Author: Okechukwu Onwuka

ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT COMMENCES STATE-WIDE DRAINAGE DESILTING CAMPAIGN

Clara Omuluzua Madubike | I-Witness News :

Anambra State Government, through the ministry of Environment has commenced state wide campaign against clogged water channels and other environmental practices that are inimical to good health.

Speaking to newsmen in his office, the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment Engr. Dr Felix Odimegwu stated that the ministry had released a statement to the general public on the 20th of February 2024 which mandated all Traditional rulers, PG’s, markets, motor parks, schools, estates, churches, abattoirs, shopping complexes and plazas to desilt and evacuate all silts and debris with immediate effect.

It is no longer news that Anambra state is a flood prone area according to Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). The 2024 seasonal rainfall prediction and annual flood outlook stated that Anambra will witness a massive flooding as this year’s rainy season sets in.

The Soludo led administration since it’s inception flagged off drainage desilting campaign tagged “operation keep your gutters clean” which is geared towards achieving a clean, green and sustainable Anambra”. It is being carried out in two phases (phases 1 and 2) every year as part of flood mitigation strategy. This year’s drainage desilting which started in major areas in Awka on the 24th of April, 2024 will move to other parts of the state.

Odimegwu said, “The year 2023 recorded reduced flooding and zero fatalities as a result of proactive deliberate intervention by the state government to desilt all major drainages, water ways, canals and gutters”

Moving forward, he stressed that it is enforcement time and the team will be acting in accordance with the public health law 2006 which mandates all public premises, occupants to keep their drainages free of encumbrances of silt and sand. He stated that those who do not comply will be arrested, stating that many establishments given abatement notice as a result of non-compliance were sealed and will be prosecuted accordingly.

The commissioner urged Ndi Anambra to do the needful by clearing all drainages, water ways, canals as the enforcement team are ever ready to prosecute all defaulters with severe penalty. The Environment is one of the five pillar agenda of the Soludo’s led administration and we are hell-bent on achieving the clean, green and sustainable environment where we can all live, work and enjoy life.

DUALIZATION OF AMAWBIA-AGULU-NANKA-EKWULOBIA-UGA ROADS

SOLUDO DOESN’T HATE JOURNALISTS; RESOURCES ARE SCARCE – Nwosu

Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu has advised journalists to see themselves as partners with government and play their roles responsibly, even as he stated that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR does not hate journalists but is constrained by available resources.

Reacting to the social media reports where the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu claimed that Governor Soludo is an enemy of journalists, Nwosu said he was taken aback by the report given that there was no provocation for the outburst.

“I have been a member of NUJ for over 35 years and more importantly, Dr Emeka Odogwu is my friend. So, if there were issues, I expect we would have discussed it but to the best of my knowledge, there was none. I am surprised he talked about subvention; that they applied for subvention to the government and it was rejected. Who does not know that we are living in austere times? The national economy is heavily reliant on the federal allocation that gets it’s own revenue through oil sales. Look at what has been happening to the oil market. The revenue has dropped and we are struggling here to see if we can ramp up our internally generated revenue. And for this reason, Mr Governor has decided to rationalize on everything we are doing so that he will be able to deliver on his mandate to ndị Anambra. I expect that an erudite colleague of mine like Emeka Odogwu would have understood this because this is something that the governor has continued to harp on; that for him to be able to deliver quality roads, provide employment and other social amenities, there has to be prudent financial managemement. Most leakages have to be blocked. Some people have to do with less of what they used to get. And I expect that members of the fourth estate of the realm who are partners of government should understand this. So, how come all of a sudden, subvention or no subvention has become an issue. Is it only their subvention that has been affected? There are other areas where government has to rationalize,” he said.

While expressing happiness that the NUJ Chairman acknowledged the fact that the Ministry of Health provided free medical care to journalists during their last press week, the Commissioner wondered why they didn’t see the Ministry of Health as part of Soludo’s Government. The Ministry of Health couldn’t have provided the free medical care without Governor Soludo’s approval.

According to Nwosu, the issue of invitation to the Governor’s two years in office is simply looking for an excuse to vent in this manner because everybody was invited. “The invitation was given to everybody including journalists. Otherwise, how was the event covered such that people all over the world got to know about it and the good works that Mr Governor has done? How come people knew about the second anniversary and the beautiful roads and other amenities, clean water supply and the rest of them that the governor has done if journalists didn’t cover it?” he asked.

On the issue of National Light, the Commissioner said that in view of the prevalent scarce resources government had to prioritize in order to be better cost efficient. That National Light was shut down does not mean that the staff were sent home empty handed. Yes, National Light was shut down for reasons that were given then. But the entire staff were absorbed into the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including my own Ministry of Information.

“Sometimes when people talk, I wonder whether they live with us in this Anambra State or they’re in the diaspora. What I’m trying to do is to correct the wrong impression. If he’s saying that the governor is not as forthcoming as those before him, he should also be able to see why it is not happening the way it used to happen before because the bread and butter or the manna does not fall the way it used to fall before. Resources are actually scarce and for any reasonable government, the right thing to do is to begin to rationalize and curb wastages in order to channel available resources to key areas that will benefit greater number of Ndi Anambra. Does this now mean that Soludo hates journalists? Mbanu! I think my Chairman over reacted.

“I can also tell you that between myself and the Press Secretary, Chris Aburime, we have attended a number of NUJ events since the inception of this administration two years ago. In fact, at one of the events, I delivered a paper. Those I couldn’t attend, the Press Secretary attended. Does Dr Odogwu think that we attended those events without the tacit approval of the Governor? “As a matter fact, it’s actually the Governor that delegates us to represent him at those events because they write to him directly and he minutes the letters to either myself, the Commissioner for Information, or the Press Secretary to go and represent him. So, where have we gone wrong? Where has Mr Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, gone wrong? Does that show a man who hates journalists?”

The Commissioner said that Soludo is not just a friend of the profession, he’s also been an active participant as newpapers’ guest columnist in the recent past and a social media commentator when the pressure of state assignments permit him.

FROM REFUSE DUMP TO WATER FOUNTAIN

Ochanja Roundabout, Onitsha:*

By Paul Nwosu :

For over 20 years, Ochanja Roundabout in Onitsha, Anambra State, known for hosting a mountain of refuse and animal carcasses, with deplorable roads like Ozomagala, Ochanja-Iweka, Menax and other adjoining roads abandoned for over 30 years have been a major source of worry and concern for residents, traders and commuters.

However, with the power of transformation which the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo often talks about, the area has been turned into an enchanting roundabout with a functional water fountain. That is transformation in practical term.

Governor Soludo has equally impacted the same Midas touch in many other areas of the state’s social infrastructure within the past two years.

Most significant are the labyrinth of solid roads, pipe-borne water with public taps and healthcare centres among others which he recently commissioned, mostly in parts of the State that have not seen such facilities since Nigeria became a sovereign country.

The transformation of Ochanja Roundabout has not only improved the aesthetics of the area, it has drastically revved up the quality of economic activities that go on in the environment and to a large extent guarantee good health for the residents, traders and passersby as against the previous nauseating stench that emanated from the mountain of refuse. The nerve-wracking traffic gridlock that was a regular nightmare for commuters has become a thing of the past. There is now a free and smooth flow of vehicular traffic conveying people and their goods, to and from the area.

“One good turn deserves another,” is a common refrain. It is therefore important that traders and residents of the area should take ownership of the transformation for it to be sustained.

Already, reports have it that some petty traders, particularly “ọkịrịka” sellers, immediately swooped on the just completed roundabout to display their wares while others, intrigued by the novelty have gone there to wash their limbs and different items.

This is unacceptable as the roundabout and water fountain is not meant for that. There is therefore need for residents and those trading around the area to ensure that no one, in whatever guise, should misuse or abuse the facility.

The roundabout and water fountain is meant to facilitate smooth traffic flow and beautify the place. It shouldn’t be used as public tap or extension of market stalls or to display wares.

OCHA Brigade has been directed to ensure compliance.

*PAUL NWOSU*

Commissioner for Information

ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT DENOUNCES STORY OF ABDUCTION AND RAPE IN UKWULU

The Anambra State Government has debunked a recent, trending story of abduction and rape that allegedly occurred in Ukwulu, a town in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state.

In recent times, the state government has observed that certain individuals, motivated by political agendas, have persisted in spreading false and baseless stories in an attempt to undermine the peace and security enjoyed by Ndi Anambra and residents of our state.

The trending story, which surfaced on various online platforms demanding the attention of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR, was found to be another concocted narrative, void of credibility and substance and mischievously circulated to paint a scenario of insecurity within our peaceful state.

The supposed female victim of the abduction, in her unsigned and poorly articulated tale, claimed to have been kidnapped alongside her husband and housemaid by Fulani herders near Abba Junction in Ukwulu community, where they were purportedly taken into the bush and endured days of heinous acts before being released upon payment of ransom.

However, the traditional ruler of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Anukwu Uyanwa, has unequivocally denounced the story of abduction and rape as patently false. He said that nothing of such happened in his community.

Also, the Anambra State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, has confirmed that no such incident of abduction and rape has been reported or verified.

Thus, the absence of a credible source and the denial from the traditional ruler of Ukwulu and state police command strongly indicate the malicious intent behind this fabricated story. It is evident that faceless individuals, driven by ulterior motives, have engaged in a false alarm to tarnish the image of our state and create unwarranted fear among our people.

Anambra State, under the vigilant leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Ndi Anambra, residents and visitors alike.

The Governor urges the public to disregard the rampant fake news and baseless allegations by remaining vigilant against attempts to sow fear of insecurity within the state.

The government also encourages the public to rely on verified sources of information and refrain from spreading unverified claims that may destabilise our society.

To report security related matters and convey security information at any time, the public is encouraged to reach security agencies in the state through any of the following lines: 07039194332, 08039334002 and 07039896429.

All organs of the state government remain resolute in the commitment to uphold the rule of law and foster a peaceful, secure and prosperous environment for Ndi Anambra and all residents of the state.

Signed:

*Christian Aburime*

Press Secretary to the Governor

April 23, 2024

ANAMBRA WOMEN TECH MAKERS ONITSHA CELEBRATES WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY

By Chikaodili Obinwa :

The Anambra State Government in conjunction with Women Tech Makers Onitsha has organized a programme aimed at celebrating the accomplishments of women in technology and advocating for increased female participation in the tech sector.

The event was sponsored by Google Developer Group at Nicholla Hotel and Suites, Onitsha.

The Women Techmakers Onitsha event served as a platform to celebrate women’s contributions to technology, foster collaboration, and inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in the tech industry.

Ms. Chinwe Okoli, the Special Adviser (SA) to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the theme “Impact the Future.”

She emphasized that International Women’s Day is not merely a celebration of women who have already made significant strides in various sectors, especially in technology, but a call to action for women to actively shape the world.

Ms. Okoli spoke about the rapid advancement of technology and the disruptive force of AI, urging women to play a pivotal role in leveraging these innovations to create impactful solutions, stressing that technology is too crucial to be monopolized by one gender and highlighted the unique perspectives and contributions that women bring to the design and development of technologies.

She also highlighted the tech vision of Mr. Governor, Prof. Soludo, for Anambra State, emphasizing his commitment to digital empowerment and innovation.

She lauded the establishment of the Solution Innovation District (SID) in Awka as a significant step toward providing free tech training, equipping participants with globally relevant skills, and fostering economic opportunities for thousands of Ndi Anambra.

The SA commended the governor’s proactive approach to digital transformation, envisioning a digitally self-sufficient Anambra that is globally competitive.

In recognition of her efforts and contributions to women’s digital development in the state, she was awarded the Anambra State Tech Woman of the Year Award, a testament of all her amazing works and efforts to push the vision of Mr. Governor, in ensuring that Anambra State becomes the next Silicon Valley of the East.

Engr. Happiness Akabuike, the event’s host, reiterated the core mission of the Women Techmakers Onitsha event; recognizing women’s achievements in the tech industry and promoting greater female participation.

She emphasized the transformative power of technology in transcending geographical barriers through remote work.

Notable dignitaries present in the event includes Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Ify Obinabo, and Mrs. Chinwe Achugbu, Permanent Secretary of Anambra State.

*Chikaodili is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA GOVT HANDS OVER SITE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROAD INTO AWKA WASTE DUMP SITE

By Sunday Okoli :

The Anambra State Government has handed over site for the construction of access road into the Awka Waste Dump Site.

Performing the handover ceremony at Agu Awka, Awka South LGA, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma said that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo has graciously awarded the contract for the construction of access road into the Awka dump site to IIC Construction Ltd with a completion period of five months.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Highways Department Engr. Noel Okoye said that the handover event signified the commencement of construction works.

He charged the contractor to take full ownership of the project by ensuring that the works is done within the time frame and according to specifications.

Responding, the Director of IIC Construction Ltd, Engr. Chukwudi Chikeluba thanked the State Governor, Prof. Soludo for entrusting them with such huge responsibility, saying that the company would deliver as scheduled and according to specifications.

*Sunday is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SOUL CITY ESTATE: ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT CALLS ON DIASPORA TO INVEST IN THE STATE

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji has called on Anambra’s illustrious sons and daughters in The Diaspora to come home and invest, noting that the State is safe and has good road networks.

“Anambra State in the whole of Southeast is ranked the number one in the ease of doing business and our Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has built a lot of roads across the state which will expedite tourism in the state.”

The commissioner said this during the unveiling of the Soul City Obosi Project, at a business dinner held at the Hilton Leisure Hotel and Suites, Regina Ceali, Awka.

He noted that the design of the Soul City Obosi project is superb and in a good location at the base of the second Niger Bridge.

“Everything expected to be done for a safe investment by the public has been done and investors are safe to invest.”

He pledged government’s readiness to support investors to enjoy their investment in any part of the state, noting that Mr. Governor is on the right track and more things are coming.

The founder, Soul City Estate, Mr. Nnamdi Nwokoye said that the project is a dream come through which will make Anambra State great.

“Soul City, Smart City is a tourism area which will have a mini zoo, schools, hotels, hospitals, residential, amusement parks, others and will be second to none in Nigeria.

“Our investors from Europe and America will be here soon. Hon. Commissioner, I assure you that as this is starting in your time, it is going to be completed in your time too. We will continue to wish for your support for the project.”

He, then, thanked the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism for the support rendered to him in ensuring the project undergoes due process.

In a presentation on the benefits of Real Estate Investment, Dr. Tony Mbeke said that Real Estate is a life investment that does not depreciate with time and Soul City Estate is a real wonderland in a great location.

“Soul City is a place to invest your money for the organizers are reliable and the location where it is located is in a good site where everyone would want to be. Invest in land purchase because it is a seed you should sow today for your future and the unborn,” he said.

He warned the public to be mindful of where they invest their hard-earned money as regards the purchase of land.

One of the investors in Soul City Estate Obosi, Chief Arthur Nworah said that it is good to invest in Soul City.

A cultural Dance performance by the Anambra State Troupes and a Music presentation by an upcoming artist ‘Apete’ formed the high point of the event.

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

IDEMILI SOUTH CHAIRMAN DEBUNKS VIRAL NEWS ABOUT OBIAJA BRIDGE PROJECT NNOBI – IDEANI ROAD, SAYS CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS NOT SUBSTANDARD

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The Idemili South LGA,Chairman, Mrs. Amaka Obi has debunked a viral news/video awash the social media, claiming that the Anambra State Contractor handling the Obiaja Nnobi Bridge project along Nnobi – Ideani Road was using substandard materials.

Mrs Amaka who spoke during an on the spot check at the Nnobi Obiaja bridge project site condemned the activities of detractors who were bent on castigating the good works of Governor Chukwuma Soludo who has brought laudable solutions to the myriad of challenges facing every sector of the state just within two years in office.

According to Mrs Obi, the decision to come here again was followed by the news of a viral video in the social media talking about the use of substandard materials by the contractor handling the project and slow work pace but we have confirmed that the report is not true.

“What I met on ground and what I heard from the site supervisor are totally different from what is in the social media.

” Infact, I am proud to be part of the solution team. This is not just about party but governance, let us join hands and support Soludo because he is performing well.

“People should desist from tarnishing the image of the Soludo led administration in the name of opposition. Do not believe everything you see or hear on the social media they are all rumors and false. Many are spreading fake, false and unfounded news to gain cheap popularity.

“We know the difficulties usually encountered at this terrain especially during rainy season. Sometimes this spot was almost impassable and dangerous to motorists that is why Prof Soludo heard about our plight and came for rescue just as he had undertaking many other projects to alleviate sufferings of road users.

She maintained that the work is of good quality and standard and will last for years, adding that the project will benefit the upcoming generation on completion and also urged the contractor to ensure timely delivery.

Earlier, the site supervisor, Mr Davison Okoli, said that they were committed to the project and were making use of standard materials for the bridge construction, saying that the project will be completed in few weeks according to stipulated schedule.

Part of the LG Chairman’s inspection team include the members of Solution Women Movement(SWM) and Women Initiative for Greater Anambra (WIGA).

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

ACTDA DISLODGES ILLICIT DRUG HUB IN AWKA

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) enforcement team in collaboration with Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG) has on April 4, took a decisive action to dislodge illegal occupants from an uncompleted building at Amawbia Express intended for use as a hotel due to concerns over threats and nuisances to the surrounding environment.

Prompted by a surge in drugs peddling and other illicit enterprises within the environment, officials of the two combined teams acted swiftly to dislodge approximately 300 individuals hailing from Kano, Taraba, Kogi, Adamawa and various other states, who had unlawfully occupied the structure.

Addressing Journalists in Amawbia, Anambra State, the Commander of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Mr. Ugochukwu Nwimo, said that there are urgent need for intervention, citing rampant illegal enterprises and public nuisance perpetrated by the occupants.

Nwimo, who said that there was prior warnings and 14 days eviction notice to the illegal occupants of the structure, they persisted in their nefarious activities, hence, a comprehensive response from authorities.

Speaking on the need to maintain law and order in the capital city, Mr Nwimo said that contact with the owner of the building showed his lack of knowledge regarding the unauthorized tenants, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

In his words, “Efforts are underway to ensure the safety and well-being of children and women found in the premises. while measures are being taken to prevent similar situations in the future” he said.

When inquired by the newsmen on the arrangement of the occupants of the uncompleted building, a private security man from Adamawa State, Muhammed Garba who oversees the premises, clarified that the owner of the building had no knowledge of the illegal occupants.

Garba, who said that he accommodated them based on brotherhood and tribal affection, acknowledged that there was nefarious activities ongoing within and around the area, but insisted he has never been part of such act, nor has any arrangement whatsoever in constituting public nuisance.

Residents who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, expressed gratitude for ACTDA’s intervention, applauding the restoration of order and the eradication of the criminal hub.

They unanimously acknowledged the persistent security and social challenges posed by the presence of those occupants and welcomed the decisive action taken by authorities to restore sanity to the state.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State