu further called for re-stablishment of a newspaper outfit in the state and more interactive sessions with government, among others.

Odogwu was accompanied on the visit by the vice chairman of NUJ, Comrade Ngozi Obileri

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY CONFIRMS MEFOR AS COMMISSIONER-DESIGNATE FOR INFORMATION

By Chizoba Okeke, Anastasia Agunwa and Gloria Abugu :

Anambra State House of Assembly has confirmed Dr. Law Mefor as the Commissioner-designate for Information following his nomination by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to replace Sir Paul Nwosu.

Dr. Mefor’s confirmation came after a thorough screening during a plenary session, where he was found suitably qualified to serve in the Anambra State Government.

Following the screening, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Chukwuma Okoye who presided over the plenary announced Dr. Mefor’s confirmation where lawmakers unanimously supported the appointment through a voice vote.

In his remarks, he urged Dr. Mefor to remain dedicated to serving the people of Anambra and to align with the governor’s agenda to achieve great progress for the state.

In response, Dr. Mefor expressed his commitment to advancing information management in Anambra through political and strategic communication, pledging to enhance the Ministry of Information and diligently work towards realizing the governor’s vision for the state.

* Okeke, Agunwa and Abugu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN WARNS OPPOSITION TO STEER CLEAR AS ONITSHA SOUTH FLAGS OFF CAMPAIGN

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Barely two weeks to the conduct of local government election in Anambra State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), led by Mr Sylvester Ezeokenwa, weekend flagged off election campaign and inauguration of the team for Onitsha South Council area at the secretariat.

Flagging off the campaign, Ezeokenwa warned Chief Edozie Njoku, opposition national chairman, not to hold any parallel meeting in any part of the state.

Ezeokenwa, directed Chief Emeka Orji, the Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha South and the candidate of the party in the September 28, 2024 local government election, not to allow such illegality in the local government.

He alleged that Chief Edozie Njoku is afraid of meeting him in Court insisting that Njoku has many things to explain to the Court.

Sounding the note of warning during the flag off of the local government election campaign for Chairmanship candidate, Chief Emeka Joseph Orji and the Councillorship candidates, he said: “You are all aware of one Edozie Njoku who has been parading himself as Acting National Chairman of the party with a certain Court Order which he claimed affirmed his position.

“We have initiated legal proceedings to contest Edozie Njoku’s claim, but he has consistently objected and evaded appearing in court. This prompts us to ask: what is Mr. Njoku hiding? Why is he reluctant to present in court the specific pronouncement that allegedly appointed him Acting National Chairman? His persistent avoidance of the legal process suggests there may be more to this issue than initially apparent, raising questions about his transparency and integrity.

“Onitsha South is my local government area and I am a son of Fegge and Mr Chairman please do not allow them to hold any meeting of any kind , shape and form to hold in this area. I know that they have been moving around in Onitsha South Local Government Area.

Earlier in his speech, Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Orji, vowed that upon his election he will ensure dividends of democracy would be spread across the area, it is aimed at providing better welfare to the people.

In her speech, Commissioner for Special Duties. Mrs Beverly Nkemdiche, urged the Vice Chairmanship candidate and all the 17 Ward Councillorship candidates to remain loyal to the chairman, adding that the party will not take lightly any acts of insubordination as the party would take care of the culprits in line with the party constitution.

Contributing, the deputy chairmanship candidate, Mr Onyebuchi Obi, told newsmen that he would synergize with Orji for better welfare to the people and urged the people to vote for them during the conduct of the local government election.

He expressed optimism that APGA will emerge victorious going by the achievements of Governor Chukwuma Soludo who he said has changed the race of the state for the betterment of all and sundry.

A chieftain of APGA and former Transition committee member in Onitsha South council area, Mr Chidi Azunna, expressed satisfaction with the successful inauguration/flag off of Onitsha South Local Government election campaign for both chairman and councilors of APGA in the area.

His words, “We are here for the inauguration and flag off of both chairman and councilors’ election campaign. APGA did good work through Governor Chukwuma Soludo in Onitsha South Local Government Area,” he revealed.

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

NIGER DIOCESE FLOATS POLYTECHNIC COLLATES 16 ARCHDEACONS, CANONS

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, Anambra State has again made a groundbreaking stride in the annals of higher education in Nigeria, floating another tertiary institution in less than one year she founded the University on the Niger, (UNINIGER), Umunya.

The latest institution, Gozie Anyachebelu Polytechnic (GOZPOLY), with its permanent site at Oraukwu in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state has its take-off campus in Onitsha.

The Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo, broke the news of the new institution at the All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, today, Sunday, September 15, 2024 during the collation and installation of archdeacons and canons of the diocese.

According to the bishop, the polytechnic has commenced offer of admission to legibly qualified candidates, adding that the school would start academic activities in a few weeks time.

He described the institution as a citadel of learning where innovation, excellence and character were guiding principle.

“We are committed to empowering you with the knowledge, skills and values necessary for you to succeed in your chosen career, and which will ultimately enable you to make a positive impact in society”, he assured

While encouraging parents and guardians to avail themselves the opportunity of enrolling their children and wards into the institution, Bishop Nwokolo quipped, “We sincerely urge you to encourage your children and wards to embrace the opportunities that now lie ahead.

Rector of the polytechnic, Mrs Hellen Abonye, while clarifying issues concerning the institution, appealled to parents and guardians to help their children and wards explore their passions, develop their skills, and become part of the vibrant polytechnic community.

She listed the following accredited Ordinary National Diploma (OND) as offered by the institution:

* Computer Engineering,

* Computer Science and

* Library and information Science, assuring that with time more courses would be added.

Earier in his sermon during the preceding church service, a guest preacher, the Rector, Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit, Bronx, New York, Ven Dave Nwanekpe advised the new archdeacons and canons to always show love and unity in their ministries.

He reminded them of what he called the enormity of their responsibility, encouraging them to continuously strive to live out their christian life and objectively express their ministerial callings.

“You must fear God not man. You are called for a higher responsibility for which you should not allow the challenges of the 21st century Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology detract you from your ministerial focus,” he stated.

Nwanekpe who was the retreatant to the collated admonished them that among other things they should love God and take love, unity and humility as their watchwords.

Bishop Nwokolo had while collating the ministers subjected them to various oaths of allegiance during which rites they pledged to be obedient to Christ and to the Church, confessing not being members of secret cults nor being of questionable moral character.

The twelve new Canons include: Rev Canon Emmanuel Eze, Rev Barr Oscar Akabuogu, Rev. Canon Chukwudi Okafor, Rev.Canon Onyeka Onuzulike, Rev Canon Onyebuchi Emefo, Rev Canon Chidi Okonkwu and Rev Canon Maxwell Njoku.

Others are: Rev Canon Robinson Oputa, Rev Canon Innocent Ohaeri, Rev Canon Ananyochukwu Igweaka, Rev Canon Achebe and Rev Canon Johnson Iwuamaeze.

The six newly collated Archdeacons are: Ven. Dr Sunday Achebe, Ven Dr Ebelechukwu Okonkwo, and Ven Benson Okafor.

Others include; Ven Dr Chukwudi Amasiatu, Ven Chukwudi J. B. Okafor and Ven Onyeka Onuzuruike.

LG ELECTION: ONITSHA SOUTH STAKEHOLDERS, MARKET CHAIRMAN, OTHERS ENDORSE ORJI FOR CONTINUITY

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Onitsha South Stakeholders, Industrialist, Market Chairmen, party faithfuls and well wishers on 12th Sept, endorsed the Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji for continuity.

Making the endorsement at the local government secretariat, Fegge during the flag off ceremony of morning campaign for the upcoming LG election.

They assessed Mr Orji’s performance over the past two years as Transition Committee (TC) Chairman and encouraged him to build on his achievements, identifying areas for further improvement if re-elected on September 28.

Okwudili Obinwanne, Chairman of the Fegge Landlords Association, noted that Mr. Orji has performed wonderfully well as Transition Committee Chairman. “He has done marvelously well on security and infrastructure. Onitsha was a den of robbers and dirt before now, but today it looks gorgeous.”

Regarding the opposition, he remarked, “In reality, there is no genuine opposition here. Those perceived as opposition are, in fact, well-wishers of Emeka, indirectly. While they may be misunderstood as opposition, they are not. Mr. Orji is a good market that sells itself”, he said.

An Industrialist, Chief Michael Okigbo described Orji as a civilized person who has spent many years abroad and his positive impact to the well-being of Onitsha residents and the environment is a welcome development.

He stated that Orji has done well both in security, assured that he would do better if elected and stated that he believes that onitsha would be more cleaner as it is.

The President of Onitsha Sports Club, Chief Olisa Okafor reiterated that Orji has done well which every residents of Onitsha and visitors can attest to.

“Emeka has been in London for years, he is a sportsman and we grew up together, somebody who has traveled a lot would like to attract some good things to his area to fit his lifestyle”.

He urged onitsha south constituents to vote for Chief Orji who has done marvelously as a transition committee chairman, wondering what would happen if duly elected.

The President General of Fegge Housing Estate, Chief Afam Udogalanya declared that Chief Orji acceptance by many people is as a result of his achievements as the TC chairman, who transformed fegge to what it is today.

The PG who is also the Onitsha South APGA Deputy Chairman noted that there is no fire service vehicle in Onitsha South, urged Chief Orji to make it his first priority if elected.

The Onitsha South Youth Leader who doubles as the Anambra North Senatorial Zone APGA Youth leader, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwanyanwu lauded Chief Orji for the development he has attracted in the area so far, stated that the youths are ready to garner more votes for him come Sept 28, LG election.

However, The Chairman, Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders, Association (ASMATA) Soludo Support Group, Chief Peter Okala lauded Governor Soludo for the massive developmental strides he has done in the state so far , urged the Igbos to follow him for his good leadership.

Speaking to Newsmen, the Market Chairman of Sokoto Road, Chief Emeka Mbachu stated that Chief Orji deserved the endorsement because of his good relationship with the traders.

He noted that the infrastructural developments Chief Orji has attracted so far in Onitsha South are enough for his continuity, stated that he would emerge winner for being tested and trusted.

In the same view, the Chairman of Haruna Market, Chief Emmanuel Idoko applauded Chief Orji for the project attracted so far in Onitsha South indicating that the area is the most benefitted LG in Governor Soludo’s led administration.

Others who assessed and endorsed Chief Orji were the President General of Bridge Head Market, Chief Chinedu Ezekweike, the Chairman of Ochanja Market, Chief Bonaventure Muo and other dignitaries.

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

ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT HANDS OVER CONSTRUCTION SITES TO CONTRACTORS

By Okoli Sunday :

Anambra State government has handed over sites for the construction of projects across the state.

The projects handed over included,

Construction of fences at Fun City Lot 2 by Arcon Global Engineering Ltd, construction of Additional Internal road in Solution Fun City, Awka by Ferotex Const. Ltd, the reclamation and control of flood and gully erosion projects at Upper Iweka along the Onitsha -Owerri Road by Strasbourg Investment Nig. Ltd.

Others were; construction of Nwokedi Street in Okpoko, Ogbaru LGA by Akaeze Multi Services Nig. Ltd, reconstruction of Oraifite Road to Onitsha -Owerri Expressway, Ekwusigo LGA.

Performing the hand over ceremony at the various construction sites, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ifeanyi Okoma said that the projects is part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s urban regeneration initiatives.

The commissioner who was represented by the Director of Maintenance Department, Mr Anthony Amobi said that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has an agenda with a timeline, and so the contractors should not joke with the completion period as well as the specifications in the contract.

At Oraifite, Ekwusigo LGA, the Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Highways and Engineering Services, Mr Nuel Okoye said that Governor Soludo is opening up every part of the state simultaneously.

He highlighted the significance of the road to Oraifite residents and environs and charged them to take full ownership of the road by giving the contractor a maximum cooperation so that they can achieve.

In their separate remarks, the MD, Arcon Global Engineering Ltd, Mr. Chidi Anuligo, the Project Manager, Ferotex Const. Ltd, mrt Olaolu Kings, the CEO Strasbourg Investment Nig. Ltd., Mr. Chijioke Afamefuna, and the MD of Akaeze Multi Services Nig Ltd, Mr Chinedu Okoye and the Managing Director, IDC Ltd, Maher Dib expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for awarding the contracts to their companies, they promised not to disappoint the confidence by working according to specifications and delivering on time.

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

SECOND PHASE OF 1 YOUTH 2 SKILLS PROGRAM KICKS OFF IN AYAMELUM

By Kelechi Achukwu-jide :

The second phase of the 1 Youth 2 Skills program themed, “Value Re-Orientation” has commenced in Ayamelum Local Government Area.

The Ayamelum LGA Chairman, Mr. Alphonsus Ofumelu, officially launched the program at the LGA Secretariat in Anaku.

The initiative, spearheaded by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, was supervised by the Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development, led by Commissioner Patrick Agha Mba.

The program aimed to empower youths after 4-6 months of training in their chosen skills, providing startup funds to establish their own businesses.

Ofumelu commended Gov. Soludo for his commitment to youth development, saying that the program will elevate Anambra State to new heights.

He encouraged participants to take the program seriously to transform their lives and positively impact on the society.

Osita Ozalagba, representing the Commissioner’s Office, cautioned trainees against misusing their attendance or missing classes, as this will lead to disqualification.

Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Mr Emma Ozuonye expressed heartfelt gratitude to the state government for the opportunity and promised that they will make the most of it, praying for God’s blessings on the Soludo-led administration.

Other people in attendance include the master trainers, Coordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria Ayamelum LGA Chapter, Peter Okwuobo, and Ohaneze Youth Coordinator, Mr Clement Nweke.

*Kelechi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: INSIGHTS FROM ANAMBRA AND LAGOS STATES

By Nwanodu Angela :

Africa’s digital future took center stage at the Hyperscalers Convergence Africa Conference, held at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. Top experts in technology and infrastructure development gathered to explore and shape regulatory frameworks that will propel the growth of digital infrastructure across the continent.

Among the distinguished panelists were the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Lagos State, Olatubosun Alake, and the Managing Director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, who shared insights from their respective states on the journey so far.

In his remarks, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata highlighted Anambra’s success story through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), particularly in digital infrastructure development.

He noted that Governor Charles Soludo’s initiative to waive Right of Way (RoW) charges was pivotal in attracting investors and enhancing ease of business, following the examples set by Lagos and Kaduna.

“Governor Soludo’s decision to waive RoW charges significantly boosted connectivity and economic growth in the state.

“Government is financially burdened, so we have focused on collaborating with local partners to connect our services.

“For the first time, we now have a civil service with access to the internet – another successful example of PPP in action,”Agbata noted.

He explained that a major component of the state’s digital transformation strategy has been leveraging partnerships with local businesses to foster digital access across government institutions.

Agbata maintained that such collaborations were critical for states, not just Anambra, as efficient resource management is key to meeting diverse governance priorities.

He emphasized that partnerships like this are instrumental in driving progress in critical areas such as digital infrastructure, as they distribute the burden of development and maintenance, making them an essential component of effective modern governance.

Olatubosun Alake, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, highlighted the importance of stakeholder consultation and advocacy, particularly when engaging the private sector.

He urged companies to establish their own codes of conduct to ensure smooth interactions with the government and legislative bodies, which play a critical role in reforms aimed at fostering ease of doing business.

“Ease of doing business is pivotal because it determines whether an investor will engage,” Alake said.

He also emphasized the importance of qualified personnel in civil service sectors and advocated for competitive pay packages to ensure optimal service delivery.

Other distinguished panelists included Dr. Ayotunde Coker, Chairman, Africa Data Centres Association; Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria; and Douglas Njenga, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Special Projects, WIOCC Group. The session was moderated by Sade Dada, Public Policy Manager for Anglophone West Africa at Meta.

The discussions underscored the importance of regulatory frameworks, partnerships, and targeted reforms in driving digital infrastructure development across Nigeria and the African continent.

ANAMBRA MONARCH URGES YOUTHS TO EMBRACE AGRICULTURE AS HE CELEBRATES NEW YAM FESTIVAL

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Traditional Ruler of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Igwe Pharmacist Alex Onyido has urged the youths to go into agriculture especially farming as a major means of fighting hunger in the land as obtainable in those days which sustained our grandfathers.

He made the urge during his 2024 new yam festival celebration held in his palace, adding that not only will farming fight hunger but will also keep the youths busy instead of roaming the streets in search of white collar job that is nowhere to be found.

He described newyam festival (Alo Mmuo), as an inheritance from our forefathers, stating that it is the reason the people give the forefathers the yam to eat first during the celebration as mark of honour before the people will eat it.

“The ancestors are saints like you have saints in the church. In the Igbo culture we have saints, Nwankwo, Nworie, Nweke, Nwafor, among others as you have saints, Cyprian, Peter, John, Philip, among others,” he stated.

He lamented that with the high cost of food items now and pump price of fuel, the only way out of the socio-economic and political quagmire is to embrace agriculture.

“The pump price of fuel now is #1250, a tuber of yam is about #5000, not to talk of other food items, we have teeming youths and they should go to farm now. The economic hardship is an ill wind that blows nobody good,” he stated.

He deplored that excessive taxation on imported goods has exacerbated the situation, emphasizing that essential items like pharmaceuticals should be exempt from high taxes.

“We still pay old tariffs, multiple taxation on importation of wares. A lot of things are happening at the ports, government should help out importers of these essential commodities,” he pleaded.

Highlight on the occasion was paying of homage to the monarch by his cabinet members, dance groups, town union branches, in-laws, friends and well wishers.

In return each person smiled home with a tuber of yam and fowl as the case may be as the monarch’s appreciation to participants during the celebration.

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

NNEWI NORTH CHAIRMANSHIP CANDIDATE, ANAZODO FELICITATES WITH TRAINEES OF 1 YOUTH 2 SKILLS PROGRAMME

By Enoch Izuegbunem/Chidubem Okoye :

The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Nnewi North Chairmanship, Mr. Echezona Anazodo, visited the Nnewi North Secretariat, to congratulate trainees of the second phase of the 1 Youth 2 Skills empowerment program.

The program, launched by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, aimed to equip over 10,000 youths across the state with various skills and provide seed capital of N2 billion.

In his address, Anazodo commended the trainees on their selection and urged them to acquire the necessary skills to succeed in life, thanking Gov. Soludo for the opportunity and pledged to consolidate on the initiative when elected into office.

“I am committed to ensuring the steady empowerment of Anambra youths, as envisioned by Gov. Soludo’s administration. I will build on this program to create a prosperous homeland for all.”

*Enoch and Chidubem are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State