LGA News

News from Anambra State Local Government Areas

ANAMBRA GOVT TRAINS FARMERS, STAKEHOLDERS ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE STORAGE, PRESERVATION—–EMBARKS ON INSPECTION TOUR

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

No Fewer than 150 Farmers and stakeholders have been trained by the state government on how to preserve their agricultural produce using safe methods, just as it embarked on an inspection tour of some agro allied establishments.

The two day training held at the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Hall, Ministry of Agriculture,was organised by the Produce Department.

Declaring the training tagged”Proper Handling, Storage, Preservation and Grading of Agricultural Produce” open, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, described it as apt especially now that government has prioritised food security.

“This is a very important capacity building session, helping the farmers to make their livelihood resilient because when your produce can be preserved, then your livelihood is also preserved.”

He enjoined the participants to put their new knowledge to good use and also step down the training to other farmers in their respective communities.

“We want to make sure produce are good enough for consumption and help those who are involved in value chain activities. So, I enjoin us to open up and soak every bit of information.”

In a remark, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, called on the participants to disseminate information about the Neem leaves potentials and adopt the technique of turning it into produce preservatives.

She noted that it was important for all stakeholders to collaborate through trainings and sensitisation campaigns to address issues.

Conducting practical sessions, a Resource Person, Dr Obigwe Chukwuma, demonstrated the use of organic matter, Neem leaves, oil and cake among others as natural preservatives, fertilizers and pesticides.

“Information on the utilisation of plant extracts such as those of neem oil, neem cake, neem seed kernel and neem leaf should be made available for the farmers and other grain keepers for safe and economic preservation.”

Dr Chukwuma, the Chief Executive Officer, Royal Neem Ltd, explained that preserving produce in a natural way results in healthier humans and reduces the need for chemical interventions.

He, then, affirmed that the organic method of preservation was a much more sustainable process.

Speaking during an inspection tour of some establishments, the Acting Director of Produce Department, Mrs Uzoamaka Emeagwali, said that the event was staged to sensitive farmers on safe methods of preserving agricultural produce.

She lamented that poor storage methods, adulteration and unhygienic ways produce were being handled by processors and marketers in the state necessitated the training programme.

Mrs Emeagwali, noted that prevalent unwholesome practices was raising concerns among stakeholders about the attendant health risks, expressing commitment to sustain the exercise.

She affirmed that government was playing its role to sensitize the people as well as stakeholders on the best practices to handle and process agricultural produce.

Establishments inspected by the team include, Belga Nig Ltd, Palm Fruit and Kernel Processing, Abagana,Tony silver Industry Ltd, Palm Kernel Crushing Mill, Umuokpu and Wisdom Pack Rice, Agu Awka.

On arrival at Tonysilver Ltd, the Managing Director, Engr Sylvester Ofodile, who was on ground to receive the team explained the stages of production in processing palm kernel.

Mr Louis Ime Kalu, a Resource Person and Director of Produce, Abia State Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry, demonstrated how to determine the quality and free fatty acid of the palm kernels.

According to him, the higher the free fatty acid, the higher the cholesterol in the oil. So, that is what we are trying to ascertain.

*Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

STAKEHOLDER APPLAUDS ANAMBRA STATE GOVT FOR CONDUCTING LOCAL GOVT ELECTIONS

By David Okpala/Stella Okpala :

The All Progressive Grand Alliance(APGA) Chieftain, Chief Charles Obiekwe has applauded Anambra State Government for her doggedness to conducting local government elections, the first in about eleven years.

He said this while interacting with information officers shortly after casting his vote, at Polling Unit 006, Umueze Village Hall, Akpo, in Aguata LGA, on Sept. 28.

Obiekwe who is also an Awka based business Mogul said, “it is sweet seeing this election becoming a reality.

“Thanks to legislative arm of government for making speedy enabling laws that led to today’s election success.

“We had clamoured for the election, to bring government closer to rural communities.

“The election is smooth, peaceful in our polling boot here. Reports from other polling boots within my disposal are also suggesting smooth, peaceful conduct.”

He thanked Ndi Anambra who always proved civil at the face of elections, saluting the efforts of Gov. Soludo for putting up this election in a very short period.

“He is an economist that understand scale of preference, prioritizes activities to suit the time in which we are therein. Let us support him in the interest of our dear State.

“It is wise to put interest of our State ahead of personal interest. Election has come, it must have taken a lot from the treasure of the government. Individuals like us have also put in personal resources, time and other logistics.

“Accepting the elections, its results as they fizzle in, will go a long way to giving us value to all we have put into it.

“The chances of all of us becoming chairmen/councillors at the same time is not possible. So, whoever did not get it now should wait for another opportunity.”

Obiekwe enjoined politicians to play the game according to its rules having the well-being of the downtrodden at heart.

“Those of us wanting to destroy APGA in the name of politics should think again. The name behind APGA success, growth and development remains Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

“He was so selfless that he fought for the interest of others with his personal resources in the spirit of brotherhood. He has not died but transformed to better life glory. Let us not brake his heart by undermining brotherhood mantra of APGA (Onye Aghana Nwanne ya), but hold firm to it.”

Obiekwe pleaded with APGA National Leaders both those who emerged from court room and those from conventional arena to see how they can give some to take some, in order to keep the Ojukwu Flag of “Onye Aghana Nwanne ya” flying.

*David and Stella are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

ANAMBRA LG POLLS: NNEWI NORTH RECORDS PEACEFUL ELECTION AMIDST LOW VOTER TURNOUT

By Enoch Uzuegbunem/Theresa Muonwe/Anthony Okpanku :

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, Nnewi North Local Government Area participated in Anambra State’s Local Government elections, successfully electing a chairman and councilors. While minor logistical issues arose, the overall process was remarkably peaceful.

Although some polling centers faced challenges, the local government election in Nnewi North generally progressed smoothly. While voter turnout was low in some areas, others experienced delays due to the late arrival of ANSIEC officers and missing electoral materials, notably at Akwu Hall.

However, voting proceeded seamlessly in Otolo Ward 1 and 2, as well as Uruagu Ward 1 and 2, with presiding officers commending the peaceful atmosphere. Similarly, Nnofor Hall and other centers reported incident-free voting.

Mr Uzor, a voter, commended the party representatives for their professionalism. On the other hand, Mrs. Amaka Nwafor expressed disappointment over the late arrival of materials, urging ANSIEC to address the issue in future elections.

Eziogwugwu hall Otolo reported no presence of ANSIEC Adhoc staff, while other centers experienced no major issues.

The peaceful election in Nnewi North demonstrated the commitment of the community to democratic processes. As the results are being tallied, residents eagerly await the announcement of their new local government chairman and councilors.

* Uzuegbunem, Muonwe and Okpanku are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

IHIALA RECORDS SMOOTH, CREDIBLE POLLS IN ANAMBRA LG ELECTIONS

By Chinemelu Okafor :

The Anambra State Local Government election held on September 28th, 2024 was peaceful, free and fair in various polling units, in Ihiala LGA.

Although the election witnessed low turnout of voters but the process was peaceful in many polling units and towns in the local government area.

It was observed that the election commenced late in many polling units, because the electoral materials and the adhoc staff arrived late.

People who came to vote for their Chairmanship and Councilorship candidates, were seen standing in various polling units, before the staff and electoral materials arrived.

At Eziani Primary School, Umuadobihi, it was observed that the area was peaceful, though, people weren’t happy because the accreditation and voting commenced late.

At Odoata polling station Ihiala, the turnout was very low, unlike the previous elections that always witnessed huge number of voters.

In some towns like Lilu, Orsumoghu, people didn’t come out to vote, for fear of being attacked by the unknown gunmen.

When interviewed, Mr. Obiora Echebi said that people didn’t come out in Orsumoghu, because many people have deserted the town, whereas the ones around are afraid of insurgency.

In his own reaction, Chief Maduka Ezeobi from Okija said that he was very happy the way people came out to exercise their right, though the turnout was not like before.

He cited hardship and insurgency as the cause of the low turnout and pleaded with the Governor Soludo to come to their rescue.

At Lilu, the home town of APGA Chairmanship candidate, Mr Anayo Orjiako, the election was free and fair .

After the voting, which ended late in some polling units, the results were collated and taken to the collation center, at Odoata Primary School, Ihiala.

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

ANAMBRA WEST APGA CONCLUDES CAMPAIGN, PROMISED INCREASED DEMOCRATIC DIVIDENDS

by Felix Igboanugo :

In a culminating event in Anambra West, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) wrapped up their campaign in Umueze Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, vowing to bring more democratic dividends to the local council if elected.

The campaign rally which took them through Olumbanasa, Ezi Anam and Ivite Anam communities started on September 18 and was held in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with party leaders and supporters coming together to affirm their commitment to progress, development, and inclusivity.

Speaking during the final tour at Umueze Anam, the APGA Chairmanship candidate, Mr. Fidelis Nnazor highlighted key areas of focus if elected, to include infrastructure development, Youth empowerment, healthcare, security, education, and Agriculture etc.

Emphasizing the importance of community engagement and participation, Mr. Nnazor assured Anambra West voters of a transparent and accountable administration, promising to reciprocate the developmental agenda of Mr. Governor in the local council.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Tony Collins Nwabunwanne appreciated ndi Anambra West for supporting the present administration of Governor Chukuwma Soludo, which he described as the solution Governor.

He reeled numerous achievements of the governor in the local council to include Mmiata-Nzam Road, General Hospital at Oroma etiti, Youth empowerment, free education, free antenatal and free delivery for our young mothers among others.

Mr. Nwabunwanne appealed to ndi Anambra West to support the party flag bearer Mr. Nnazor, assuring that he would consolidate on Mr. Governor’s achievements in the local council.

The Immediate past House Member, representing Anambra East and West at the federal House, Mr Chinedu Obidigwe, and State House Member representing Anambra West, Mr. Patrick Obalum Udoba among other speakers aligned with the commissioner, urging ndi Anambra West to reciprocate Governor Soludo’s gesture by voting for the party.

Highpoint was the final presentation of the party candidate, Mr. Fidelis Nnazor, and his deputy, Mrs. Edith Ndive, and councilors to ndi Anambra West.

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

APGA SET FOR LANDSLIDE VICTORY IN ANAMBRA LG ELECTION – IBUZO—DESCRIBES SOME POLITICIAN AS JOBLESS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Former Anambra State lawmaker, who represented Onitsha North 1 in the State House of Assembly, Edward Ibuzo, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will dominate the upcoming local government elections on September 28.

Ibuzo who was the candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), representing Onitsha North/South in the Federal House of Representative during the last general election disclosed this at Alex Ekwueme Square during the APGA Rally for local government election.

He stated that it is APGA all the way because Governor Soludo has delivered dividends of democracy to the people, ”Anambra State is now APGA.

“The state has been progressing since APGA took over the mantle of leadership, Anambra is APGA and APGA is Anambra and I look up on APGA as a party that will one day provide president for this country”, he affirmed.

He also said that he was stopped from winning the election for the Green chamber because of the Tsunami of the Presidential candidate of Labour Party, (LP), Mr. Peter Obi.

According to him, the emergence of Obi as the LP Presidential candidate gave most of the candidates the opportunity to emerge victorious even if they were nobody and not known by the people who voted for them.

“Unfortunately those that were elected because of Obi have not been able to provide dividends of democracy to the people they represent. They are just there without any achievements. So those elected under the platform of Labour Party have disappointed the people.

“They never made use of their victory properly and I am highly disappointed in them. I hope the people are counting because the motive for them to be there has not been achieved,” he stated.

The former lawmaker disclosed also that 70 per cent of Nigerian politicians have no handwork but rather see politics as handwork which according to him, the situation plunged Nigeria into the present socio-economic and political quagmire.

“It is unfortunate that 70 per cent of Nigerian politicians don’t have handwork, they don’t have anything doing. You must have something doing so that if you are out of politics you go back to your business.

“I am now into oil and gas, I am also into estate management. When I was defeated by the Obi’s Tsunami, I went into my business. So politics is not business, you should look for something doing,” he advised.

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

REACTIONS CONTINUE TO TRAIL APGA’S MEGA CAMPAIGN RALLY FOR ANAMBRA LG ELECTIONS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

As the Anambra Local Government elections draw near, scheduled for September 28, reactions continue to pour in following the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) mega campaign rally held at Ekwueme Square, Awka.

Chief Evaristus Uba, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Trade and Markets, expressed confidence in APGA’s dominance, stating:

“Seeing is believing. The massive crowd of APGA supporters at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Centre is undeniable proof that Anambra is APGA’s stronghold.

“We’re not contesting with any other party. The state overwhelmingly supports Governor Soludo due to his transformative achievements, including road infrastructure, human capital development, and free antenatal care, among others.

“My message to other parties is clear: they don’t have the best interests of the state at heart. They’ll realize this on election day.”

ASMATA’s President General echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Gov. Soludo’s need for continued support to consolidate his development initiatives.

“I advise other parties that pretend as if they exist like in Onitsha South, the PDP candidate is from Enugu State. Since they have such a candidate, they call Zeruwa, don’t you know that they have problem, it means they don’t have anybody from Anambra State but Enugu, so the party has failed on arrival,” Anuna affirmed.

The Onitsha Main Market Chairman, Chief Innocent Ezeoha added, “We, from Aguata want to give Anambra State the best of our capabilities. I have two places to deliver to APGA, Aguata and Onitsha North Council Areas. To give necessary support to the APGA candidates, chairmen and counsellors, that will work with Soludo so that he will continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

“If Onitsha is good, Anambra will be good and if Main market is good Anambra will be good. This is why we are out to give Anambra the best. We are ready to deliver APGA on Sept. 28 this week, Gov. Soludo has assured us of more developments”, he said.

In his contribution, the Chairman of Iron Rod Dealers Market, Atani Road, Ogbaru Local Government, Mr Evaristus Ejezie said that free medical care especially to pregnant mothers is one of the good things Gov. Soludo did to the people of the State.

“Gov. Soludo also touches all the 21 local governments in the state by providing good road networks, free education, employment of teachers and medical personnel, human capital developments and other uncountable things the state is enjoying.

“APGA will sweep the poll in the council election because of the good works he is doing in the state and I believe after sweeping the polls come Sept. 28, Ndi Anambra will witness more developmental strides more than they are doing now,” he affirmed.

In his words, the Market Chairman of Bida Road testified the road constructions in Onitsha South, noting that Gov. Soludo has done more than his predecessors in terms of road constructions.

He also affirmed that sweeping of polls on Sept. 28 by APGA is not disputable since the governor has done the campaign by his tremendous achievements littered all over the state.

Also the Chairmen of Haruna and Sokoto street markets, Chiefs Emmanuel Idoko and Emeka Mbachu respectively, reiterated that the achievements of Soludo will give APGA 21/21 come the local government election billed for Sept. 28.

According to the duo, other political parties know that they do not exist in the state and that is why most of them did not show interest on the council race.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA TOWN CELEBRATES NEW YAM FESTIVAL, HONORS SOME ILLUSTRIOUS MEMBERS

By Juliana Nwachukwu/Regina Igwebuike :

The Amawbia Community, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, has celebrated her 2024 New Yam festival at the Community Events Centre where her scores of illustrious sons, daughter and wife were also honored for their community services.

The Awardees are Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, Director General (DG) Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Pharm Emeka Okafor Nwachukwu, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Esq,mni,FNIM, Engr. Arinze Obi, Chief Mrs Oge-Chukwudi Okonkwo and Engr. Arize Anyadiegwu.

Speaking to the Press, the President General (PG) Amawbia Town Union, Engr. Godwin Aronu, said, “Amawbia calls New Yam celebration ‘Iru Otite’ but for understanding and modernity sake, we started calling it Iwaji festival”.

Explaining why Igbo culture would not go into extinction, PG said, “We that the culture was handed over to are trying to be doing it as it was handed over to us, which was the way our forefathers did it”.

The President General also said that they are looking forward for the governor to establish skill acquisition centre for them, noting that the community has earmarked a place for such but looks forward for the governor to come and establish it for youth and women.

“We started our organic fertilizer plant with 12-15M naira which was completed by the state government, so all these are what we are looking forward for the state government to do for us,” he said.

On the election of Okpaligwe Amawbia, Aronu said that it would follow suit immediately the election of the town Union executive which would take place on Dec. 31, 2024 is over.

Speaking, the member representing Awka North/South in the Federal House of Representatives, Prof. Lilian Oby Orogbu said that Amawbia Iwa Ji celebration showed that Amawbia people are farmers, noting that any community without farming would be dealt with by hunger.

She advised all hands to be on deck so as to fight hunger out of our communities, and prayed God to give Ndigbo the life, strength and health to keep on farming and harvesting.

Earlier, the villages, age grades, branches, Umuada, Eziokwubundu Women, Amawbia Youth Vanguard, Okokpa Amawbia, Isi Isi akpu Amawbia, Friends and well wishers paid homage to Osojeze Amawbia before proceeding to Amawbia Event Centre for second phase of the event.

*Juliana and Regina are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

AMAWBIA COMMUNITY CELEBRATES IWA JI 2024, RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING MEMBERS

By Regina Igwebuike :

The Amawbia Community in Awka South LGA, Anambra State, has celebrated 2024 New Yam Festival, popularly known as Iwa Ji among the people of Igbo extraction, gave Community Service Award to outstanding members for their contributions to the development of Amawbia and humanity.

The event, which took place on Sept. 21, started with paying homage to Osojeze Amawbia, Arc. Emeka Maduka in his palace before going to the Event Centre at the New Era, Amawbia.

Cutting the yam in his palace, Osojeze said that Iwa Ji festival is to thank God for bountiful harvest, praising God for growth and human flourishing, an event that promotes values like hard work, explaining that soiled hands brings oily mouth.

He noted that the ceremony was called ‘Iru otite’ in Amawbia before it was modernized to Iwa Ji, thanking God for giving the community another opportunity to celebrate with family, friends and well-wishers the gift of life and new yam.

The traditional prime minister extolled Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s giant strides in all sectors, especially in Agriculture, pleading with him to look into annual crops like improved tomato, cucumber and pumpkin seeds for family sustenance this critical period, encouraging all to embrace farming even if it is backyard farming.

He also advised parents to ensure that their children behave according to the norms and values of the society and eschew restiveness.

At the Amawbia Event Centre, Prof. Lilian Oby Orogbu, member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, said that she has the interest of Amawbia town at heart, noting that Amawbia’s name is embedded in African Union, emphasizing that credible, transparent, quality education and wisdom from God are what we want in governance.

While thanking Ndi Amawbia for their unwavering support, Prof. Orogbu promised to leave her signature projects in the community.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, represented by the Administrative Secretary Traditional Rulers Council, Government House Awka, Prince Donatus Orjika, noted that the ceremony is a special one for Ndi Amawbia.

According to him, Iwa Ji festival helps to unite the community, celebrate their uniqueness; a time to make merry and pray for the progress of the community.

He wished Ndi Amawbia peace, unity and prosperity, praying that anyone who would emerge as the next Okpaligwe should be a man of peace.

While noting the economic crisis in Nigeria, the commissioner advised the Igbos, especially the youths to take life easy, engage themselves meaningfully and avoid acts capable of bringing curses on them.

The President General (PG), Amawbia Town, Engr. Goddy Aronu welcomed all, saying that some community members will be honored with recognition awards for their outstanding contributions and achievements toward human and community development to inspire others to strive for excellence, emphasizing that dedication and hard work are rewarded.

The Awardees are Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, DG Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Pharm Emeka Okafor Nwachukwu, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Esq,mni,FNIM, Engr. Arize Obi, Chief Mrs Oge-Chukwudi Okonkwo and Engr. Arize Anyadiegwu.

Engr. Aronu thanked the people for their unflinching support, wishing those that graced the occasion journey mercies back to their destinations.

The Awardees in their separate speeches thanked the community for finding them worthy of the recognition even as they promised to do more.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Pharm. Emeka Nwachukwu, represented by Nze Amobi Nwoye, noted that Iwa Ji festival is not alien to the community.

He praised the leadership of Amawbia and prayed for more successful celebrations going forward.

In an interview, the image maker of Amawbia community, Engr. Nzubechukwu Menuba said that Iwa Ji festival is significant in Igbo land, noting that yam is the mother of all crops, urging all to embrace farming.

He thanked President Tinubu’s administration for local government elections for grassroots development even as he commended Gov. Soludo for giving a fair playground for all political parties to contest.

Engr. Menuba, who is contesting for Councilorship position for Amawbia Ward II, under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noted that he is the best and if given the opportunity to serve will perform creditably.

Also in an interview, the Chairman, Amawbia Youth Vanguard, Mr. Chukwunenye Nwalusi, prayed for progress, long life and peace in the community, asking God to bless the leaders of the community with more wisdom to uprightly serve well.

He thanked Gov. Soludo for empowering the youths through 1Youth 2Skills Solution program to enable them to be independent and self reliant, urging the youths to utilize the opportunity, engage themselves meaningfully.

Alhaji Mamood Sani, Sarki Hausa Community commended Ndi Amawbia for being their host, and the unity that exists between them, praying for peace and progress in the community.

Nze Chukwukadibia Odumodu, Chairman Enuoji Village during interview, said that the ceremony is symbolic; a time to thank God for a bountiful harvest, explaining that in March, seedlings were blessed during Eziokpaligwe, planted and harvested, followed by Iwa Ji festival in September to thank God for bumper harvest.

He prayed God to remember Amawbia and for individuals to embrace farming, explaining that he has joined the train.

Engr. Arinze Obi in an interview said that he has received many community development awards to the glory of God for impacting positively on the community, which he said would spur him to do more, praying God to give him the resources and enablement even as he thanked the community for the recognition.

Earlier, the Chairman of Eke Oyibo Market, Amawbia, Mr. Ifesinachi Daniel Nwokoye fielding questions from the press after paying homage to Osojeze with his group at the palace said, “We are here to the glory of God for the New yam festival, to appreciate Osojeze for all his support, especially during the building collapse at the market.

He noted that a town without a market is not a community but a mere play ground.

According to him, we have prayed for the family of those who lost their lives during the incident. This Iwa Ji festival will serve as a heart cooling to the family. We have seen them one on one, touched them with what we have in the spirit of the ceremony.

The market chairman prayed that they shall live more years in good health to celebrate the festival harmoniously to the glory of God.

Also at the palace, one of the Okpaligwe aspirant, Dr. Emeka Obi in an interview, thanked God for the successful ceremony, praying God to give the community a good traditional ruler come next Okpaligwe selection.

He promised to foster unity, empower the youths and secure Amawbia land if selected the next Okpaligwe.

In a vote of thanks, the Cultural Committee Chairman, Mr. Chijioke Nwolisa thanked all who made out time to come and celebrate the Iwa Ji with Amawbia people, wishing them journey mercies back to their destinations.

Mr. Nwolisa also thanked the ATU leadership led by Engr. Aronu for their support even as he commended the cultural committee for working round the clock for the success of the event.

Enemma masquerade and women cultural dance added glamour to the occasion.

*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SON SEEKS COLLABORATION WITH ANAMBRA MARKET LEADERS, ASMATA TO FIGHT AGAINST FAKE PRODUCTS

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has enjoined Market Leaders, Traders and Importers under the auspices of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) to collaborate with SON in combating the proliferation of substandard products saying that together they could build a healthier, more prosperous, and successful nation.

Speaking during the Public/Stakeholders sensitization in Onitsha, Anambra State, the Director General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke explained that the objective of the ongoing nationwide stakeholder sensitization programmes was not only to educate operators on the provisions of the SON Act No. 14 of 2015 but also to enhance stakeholder engagement and foster stronger collaborations.

The DG, represented by the Director, Public Relations Department of the SON, Mrs Folusho Bolaji noted that the theme of the sensitization is “SON requirements and Compliance Monitoring Activities to Curb Influx and Sale of Substandard Products in Nigeria’’, and the primary objective is not only to raise awareness on all SON activities and related issues but also to enhance collaboration among stakeholders as well as foster productive partnerships, particularly in alignment with the ongoing initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to revamp the nation’s economy.

“SON is mandated to eliminate substandard products from Nigerian markets while improving the quality of life through standardization and quality assurance,which is why we urge everyone to join in upholding the highest standards and ensuring strict compliance with quality assurance protocols essential for sustainable business growth.

“Standardization plays an important role in supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), considering the fact that MSMEs are key to advancing the nation’s industrial and economic growth, which is one of the key reasons we have assembled today to encourage all stakeholders in Onitsha to adhere to laid down procedures for the benefit of both parties and consumer safety.

“SON is committed to ensuring the quality and safety of both locally produced and imported goods for consumption, while also protecting manufacturers and importers through strategic investments in quality infrastructure aimed at supporting businesses and promoting trade. We rigorously monitor all regulated products to ensure they undergo our certification process and adhere to both national and international standards”.

“We require that all products manufactured in Nigeria be certified under the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) through SON’s Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) for locally produced goods, the SON Offshore Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) for imported products and the most recently introduced ProductAuthentication Mark (PAM), a sticker that offers an additional layer of assurance for consumers on product quality. The certification is vital for product competitiveness and end-user safety”.

“As a leading provider of ISO Management Systems training, SON continuously updates its programs to reflect international best practices and standards. We encourage operators to certify their products through SON to boost the global competitiveness of Nigerian-made goods and services. By adhering to these standards, we can promote local brands, attract investments, and replicate the success seen in other global economies”, he said.

The DG/CE further revealed that the recent surge in seizures of counterfeit products in the country was alarming, saying that the confiscation of these substandard goods, valued at billions of naira, represents a significant loss not only to the perpetrators but to the entire Nigerian economy.

The SON Director Inspectorate and Compliance, Manji Pious Lawan assured participants that SON, as the federal body responsible for developing product and service standards and ensuring compliance through conformity assessments, provides a level playing field for manufacturers, importers, exporters, and consumers. It is our expectation that operators will meet and exceed consumer expectations.

“SON is empowered by the SON Act to prosecute those involved in the distribution of counterfeit and substandard goods through the federal courts. While these challenges persist, we remain steadfast in our mission to combat counterfeiters and protect the economy, no matter the individuals, sectors, or regions involved. With enhanced monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, we are better equipped to track down and prosecute these economic saboteurs”.

Manji Lawan further advised both manufacturers, traders and consumers to feel free to access SON offices for guidance, assistance or complaints saying that activities of some middlemen/agents sometimes misrepresent the real facts about registration fees and processes which are not in any way meant to witch-hunt any person, group or product.

Earlier in his response, ASMATA PG, Chief Humphrey Anuna thanked SON for the sensitization and awareness program, assuring that he will ensure that Anambra traders, Importers and manufacturers within the markets who were yet to comply with SON registration and standardization will do so, adding that Governor Chukwuma Soludo was someone who upholds due process and desires a healthy, liveable and prosperous Anambra State and Nigeria in extension.

“Henceforth, there is zero tolerance for any fake or substandard product in Anambra markets. ASMATA will assist SON in every way possible to make sure they carry out their duties for the health, safety of citizens and for the growth of both individuals’ businesses and Nigerian economy,” said Anuna.

Highlight of the event was presentation of a copy of the SON Constructional Act booklet to the ASMATA PG for proximity and accessibility of Anambra traders.

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