Author: Okechukwu Onwuka

MAYOR SOLICITS PRAYERS TO SUSTAINING SOLUTION THAT HAS COME

By David Okpala/Stella Okpala :

The Chairman, Aguata Local Government Area, Dr Chibueze Ofobuike has called on Ndi Anambra to pray without season for Anambra State Government, to sustaining solution to problems already available.

He said this in a thank you gathering of All Progressive Grand Alliance(APGA) faithful at Aguata Council Field on December 8.

The Chairman said, “Solution has come indeed, all we needed to do is to give support to sustaining it.

“Ekwulobia Roundabout Flyover is at finishing touches. It will not be long driving from Ekwulobia to Awka will be achieved in 15 minutes.

“The problems of Ekwulobia Roundabout traffic congestion has been solved. Road dualization, construction and other infrastructure deficits are being fixed across Anambra State.

“Health system, education system, agriculture, economic system are all smiling, little wonder APGA is swallowing other parties in the state, of course opposition parties have nothing to campaign with.

“Pregnant woman that went to hospital to deliver, even with cesarean surgery without cost will not vote for other person but the person and party that made it possible. Same applicable to an indigent widow who is no longer bothering about school fees of her children.

According to him, Soludo is indeed solution. Let us work toward supporting his programmes and policies through prayers, obedience and other logistics for better and greater Anambra State.

“We have gathered here to thank ourselves for working together faithfully, which led to our victory at the poles on September 28, 2024.

“It could not have been possible if efforts were not collective. So, thank you as you keep on being faithful to our great party.

“The joy of being a political party member is in winning elections and not betrayal for personal pockets.”

The Special Adviser to Governor on Parks and Markets, Mr Everestus Ubah said, “APGA is stronger than ever now, which is connected to National Leader, Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s superlative performance in governance.

He applauded recent Supreme Court judgment that affirmed Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, National Chairman APGA.

He described the judgment as victory to democracy, strength to APGA and road to cruise into victory come 2025 Guber Election in Anambra State.

However, he identified the fight as an inn house fight that does not take away anybody’s identity from him or her.

“APGA is a political organization far beyond ordinary political party. It is a movement of brotherhood. We are together (Iwe nwanne adighi eru n’okpukpu).”

The occasion featured turn out of APGA faithful from nooks and crannies of Aguata Local Government Area and Anambra State at large.

*David and Stella are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

ONITSHA NORTH MAYOR APPLAUDS GOVERNOR SOLUDO FOR STRATEGIC ROAD PROJECTS

By Chioma Nwankwo/Claribel Udah/Chika Obi :

The Mayor of Onitsha North LGA, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, has commended Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for awarding key road construction projects in Onitsha North.

Among the notable projects are the Trans-Nkisi Boulevard 1 road in GRA, seven major roads in the Omagba Community, and the reconstruction of the New Market Road, all with specific timelines for completion.

Speaking on the development, Mayor Nwora described Gov. Soludo’s administration as a transformative force for Anambra State, praising its commitment to infrastructure development and improved living conditions for residents.

“The ongoing road projects are critical for the residents of Onitsha North and will significantly contribute to the economic growth of the state upon completion,” Nwora noted.

The mayor reaffirmed his support for the governor’s vision of creating a livable, clean, and prosperous Anambra.

He also pledged the unwavering backing of Onitsha North’s electorate for Gov. Soludo’s administration ahead of the 2025 elections.

Mayor Nwora urged residents to cooperate with contractors to ensure the successful and timely delivery of the projects, which he believed will enhance connectivity and boost local development.

*The officers of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMENDS TRADERS AS 2024 ANAMBRA TRADERS SPORTS COMPETITION ENDS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Anambra State Government has expressed satisfaction with the successful conclusion of the 2024 Traders Sports Competition, applauding its organization and goal of uniting traders.

Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, commended the competition’s progression from preliminary to final stages, culminating in the final soccer tournament between Bridgehead market and Oraeri FC at the City Sports Stadium, Awka.

Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi extolled the competitive final match between Bridgehead and Oraeri FC, emphasizing that unity is key. He highlighted Governor Soludo’s achievements in security, road networks, human capital development, and governance. Ezeajughi also commended the state’s recreational facilities, urging Ndi Anambra to support the governor’s agenda of unity and progress.

The ASMATA PG, Chief Humphrey Anuna, while expressing satisfaction with the successful end of the tournament, urged the traders to continue to support the governor for his infrastructural development of the state.

The Chairman of Iron Rod Dealers Atani, Ogbaru Local Government, Mr Evaristus Ejezie, commended Governor Soludo for bringing the traders together through the sports competition and commended the Special Adviser on Trade and Market, Chief Evaristus Uba and ASMATA PG, Chief Humphrey Anuna for their efforts towards the good of the traders in the State.

The Chairman of New Auto Spare Parts market, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Obiora Stephen Oforle appreciated the governor for being the best so far, stating that there is a lot of improvement on the side of the Sports commission based on the arrangements, prices which were doubled.

Mr Onyedika Chjioke , Staff of Anambra State Sports Development Commission, who is also the Chairman of the Security, Venue, Facility Sub Committee thanked the governor for bringing out this wonderful initiative, integrating traders and telling them that it is not only “Izu Ahia, that all work and no play make Jack a dull boy”

Highlight of the occasion was presentation of prizes to winners of both the indoor and outdoor games and Bridge head market lifted the soccer trophy having defeated Oraeri Football club 4-0, Oraeri took 2nd position while Ogbunike Building Materials market won 3rd position.

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

COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION VISITS 1YOUTH 2 SKILLS TV STUDIO

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has visited 1 Youth 2 Skills TV media facility established for dissemination of information about Mr. Governor’s youth program in the state.

Dr. Mefor on arrival at the Ministry of Youth Development Complex, said that he was appointed the commissioner for Information, three months ago, adding that the first thing he did was to visit the media establishment in the state.

He emphasized the need to change the narrative of reportage in the state, saying that it is easy to market a good product as Mr. Governor has done so well without borrowing money in the last 32 months.

He further said that since his appointment in his office, he has introduced a number of programs targeting effective external and internal communication, adding that he introduced a program ‘Ask the commissioner on Thursdays every week as well as Take the Heads of the Department’ to radio station to discuss the essence and achievements of the state government in the state.

He pointed out that the solution weekly bulletin which is between 12 to 15 pages that comes out every Fridays was also introduced and sent out through Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media handles.

The Information commissioner explained that it is necessary to get feedback from the audience to know what they want, expressing the need to modernize town caries which he called Community based communication.

Dr. Mefor said that he promotes 1 Youth 2 Skills program to the public in over 100 interviews he granted, that he always put it as one of the top six achievements of Mr. Governor’ administration, adding that 50 percent of Ndi Anambra are not tv cultured but radio listeners which will go a long way, reaching the people in the rural areas instead of newspapers, social media and tv.

He advised the youth of the state to participate in the ongoing 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution program to help in reducing crime and youth restiveness in the state, calling them to take ownership of their state in order to have good security services to avoid killing and kidnapping in the state.

*Ifeoma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

YULETIDE: IDEMILI NORTH CHAIRMAN BEAUTIFIES NKPOR ROUNDABOUT, EXPRESS FLYOVER

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The Executive Chairman, Idemili North Local Government Area (INLGA), Chief Stanley Nkwoka has embarked on beautification projects at the Enugu/Onitsha Expressway- Flyover Nkpor and Nkpor Junction roundabout in preparation of the yuletide season.

The project began with environmental sanitation, excavation of loose sands, and will be followed by painting the flyover’s brick railings. During his inspection, Nkwoka urged the environment committee to engage more labourers and a tipper driver to speed up the process.

He also addressed market leaders at the Oduigbo section of Nkpor Main Market, warning against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainages. To tackle this issue, he set up a taskforce team to monitor and arrest offenders, ensuring the market area remains clean and free of traffic congestion.

Nkwoka urged shopping plaza leaders around the flyover to clear drainages by Thursday to avoid penalties. He also directed the INLGA Supervisory Councillor Works to rehabilitate the Nkpor Junction roundabout’s dilapidated concrete pavements.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, stating that the project’s progress demonstrates the governor’s commitment to grassroots governance.

To ease traffic congestion, Nkwoka instructed food traders near the Nkpor Main Market to relocate to the Oduigbo section, stressing that night traders at Nkpor Junction will also be relocated to a prepared section of the Nkpor Main park, equipped with search lights for security and night market activities.

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

ANAOCHA MAYOR REITERATES COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH HIV

By Chidimma Okoye :

The Mayor of Anaocha LGA Mr. Rome Ibekwe has reaffirmed his commitment in supporting persons living with HIV/AIDS in the communities of Anaocha.

In his statement to commemorate world AIDS day, Ibekwe said that the event was aimed at spreading awareness about the status of the pandemic and encouraging progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care around the world.

He called on leaders globally to protect the human rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS in line with this year’s theme of “Take the right path: My Health, My Right”.

Ibekwe noted that the commemoration is a clarion call for all hands to be on deck in the fight against HIV/AIDS virus, to ensure a drastic reduction in key statistics. “Let us work together to have a society where everybody will have access to needed care and support irrespective of their HIV status,” he said.

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

ANAOCHA MAYOR OFFERS SUPPORT TO SICKLE CELL ORPHANS

By Chidimma Okoye / Ngozi Nnajiofor :

The Mayor of Anaocha LGA, Mr. Rome Ibekwe, has extended humanitarian services to the Sickle Cell Orphanage home in Agulu.

He donated essential items such as food, provisions, and toiletries to bring joy to the children during the yuletide season. Mr. Ibekwe emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and supporting those in need.

The Proprietor of Sickle Cell Orphanage Home, Agulu, Mrs. Aisha Edward, thanked Mr. Ibekwe for his kindness, revealing that he has been a consistent supporter of the orphanage, providing monthly financial aid. She applauded the reintroduction of skill acquisition training in the LGA, citing its potential to empower Anaocha youths, making them self-reliant and valuable to society.

Mrs. Edward presented handmade crafts by the Sickle Cell orphans to Mr. Ibekwe and requested that he consider including the trained children in his empowerment programs.

* Okoye and Nnajiofor are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

NKWOKA INAUGURATES HEALTH EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM AT IDEMILI NORTH

By Uzo Ugwunze/Amaka Iloanya/ Onyinye Okechukwu :

The Idemili North Local Government Area (INLGA) Executive Chairman, Chief Stanley Nkwoka has inaugurated a Special Health Emergency Response Team that will be on call throughout the Christmas yuletide and beyond to offer first aid and assist accident victims.

Nkwoka emphasized that the Christmas period is prone to accidents due to increased activity, vehicle traffic, and human movement. He commended the health response initiative as timely and necessary to save lives. “This initiative is excellent. We’ll provide first aid and interventions to help accident victims, and in emergencies, please call the emergency toll-free numbers instead of taking pictures or videos – every life matters.”

The INLGA Supervisory Councillor for Health, Dr. Nkem Okeke emphasized the importance of proactive healthcare measures, especially during the yuletide season when accidents and domestic incidents tend to increase. To address this, they’ve established an Emergency Response Team, modeled after the state-level initiative launched by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

She explained that the Mayor has pledged to support the team with an ambulance, first aid equipment, medications, and stipends for health staff, saying that the team’s prompt intervention can significantly improve survival rates, and their primary healthcare centers, general hospital, and teaching hospital will be available to attend to victims.

The Chairman, Health committee INLGA, Nze Azubike Anowai thanked the Idemili North Chairman for accepting to sponsor the emergency response team initiative, urging people to support him and Governor Soludo for the good works, projects and programs carried out around the LGA and Anambra State.

* Ugwunze, Iloanya and Okechukwu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ANAMBRA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PASSES TRADITIONAL RULERS’ AMENDMENT BILL NO. 2, 2024

By Chizoba Okeke :

A bill for a law to further amend the Traditional Rulers’ Law, 2007, has been passed into law by the Anambra State House of Assembly. This came into effect, following a motion moved by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Jude Akpua during a plenary session.

The Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze who presided the plenary read out the bill second and third time before it’s passage and it will come into force by December 20, 2024 after being accented to by the governor. The amended law establishes the State’s Traditional Rulers Council, which will be constituted through government recognition and selection by the Governor. The council will ensure equal representation from the state’s three senatorial zones.

It also reveals that the governor shall appoint a chairman from among the council members on a rotational basis, serving a three-year term, with a possible one-year extension under exceptional circumstances. Additionally, there will be three vice-chairmen, one from each senatorial zone, serving as zonal council chairmen for a single three-year term.

In his submissions, the Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Njikoka Constituency Two, Dr Jude Akpua, said the bill will strengthen the traditional rulers council of the state thereby working effectively and efficiently with the state government.

Supporting the bill, the member representing Anaocha Constituency Two, Sir Ejike Okechukwu says it centres on re-establishing, widening and broadening Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.

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

SOLUDO’S 1 YOUTH 2 SKILLS INSPIRED OBOSI 1 HOUSEHOLD 2 SKILLS INITIATIVE SAYS PG—AS OBOSI DEVELOPMENT UNION GRADUATES 300 TRAINEES

By Uzo Ugwunze :

About 300 trainees have graduated from the first batch of the Obosi Skills Acquisition, Empowerment and Palliatives (OBISEP) Pilot Phase One project initiated by the Obosi Development Union(ODU).

Addressing newsmen during an event at Obosi Town Hall, Idemili North LGA,

President General of Obosi Development Union, Ambassador Chimezie Obi, described the occasion as a graduation ceremony for 300 trainees of the OBISEP project’s “One Household Two Skills” initiative. The project, initiated by the ODU Skills Acquisition Empowerment and Palliative Committee, aimed to equip participants with 31 different skills, bringing Governor Soludo’s state-level initiatives to the grassroots.

Obi emphasized the need for financial support, as the organization lacks funds to provide startup kits or capital. He appealed to individuals, organizations, corporate bodies, and the Anambra State Government for assistance, noting that the Commissioner for Youths had promised to communicate with the Governor to explore possible support.

In his welcome address, Chairman of ODU Skills Acquisition Empowerment and Palliatives Committee, Worldwide

Comrade Chisom T. Onugha, , emphasized that the “Obosi 1 Household 2 Skills” programme aims to bring the benefits of the “One Youth 2 Skills” initiative to various households, ensuring its positive impacts are felt by families.

Mr Onugha while commending Governor Soludo on the ‘1 Youth 2 Skills’ initiatives urged other communities to emulate the “1 Household 2 Skills” initiative as a grassroot model for even and faster human and community development. He equally pleaded with Governor Soludo to support these communities who wish to take up these projects financially.

Commissioner for Youths Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, expressed gratitude to ODU for focusing on youth enterprise development. He noted that the program’s timing aligns with the Anambra State Government’s efforts to form partnerships that empower the state’s youths. He emphasised that the state government cannot drive development alone, hence the need for Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP). The Obosi Community’s response to the Governor’s call for support is a welcome step, as over 98% of the state’s resources are in individual hands.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Major Gen. Emeka Maduegbunam (rtd)

represented by Mr. Chinedum Iweka, applauded the initiative as a wonderful opportunity to steer youths away from crime and equip them with vocational skills that benefit both individuals and society. He encouraged indigent youths to take the training seriously, emphasizing its numerous benefits, and appreciated the state government’s support for Obosi people.

A beneficiary who graduated from the initiative under Poultry and Fish farming , Mrs Uche Okonkwo said that she and her family will ever remain grateful to ODU and the sponsors of the project saying that the knowledge she acquired from her Master Trainer, Edwin Obi of Edy Farm has empowered her for life.

Some of the skills for training included ;Industrial house wiring, cosmetology, catering and confectioneries, fashion designing, veterinary, and poultry, fish farming, computer technology, plumbing, beauty care, solar and CCTV installations among others.

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