A member of the House of Representatives representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Mr Uchenna Harris Okonkwo has commissioned Idemili South constituency office and also held a town hall meeting at Ndiabor Union Civic Centre, Ojoto, Idemili South LGA, Anambra State.
Commissioning the centre which is a liaison office for the constituents in the LGA, the lawmaker said that it will fasten aid to the constituents who needed help of any kind or complaints.
“It is also a place for easy contact on any issue from the constituents and by tomorrow, we shall have a town hall meeting at Paradise regained hotel, Ogidi,”for Idemili North constituents.
During the town hall meeting, the lawmaker said it would be a yearly gathering especially on Easter period to enable the people have physical interaction with their representative.
“We will also be having our regular periodic physical meetings and zoom meetings as means of contact and interaction. The town hall meeting is an opportunity to express feelings,” Okonkwo said.
He expressed satisfaction with the turn up of the constituents, adding that his interest is to better their w
elfare even as he has started solar light installation to some markets and hopes to install it in all markets.
In a vote of thanks, the President General of Nnokwa community, Chief Joe Anyika commended the lawmaker for having the interest of the people at heart and urged him not to relent.
Earlier, the traditional ruler of Ojoto,
Igwe Gerald Mbamalu described the town hall meeting as a necessity for questions and interactions with the representative especially on funds for projects which according to him money was allocated for such projects.
Highlight of the occasion was presentation of award to the lawmaker by the Association of Music and Film Producers and Marketers of Nigeria, (AMUFPMAN,) led by Evangelist Markinson Justice Nwasike, National chairman, flanked by secretary, Comrade Otimkpu Paul .
Presenting the award, the chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Cosmas Ubaoha, who was also flanked by a chieftain of the association, comrade Damian Ogudike, expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the lawmaker few months in office.
* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Founder and CEO Queen-Tovah Cares Foundation International, Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka-Menuba, nee Oliobi has received a Professorship Award from Crown Prince Ministerial College of Bishops Inc. Nigeria having satisfactorily completed the approval course of studies in Mission Development.
The Princess is married to Rtd Air commodore Ify Udoka Menuba from Oguluwa kindred, Adabebe village, Amawbia, and is the only sister of HRM, Igwe Maximus Ikechukwu Oliobi, Owelle of Nimo (Ezeoranyelu I).
She was also installed as the Crown Matron of the great College in recognition of her selfless and humanitarian services in her ministerial call/service on earth, having distinguished herself in the service to the nation and mankind.
The event, which took place during the Conference at the Divine Salvation Solution Ministry, Amawbia near Kabe junction on March 30, was well attended by friends and lovers of the Princess including the Nze na Ozo title holders, Eziokwubundu Women group, Oguluwa kindred Adabebe, Precious Widows Association Anambra (PWAA) and her sisters from Nimo (Umuada Nimo) married into Amawbia.
Speaking on the theme of the conference “Behold The Lord Comes”, the Founder, Crown Prince College of Bishops/Apostles, Archbishop Moses Chinedum Ezeh (JPH), said that the open statement stands tall over demonic vices against humanities.
He urged the present generation to return to their Master and Creator of all the living, saying that the choice is in their hands to choose whom to worship, knowing that the end is at hand.
Archbishop Ezeh, while advocating the Lord’s immenient returns to this earth with our true rewards, enjoined all to celebrate the Lord Almighty whose power/wisdom is in total control of our existence through Jesus Christ, Master of human salvation.
According to him, the Church’s Motto: Jesus Christ is our Savior, has the mission to rise to correct, direct, supervise and to empower the churches along with our sacrifices at large.
“The church whose aim is to save the lost soul in this end time is non-denominational and inter denominational and as such, needs men who are saints to the very calling of God to enable the very Gospel to be preached without fear in this generation.
As the son of the soil, he admonished Ndi Amawbia and christians at large to settle matters amicably through the elders than dragging their own to court.
Celebrating Princess Udoka-Menuba, the Archbishop described her as a hardworking and great woman with a difference, whom they love so dearly with passion and everything.
Commending her good works, he said that she merited the awards. She is helpful, caring, being there for men, women, children, youth, communities, cities and countries.
“I lack adjective to qualify her, no one can disqualify her not even the power of lucifer because her good generous works are not ordinary and I pray God to give her long healthy life to reap the rewards for her labour.
“With our hearts full of gratitude for all the gestures and good works, the College of Bishops are offering her two Awards: Mother of our great College and Professorship Award for her good works to continue, to motivate her to continue doing good so that others will learn to be good.
“She is not the only one, but very outstanding.”
Receiving the Awards on behalf of the Princess, Mrs Uju Izuakor, Founder and President, Precious Widows Association Anambra, thanked the College and all present for the honour, noting that the honours are well deserved.
She described the Princess as a woman filled with human kindness, an action, visionary woman cum Evangelist, touching humanity with her Foundation – Queen-Tovah Cares International.
Mrs Izuakor prayed that God will use the potentials deposited in the Princess to carry the College along, noting that God raised the Princess to help humanity especially the less privileged, downtrodden, widows/widowers, indigents and the homeless.
In an interview shortly after the Service, Barr. Mike Okoye, member Board of Trustees and the Southeast Coordinator said,”Actually, the event shows the connection between giving and spirituality because you can actually have but you cannot give.
“We’ve seen people like that but the Princess is someone who gives from the heart. When you check her qualifications and accolades, you find out that she is equally an Evangelist, showing that her purpose is driven with spirituality.
“So, this College of Bishops, having accorded her with these recognitions, is in line with what she has been doing and we actually thank the church, the body of Christ for according her that recognitions, praying that she continues to do more”.
Also in an interview, Nze Emeka Onuorah extolled the Princess for her magnanimity which won her many awards and recognitions.
He said that the Princess is a great woman achiever, an icon and epitome of excellence. Her philanthropy and legacies resonate across the globe, infact, she deserved more feathers and accolades.
Others expressed joy and wished the Princess long healthy life, more grace and wisdom to continue doing good.
*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
By Juliana Nwachukwu/Ogochukwu Mokwugwo/Onyinye Okechukwu :
The residents of Onitsha, Anambra State, have dismissed as false and unfounded, the allegation making the round in some quarters and social media that the second rain has washed off the Menax/Upper Iweka road Project.
It was alleged that the project being constructed by Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is sub-standard and as such that the governor has failed in his pledge to provide quality roads to the masses.
Denying the allegation, the residents and the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okeoma contended that the video allegation was an affront to throw spanners into the good works of the state government, adding that nothing of the sort ever happened.
“Everyone of us is here on this road and you can see that nothing happened at all. We actually saw the video last night and first thing this morning, we came here to find out that nothing like that happened as you can see for yourself.
“The contractor worked on Sunday and closed for the day and he stopped at a small portion that is about one foot and there was a heavy down pour and the base was blocked and that point is about one foot that got washed off.
“As you can see that we are all standing on the stone base material that was primed so we are shocked at that mischievous video sponsored by the opposition to throw spanners into the good works of the state government and as you can see work is in progress,” he said.
The Manager of Zodic Construction Company, Mr Mark Chu contended, “We only have about one foot left of the entire Moore- Upper Iweka Road Project Ochanja and we are still working and we have continued from where we stopped.
“We want to reiterate that our company is providing Anambra State good quality and durable road infrastructure and we cannot be distracted by mischief makers and the public should disregard those false stories”.
The Caretaker Committee Chairman, Fegge Landlords Association, Mr Okwudili Obinwanne described the viral video as capital lie, adding that they are residents of the area and witnessed the heavy down pour yesterday insisting that nothing happened.
“We find it difficult to believe that someone in his right frame of mind would go to the extent of blackmailing the governor with such falsehood.
“You the Journalists are here to see for yourself and make on the spot investigation into what happened and from what you have seen so far you can attest that this is the handwork of mischief makers and we the residents of this area wish to warn that we will not tolerate such misinformation of the general public by renegades,” he said.
The Moore – Upper Iweka Road Project is 2.3 km and so far according to the contractor, up to 1. 7 km of the project has been done.
Mr. Chu further noted that the Ochanja road project is currently having a water fountain at the roundabout which used to be a mountain of refuse dump in the past before contract was awarded to them .
“The project apart from the water fountain would also have street lights with wide water drainage system which empties at a larger canal in order to protect the road and the market from flooding and protecting the goods being owned by traders.
He urged the traders and residents in the area not to block the drains with waste, adding that provisions are being made for the dumping of waste which would be cleared as quickly as possible.
*Juliana, Ogochukwu and Onyinye are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Amawbia Community in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, has celebrated its annual Eziokpaligwe Festival and prayed for bountiful harvest this farming season.
The three days event, which kick-started on March 21 and climaxed on March 23 was well attended by indigenes, friends and well-wishers from all walks of life, within the country and in The Diaspora.
Declaring the event open, the Osojeze Amawbia, Ozo Arc. Nnaemeka Maduka said that the festival is traditional and symbolic, as farm inputs were blessed and shared to the six villages that make up of the community, explaining that without the ceremony, nobody would farm.
The Osojeze, represented by Ozo Felix Nzeamalu, while welcoming all to the great event, called on the gods of their land for bountiful harvest this year.
The President General (PG) of Amawbia Community, Engr. Godwin Aronu, said that Eziokpaligwe is the foremost festival of the community, the tradition of their forefathers which they inherited.
Engr. Aronu said that the significance of the celebration was to allow people to cultivate new crops for without it, nobody would get into the farmland.
The PG was optimistic that this year’s harvest will be bountiful and that by ‘Onwa Asato’, they will converge again to thank God for the bounty and bumper harvest.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji thanked Ndi Amawbia for organizing the festival which they were known for, noting that Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo do not joke with Igbo culture and traditions.
He observed little children playing, explaining that the festival will not go extinct even as he acknowledged that the age grade system is very functional as they are well represented, urging the community to keep it up.
The commissioner was represented by Mrs Chioma Ifediora, Acting Director of the Ministry.
The Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Arinze Anyadiegwu, expressed happiness being called to chair the occasion, noting that when he was small, he used to attend the festival with his peers.
He thanked the community for holding forth with the tradition, praying that 2024 will bring progres in Amawbia, restore unity and love as the Ugbo-ogiliga of old when all drank from one pot with one cup.
The former Director of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ikem Odumodu, in an interview, said that he is a lover of tradition that is why he always wants to participate especially at the grassroots.
“As usual, I’m excited and I’m part of it. I have invested through my age grade, my village and central Amawbia level. One of the things I take away is the essence of the tradition and traditional institutions in promoting our own Culture because that is what makes us who we are as a people.
“So, I’m excited and expectant that we are going to get better and better in promoting our tradition. However, I also want to distinguish between tradition and paganism because some people take tradition as part of paganism, which I don’t promote.
“Even though our forefathers were traditionalists, worshipping several gods but Christianity has come and we are christians. So, we must focus on our own salvation in the long term and not practicing neo-paganism.”
On Okpaligwe stool, he said that it was a very contentious issue. Some people do not want Okpaligwe but they will fail. We are going to have him because he is the head of Amawbia.
“If we don’t have Okpaligwe this year, we shall have next year but one thing I know is that we shall have Okpaligwe that will rule over us like other kingdoms. We must promote our Culture and Okpaligwe must come.”
Nze Uche Okonkwo, one of the Okpaligwe contestants, also in an interview, said that Eziokpaligwe is a long time festival that usher in farming season, foster love, peace and unity as they gather together, noting that this year’s celebration was successful.
Speaking on Okpaligwe stool, he said that he is one of the contestants, noting that it is God who makes kings even as he is optimistic that he will be the next Okpaligwe Amawbia.
While praying for progres, unity, love and peace in Amawbia, Nze Okonkwo commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s giant stride across all sectors simultaneously under two years in office.
He noted that the roads flagged off in Amawbia were 70 per cent done, remaining 30 per cent which he believed will be completed and commissioned in the near future.
Also in an interview, Mr Nzube Menuba, Public Relation Officer (PRO), Amawbia Town Union, expressed joy at the success of the festival, noting that villages, age grades and friends came out en-masse for the ceremony not minding the economic situation in the country.
According to him, this shows that they understand the essence of the festival, urging them to keep the ball rolling.
The PRO while praying for journey mercies also prayed for a stable and better economy so that the community will continue to grow from strength to strength.
Earlier, Rev. Peter Nwabufo Okoro, from St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Amawbia, prayed over the seedlings comprising of yam, maize, pumpkin, okro, cassava stems, egusi and water melon that were shared to the six villages.
Rev. Okoro also prayed for good weather and rainfall to enable the crops to grow and yield abundantly.
Umueze village won the Ist position as the village that raised the highest amount of money while Adabebe village won the Ist position as the best dancer of the year.
Presentation of trophies to the two villages and masquerades added glamour to the event.
*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
In a firm stance against examination malpractice, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has emphatically said that parents and unauthorized individuals will not be permitted entry into examination centres across the state during the Transition Placement Examination.
The directive was issued during an interactive session with Zonal and Area Education Officers (ZEO) at the Ministry of Education Conference Hall, State Secretariat Complex, Awka.
Commissioner Chuma-Udeh emphasized that severe consequences await anyone found violating this directive, as the government aimed to curb instances of examination malpractice within examination centers.
Expressing concern over this, Commissioner Chuma-Udeh underscored the necessity for strict compliance with the directive.
She urged officers to ensure that invigilators are fully informed about the directive and to enforce its implementation, asserting that the state government will not tolerate any deviation from the directive.
She urged the officers to ensure that only bonafide serving teachers, and not Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) teachers or retired teachers serve as invigilators during the examination.
In a similar development, the Ministry of Education has issued a directive urging schools in the state to adhere to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s mandate for the installation of IP cameras.
Addressing Zonal Education officers and Area Education officers at a meeting held in Awka, Prof. Chuma-Udeh emphasized the necessity of complying with the governor’s injunction.
She highlighted Gov. Soludo’s concern over the escalating incidents of student molestation, prompting the decision to implement surveillance measures both inside and outside the classrooms.
The commissioner urged officers to prioritize the prompt installation of IP cameras in schools under their jurisdiction to enhance safety and deter misconduct.
*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has charged women to be role models to their children through their character at all times.
This she said during the women’s day celebration at Ojoto, the Idemili South local government Secretariat.
She said that women have a lot of work to do in their homes to ensure a better society as charity begins at home.
Mrs. Soludo said that the number one responsibility of a woman is to make her home peaceful and a haven for her, her family and the society to thrive.
She enjoined women to take out quality time to raise and nuture their children so that they do not end up in drugs and be problems to their neighbourhood and the society at large.
“Look down carefully to see if there are early warning signs that your child may be into drugs, check their rooms, bags, association, behaviours and intervene before things get out of hand,” she said.
Mrs Soludo called on women to endeavor to get basic education amid their multi task as it is a need for everything they will do in life and a preparation toward tomorrow.
The Anambra first lady also encouraged women to also take care of themselves while taking care of others.
She enjoined women to always support fellow women at all levels especially the ones holding public positions with the government so that they will be encouraged and do better at their respective positions.
Mrs. Soludo urged husbands to always love and appreciate their wives in all their endeavors so that they will do more.
“His Excellency, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo does not play with issues concerning women because they are trustworthy and committed at any given responsibility which is his reason for entrusting key positions in the state into the hands of women.
“Continue supporting Soludo’s administration as he marked two years in office to move Anambra to greater heights,” She said.
The Transitional Chairman of Idemmili South, Mrs Amaka Obi said that Mrs. Soludo has so much recognised women at the grassroots.
She said that Idemmili South Local Government has greatly felt the impact of the government undeniably, ranging from road construction to youth empowerment through 1youth 2skills, free ante-natal care and free delivery, as well as free education.
The Anambra State coordinator of Reproductive Health, Dr. Uju Okoye said earlier that healthy living with Nonye Soludo is a pet project of the wife of the governor aimed at improving the health of the people through eating alright.
She said that the project encouraged women to cook organic food and use natural ingredients as well in cooking.
Dr. Okoye discouraged women from cooking carsinogenic foods and foods made of gelatin like noodles, tinned food to reduce the high rate of cancer and kidney disease in the society.
She called on women to endeavor to eat fruits, plantain, others harvested in their compounds and sell only the excess produce from the harvest.
“Eat right sweat dirty,” Dr. Okoye said as she enjoined women to add exercise to their daily activities to keep fit as exercise helps the heart to beat aright.
The Anambra State House member for Anaocha 1, Mrs. Nkechi Ogbuefi described Mrs. Soludo as a woman of substance, worth emulating and an epitome of support for fellow women.
She said that Gov. Soludo is a gender sensitive governor and has shown physical investment in women by appointing women into key positions in Anambra State with over four of the positions going to Idemili South Local Government alone.
Ogbuefi said that Anambra State House members are always on ground to assist the governor to develop Anambra State irrespective of political party differences as a clarion call by the governor.
The Commissioner of Special Duties, Mrs Nkemdiche Ikpeazu said that the governor has taken care of the stomach infastructure of the people by the free education, free ante-natal care and delivery, he has given.
She said that the governor did so to remove the burden off the shoulder of the people so that they can use the supposed money to buy food and invest in their businesses.
Ikpeazu, however, enjoined women to stand up for themselves and do something to make some earnings which will increase by the day so as to support themselves and their families.
She encouraged women to have a farm at least for vegetables to eat and to sell.
The Anambra State All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) woman leader, Esther Onyekesi, urged women to always come out en-masse with their families to cast their votes during election.
She described the Transitional Chairman of Idemmili South as hardworking and industrious, doing exceptionally well in the midst of 20 men.
Onyekesi said, “Idemmili South leads in ideas and development while others emulate”.
She enjoined the women of Idemmili South to spread the news of the good works of the present administration of Anambra State and support the government.
Mr. Don Onyenji, Commissioner for Entertainment, Culture and Tourism said that programmes like this bring women out from their inside villages to the lime light to learn and to see the beauty of the day.
He said that Mrs. Soludo practices healthy living with organic food and recipe as she teaches which is reflective “I’m her life and the life of the governor as they are always healthy, strong and young”.
Onyenji enjoined women to emulate her and quit using artificial seasonings that is all over the market to cook.
However, he said that his department will start going around to palm wine bars to ensure that they sell natural palm wine and not artificial ones fabricated with saccarine for the health of the public.
Side attractions were various dance steps from women of the communities in Idemmili South
*Chidimma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
March 17, 2024 marks exactly two years Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, and his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, were sworn into office.
Governor Soludo’s pitch for the job was crafted in his manifesto document, *THE SOLUDO SOLUTION – A PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO FOR A GREATER ANAMBRA*, which aims to transform the state into a liveable and prosperous smart mega city – a preferred destination to live, invest , learn, work, relax and enjoy.
To effectively realize these objectives, governance was strategically structured into five compartments or the famous *5 Solution Agenda* , namely: _Security, Law and Order; Economic Transformation and Infrastructure; Human Capital and Social Agenda; Governance, Rule of Law and Value System; and Environment_.
Guided by this agenda, Governor Soludo and his team have significantly created a humongous impact on Ndi Anambra and the landscape in just two years. Even the naysayers cannot but acquiesce that Odenigbo has done Very Well.
From tomorrow, Sunday, the 17th of March, I will, on daily basis, walk you through the journey so far in a 5-series Second Anniversary exposé.
Participants at a two day farmers summit/international conference on agriculture have called on governments and stakeholders in the sector to deploy new technologies leveraging on the development of organic farming to boost food security in the nation.
Professionals in the sector comprising of practitioners,scholars and policy makers drawn from across the nation and beyond made this call during the conference organised by the Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University,Awka at the Institution’s Auditorium.
Declaring Open the conference with the theme”Digitalisation of Agriculture and Bio-conservation for food security” the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, described the theme of the conference as apt considering the era of digital switch and it’s relevance in enhancing agricultural practice and food supply which is very pivotal to sustaining economic growth and development of the nation.
Prof. Esimone who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, , assured the Faculty of the continuous support of the present administration at a time where every citizen of the nation ought to join the practice of agriculture either by food production or animal husbandry.
The scholar stated that now the Faculty is about completing her movement to its permanent site based at Ifite-Ogwari and Umueje, the University community is eagerly awaiting the advent of the Farmer’s Market which will lead to revenue generation for the institution and supply of farm produce to the University Community and beyond.
In her address, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Cordelia Ebenebe informed that the International Conference is aimed at relating with practitioners in the same trade at the global parlance, to learn from their achievements and strategies designed to surmount challenges.
Prof. Ebenebe disclosed that it was on this note that the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) engaged not just erudite personalities in the field of agriculture but also real farmers with the wealth of experience in the sector.
In his Keynote Speech, a Former Director, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) Ghana, Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo harped on the essence of big data science and applications of digital trends to produce food.
Underscoring the importance of smart farming in the areas of irrigation, livestock farming,crop growth model,robotics and equipment automation,he made a strong case for use of lots of scientific and mechanical innovations to make farming more sustainable.
On his part, Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Foster Ihejiofor,who received an award of recognition during the event, described the event as apt and designed to proffer solution to food crisis facing the nation.
He stated that all hands must be on deck in the practice of agriculture to make profitable and sustainable as it is a way of feeding the nation, creating of jobs and generating wealth.
Dr. Ihejiofor emphasized that the Gov. Soludo’s administration is using agriculture to provide opportunities and jobs for the youths of the state with technology driven ways to enhance their skills and competence.
The Agric. Commissioner informed that the state have gone into Oil Palm and Coconut tree planting by distribution and cultivation of seedlings which in the nearest future will generate funds for the state.
The lead paper presenter and Director, Songhai Integrated Farm, Port Novo, Republic of Benin, Rev. Fr. Prof. Godfrey Nzamujo presented a paper titled, “The Challenges today in Harnessing and Deploying Digital Technology to leverage Regenerative Agriculture,”
He stated that the challenges facing the sector is on how to use agro-ecological and climate-smart principles and practices to turn our present food and agricultural system into a resilient, regenerative, high productive and sustainable system.
Prof. Nzamujo averred that agricultural initiative at Songhai Integrated Farm is based on the conviction that the present situation requires a radical change in our agricultural system to enable people to develop the awareness and capacities commensurate with the dynamics of biological systems and our environmental capital.
The scholar also highlighted that Green Economy of tomorrow termed Agro-economy should be based on tripod comprising of the living (Biological Sciences), Decentralized Renewal Energy and Digital Technologies.
While calling for new technologies adaptable in organic agriculture production,he showcased how he was privileged to witness new technologies deployed in both livestock and crop production in Songhai.
He commended the Faculty of Agriculture for the initiative behind the all important conference geared towards enhancing the Agricultural sector.
On her part, the Chairperson, FAIC Organizing Committee, Dr. Eucharia Obidiebube noted that the conference provided a platform for discussion on the modern trends in agriculture and also a way to encourage the youths to embrace agriculture as a means of wealth creation.
The scholar disclosed that the Committee invited Prof. Nzamujo as one of the lead paper presenter to share in his wealth of knowledge and as well explore the Songhai Integrated Farm as the institution plans to establish a Pilot Farm with a view to having institutionalized based Songhai Farm.
Other scholars who spoke at the conference were Prof. Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University of Nigeria and Prof. Rotimi Akuko, Director Canada Research Chair Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research.
The opening ceremony of the conference also featured Farmers’ Summit, Conferment of Awards and Recognition of students of the Faculty for their academic excellence.
_Reacts to call for Federal and State Governments to prioritize security and food_
Rose Oranye :
Activities marking the second year in office of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, of Anambra State have commenced with the commissioning of roads and a plethora of other completed projects.
Anambra State’s Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, who disclosed this in an interview said the governor, on Tuesday, distributed 2000 laptops to teachers and commissioned Port Harcourt and Niger Streets on Wednesday, and will proceed to Amansea-Ebenebe-Ugbenu-Ugbene-Awba Ofemmili Road on Thursday the 14th of March to perform the same function.
According to the Commissioner, “the unique aspect of the road commissioning is that, unlike some states that will fly in dignitaries to cut the tape, Governor Soludo believes that no commissioning can be better than the one done by regular members of the public such as the bus and keke drivers who ply the roads as well as the villagers who are having a tarred road pass their communities for the first time.
He said that the climax of the anniversary events will be an interdenominational thanksgiving service on Sunday, which will attract a lot of dignitaries, after which the commissioning of projects will continue, since there are quite a lot of them.
“To mark the occasion, we will soon release a document, cataloging over 100 sterling achievements of Governor Soludo within the two years for people to see and appreciate. Our indefatigable Governor has done a humongous amount of work within this short period and it’s important that our people should know,” Nwosu said.
Reacting to the call by some politicians for federal and state governments to suspend everything they are doing and declare state of emergency on security and food, Nwosu said he would not speak for others but what he knows for sure is that when Soludo came into office, he declared a state of emergency on security. He created the Ministry of Homeland Affairs, appointed a retired Air Vice Marshall as Special Adviser on Security and reorganized the Anambra Vigilante Group.
“He also developed a very good working relationship with the local commanders of the armed forces and the police. The result we see today is that seven out of eight local governments hitherto under siege by criminals have been liberated. Ndị Anambra in the diaspora can now return home to attend funerals and different social functions.
“At the inception of this administration, Governor Soludo came with a new concept to growing and producing food. He calls it Regenerative Agriculture.
This kind of agriculture enhances the organic nature of the crops we farm because natural manures are used. So when people are thinking of just producing food, Governor Soludo is thinking about the quality of the food we produce.
“For the Governor, it’s not just about consumption. He also thought about economic empowerment through agriculture. This led to the procurement and free distribution of 1,140,000 early fruiting varieties of hybrid oil and coconut palm seedlings to over 100,000 households of ndị Anambra. Another 1,000,000 will be procured this year, including 340,000 economic tree crops like ụkwa, akịlu, ọjị́ Igbo and pawpaw, among others”, he said.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the government, in partnership with IFAD, has empowered 27,800 small scale farmers across seven local governments with subsidized seedlings that have significantly jerked up agricultural production in the state.
“So, the argument that other aspects of governance should be suspended except provision of security and food is flawed. You know why? In the first place, there is no economy, even the best in the world, where people are kept in their houses for government to knock on their doors every morning and supply them food.
“Secondly people are economically active by nature. That’s how God created man. The purpose of government is to create the conducive environment for man and his economic activities to thrive. And all of these, our progressive Governor has achieved through his policies and programs in the last two years. They are such that have created jobs through the many construction sites. They have empowered youths through skills importation and start-up grants. They have employed thousands of teachers and medical personnel whose salaries have been running uninterruptedly. They have supported a vibrant civil service whose regular salaries were increased even before the advent of palliatives. The free education has enabled the unprivileged child to acquire basic education. The free antenatal and delivery services.I can go on and on.”
The Commissioner concluded thusly: “Those politicians are entitled to their opinion but I am sure they were not directed at Soludo.*
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has affirmed that teachers are the greatest while doling out over 1000 Lenovo brand laptops to Headteachers and Principals at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Awka.
Addressing the teachers and top government functionaries who graced the event, Mr. Governor applauded teachers for the great work they do toward moulding the future of the young ones entrusted to them.
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He said that the distribution of the laptops is in alignment with his administration’s quest to transform state schools into smart schools and it starts with those at the helm of leadership.
He equally highlighted that the teaching profession is not just a job but a vocation.
“If you want to predict the future of any society, you need to look at the quality of teachers and the quality of teachings obtainable in that society.”
Prof. Soludo acknowledged that the state teachers are excelling nationally but enjoined them to look beyond the national level to international level and aspire to replicate what their counterparts are doing in the teaching sector.
He said that the provision of the work tools is to help them be at the cutting edge of technology as the state is looking to train global children who would be useful at home and exportable abroad.
Gov. Soludo pledged that as long as the resources are available, his administration would prioritize the state education sector.
“My administration is out to turn schools into smart schools. My administration is out to end the era of schools without teachers, hence, the recruitment of 5000 teachers nine months after the assumption of office as the Governor of the state and the subsequent approval for additional recruitment of 3000 teachers,” he said.
The governor said that he envisioned an era where every teacher in the state would carry their laptops just as they carry the phone, adding that in line with his administrative pillar on human capital development, basic training on computer skills and provision of WiFi to schools would be implemented.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh applauded Gov. Soludo for his passion and zeal to elevate the state education sector to international standard.
She acknowledged his dexterity and commitment to the teachers welfare which clearly showed that he is a teacher to the core.
Prof. Chuma-Udeh noted that with the pronouncement of free education by Gov. Soludo, there has been a surge in enrollment in public schools, emphasizing that this is an attestation that Mr. Governor knows and understands the pain points of the populace.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Post Primary School Commission (PPSC), Prof. Nkechi Ikediegwu, and the Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Prof. Vera Nwadinobi said that the provision of work tools to teachers would enhance efficiency and prompt service delivery in the sector.
In his vote of thanks, the State President, of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr. Jovita Arazu pledged teachers’ unwavering commitment to qualitative education in classrooms and collaborate with Gov. Soludo-led administration in raising a digitalized tribe of students who would be useful at home and exportable abroad.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of work tools to Headteachers and Principals.
The distribution of Laptops to the Headteachers and Principals is the first phase of the initiative, a second phase will comprise the distribution of laptops to each classroom teacher and ICT teacher in all the schools in Anambra State.
*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
