Nigeria President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo over the death of his father, Pa Simeon Soludo.
President Tinubu, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, described the late Mr. Soludo as a dignified and charitable family man.
He said that the deceased lived a fruitful life that was exemplified in the achievements, personal quality, and sterling records of his son, Prof. Soludo.
“I pray the Almighty God grant your beloved father eternal rest. He lives through you still, in your sincerity, good works and deeds.”
The president encouraged the governor and the good people of Anambra to take solace in the excellent legacy of the departed nonagenarian.
Late Mr Soludo was 92 at the time of his passage into glory.
He is survived by seven sons; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra West Local Government Area, Mr. Felix Ikechi has handed over cheques and certificates to the Anambra West beneficiaries of the just concluded first batch of the 1 youth 2 skills empowerment program of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration.
The program which was Initiated by the present administration of Governor Soludo was aimed at lifting thousands of Youths off the streets and engaging them meaningfully in different skills for them to be self reliant and sufficient.
Handing over the cheques and certificate to forty-seven beneficiaries from Anambra West at the local council sub office Umueze Anam, Mr. Ikechi noted that the programme which was aimed at empowering the youths with essential skills for self-sufficiency, would certainly make a significant impact on the lives of the young individuals.
He commended Governor Soludo administration for taking thousands of youths off the streets through the initiative, saying that investing in human capital development remains the greatest of all Investment.
The Anambra West TC Chairman commended the beneficiaries for their determination and commitment in acquiring new skills, which he believed are essential for the socio-economic growth of Anambra State.
He advised them to utilize the rare opportunity to develop their lives, noting that the Governor is poised in making Anambra youths self reliant through various skills, urging them to remain focused, committed and dedicated to become employers of labour in months to come.
Mr.Felix Igboanugo is a staff member of the Ministry Of Information.
The Vehicle Inspection Service Department of the Ministry of Transport Anambra State has conducted a motor ordinance training exercise for the drivers of Transport Company Anambra State (TRACAS) at VIO Computerised Centre, Awka.
In his opening remarks, the Head of Accident Investigation Unit, Vehicle Inspection Service Department, Anambra State Ministry of Transport, Engr. Eze Daniel Onyeka explained that the essence of the exercise was to refresh and retrain drivers on the ethics of driving.
In his words, “Driving is serious business and not all drivers are competent. A competent driver is someone who possesses the knowledge, skills, and attitude to operate a vehicle safely and responsibly.
He noted that competent driving prioritizes safety and responsible behaviour on the road, saying that driving required patience, tolerance, concentration, a good attitude and cordial relationship traits.
He said that a significant cause of accidents on the road is caused by human factors, which includes speeding, distracted driving (such as texting or using a phone), impaired driving (due to alcohol or drugs), reckless behaviour, fatigue, and other forms of negligence.
“One mistake made by a driver can lead to irreversible consequences, drivers must understand the potential consequences of their actions on the road.” Eze concluded.
Reacting, the Head of Operations, Vehicle Inspection Service Department, Engr. Obidoa Chukwueloka urged drivers to change their perception that Vehicle Inspection Service Officers are only fault finders.
“If the police is your friend, then VIO is your brother and we genuinely have the interests of road users at heart.
He noted that VIO’s primary role is to help improve road safety by enforcing laws related to vehicle conditions, licensing, and other regulations.
He pointed out that most drivers do not have valid driving licenses and enjoined them to endeavour to go through the proper channels when obtaining a driver’s license.
Engr Obidoa said that every driver in Anambra is expected to have up-to-date driver’s licenses, insurance, vehicle licenses, and road-worthiness.
The TRACAS drivers were also taught about the Regulatory Trafic Signs which included; prohibitory signs, warning signs, mandatory signs and informative signs while their vehicles were subjected to Computerised Motor Check.
*Chidimma and Ngozika are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Anambra State, Engr Julius Mmelikam Chukwuemeka has said that out of about 25,000 street lights being previously powered by diesel by the previous administration,18,000 have been converted to solar lights so far by the solution government.
Engr Chukwuemeka made this known while addressing the management of Chukwuemeka Odunmegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) during the inspection of installed solar street lights at the Igbariam Campus of the University.
Mr commissioner said that the conversion from diesel powered to solar powered was in line with Gov. Soludo’s campaign promise to achieve more with less.
He maintained that solar system is not only cost effective but also environment friendly to achieve the solution government’s vision of clean, green and sustainable Anambra State.
He added that aside converting to solar system, new ones are being installed across the state and tasked the university community to take ownership of the street lights as well as other government utilities to prevent vandalisation.
*Azuka Offor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Anambra State Ministry of Education proudly inaugurated the Solution Theatrical Team, a pioneering effort aimed at fostering the artistic talents of Junior and Senior Secondary School students throughout the state.
During the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry of Education Board Room, the Commissioner of Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, expressed appreciation for the approval of the Solution Theatrical course by Gov. Charles Soludo, emphasizing its potential to meaningfully engage Anambra youths and reduce restiveness.
She urged every child in Anambra to embrace this initiative, highlighting its role in reshaping consciousness and instilling positive social values, noting that every work of art carries a message and that theatre serves as a medium for learning from others experiences.
Mr. Leo Ewuziem, Chairman of the Nigerian Guild of Actors, Anambra State Chapter, hailed the Solution Theatrical Course as a first-of-its-kind in the nation and the Nollywood industry.
“By introducing it as an extracurricular activity in secondary schools, students will develop public speaking and interpersonal skills while nurturing their acting abilities.”
Nollywood actress and former Secretary, Nigeria Guild of Actors, Anambra State Chapter, Chinweoke Mbah, underlined the team’s commitment to educating students on societal issues, emphasizing discipline and security through the theatrical stage.
She also mentioned their efforts to train teachers in theatre arts, aligning with the vision of engaging and nurturing youth.
Mr. Jovita Arazu, Principal of Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka, and President of ANCOPPS, Anambra State, lauded Gov. Soludo’s approval of the theatrical course, foreseeing academic improvement and well-rounded development in students.
Master Prince Anagor, a student of Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka, expressed gratitude for the unprecedented opportunity, pledging to make the best of it by honing their acting skills and preparing for a brighter future in the industry.
*Obiageli Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
No fewer than 110 skill acquisition graduates were empowered by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Mr..Emeka Orji, with #200,000 and #500,000 each after graduating from their various skills’ training.
The benefitting youths who were trained for months, were empowered to commence their journey towards becoming self reliant and wealth creators.
Commending them for the completion of their training, Mr. Orji advised them to focus on the areas which they were trained, especially those of the apprenticeship who received higher sum, even as he stressed the need for judicious use of the money giving to them, stating that to whom much is given, much is expected.
“Small business is the engine room of the state economy and the state is willing to support those that did well by giving them more”.
“Empowering the youths is a critical aspect of sustainable economic development that requires the provision of resources such as funds and education to aid in the establishment of sustainable businesses.
Recall that last Friday the State Government empowered five thousand persons who graduated from the first batch of the “One youth, two skills” Solution Initiative with start-up grants to the tune of two billion naira to launch their businesses.
This is another commendable step in the right direction towards achieving this objective as entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for stimulating economic growth and it provides opportunities for job creation, wealth generation, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
However, starting up a new business requires resources, and access to funds is often a significant barrier faced by potential entrepreneurs and so, the decision by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to help over five thousand youths in the state to acquire skills in different key areas and also empower them with grants as launch pads is not just timely but strategic.
The Governor’s initiative sheds light on the importance of providing financial support and training programme to entrepreneurs, particularly young entrepreneurs, to build and sustain their businesses.
The five thousand beneficiaries of the grant were chosen after a rigorous selection process, which involved a thorough assessment of the feasibility, and potential for growth of their proposed businesses and this process ensured that only those with viable, innovative, and sustainable business ideas were selected.
Juliana Nwachukwu and Patricia Osegbue are Staff members of the Ministry Of Information
The Anambra State House Committee on Works has commended the contractor in charge of Amensea-Ifite—Amaenyi road awarded by the State Government, some days ago.
The honourable member representing Orumba South, Mr. Emmanuel Nwafor who is the chairman of the committee expressed satisfaction with the level of progress already achieved by the construction limited.
‘I commend your dedication to work while urging you to continue in that light. Drainages are ongoing with the right specification and good equipments.
We have seen the reinforce concrete and is above normal.”
The project manager, Mr. M. Swali laid more emphasis on the progress of the work.
”We are at the drainage stage, also removing bad materials and putting stone base. The duration of the project is eighteen months’, He said.
The committee also paid a visit to the on-going project at Isiagu linking Ukwu Orji road with a bypass to Nibo.
The chairman of the committee, Mr Emmanuel Nwafor said, “though work is on going on the road but it is slow.
“We don’t want anything that will derail Mr. Governor’s intention to deliver the road at the appropriate time so I urge you to work faster to meet up with the agreed time”
“We have checked the size of the road, the width of the drainage though it is an existing drainage; we have marked some areas that needs to be removed to avoid structural collapse”.
The project manager, Mr. Olumide Temilaye explained that the weather condition has been a huge set back to the progress of the work.
“We don’t want a future collapse of the road so we waited for the rain to stop. We have five dry months and we promise the road will be ready within the period.”
Other members of the committee present are; Mr. Ejike Okechukwu (Anaocha 2), Mr. Patrick Uoba (Anambra West) and Mr. Golden Chukwuebuka Iloh (Ihiala 2).
*Chizoba writes for the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*
5000 Youths trained under the Anambra State Government ‘1Youth 2Skills’ Programme have graduated .
Addressing the youths during the graduation ceremony organized by the Ministry of Youth Development, at the International Convention Centre, Awka the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo described the programme as a vital tool for human capital development.
He commended the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for partnering with the government for the programme and congratulated the graduating youths, urging them to take bold steps in putting what they learned into practice to guarantee their success.
The governor called for the support of business owners, captains of industries, donor agencies and public spirited individuals to take up youth empowerment inorder to change lives, “even if it is one person per skill”, he said.
Earlier, in his address, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba said that the programmee was designed to change employment module from consumption to production, through community based approach.
He added that his ministry targets to raise 1000 youth millionaires annually and make the state a skill hub of West Africa.
“The programme was designed to redefine youth employment from immediate consumption to more of productive, innovative and impactive programmes through community based approach.
“This programme is also an evolution to take the youth to next level massive economic revolution and I am appreciating the Director, Unizik Business School and the 1 Youth 2 Skills ANSEC Committee for their effort in making all this a success.”
The Deputy Director, UNIZIK Business School, Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, commended the State Government for approving the partnership arrangements and entrusting the driving of the skills entrepreneurship scheme with the school.
One of the participants from Awka South Local Government Area, Chioma Chukwueke thanked the government for the opportunities given to them to be part of the Pilot Phase and promised not to let Ndị Anambra down after the graduation.
Other beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the state government and commended the ministry for the privilege given to them to acquire more knowledge through the training.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, members of Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), traditional rulers, clergies, Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and Youth directors from different states.
Ifeoma writes for the Ministry of Informtion, Anambra State
Sequel to the inauguration of the Special Anti-touting Squad in Anambra (SASA) last Monday by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo with the mandate to eradicate touts from Anambra markets and roads, the market leaders under the auspices of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has pledged to partner with SASA to actualize the task.
Speaking during the general Congress of all the major markets in Anambra State at the ASMATA Secretariat, Modebe Avenue, Onitsha, the President General, ASMATA , Chief Humphrey Anuna tasked market leaders to discontinue issuing any form of unauthorized tolls especially to hawkers, barrow pushers and customers.
“God knows I have been trying my best for the interests and welfare of the traders on one hand and on the other hand ensuring that government’s revenues are remitted as and when due and that peace is maintained in the markets.
“Let us all co-operate with Prof. Soludo’s fight against touting. He is well educated and knows what is best for Ndi Anambra because he has the interest of the masses at heart. This is a welcome development.
“Today, we have invited SASA and the various Revenue collection agents authorized by the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) to educate us on how to identify touts or fake revenue collectors.
“As they drop their contacts do not fail to ensure the arrest of any tout operating within any market under your care. Before governor will indict me, I will indict any market leader found culpable,” Anuna warned.
Moreover, the Managing Director, Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra State (OCHA) brigade, Celestine Anere said that Gov. Soludo was very serious about removing any market leadership aiding or abetting touting by March 2024, adding that markets should also intensify environmental sanitation and desilting of the drainages around their markets or risk being closed down.
The Deputy Director SASA Operations, Mr Monday Nwokoye who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner for Homeland security, Mr Chukwudi Anara and Director of Operations Anambra Vigilante Services, Chief Chineye Ihenko said that anti-touting squad has arrested over 64 suspected touts within 24 hours of inauguration and was determined to fish out any single tout and smash their syndicates operating anywhere within the state.
In their respective speeches, the Chairman, Bigly Oil and Gas, Chief Ken Nwankwo, Unified Hybrid Enforcement Team(UHBET) AIRS Central Coordinator, Hon Obiora Offor and North Coordinator/SSA to Governor on Security, Hon Chiejina Obieze outlined the only approved IGR to be collected in the markets.
According to them, their staff are always on uniform with identity cards and POS as directed by the Governor, any of their staff who cannot identify himself properly or fights in the public should be treated as a tout.
ASMATA Patron, Chief Jude Nwankwo (Ochendo Umuawulu) the PG Building Materials International Market, Ogidi stressed that the state government was actually against extorting from the less privileged petty traders, barrow pushers, hawkers to further impoverish them and ripping off customers who come to patronize the traders from within and outside the state, thereby scaring them away.
He said, “the state government cannot be against any consensus resolution made by traders’ association for their upkeep, welfare or intra market road maintenance from fellow members urging Market leaders to synergize with SASA to identify touts operating outside the market soroundings which had been tarnishing the image of most markets.
Meanwhile, several market leaders including PG Relief Market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, Chairman Nkpor Main market, Mr Paul Okafor, PG Onitsha Main Market, chief Innocent Ikechukwu Ezeoha, and Mr Charles Ikeli, the chairman Amalgamated Tyre Dealers Association, ATDA, Nkpor, after commending the fight against touting revealed that those touts which engaged in illegal revenue collection oftentimes operate outside the markets where the market leaders lack powers to stop their activities but promised touting activities will soon be eradicated.
“In some cases market leaders are threatened for trying to stop them from enjoying revenue as market host communities,” Okafor noted.”
According to Ochiogu, truly touts are not inside the market but around the market. Before, market leaders had powers to arrest touts outside the market but when you accost some of them at Ogbaru, Upper Iweka or Nkpor flyover, they will tell you that they have authorization from their town union or traditional ruler to collect revenue.
“Empower market leaders and those touts will no longer come around to misbehave.”
The ASMATA Secretary, Mr. Macaulay Ekwe, Assistant Secretary, Chief Charles Okoye, ASMATA Idemili Zonal Chairman, Chief Emma Obiagwu and ASMATA Chairman Onitsha zone, Chief Eric Uwaoma said that ASMATA had earlier floated a 5-man MakeWay taskforce in each market to checkmate activities of touts assuring that they will synergize with SASA which includes providing every useful information that would help eradicate touting which is majorly perpetrated by indigenes with some non-indegenes. (Ministry of Information)
In the bid to maintain road sanity and curb the incessant gridlock often experienced at Afor Nnobi Market roundabout and Eke Awkaetiti Market road axis, the Chairman, Idemili South Local Government Area (ISLGA), Anambra State, Mrs. Amaka Obi, has tasked commercial tricycle operators popularly called ‘keke riders’ to stop indiscriminate ‘lifting’ and ‘dropping’ of passengers outside designated bus stops or parks on the roads.
Speaking to the executive of the Keke Riders Association at Nnobi, Mrs Obi noted that the activities of the commercial tricycle operators plying Nnewi/ Nnobi/Agulu road and Nnobi/Awkaetiti/Ekwulobia roads have been constituting nuisance and causing traffic jam as they scamper for passengers.
According to her, in line with Prof. Charles Soludo, our Solution Governor’s vision to achieve a prosperous, livable, beautiful and smart homeland in Anambra State, the ISLGA embarked on barricading and beautification of the Nnobi market to ensure that traders who display their wares on the roadside are protected from road accident and the frequent traffic congestion checkmated.
“Also we want to ensure that commercial bus drivers and keke riders plying on these roads will start making use of the loading spot and motor parks and as well, adhere strictly to those designated bus stops/terminals marked by Anambra Transport Management Agency (ATMA) for passengers to get in or get off the commuter vehicles.
She warned that henceforth, defaulters of ATMA traffic rules would have themselves to blame.
However, the Spokesman of the Keke riders, Mr Ikenna Okeke said that the Keke riders in the council area are peace loving people and assured the Council boss of their maximum compliance and co-operation toward ensuring that their colleagues obey traffic rules and use the designated bus stops and parks. (Ministry of Information)
The information officer reports from Idemili South LGA
