LGA News

News from Anambra State Local Government Areas

VP COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL OKO EXTOLS SOLUDO ON FREE EDUCATION

By Chioma Ezeiru/ Charity Okechukwu :

The Vice Principal(Administration) Community Secondary School, Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area, Mrs. Joy Okafor, has lauded Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo on the recent inclusion of Senior Secondary classes in his Free Education initiative in the state.

The Vice Principal made the commendation during an interactive session with information officers in her office at CSS Oko.

According to her, Gov. Soludo is doing wonders in the education sector. He is really the Solution to what parents need now considering the harsh economic situation of the country.

“I no longer see children who should be in school learning hawking or loitering about the streets anymore due to the Solution government’s free education program from kindergarten to the Senior Secondary Schools in the state.

“It is a great encouragement to us and parents. His Free Education Policy has tremendously helped many parents who are not only indigenes of Anambra State. Every Nigerian and even Non-Nigerian resident in the state is benefiting from his magnanimity.

“Parents are now happily bringing their wards and children to school. It has helped students to return back to school. Those that ran away because of school fees and burden of fees are now coming back to school and going off the streets,” she noted.

She said that the state government’s free education initiative has caused an upsurge of students coming into the school.

“Prior to the introduction of Free Education, we had only three classes(A to C) in our JSS3 and SS1 classes. But now, we are heading to five classes (A to E) due to the increase of students and high response of parents to the Free Education by Gov. Soludo.”

Mrs. Okafor further noted that the state government has done well in terms of equipping and revitalizing public schools in the state.

“The Solution governor through his efforts, is building and repositioning public schools in the state to global standard. About two weeks ago, all the heads of public schools in the state were invited to Awka by the state government and given Physics, Chemistry, Biology and other science equipment for their schools.

“Another great achievement of Gov. Soludo in the educational sector is the employment and deployment of qualified teachers to all the public schools in the state.

“By so doing, he has effectively solved the problem of lack of qualified teachers in our school. Before, we had less than 20 teachers but now, we have about 41 qualified and capable teachers. No more PTA and Auxillary teachers,” she emphasized.

However, the Vice Principal called on the state government and well meaning individuals of Oko community to help them in constructing a proper perimeter fencing round the school as this has posed a huge challenge and insecurity to the school.

“We need perimeter fencing in the school. This is our major challenge. It has affected us so much in the area of controlling our students and security of school properties.

“Many school properties have been stolen and vandalized by intruders who come into the school anyhow because every corner of the school is open and accessible. We, therefore, call on the state government and well to do individuals in the community to help us in combating the insecurity in our school.”

Also, the Senior Prefect of the school, Akpan Chidiebere Israel, expressed gratitude to Gov. Soludo for the Free Education implementation in the state, describing it as a great opportunity provided mostly for intelligent students who hitherto could not afford their school fees.

“Gov. Soludo is really the Solution. He brought solution to the problem of students and even to those children in the village who have not seen the four walls of a school, but can now access Free Education even to their syenior Secondary School classes. All thanks to Prof. Soludo who made their dreams come through,” he said.

*Chioma and Charity are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

FLOOD: ANAMBRA WEST RESIDENTS APPEAL FOR IMMEDIATE GOVT ASSISTANCE

By Felix Igboanugo :

Residents of Anambra West Local Government Area, Anambra State are currently facing a dire situation as the area has been severely submerged by the ravaging flood.

The rising waters have caused widespread damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, leaving many residents displaced and in need of urgent assistance.

In light of this crisis, the residents have made a passionate appeal to federal government, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and Anambra State Government for immediate assistance.

Speaking to information officer, one of the resident, Mr. Okonkwo Odili stressed the urgent need for relief supplies such as food, shelter, and medical assistance.

“Our people are facing extreme hardships, with no shelter, food, or clean water, and the health risks are escalating as waterborne diseases spread unchecked. This situation demands swift and decisive intervention to save lives and provide relief to those affected,” he said.

Mr. Odili explained that the flood was as a result of heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of families, adding that some were forced to seek shelter in makeshift camps or with relatives, as their homes have been inundated with water.

He said that the situation is critical and required prompt action from the state government to provide relief to those affected, appealing to the government to swiftly respond to their appeal and provide the necessary assistance to alleviate the suffering of the flood victims.

As the residents of Anambra West LGA struggle to cope with the aftermath of the flooding, it is crucial that the state government steps in to provide support and assistance to those in need. The plight of the flood victims must not be overlooked, and immediate action is required to address this humanitarian crisis.

*Felix is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

2024 OFALA FESTIVAL: ONITSHA MONARCH BEMOANS DEVASTATING IMPACT OF NIGERIA’S ECONOMY, INSECURITY

By Juliana Nwachukwu/Ngozi Okoli/Anakor Nkiru :

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe last Friday, expressed deep concern over the devastating impact of the nation’s economy and insecurity.

Achebe, in his 2024 Ofala message tagged: “Courage Perseverance, Self-reliance” which he translated into Igbo language as , “Onye kwe, Chi’e ekwe”, said the combined effects of the duo of poor economy and insecurity are the spiraling ride in the cost of living, business closures, loss of employment, a general feeling of hopelessness and lack of trust in the government.

According to the monarch, “At last year Ofala, I stated that the previous 12 months were marked by uncertainties occasioned by the aftermath of the general elections, further exacerbated by the continuing insecurity and the effects of the sudden removal of the fuel price subsidy.

” Unfortunately, the well-being of the polity has declined even more steeply in the last 12 months, leading to a 10-day national protest in August 2024 tagged: “End bad governance”, said Obi Achebe.

He expressed disappointment that the federal government had rejected proposals aimed at restoring Nigeria’s former glory. These proposals included devolution of power, downsizing the government, addressing the interconnected issues of insecurity, agriculture, and high cost of living, mitigating the impact of fuel price hikes on the cost of living, and tackling bad governance fueled by corruption and the lavish lifestyles of political leaders.

He therefore called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to consider alternative views and urgently convene a non-partisan national economic and security summit to forge a collective way forward for the country.

He also decried the enormous economic and social impact on Ndigbo who continue to suffer at the hands of unknown gunmen who have been terrorizing the community, killing, maiming, and kidnapping their own people for ransom, causing widespread fear and disruption. The situation has forced schools, markets, and public facilities to shut down every Monday in compliance with the sit-at-home order.

* Nwachukwu, Okoli and Anakor are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ANAMBRA YOUTHS TO BENEFIT FROM UNDP, MASTERCARD EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

BY: Nwokedi Nwanneka A. and Maureen Agbala :

In a bid to drive socio economic development in Nigeria, MasterCard Foundation in partnership with United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) organized a four-day in-house training tagged “Young Africa Innovates” for young Anambra youths between the ages of 18-35 years in the state.

The training which started on Monday 14th October, 2024 at ASSU Hall, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka was aimed to strengthen the capacity of innovation hubs and local institutions as well as support young innovators from all works of life.

Speaking during the training, the Focal Person United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP), South East, Chiwetalu Okosi stated that Young Africa Innovates ethos is rooted in inclusivity and to ensure that innovators from all works of life are empowered to bring their vision to life.

She also said that at the core of the programme, innovators will be provided with technical support to test, validate and scale up their solutions.

According to her, Anambra is the pilot state for South East and the focus is on Commerce because of the state’s peculiarity on entrepreneurship, so there is need for innovative ideas under the value chain for commerce to find out how we can find new ways of doing commerce to improve. Once we have something new and innovative, the idea will be refined.

“Out of 3000 youths that applied, 300 was selected, there was no academic restriction and the programme was conducted in two batches. After the training they will pitch their ideas and best 30 will be selected and scaled up into incubators stage after which they will be given all they will need to refine these ideas like; seed money, mentorship etc and the refined ideas will further be developed and established,’’ she said.

One of the participants, Mrs Okonkwo Patience Onyinyechi, a fashion designer expressed joy to be selected for the programme, stating that she has learned a lot of new ways to help boost her business.

‘’This is a life changing opportunity, I have learnt so many new things that will help improve my business and also in other fields of works, even if am not selected at the end of the day, my life has richly been impacted positively’’.

Idika Chidimma, one of the resource persons commended the organisers of the programme as it will empower the young innovators and help them address the challenges in the commerce sector.

‘’These young innovators are local talents, they are residents in the state so they know the challenges in the commerce sector, they have been equipped with new ways to address these challenges and also to improve their skills,’’ she said.

* Nwokedi and Agbala are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ONITSHA AREA COMMAND GETS FACELIFT, NEW COMMANDER ISSUES WARNING TO CRIMINALS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Onitsha Police Area Command in Anambra State has undergone significant transformations since Mr. Nzota Chidi, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), took office two weeks ago as the Area Commander, issuing a stern warning to criminals in the commercial hub of the Southeast, advising them to vacate the area or face severe consequences

The Area Commander with the support of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Tina Okeke, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), the Inland Town Police Station has achieved notable successes. Within just 10 days of assuming command, Mr. Chidi’s team neutralized two kidnappers, apprehended one, and injured another.

Mr. Chidi reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining law and order in Onitsha and its surroundings, vowing not to tolerate criminal activities. His resolute stance and prompt actions have sent a strong message to criminals, ensuring a safer environment for the community.

“I am in Onitsha to protect lives and property of the residents, there must be nightlife, people should have their freedom of movement and association and can’t be caged by criminals,” he vowed.

The new Area Commander reiterated the need for environmental cleanliness, adding that cleanliness is next to Godliness.

“Everywhere should be kept clean, including our homes to avoid epidemics that can be caused by unhealthy environment. You have to keep your work place clean like your home and that is what I am doing, painting, putting some structures in order.

“Sand procured for some of the structures that looked abandoned now look beautiful and livable. I want to live a legacy of cleanliness and be known as fighter of crimes and criminality in Onitsha even if as a crime burster, I have achieved the feat in other places I worked.

“Any criminal that does not want to leave Onitsha must meet his waterloo and if he doubts me let him wait and see,” he vowed.

He pleaded to residents to always come up with information that will lead to arresting criminals, assuring of the protection of the identity of such informants.

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

GOVERNMENT TO BEGIN DESTRUCTION OF SHANTIES, SHOPS ALONG ENUGU-ONITSHA EXPRESSWAY

By Chris Chikelue :

Anambra State Government has announced that it will no longer condone erection of shanties and dingy shops along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

This was contained in a release made by its environment monitoring taskforce, The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra State which was signed by its Managing Director and Chief Superintendent General, Comrade Celestine Anere, made public on October 18.

According to the release, it is the intention of the State Government to bring to public its decision to expunge and rid the entire stretch of road from Amansea axis of the Federal highway all through down to Bridgehead, Onitsha Metropolis of shanties and attachments on either sides of the Enugu-Onitsha road.

“Traders on the either sides of the long stretch are advised to start dismantling and evacuation of all shanties and strictures. The State Government will frown and subsequently wield the big stick against any defaulter of this directive.

“Enforcement to clear up the highway will resume two (2) weeks from the first announcement (i.e) 18 October 2024.

“All the motor parks cited on either sides of the Federal highway must be well gated to make way for a peaceful and a lot safer environment.

SOLUDO’S STERLING ACHIEVEMENTS: MEFOR, NWABUNWANNE COLLABORATE ON 21 LG TOWN HALL TOURS TO DRIVE MESSAGE

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, on Monday, October 14, visited the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, in his office at Government House, Awka, to firm up the two ministries plan to embark on town hall tours of 21 LGs in the state to drive the message of Governor Soludo’s sterling achievements.

Speaking during the visit, Mefor recalled that he had earlier hinted to Nwabunwanne about the Information Ministry’s proposed Local Government Town Hall Tours to strategically communicate Governor Soludo’s several sterling achievements and was visiting with his team to work out modalities with the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs counterpart.

According to him, he decided to visit the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs because of the urgency of the town hall tour and the need for the two ministries to collaborate to achieve the desired purpose.

“The town hall is intended to bring together traditional rulers, presidents-general, women and youth leaders, and other critical stakeholders in each local government in one hall and reiterate what the governor has done specifically in their areas and equally get feedback and appreciation of what has been done well and what more should be done to better their lives.

“The Ministry of Information has set up a committee for the town hall. We expect you to do the same so we can have a joint committee to think out where and how we would start,” he said.

Responding, Hon. Nwabunwanne commended the commissioner for doing so much within a short time, even as he reiterated his commitment to the idea and assured of his ministry’s interest.

“It’s a welcome idea. I’m ready anytime. Mine is how to deliver the Soludo solution to the people. What we need is to put things together. I’ll get a team to join yours as a joint committee. Let them draw up a programme and a timetable on possible dates and we take it from there,” he said.

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

GOVERNMENT CRACKS DOWN ON DRAINAGE BLOCKING STRUCTURES IN NKPOR

By Okechukwu Okolonji :

Anambra State Government has rolled out its environment monitoring taskforce against structures blocking drainages in Akuzo, Nkpor, Idemili Local Government Area.

The monitoring was conducted by the Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB).

Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr. Stephen Ezenwa said that the structures were built on an existing drainage channel thereby blocking free flow of flood.

Ezenwa pointed out that the blockage caused flood to prevent the occupants of the area from accessing their buildings also it destroyed property worth millions of naira.

He added that ANSPPB Idemili North LGA has visited the area severally, warned and served the developer removal notices but all led to no avail hence the demolition.

He warned that Anambra State Government would arrest and punish any defaulter who built on drainages and without a building approval.

“Developers should always visit the Board and get approvals before erecting any structure.”

He stressed that it is unlawful to build without an approval in the state.

MARKET SENSITIZATION: BUSINESSES OPEN ON MONDAYS

By Chika Igweagbaka :

Mr. ThankGod Anagor, Mayor, Awka North LGA with the sensitisation team led a peaceful march to Oye market, Achalla to sensitize them on the need to go about their businesses every Monday, reassuring them of their safety.

Speaking at Oye Achalla, Anagor assured the people of their safety on Mondays as it is in line with Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to return normalcy in the markets for economic growth and development.

He further enlightened them on the loses they incur every Monday when businesses are shut down which invariably affect the economic growth of the state.

Ndi Awka North expressed their gratitude to the ever working Governor, affirming that Solution is indeed here.

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

INDUSTRIALIZATION; ACHALLA, NTEJE TO RECEIVE SOLID MINERALS AND OIL BOOSTS

By Adaobi Nsofor :

Achalla, in Awka North Local Government and Nteje in Oyi Local Government Areas of Anambra State are set to witness the presence of the state government industries in their various communities, following the discovery of capt Oil wells and Solid Mineral deposits in the communities.

Speaking during the sensitization visit to these communities as part of the enumeration exercise for oil wells and solid minerals deposits in the state, the MD, Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company and Anambra State Petroleum and Energy Resources Limited, Prof.Charles O.Ofoegbu hinted that the state has embarked on an inventory of all the solid minerals and oil wells in the state for the purpose of industrialization, growth and development of the state.

In Achalla, Prof.Ofoegbu noted that Anambra State has a lot of capt oil wells yet untapped and the government is now ready to secure and acquire them, and to be fully part of the oil producing states in the federation.

He noted that his team has already discovered some abandoned oil wells located at Igbariam, Aguleri among other locations and the essence of developing these oil wells is to generate energy for electricity, and have industrial clusters within the state which will in turn, bring huge development and employment opportunities.

While listing the hazardous effects of unregulated mining activities in the community as well as tampering of oil wells, Prof. Ofoegbu urged the community members to keep off from the areas being mapped out.

He further warned that any attempt to uncapt these wells could be disastrous as there may be blow out. He also requested for adequate security for the team at the start of work in their various units.

Responding, the Traditional Ruler of Achalla community, Igwe Ositadinma Nwokedi said that in as much as it is a welcome development in the sense that it will give the community a face-lift, the team should exercise patience to enable them put in place all the necessary security needed following the recent kidnappings and insecurities that erupted in the community.

Igwe Nwokedi also promised he will put in place a community vigilante team that will work with panel of experts to ensure adequate security and smooth operation of the projects.

He mentioned that erosion is seriously ravaging the community roads, and believed that if the roads are fixed, it will facilitate the security of the whole community.

At Nteje, Prof. Ofoegbu announced the need for a processing plant following the discovery of a huge deposits of Bentonite that is currently being illegally mined in their community.

“What the government wants to do is to partner with the communities that have these solid mineral deposits so it can be used for industrialization. The governor wants to build an industry where these minerals will be processed and mined scientifically and technically so it will benefit the state

“We have the raw materials at Nteje for both oil and water based Bentonite, the water based is for drilling water while the oil based is for drilling oils by the oil companies and that is why we want to set up a Processing Plant here so it will be properly utilized,” Prof Ofoegbu added.

He further reminded them that mining was suspended in the state and now undergoing total reformation. He therefore called on the miners to form a Mining Coperatives that will comprise of ten persons each, whereby they will be issued mining certificate under one cadastral unit which must be signed and approved by the governor.

The President General of Nteje community, Dr Nnamdi Iloduba, who stood in for the Traditional ruler while expressing happiness over the recent development, stated that the community is ever ready to partner and cooperate with the state government. He also assured the team of optimum security at the kick off of the field project.

Meanwhile, the two communities promised to make available the 20 plots of land or more needed for the building of the various projects as Igwe Nwokedi on his part, is ready to provide additional seven hectares of land if so demanded.

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