Governor Chukwuma Soludo has inspected the ongoing work at Niger Street, Fegge, Onitsha, a proposed site for an entertainment, leisure and fun center.
The governor who was ably represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi commended the Local Government Boss, Mr Emeka Orji for the recovery of the land, saying that it would be put to good use for the people of Onitsha and Anambra State in general.
“I will tell the governor the extent of work done already and the regeneration to do because we must put it for the good use of the community, Onitsha community and anambra in general.
”We look at environmental impact, what it was before and what it is today, I remember about 2 months ago, Mr Governor came here, the number of batcher and makeshifts here was disturbing.
“We’re working to revitalize Onitsha, and one of Governor Soludo’s top priorities is to breathe new life into the city. Instead of our brothers and sisters living on the other side of the bridge and commuting to Onitsha for work, we want to create a thriving hub where people can live, work, and play. Our goal is to reclaim and transform the area into a vibrant and attractive space, making Onitsha a desirable destination once again.
He emphasized that a major milestone for business owners and travelers crossing the Niger River would be the creation of leisure and entertainment opportunities. This will be achieved through the reclamation of a significant amount of land (though the exact number of plots or acres is unknown). The goal is to drive meaningful urban regeneration and local government development, ultimately making Onitsha a thriving, livable, and prosperous homeland for all.”
Regarding the recent viral video negatively portraying the Ochanja water fountain, Ezeajughi clarified that it is misleading the public. He recalled accompanying the Governor to the site in May 2022, when it was a massive dumpsite with refuse piled high enough for the governor to stand on and change a traffic light bulb. Moreover, there were even dead bodies buried amidst the trash.
“But today we have achieved water fountain, quality roads, instead of people commending the governor for the great job, for reviving Ochanja, the water fountain is still under construction and not yet commissioned .
The Council boss Mr Emeka Orji in his response commended Mr Governor, assuring him of always queuing into his policy in bringing back the lost glories of Onitsha and making the state a liveable and prosperous place.
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
To ensure the well-being of traders,the Anambra State Government through the leaders of Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association(ASMATA) has organised free medicare for traders.
The free medical treatment program kicked off on April 16th, covering the 7 zones of the state. The program began with Aguata zone, followed by Awka and Idemili zones, and is currently ongoing in Ogbaru zone.
According to Amb.Ezeilo Franklin, the CEO of the Qoran group, the project is going to end next week Tuesday with Onitsha zone.
“Qoban is a Jewish name which means Dedicated Unto God, an international enforcement that is into education and health consultancy.
“Following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent emphasis on the importance of health, we recognized that a healthy trader is not only wealthy but also productive. Given that Anambra State generates significant revenue from markets, it’s alarming to see many traders struggling with illness or succumbing to death. This realization prompted us to take action,” he emphasised.
The Qoran boss explained that they launched this project with ASMATA to improve traders’ health at the grassroots level, enabling them to pay taxes and contribute to the state’s social development.
“So far, I am impressed by the turn up of traders, but the highest was Idemili zone with over 300 attendees. We are expecting that Ogbaru zone will top by 10 in number.
He noted that they concentrated on vital signs, prostrate, temperature, blood pressure, sugar and added malaria because of working space but cannot do other necessary parameter laboratories,
advised traders to always go for such tests.
Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, Chairman of Ogbaru Main Market (Relief Market), expressed his satisfaction with the project, stating that ‘it’s commendable to entrust leadership to those who seek it, as they are more likely to excel and outperform others since they have taken the initiative to ask for it’.
“Traders are responding well, and everyone’s getting involved. We announced the free medical treatment last week, and I’m delighted it’s happening in my market and benefiting the entire Ogbaru zone,” he noted
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Chairman of New Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Chief Stephen Oforle and traders, have lauded Governor Charles Soludo and ASMATA leaders on the free medical treatment to traders.
Chief Oforle made the commendation while fielding questions from newsmen in his office stating that, “It is a thing of joy that it is being done here in our market, I also provided a conducive environment for them. Traders trooped out en masse, like yesterday, they over stayed their time due to massive turn up.
“As we help to sensitize traders to make sure the free medical treatment yielded fruits, I as well plead to the state government for the continuation of this free medical treatment and provision of drugs to help in case of critical conditions.”
He however frowned at the inability of Africans especially Ndi Igbo to go for medical check ups, adding that instead they are more interested in their businesses than health, stressing that a healthy person enjoys wealth and they should check their health status at least two or three times in a year.
Director of the ASMATA free medical treatment program, Ambassador Ezeilo Flanklin (who is also a medical biochemist), informed the crowd the event was the final stop in Idemili zone after previously visiting Ekwulobia, Aguata, and Awka zones. He remarked that the medical outreach is part of ASMATA’s commitment to serve the seven zones of its region.
He explained that they have treated over 300 patients in these zones and records so far showed that the most pronounced medical cases were BP and sugar.
The director noted that although ASMATA has adequately provided for the outreach, attendance has been low in some zones. Mobilization efforts need to be improved to ensure more traders take advantage of the free health check-ups.
He advised that one should go for routine check and know the parameters of his body system, vital signs and know if you are healthy or not before you pursue money.
” It is very important to do this continuously, I even said that I will personally reach out to the commissioner for Health, Dr Obidike, he is doing well in primary health in the state but will ask him to find a way to collaborate with ASMATA.
” I urge the state government, governors’ wife, I love what she is doing in health status of Anambrarians, I ask all parastatals of health to come together to form a bond with ASMATA to do this often, because without the health of the traders, they will not trade well to pay tax and governor will have money for all the infrastructural development,” he stated.
Comrade Anayo Ibeabuchi, PRO New Auto Spare Parts stated that New Auto Spare Parts is the venue for about 12 markets under Idemili North and South.
He commended the organisers of the free medical treatment and the traders as well as those who participated in the free medical exercise.
* Nwachukwu and Okoli are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Idemili South LGA,Chairman, Mrs. Amaka Obi has debunked a viral news/video awash the social media, claiming that the Anambra State Contractor handling the Obiaja Nnobi Bridge project along Nnobi – Ideani Road was using substandard materials.
Mrs Amaka who spoke during an on the spot check at the Nnobi Obiaja bridge project site condemned the activities of detractors who were bent on castigating the good works of Governor Chukwuma Soludo who has brought laudable solutions to the myriad of challenges facing every sector of the state just within two years in office.
According to Mrs Obi, the decision to come here again was followed by the news of a viral video in the social media talking about the use of substandard materials by the contractor handling the project and slow work pace but we have confirmed that the report is not true.
“What I met on ground and what I heard from the site supervisor are totally different from what is in the social media.
” Infact, I am proud to be part of the solution team. This is not just about party but governance, let us join hands and support Soludo because he is performing well.
“People should desist from tarnishing the image of the Soludo led administration in the name of opposition. Do not believe everything you see or hear on the social media they are all rumors and false. Many are spreading fake, false and unfounded news to gain cheap popularity.
“We know the difficulties usually encountered at this terrain especially during rainy season. Sometimes this spot was almost impassable and dangerous to motorists that is why Prof Soludo heard about our plight and came for rescue just as he had undertaking many other projects to alleviate sufferings of road users.
She maintained that the work is of good quality and standard and will last for years, adding that the project will benefit the upcoming generation on completion and also urged the contractor to ensure timely delivery.
Earlier, the site supervisor, Mr Davison Okoli, said that they were committed to the project and were making use of standard materials for the bridge construction, saying that the project will be completed in few weeks according to stipulated schedule.
Part of the LG Chairman’s inspection team include the members of Solution Women Movement(SWM) and Women Initiative for Greater Anambra (WIGA).
* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
A member of the House of Representatives representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Mr Uchenna Harris Okonkwo has commissioned Idemili South constituency office and also held a town hall meeting at Ndiabor Union Civic Centre, Ojoto, Idemili South LGA, Anambra State.
Commissioning the centre which is a liaison office for the constituents in the LGA, the lawmaker said that it will fasten aid to the constituents who needed help of any kind or complaints.
“It is also a place for easy contact on any issue from the constituents and by tomorrow, we shall have a town hall meeting at Paradise regained hotel, Ogidi,”for Idemili North constituents.
During the town hall meeting, the lawmaker said it would be a yearly gathering especially on Easter period to enable the people have physical interaction with their representative.
“We will also be having our regular periodic physical meetings and zoom meetings as means of contact and interaction. The town hall meeting is an opportunity to express feelings,” Okonkwo said.
He expressed satisfaction with the turn up of the constituents, adding that his interest is to better their w
elfare even as he has started solar light installation to some markets and hopes to install it in all markets.
In a vote of thanks, the President General of Nnokwa community, Chief Joe Anyika commended the lawmaker for having the interest of the people at heart and urged him not to relent.
Earlier, the traditional ruler of Ojoto,
Igwe Gerald Mbamalu described the town hall meeting as a necessity for questions and interactions with the representative especially on funds for projects which according to him money was allocated for such projects.
Highlight of the occasion was presentation of award to the lawmaker by the Association of Music and Film Producers and Marketers of Nigeria, (AMUFPMAN,) led by Evangelist Markinson Justice Nwasike, National chairman, flanked by secretary, Comrade Otimkpu Paul .
Presenting the award, the chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Cosmas Ubaoha, who was also flanked by a chieftain of the association, comrade Damian Ogudike, expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the lawmaker few months in office.
* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Amawbia Community in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, has celebrated its annual Eziokpaligwe Festival and prayed for bountiful harvest this farming season.
The three days event, which kick-started on March 21 and climaxed on March 23 was well attended by indigenes, friends and well-wishers from all walks of life, within the country and in The Diaspora.
Declaring the event open, the Osojeze Amawbia, Ozo Arc. Nnaemeka Maduka said that the festival is traditional and symbolic, as farm inputs were blessed and shared to the six villages that make up of the community, explaining that without the ceremony, nobody would farm.
The Osojeze, represented by Ozo Felix Nzeamalu, while welcoming all to the great event, called on the gods of their land for bountiful harvest this year.
The President General (PG) of Amawbia Community, Engr. Godwin Aronu, said that Eziokpaligwe is the foremost festival of the community, the tradition of their forefathers which they inherited.
Engr. Aronu said that the significance of the celebration was to allow people to cultivate new crops for without it, nobody would get into the farmland.
The PG was optimistic that this year’s harvest will be bountiful and that by ‘Onwa Asato’, they will converge again to thank God for the bounty and bumper harvest.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji thanked Ndi Amawbia for organizing the festival which they were known for, noting that Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo do not joke with Igbo culture and traditions.
He observed little children playing, explaining that the festival will not go extinct even as he acknowledged that the age grade system is very functional as they are well represented, urging the community to keep it up.
The commissioner was represented by Mrs Chioma Ifediora, Acting Director of the Ministry.
The Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Arinze Anyadiegwu, expressed happiness being called to chair the occasion, noting that when he was small, he used to attend the festival with his peers.
He thanked the community for holding forth with the tradition, praying that 2024 will bring progres in Amawbia, restore unity and love as the Ugbo-ogiliga of old when all drank from one pot with one cup.
The former Director of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ikem Odumodu, in an interview, said that he is a lover of tradition that is why he always wants to participate especially at the grassroots.
“As usual, I’m excited and I’m part of it. I have invested through my age grade, my village and central Amawbia level. One of the things I take away is the essence of the tradition and traditional institutions in promoting our own Culture because that is what makes us who we are as a people.
“So, I’m excited and expectant that we are going to get better and better in promoting our tradition. However, I also want to distinguish between tradition and paganism because some people take tradition as part of paganism, which I don’t promote.
“Even though our forefathers were traditionalists, worshipping several gods but Christianity has come and we are christians. So, we must focus on our own salvation in the long term and not practicing neo-paganism.”
On Okpaligwe stool, he said that it was a very contentious issue. Some people do not want Okpaligwe but they will fail. We are going to have him because he is the head of Amawbia.
“If we don’t have Okpaligwe this year, we shall have next year but one thing I know is that we shall have Okpaligwe that will rule over us like other kingdoms. We must promote our Culture and Okpaligwe must come.”
Nze Uche Okonkwo, one of the Okpaligwe contestants, also in an interview, said that Eziokpaligwe is a long time festival that usher in farming season, foster love, peace and unity as they gather together, noting that this year’s celebration was successful.
Speaking on Okpaligwe stool, he said that he is one of the contestants, noting that it is God who makes kings even as he is optimistic that he will be the next Okpaligwe Amawbia.
While praying for progres, unity, love and peace in Amawbia, Nze Okonkwo commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s giant stride across all sectors simultaneously under two years in office.
He noted that the roads flagged off in Amawbia were 70 per cent done, remaining 30 per cent which he believed will be completed and commissioned in the near future.
Also in an interview, Mr Nzube Menuba, Public Relation Officer (PRO), Amawbia Town Union, expressed joy at the success of the festival, noting that villages, age grades and friends came out en-masse for the ceremony not minding the economic situation in the country.
According to him, this shows that they understand the essence of the festival, urging them to keep the ball rolling.
The PRO while praying for journey mercies also prayed for a stable and better economy so that the community will continue to grow from strength to strength.
Earlier, Rev. Peter Nwabufo Okoro, from St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Amawbia, prayed over the seedlings comprising of yam, maize, pumpkin, okro, cassava stems, egusi and water melon that were shared to the six villages.
Rev. Okoro also prayed for good weather and rainfall to enable the crops to grow and yield abundantly.
Umueze village won the Ist position as the village that raised the highest amount of money while Adabebe village won the Ist position as the best dancer of the year.
Presentation of trophies to the two villages and masquerades added glamour to the event.
*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, on March 2, at the initiation of 200 octogenarians into Ogbueshi society of Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, described the community as citadel of longevity.
Explaining further, he said, “this is my first time of coming to Ito ogbo ceremony of Obosi, we want to celebrate, thank Obosi people for giving Anambra, Nigeria and the world a celebration of longevity.
“Let the world learn how to celebrate with the living and not the dead, Obosi is one ward that is more than a local government. It deserves to be a local government. The celebration is part of the burial law in Anambra State. It is better to slaughter a cow for the living than dead.
“I urge the youths to decide to be 80 years and above, but killers, touts, among others will not live up to 80 years. Live a decent, responsible life style to be able to live up to 80 years,” he charged the youths.
Earlier, the Traditional Ruler of Obosi, HRM, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, while commending the governor for being physically present at the function, described it as an age long cultural heritage of the people, adding that about 200 octogenarians were initiated into the Ogbueshi society.
“Those initiated have been exempted from all manners of taxations/levies, and my prayer is that all who attended this ceremony will attain 80 years and above.
In his contribution, the Prime Minister of the community, Chief Austin-Anibogwu, said that the aim of the occasion was to promote longevity.
One of the inductees, Ogbueshi Paul Ebugobe Uwakwe, aged 80, thanked God to have attained 80 years and prayed for more years.
Another beneficiary, former Minister of State for Defence, Chief Dan Chuke, expressed satisfaction to have attained 80 years, adding that extra years from God means the person is lucky.
Highlight of the occasion was honouring of some people who have distinguished themselves in serious fields of human endeavor that included, Commander, Special Anti Cultism Squad, SPACS, Obosi, Mr. Isaac Nuhu, who dedicated the award to the IGP, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, and Anambra CP, Mr Ederemi Adeoye, for posting him to Obosi where the community found him worthy to be accorded the honor.
“The honour will spur me to perform more than I have been doing for the interest of God and humanity. The award is a call to duty,” he said.
*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The President General (PG), Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association ( ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anuna, has inaugurated the new executive of United Petrochemical Dealers and Crushers Association of Nigeria, headed by Mr Onyekachi Nwafor as Chairman.
Inaugurating them at the ASMATA Secretariat on February 22, the ASMATA PG charged them to live by their oath of office and avoid acts capable of dragging them to ridicule, adding that they should key into Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s move to restore the lost glory of the markets.
“You should be your brother’s keeper by telling your fellow traders the truth and see yourselves as partners in progress which is the APGA slogan of ‘Onyeaghana Nwanne ya”, he pleaded.
In his post inaugural speech, the new Chairman of the Association, Chief Nwafor, said, “What is expected from us now is that we will unite all the members of the market and make sure we follow government directive.
“We need mobile fire service which we were promised to get. We need permanent site that will accommodate the whole traders,” he noted.
On the allegation that the association deals on fake products, he denied the allegation saying, “We don’t produce or sell fake products, we sell processed products, that is already processed petrochemicals,” he affirmed.
“I will handle our opposition as ourselves and if any case that requires the attention of ASMATA leadership, I will kindly surrender to ASMATA to keep a clean hand.
“Once such case is beyond my settlement, I will involve central body of ASMATA to handle it for us. We come to support government,” he assured.
He, however, admitted that touts exist in the market, saying that they normally dealt with them when they misbehaved, warning, that now they are officially elected and inaugurated, they now have full power to tackle them appropriately.
“There is anti tout squad set up by state government, we will get their phone numbers to work with them toward fighting the touts,” he further added.
On the performance of the ASMATA PG since he assumed office, the new chairman said, “God is using him on the traders. He doesn’t discriminate whether you are rich or poor. Any problem you have, he will listen to you and solve it for peace to reign . There is peace in the market since he assumed office. We are happy that God gave him to us”.
Speaking, Mr Steven Uka, the Secretary of the market, added, “I promise that I will fully support the chairman, we are one body and will be working together to be in unity in order to get what we are fighting for.
“Before I was made the secretary, all of them knew me as a peace maker and trust worthy fellow, so if there is any opposition, we will join hands together to tackle them and we will take them as one of us, with time they will change from their bad ways, that’s our belief.
“Soludo is a solution to Anambra State problem, he is doing very well to Ndi Anambra. We are in full support of his work,” he said.
Also, the Assistant secretary, Mr Adolphus Udeh, added, “I am the assistant secretary of the market. We are solidly behind our chairman, if you know the nature of business we are doing, you know that whoever that abandons his machine and goes out, will lose a lot of things, but we wouldn’t mind, we will support him to be here,” he pledged.
*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Medical Doctor in charge of Onitsha Main Market clinic, Olisaemeka Anierobi with his management team has organized a one-day free medical services for traders at the clinic as their corporate responsibility.
Dr Anierobi said that it was necessary to use the free medical outreach to create awareness that such a facility is in existence and functional with experienced and qualified doctors, including other health workers.
“When we were sent here, we realized that almost all the people in the market did not know that there is already a functional clinic here so we decided to offer this free medical outreach as a way to sensitize them.
‘’You can see the crowd that is here for medical check-ups, laboratory examinations, others, and every service we render is free, but subsequent services would be paid for,” he said.
According to Dr Anierobi, the clinic will solve many health issues of traders, particularly those who might suddenly fall sick or develop illness while in their shops. No transport fare is required to access care in the clinic because of its location.
Declaring the event open, the Hospital Administrator, Dr Frank Ifeanaeme said that the state government wants to bring healthcare to the doorsteps of people.
He said, “considering the role the market plays in the country and beyond, it became necessary that the government brings healthcare delivery to their doorsteps so that they can easily have access to the facility at no extra stress while doing their business.
‘”The free medical outreach is a step in the right direction; it will help to promote the facility and positively enhance the perception of traders toward the facility.
Dr Ifeanaeme praised the doctor in charge of the clinic, Dr Anierobi for working tirelessly to ensure that traders have access to quality healthcare services.
The chairman of the market, Chief Innocent Ezeoha, expressed joy to have witnessed the event, thanking the Health Commissioner, Dr Afam Obidike, and his team for this laudable initiative even as he used the opportunity to sensitize traders about the need to visit the clinic for routine medical checkups.
Chief Ezeoha applauded the state government for their quick response to making the clinic functional, adding that he would make sure that the environment is conducive for health workers to effectively work.
“We thank Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for opening this clinic, equipping it, and making it functional.
“When we assumed office, I found out that there is a structure that has been there for a health centre and people wanted to convert it into shops but having known the importance of health to our people I resisted.
“I told the Health Commissioner, Dr Obidike about it who then discussed with the governor; he came to our rescue, today this clinic is functional with qualified healthcare workers”, he narrated.
The Chairman, Niger line Onitsha Main market, Chukwudi Ezenwuba extolled the government for deeming it necessary to have this clinic inside the market for easy access to healthcare.
He explained that prior to putting the clinic in order, traders used to find it very difficult to access healthcare outside the market, adding that with the clinic now functional, the problem is solved.
*Ebele is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Sir Paul Nwosu in a significant gathering marking the commencement of the year 2024, hosted the 24 Ward executives in Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Headquarter.
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze.
During his speech, Udeze emphasized the organic growth of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), saying, “APGA is growing, and the growth is organic”.
He expressed his belief in communal spirit, asserting, “I do not believe in personal development, I believe in the spirit of ‘onye aghana nwanne ya”.
The Speaker also announced that he would unveil his plans for APGA and Ogbaru on February 17, urging stakeholders to prioritize staking over taking, emphasizing the importance of collective participation.
Earlier in an address, the Commissioner for Information, Sir Nwosu, reminded Ogbaru people of the special love His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has for Ogbaru people.
Sir Nwosu also highlighted some of the projects embarked on by the Prof. Soludo led administration in Ogbaru which includes; the reconstruction of Umunankwo/ Ossomalla bridge, Construction of Ekwusigo/Atani road, Employment/ Empowerment of Ogbaru Indigenes and construction of many roads in Okpoko.
He advised Ogbaru people to reciprocate the love by standing firm in supporting APGA without having double mind.
Further more, the State Chairman of APGA, High Chief Ifeatu Obiokoye expressed joy that APGA is coming up with a new party structure which entailed the Kindred Structure which must grow from the grassroots where you have the Kindred Co- ordinator, Woman Leader and Youth Leader.
Obiokoye explained that with the Kindred Structure of APGA, there will be proper representation, effective delivery of democracy dividend and election victory is assured.
The event witnessed the presence of key personalities, including the Local Government Chairman, Mr. Paschal Aniegbuna, APGA Local Government Chairman, Pastor Onochie Obiorah Anibueze, Mr. Linus Ezenwamma, Mr. Franklin Nwadialor, Mr Ndubuisi Ochiogu (Chairman, Ogbaru Main Market).
The event showcased a United front of APGA Leaders and stakeholders, promising a dynamic year ahead for the party and the Ogbaru communities.
*Gloria, Anthonia are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
