Author: Okechukwu Onwuka

GOV SOLUDO COMMENDS ASMATA PG FOR PEACE, INCREASED IGR IN MARKETS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, has commended the President General (PG), of Anambra State Amalgamated Traders’ Association (ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anuna, for restoration of relative peace and increase in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base of the markets in the State.

He said this as the PG celebrated his one year in office at his Oraeri community, Aguata Local Government Area, adding that it was since the appointment of the PG by the governor that the traders’ IGR, was increased from #400million annually to #4.5billion.

His words, “The PG has even pledged to generate #5billion instead of #4.5billion saying that 70 per cent of business activities in the state are trading. There is massive improvement in IGR”.

The Governor, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Trade and Commerce, Mr. Everest Ubah, said that apart from enabling environment put in place for traders in the state, he has also touched on so many lives through human capital development, employment of teachers, medical personnel, introduction of 1 youth 2 skills acquisition initiative, sack of touts, among others.

“On infrastructure, he has done over 400 kilometers of road within a short period and has improved on the transport system by working on scores of roads,” he said.

Contributing, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Jude Nwankwo, expressed satisfaction that the PG’s appointment by Gov. Soludo assisted immensely to the increase in IGR of traders in the market.

“80 per cent of residents of Anambra State are traders. The PG has served in various capacities as market leader which helped him to know sources of market revenue generation for the state government and that contributed to the increased revenue base of the traders.

“The PG has pledged to generate #5billion on the latest IGR payment to the state government and his administration restored peace which for years eluded the traders,” he further added.

On the Special Adviser to Gov. Soludo on Parks and Markets, Mr. Ubah, the chairman who is ASMATA patron and also PG of Ogidi Building Materials International market, said that Ubah was instrumental to the improvement in IGR and restoration of peace in all markets in the State.

“Without the Special Adviser, Mr. Ubah, these achievements by the ASMATA PG would not have been possible. Uba’s appointment by Gov. Soludo is a welcome development as it has sanitized the markets,” he added.

Contributing, the Idemili Zonal Chairman of ASMATA, Chief Emmanuel Obiagwu, commended the ASMATA PG for celebration of one year in office, adding that the present ASMATA executive has been able to surpass previous regimes in terms of achievements.

“We increased the revenue base, that is IGR of traders from #4million that was the highest IGR before we came in to #4.5billion and hope to increase it to#5billion according to the PG. So we are doing well and government is happy about it,” he said.

In their own contributions, the ASMATA Resolution Committee Chairman and Secretary, Mr. Eric Uwaoma and Mr Peter Okala, expressed satisfaction with the attainment of one year in office of ASMATA PG, adding that the achievements of the present ASMATA executive led by Chief Humphrey Anuna, have surpassed the previous regimes, especially in areas of IGR and peace restoration.

Also the Chairman of Haruna and Sokoto markets, Mr. Emmanuel Idoko and Mr. Emeka Mbachu, commended the ASMATA PG as he marked one year in office, pointing out that he changed the face of the markets from ugly to beauty via restoration of peace and improvement on IGR.

According to the duo, the markets have been sanitized and everybody is happy with the PG for restoring peace that eluded the traders for years. The appointment of PG changed the narrative.

The PG of Oraeri community, Evangelist Alex Agudosi, while commending Gov. Soludo for appointing their son as the ASMATA PG, said that it was an appointment well deserved.

Also the chairman of Nkpor New Auto Spare Parts Market, Chief Elysius Ozorkwere, paid glowing tribute to the ASMATA PG to have achieved this feat of one year in office, noting that he was able to increase the IGR base and restored peace in the markets.

According to him this feat would not have been possible without the contribution of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Commerce, Mr Ubah, notng that the duo work in synergy for the betterment of traders in the State and commended Gov. Soludo for their appointment.

Responding, the ASMATA PG commended all and sundry for felicitating with him as he marked one year in office, adding that without their contributions the celebration would not have been a success.

“If not for you traders, your contributions and hard work, we would not have gone this far in restoring peace and increment on revenue base from #400 million before we came in, to #4.5billion and even hope to get to #5billion in the next payment”, he hinted.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

GOVERNOR SOLUDO NOT AGAINST TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION

By Uche Kalu :

Few days now, the social media have been awash by the news of some traditional rulers from Anambra State being suspended for ignoring due process in the conferment of chieftaincy titles on individuals without getting clearance from the State’s Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The two Monarchs cut in the web of abeyance were HRH Igwe Onwuamaeze Ezeani (Igwe Ugonabo, Neni) Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area of the state who conferred a chieftaincy title on the senator representing Anambra South, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah on December 29th, 2023 as part of his 20th Ofala Festival and Chief Daniel Obelle of Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area who On January 4th, 2024, conferred Chieftaincy titles on no fewer than 40 persons in Nawfia during the Igu Aro festival of Nawfia Community.

The traditional institution is sacred and ordained by God ( Chi na emeze) as the custodians of culture and traditions of the land and needs to be carried out with utmost sense of wisdom and carefulness. In addition Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration respects and hold traditional rulers in esteem and acknowledges their good works and efforts in facilitating achievement of his vision for the state, especially at the grassroots. The monarchs play pivotal roles in Anambra State in facilitating community development.

However, there is a Code of Conduct for Anambra State Traditional Rulers which states that any monarch who wants to confer chieftaincy title on any individual must first notify and get approval from the state government through the Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, explaining what the person has done for the community to deserve such honour and chieftaincy title. This law is not hidden to any of the traditional rulers.

The essence of getting the clearance wasn’t meant to witch-hunt anyone rather the process will help to ensure that chieftaincy titles are conferred on deserving individuals and also motivate others to do good works. It will equally help to prevent duplication of chieftaincy titles (giving the same chieftaincy titles to two or more different people), as well as guard against potential abuse of the traditional stool.

Further more, the traditional ruler of the hometown of the person to be conferred with the chieftaincy title (if he is from another town other than that of the monarch giving him the chieftaincy title) must also be contacted to attest for the character and integrity of the person before he would be conferred with the chieftaincy title, to ensure chieftaincy titles are not given to people who have questionable characters and integrity problem.

The question is, was this law made today? Does Governor Chukwuma Soludo initiate this law? Is he witch-hunting the traditional rulers? Is he against conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving individuals?

The monarchs were not suspended because they confer chieftaincy titles rather It was a clear case of violation of laws. There are other traditional rulers who gave chieftaincy titles to individuals in the state and were not suspended.

The truth remains that laws are meant to be obeyed and not to be violated. Traditional rulers being the custodians of culture and traditions are expected to lead by example in their various communities by working in harmonious relationship with the state government which would in turn be reciprocated by their subjects.

ANAMBRA WAKES TO NEW DAWN OF ACCELERATED PROGRESS UNDER SOLUDO’S CHARGE IN 2024

By Christian ABURIME :

Dawn breaks on a New Year, and with it, hope unfurls over Anambra like a vibrant banner.

As the sun ascends upon the horizon, casting its golden glow over a world awash with newfound happiness and great expectations, the heartbeat of Anambra also resonates with optimism and possibilities.

Yes, 2024 beckons us not merely as a chronological shift but as an anthem to renewed dedication and an authentication of the resolve that has shaped our narrative so far.

Reflecting on the trajectory of achievements embodied in the experiences of 2023, one cannot help but marvel at the transformation that vision, perseverance, innovation, and unity have carved into the very essence of Anambra State.

Each milestone stands as a tribute to a collective odyssey, a journey fueled by resilience and a shared vision. The narrative of Anambra’s resurgence is no longer tethered to the shackles of the past; it is a glowing testimony to the soaring strides of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in the present and a reflection of a brighter future to come.

Since coming to office, the present government under the leadership of Governor Charles Soludo has dismantled barriers, built roads and erected bridges of progress, reclaiming our streets from fear’s grip, restoring human flourishing, nurturing the seeds of brilliance within our educational landscape, and doing much more with less.

Anambra stands today not just as a regional powerhouse but a beacon beckoning entrepreneurs and investors, echoing a resounding invitation to engage with a state that champions ease of doing business and fiscal sustainability.

The echoes of progress reverberate far and wide, signaling to the nation and the world that Anambra is open for prosperity-driven investment partnerships.

Yet, the Soludo government’s commitment extends beyond physical infrastructure; it is a commitment etched in the sanctity of health and well-being. Our hospitals, once silent witnesses to neglect, now pulsate with vitality, mirroring the vigour injected by dedicated old and newly recruited healthcare professionals.

Pregnant mothers now cradle hope instead of financial anxieties, embraced by a state that cherishes their journey into motherhood.

In our youth, we see the architects of our destiny, and the government has empowered them with tools and opportunities through programmes like One Youth, Two Skills, and the Solution Innovation District.

We are nurturing a legacy where innovation and knowledge foster a future that transcends boundaries, empowering thousands to carve their paths.

Our strides toward inclusivity extend to the most vulnerable among us, ensuring no one falls through the cracks of economic hardship. This caring, pro-poor government disposition of Governor Soludo has become their bastion of support, easing burdens, and rekindling hope, exemplifying our commitment to a society that cares.

As we stand on the virgin territory of 2024, the blueprint for our collective journey is not just a budget the governor signed into law last year, but a roadmap to a future steeped in prosperity and progress.

We are accelerating towards a vision of Anambra, a smart megacity where innovation meets livability, where every corner exudes promise and opportunity.

This year heralds the rise of new cities, each a demonstration of our entrepreneurial vehemence and industrious spirit. Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, and the new Industrial City symbolise our commitment to transforming dreams into tangible realities, powered by technological innovation.

Governor Soludo is not only going to construct more kilometres of roads across the state; his government will be laying the arteries of a robust economy, revitalising transportation, revamping power supply, ensuring water supply, fortifying security with technological prowess, protecting the environment, renewing our urban spaces, boosting agricultural productivity and nurturing the vital essentials that sustain life and dreams across our state; that will turn Anambra into an irresistible destination for all.

Challenges may emerge, but in the face of adversity, we will summon the indomitable spirit of the Onye Anambra. With resounding unity, we will declare our defiance against poverty, mediocrity, and any obstacle obstructing our path towards progress and greatness.

Anambra will be changing gear and accelerating, propelled by our collective spirit and resolute determination. As the New Year unfolds its chaste promise, may its radiance illuminate our land with the glow of progress.

Let every child find solace in the embrace of opportunity, and every hand find purpose in building, creating, and contributing.

Together, as one resilient force, let us build a New Year where Anambra thrives, unstoppable and triumphant in all ramifications of development.

Happy New Year, Ndi Anambra!

ANAMBRA IN 2024: SOLUDO UNFOLDING NEW HEIGHTS OF ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT

By Christian ABURIME :

As the world awakes to this happy dawn of a New Year, one is filled with an overwhelming sense of hope and excitement for the future of Anambra State.

Despite challenges that might have been and may yet come, there are robust reasons to hope for the best in 2024.

This is not as a routine New Year resolution but an affirmation of intent and purpose by the vision-driven administration of Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR

Twenty months ago, Governor Soludo embarked on a transformative journey, a collective odyssey to reclaim the promise of our great state.

It inherited a landscape pockmarked by challenges, where insecurity lurked in the shadows and opportunity seemed a distant mirage. Yet, with a clear vision, steadfast commitment and a steely resolve, Governor Soludo began to rebuild. Brick by brick, he laid the foundation for a brighter future.

Today, Anambra is on the rise, a tribute to an audacious vision and the tireless spirit of Governor Chukwuma Soludo. We are no longer defined by the stumbles of the past, but by the soaring strides of the present.

From reclaiming our streets from the grip of fear to nurturing the minds of our future generation, this government has touched every facet of our existence with the transformative brush of progress.

For aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned investors alike, Anambra has rolled out the welcome mat. This State is now the number 1 when it comes to Ease of Doing Business among the 17 southern states in Nigeria, just as we are among top 5 states nationwide rated on fiscal sustainability.

All this is a clarion call that echoes across the nation that Anambra is open for business!

Our classrooms, once echoing with the hollow whispers of neglect, now resound with the joyous symphony of learning. Thousands of quality teachers have been hired and are still being recruited. Education is no longer a privilege, but a free birthright, and the shackles of fees and levies have been cast aside Governor Soludo.

Our students, like radiant stars, are lighting up the national stage, consistently outshining their peers in JAMB and NECO. Under the leadership of Governor Soludo, Anambra is fast becoming a breeding ground for brilliance, and the world is taking notice.

The shadows that once shrouded our streets have receded, replaced by the golden rays of safety and security. The local government areas that were once cowering under the grip of the so-called unknown criminals are now basking in the warm embrace of peace.

Despite some challenges, Anambra remains one of the safest states in Nigeria today, a witness to the courage of Governor Chukwuma Soludo

Aside isolated one or two incidents of criminals wanting to test the security strength of the State and met their waterloo, it is heartening to state that Ndi Anambra and visitors spent their last Christmas holidays in peace and joy.

Beyond security, this administration remains a government of concrete action. Over 400 kilometers of roads are under construction, with some completed and to be commissioned, all becoming arteries pulsating with the lifeblood of socio-economic progress for our people.

Two flyovers stand sentinel, tributes to Governor Soludo’s commitment to infrastructure development. The Soludo government is strategically connecting the hitherto neglected parts of our state, weaving a network of inclusive roads that ensures no community is left behind across all 21 Local Government Areas.

Also, just as power supply is steadily improving in our state, our government is making progress on waste management/de-silting of drainages, traffic management, anti-touting, law and order.

What’s more, the 32-year-old jinx of being a state without a befitting Government House is being broken as Governor Soludo is building a dignified government house and governor’s lodge at Awka.

This government is also investing in the health and well-being of our people. Our hospitals, once echoing with the groans of the neglected, are now abuzz with the hum of new life and renewed hope.

The Governor has recruited nearly 1,000 doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers, injecting expertise and compassion into the veins of our medical system.

Pregnant women, no longer burdened by financial anxieties, now receive free antenatal and delivery services.

To support our healthcare, the Oba Open Drug Market (Africa’s biggest open drug market) is under construction, and the Pharmaceutical Industrial Park, Ogboji is under development.

The future of Anambra, like a budding flower, rests in the hands of our youth. The government is nurturing their potential, cultivating their skills, and igniting their entrepreneurial spirit. The One Youth, Two Skills programme, like a magic trick, is transforming 5,000 young people from job seekers to job creators, equipping them with the tools and the seed capital to blossom.

The Solution Innovation District, our digital dreamhouse, is buzzing with creativity, a haven for tech wizards and aspiring innovators. Over 20,000 young minds have been illuminated by the light of digital skills, and thousands more are eager to follow.

This is not just a programme; it is a revolution, a transfer of power from the present to the future, from experience to ingenuity.

As a government that genuinely cares for the poor and the commoners, Governor Soludo has continued to extend a compassionate hand to the vulnerable and the marginalised. The poor and the elderly now find solace in the outstretched arms of this government, receiving assistance that eases their burdens and rekindles hope.

Even our civil servants and pensioners can heave a sigh of relief and smile to the bank. As we step on this virgin territory of 2024, the scent of a new era hangs heavy in the air.

The 2024 budget of N410 Billion that was signed into law last year by Governor Soludo is not just a collection of numbers; it is a declaration of intent, a roadmap to a future that shimmers with the promise of prosperity and progress.

We are changing gear, accelerating our journey towards the Anambra of our dreams: a livable and prosperous smart megacity.

Yes, this government will be investing heavily in infrastructure, including transportation, water, and energy. Governor Soludo will continue to support education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. And the government will keep protecting the environment and building a sustainable future.

Governor Soludo has promised that three new cities will be rising on the horizon – Awka 2.0, a gleaming demonstration of our entrepreneurial spirit; Onitsha 2.0, a thriving hub of commerce reborn, and a new Industrial City, a beacon of industry and innovation.

In this New Year, the Soludo government is building new arteries of a thriving economy – modern highways that weave through our landscape, and a revitalized mass transit system that pulsates with the rhythm of everyday life.

A new electricity market will illuminate our homes and businesses. Our security operations will be fortified with the armour of high technology, a shield against threats both seen and unseen.

And in every home and office, taps will run once more, quenching the thirst of our people. Our students, the architects of our future, will find their classrooms transformed into better sanctuaries of learning.

Their teachers, empowered and supported, will guide them on a journey of knowledge and self-discovery.

In healthcare, the government is building a future where wellness is woven into the fabric of our daily lives.

Governor Soludo has also assured that Sports, the great equaliser, will find its rightful place in Anambra, with our state football team taking the field in 2024.

In agriculture and food security, our regenerative agricultural transformation is thriving. In the past year, the Soludo government distributed 1,100,000 hybrid coconut and palm seedlings to over 100,000 households in our drive towards zero poverty, neo agro-industrialisation, and a green and environmentally sustainable state.

From this year 2024 forward, the government will be distributing at least one million seedlings per annum as we target 500,000 households. Specifically in this year alone, another 100,000 households or more will receive 10 or more seedlings of coconut, palm, ukwa, pawpaw, soursop, etc per household.

Now, all this anticipated transformation, this symphony of progress, is not going to be the handiwork of one man or only government. It will be the collective melody of a people united.

We, the people of Anambra, are the builders, the dreamers, the architects of our shared destiny. That is why our Internally Generated Revenue is not merely a statistic; it is the lifeblood of our aspirations.

When each of us contributes, when we pay our taxes not as a burden, but as an investment in our collective future, the Anambra of our dreams becomes a reality within reach.

Of course, there will be challenges. But let us embrace this New Year with the indomitable spirit of the onye Anambra.

Let us roar our defiance against poverty, against mediocrity, against any obstacle that dares to stand in our path.

Under the dynamic leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Anambra is rising and changing gear, we will be together unstoppable.

Happy New Year, Ndi Anambra!

ANAMBRA COMMUNITY VOWS TO REJIG SECURITY ARCHITECTURE, ESTABLISH FIRE BRIGADE

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

Oba community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State has disclosed its plans to review its security strategies and strengthen security architecture to address security challenges in the area.

The newly elected President General of the community. Engr. Uzochukwu Ejiofor who dropped the hint shortly after his victory following election of the Oba Patroitic Union (OPU) said restoration of peace and unity among members of the community would be top priority in his administration.

He also disclosed plans to set up a standard fire brigade centre to curb incessant challenges of fire outbreak in the community.

He said, “The expectations of the great people of Oba will be met because our tenure will be as transparent and focused as possible and focused.

“In the past, we have had serious security challenges but we are going to review our security strategies and strengthen the security architecture to ensure such challenges do not repeat again, even beyond our regime.

“We look forward to restore the peace, unity and dignity of our people, as a key agenda of our administration.

“We also plan to set up a standard fire brigade centre here because we have a lot of businesses, industries, and residential buildings due to the cosmopolitan nature of the town.

“This will help us curb the incessant challenges of fire outbreak we experience every now and then.

“I will, in my address to Ndi Oba soon, present a detailed development agenda for the community.”

Describing his victory as divine, Ejiofor commended the Interim Town Union Government (ITUG) and the electoral committee for delivering transparent and credible election to Oba people.

He pledged to work with his co-contestants and critical stakeholders in the community to bring about the long expected peace, unity and development in the town.

“Once again I thank God Almighty and congratulate Ndi Oba whom this victory primarily belongs to and I extend my hand of fellowship to my colleagues in the executive to join me in this onerous task of uniting and rebuilding our dear town Oba ebo iteghete.”

Declaring Ejiofor winner in a keenly contested election, Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr Liberty Maduekwe said Ejiofor polled 370 votes to defeat his only opponent, Ogechukwu Obasoanya, who secured 179 votes.

Other positions, aside those of Secretary General and Chief Provost, were unopposed at the election duly supervised by Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili South LGA, Hon Amaka Obi and officials of Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Affairs, Awka.

Earlier, Idemili South TC Chairman, Obi described the election as critical in view of the community’s strategic position to the Council area and the state, stressing that government presence was to ensure peace and orderliness of the exercise.

“The state government is interested in promoting peace across all communities of the state, through the entrenchment of democratically-elected town union executives,” she said.

Obi charged the newly-elected town union executives to work in accordance with the community’s constitution as they carry everybody along in their developmental efforts.

Congratulating the new executives, Regent of the town, Prince Noel Ezenwa urged them to ensure Oba remained united while bond of brotherliness among them be nurtured at all times.

He said the community has through the election, demonstrated their preparadness to commence journey of rebuilding their homeland.

Chairman of the outgone Interim Government of the Community, Sir Osita Ubadi described the election as one of the most transparent conducted in the history of the community, urging the new leadership to work towards giving the community a befitting traditional ruler in the nearest future.

“I’m happy my leadership was able to accomplish the tasks assigned them by government, as well as other achievements for the community,” he said.

A stakeholder in the community, Prof Austen Azubogu commended the advisory role of the Idemili South Transition Committee Chairman, Hon Obi, in ensuring that the elections were successful and concluded in transparent manner.

It was gathered that absence of executives had contributed to delay in electing a new traditional ruler, as all forms of crimes, including youth restiveness, sales and encroachment of communally-owned lands, held sway in the community occasioned by lack of leadership.

State Government had through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Affairs, created the Interim Town Union Government, ITUG to ensure conduct of election of new executives of the OPU before end of 2023.

FEDPOLY OKO RECTOR TO SPEAK AT AMTY AWARDS

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

Rector Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Engr.Dr Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo has been confirmed as Keynote Speaker for the 3rd edition of the AMTY Awards slated to hold on December 29, 2023.

Director of Media and Communications, AMTY Awards, Dr Odogwu Emeka, in a press statement on Monday in Awka, revealed the theme for the edition as “Gbakotanu Ka anyi Dozie Obodo Dike” (Come Together Let’s Build the land of the Great).

He said the event will be holding at the Stanel Dome, Awka and promises to honor Anambrarians that have continued to blaze the trail in various fields of human endeavor.

Speaking about the keynote speaker, Odogwu described Dr. Nwafulugo as a respected academician whose belief in the progress of our state is unwavering.

The statement reads in part, “Engr Dr Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo was until her appointment as rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, a Chief lecturer at the Chemical Engineering Department of Kaduna Polytechnic.

“She attended the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu where she obtained Higher National Diploma (HND)

“She did PGD and later went ahead to obtain Masters degree and PhD all in Chemical Engineering.

“Engr Nwafulugo is a member of various professional bodies and associations including Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSCHE).

“She is a member of Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN), Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMSON) and Women in Technical Education and Employment (WITED).

“She is a fellow of eight professional bodies including Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), Institute of Oil Gas Research and Hydrocarbon studies (FIOGR)A

“She was appointed Rector Federal Polytechnic oko in 2019 and was the first female rector of the institution in over 40 years of its existence.”

FUEL SUBSIDY-INDUCED PALLIATIVES WILL END THIS YEAR (2023) IN ANAMBRA STATE

Anambra State Government wishes to remind our people that the payment of the non-taxable N12,000 Cash Awards, subsequently increased this December to N20,000, and distribution of Rice Palliatives were majorly aimed at cushioning the immediate economic hardship occasioned by the removal of the fuel subsidy.

The payment of the Cash Awards to government workers and pensioners will last for four (4) months only – September to December 2023 – as earlier announced by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR.

The Rice Palliative, procured with the N2 billion loan from the Federal Government has been shared across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State, all the communities and down to “umunna” or kindreds.

These processes have been clinically executed, the objectives met and Ndi Anambra are happy.

In the light of the above, it’s important to emphasize that the payment of Cash Awards and distribution of Rice Palliatives will end by December 31, 2023.

This does not negate other more impactful and sustainable welfare policies which Governor Soludo has thoughtfully and preemptively emplaced to leverage the quality of living. They include free education, free antenatal and delivery services, tax holiday for petty traders and artisans worth below N100,000, youth empowerment with N2b and another one to commence soon, employment of additional teachers and medical personnel, etc.

We will continue to show the way as the Light of the Nation.

Wishing you all Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year.

Signed

*SIR PAUL NWOSU*

Commissioner for Information

December 20, 2023

ORUMBA NORTH TC CHAIRMAN LAUDS GOV. SOLUDO ON RICE DISTRIBUTION

By Chioma Ezeiru / Charity Okechukwu :

Orumba North Transition Committee Chairman, Sir Ogochukwu Ekwueme has lauded Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his impactful palliative measures to the people of Anambra State especially the vulnerable and less privileged.

Sir Ekwueme, who made the commendation in an interview with information officers at the local government secretariat, Ajalli, said that Gov. Charles Soludo is God sent to the people of Anambra State especially at this critical time.

The Orumba North TC Chairman noted that “It is worthy of emulation that at this difficult time across the country, the Anambra State governor, Professor Charles Soludo, in his kind and humane nature, has approved the distribution of about 200,000 bags of 10kg rice to the poorest of the poor across the length and breadth of the state to help cushion the effects of subsidy removal.

“We give kudos to the governor. In Orumba North, we have received about 7,500 bags of rice already and still expecting the remaining 2000 bags before we begin distribution to various wards and communities. And we will not distribute them until we have the list of recipients from the various wards, which we will vet and ensure that the rice gets to only those it is actually meant for,” he added.

Sir Ekwueme also stated that measures have been put in place by his leadership to avoid irregularities and ensure transparent and appropriate disbursement of the palliative.

“Due to our experience in the coconut and palm tree seedlings disbursement, we have sat and put together measures that will ensure fair selection of beneficiaries and equitable distribution of the palliative. We have formed supervisory committee at the local government level which I am a member and also supervisory committee at the ward levels which constitutes the councillors, presidents-general, clergy men, civil society organisations, etc for proper monitoring, supervision and distribution.

“Also in the beneficiary selection process, we are working through the umunnas. Each village already have their umunna in place. The umunnas know their people and know those members who are actually deserving of the palliative.

“This is how the list is generated. Every local government has its peculiarities but our job is to key into the solution mantra, ensure that it gets to the right beneficiaries and the local government is doing a good job. Each ward is expected to receive no fewer than 400-650 bags of rice and we have about 19 wards in Orumba North Local Government Area alone.

“This is massive and first of its kind. It is a good and welcome development. We are really grateful to Gov. Soludo for putting smiles on the faces of our people in this festive season. At least, our people are assured of rice for this yuletide celebration. Ndi Anambra should give him their full support as he takes the state to enviable heights.”

Speaking further, Sir Ekwueme described the state government palliative measures as all encompassing and transformational.

According to him, the Soludo administration is determined to bring dividends of democracy to Ndi Anambra especially the grassroots through provision of free education from nursery to junior secondary school(J.S.S 3), permitting only N5000 school fees for Senior Secondary Schools; free ante natal care and delivery services for expectant mothers in the state, youth empowerment, massive road construction, employment of teachers and health workers.

The Orumba-North TC boss expressed gratitude to God Almighty and Gov. Soludo for the privilege to serve the people of Orumba North.

“I thank God and Gov. Soludo for this opportunity to serve my people. I am a man of service. I like to help and assist people, it is in my nature and background.

“We have been here for about 15 months. It has been a challenging and tough one because governance is not easy especially in Nigeria. But I believe that we have been able to make some positive impact in the lives of our people. They should keep on supporting us by paying their taxes and levies as at when due to enable us generate funds and carry out some necessary projects in the local government area,” he said.

_Chioma and Charity are of the Ministry of Information_

GOV. SOLUDO DOLE OUT CHRISTMAS PACKAGE TO SOLUTION FC PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo has doled out Christmas package to players and officials of Anambra State club, Solution FC.

The Christmas package is in the form of 50kg bags of Rice each to officials and players of the Nigeria National League (NNL) side.

The package was handed out to the players and officials at the Conference Room of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC) under the supervision of the ASSDC Chairman, Patrick Estate Onyedum.

Addressing the players on behalf of the Governor, Mr. Onyedum stated that the package to the players and officials of the club is part of the welfare by the state government under Gov. Soludo to motivate them in their NNL adventure towards finishing on a high note and possibly earning promotion to the top tier, Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) next season.

Onyedum called on players and officials to work on crucial areas in the team such as the striking department and ensure that they score more goals and win matches both home and away in subsequent league matches which is pivotal to the success of the team. The Sports Administrator re-emphasized the support of the present administration towards the success of the Solution FC project.

Also speaking, the member representing Nnewi North Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Anambra State House of Assembly (ANSHA), Hon. Augustine Ike commended the players and officials for their effort and results recorded thus far in the NNL. The lawmaker affirmed that as part of his oversight function, he can make a case to put Solution FC in social status in law with specific law addressing Solution FC matters as well as increasing the budgetary allocation of the team but all that could be achieved with good results by the team.

Hon. Ike informed that he will from now follow both training sessions and match proceedings of the club in the NNL while urging the players and officials to enhance the team’s outlook performance wise starting with the game against Crown FC of Ogbomosho in Match Day 6 this weekend.

In a vote of thanks, the Team Manager, Augustine Okoye thanked Governor Soludo for his support and motivation for the club. He also thanked Hon. Onyedum for ensuring a smooth and seamless operation administration wise in various aspects of club management while also thanking the Chairman House Committee on Sports for his interest in the affairs of the club. He stated that the technical crew led by Coach Uche Okagbue will work assiduously in enhancing the performance and outlook of the team.

Solution FC which came into existence in the third quarter of the 2023 year is currently playing in Conference B of the ongoing 2023/2024 Nigeria National League (NNL).

UNIVERSITY AUTONOMY: FG INTERFERENCE IMPEDING DEVT OF PUBLIC VARSITIES – UNIZIK DON

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

A university don, Prof Nkemdilim Nnoyelu has lamented overbearing interference of governments and its regulatory agencies or bodies on the autonomy of public Universities in the country.

He identified such interference as major factor hampering development of university education system in Nigeria.

Nnoyelu, a professor of Industrial Sociology and Industrial Relations stated this while delivering the 98 inaugural lecturer of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State titled: “From classroom teachers and researchers to union activists: The predicament of academics in Nigerian public Universities”.

He described the practice of Ministries of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) determining curriculum benchmark as strange to global standards.

He canvassed review of NUC mandate, including allowing Universities liberty to determine their content, syllabus and curriculum without being restrained by regulation and standardizations.

He said, “Autonomy of the university is sacrosanct. The university should be insulated from government interference to enjoy academic freedom in terms of content, curriculum and syllabus.

“The university should not be under the overbearing of the Ministry of Education or any other authority. They should be allowed to develop their own programmes.

“Professors should be allowed to teach what they want to teach and not to be given benchmark, all in the name of uniformity of standard.

“Intellectuals should be allowed to flourish and blossom. It’s a major struggle. That’s why university is called “mahadum” in Igbo language.

“NUC affects this autonomy to a very large extent. The whole system should be adjusted and reviewed especially in terms of the powers the Commission weilds.

“The accreditation system is a ruise. What’s it doing for us? Even though they point to global standard, but we know the reality on ground.”

While lamenting the over 7years closure of universities in the last 31 years occasioned by strike actions, the inuguaral lecturer called for institutionalisation of collective bargaining and implementation of agreements with unions as panecea for reoccurring industrial disputes in the education system.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Charles Esimone, while decorating Nnoyelu with the lecture medal, commended him for speaking truth to power at the same time proffering solutions to challenges facing the nation’s University system.

Esimone, represented by his deputy in-charge of academics, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu explained that the culture of inaugural lectures has been sustained to promote academic and research excellence in the University.