LGA News

News from Anambra State Local Government Areas

MARKET CHAIRMAN COMMENDS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMEN, COUNCILLORS, CHARGES THEM TO PARTNER WITH GOVERNOR SOLUDO FOR DEVELOPMENTS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Chairman of Drug Dealers(Ogbo- ogwu) Bridge Head Market, Onitsha South Local Government Area, Mr Chukwuleta Ndubuisi on Saturday, commended the 21 newly elected chairmen and all the councillors in the just concluded local government election in the state.

He also charged them to partner with the state government in ensuring that the governor’s aim to make the state a liveable homeland comes to realization.

He expressed optimism on Governor Soludo’s leadership qualities, and as an economist, he manages the states finances without borrowing kobo, noting that it is his leadership qualities that makes Ndi Anambra to bestow their trust in him.

Mr Ndubuisi reiterated that Mr Governor has done well and ndi Anambra appreciated him and he is still doing more, saying that “this is exactly what God demanded from us, service to humanity is a service to God.”

He commended him on the successful local government elections which according to him, was peaceful, noting that the state has not had such peaceful local government election.

“The newly elected chairmen and councillors should reach out to their constituents and deliver on their campaign promises. This entails a three-pronged approach: first, getting elected; second, defining their mission; and third, executing that mission for the greater good of the people.

“Our society needs to be changed and it is the responsibility of all to partner with the government, use our good offices to address some bordering issues for the good of humanity.

“I also call on the people of Anambra State to discharge their civic responsibilities by paying their taxes as the money generated from taxes are being channeled to the development of the state which the Holy Bible encouraged too.

“No organisation, community, even the churches can stand or progress without money, so let us pay our taxes because the western countries we admire were developed and maintained with their tax money,” he posited.

He stressed on the need for the chairmen and their councillors to always make sure that the gutters in their respective communities are always desilted for free flow or they can task the members of the community to do such with supervision.

He explained that as a village chairman in Isuofia, Aguata LGA he leads by example. During every cleanup day, he personally travels to the village to participate and mobilize residents for gutter desilting efforts. He also provides a tipper for efficient dirt evacuation and also provides a tipper for efficient dirt evacuation.

He prayed that the elected chairmen would be surrounded by people who have wisdom for good advices and warned the bad eggs among them to shun pull him down syndrome, selfish interest which would be of no use for them.

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

REACTIONS TRAIL LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION, FREE EDUCATION, OTHERS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Reactions have continued to trail the just concluded LG elections, Free Education and minimum wage which was recently announced by the governor.

The Chairman of Old Motor Car Parts Dealers Association, Mgbuka Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Samuel Ifurunwa who praised the governor, noted that his integrity has to be emulated.

He stated this while speaking to newsman on the just concluded election, followed by the free education and the minimum wage for the public servants in the state.

He reiterated that the recent local government election was one of his campaign promises which was fast- forwarded by the supreme Court judgement mandating all the states to conduct LG election within three months of the delivered judgement.

According to him, the local government elections in the state was perfect, free, fair and credible, the people of this state are happy.

“What has not been done for the past 11 years has been done by Governor Soludo, it is something to be emulated.

“I was at the polling units at Mgbuka market, people were trooping, casting their votes, what they were saying was that the governor is doing very well, for that they would vote for the people that would help him to work.

“The free education from nursery to secondary school level of the government schools in the state has never been done by Governor Soludo’s predecessors and parents are so much happy about it.

“I was passing through Awada Secondary School, people, parents were there jubilation, singing praises to the governor, infact Governor Soludo is doing very well and he is a great man.

Chief Ifurunwa charged the newly elected local government chairmen and the councillors to give their unalloyed support to the governor.

He specifically charged the Idemili North Local Government Chairman, Mr.Stanley Nkwoka to also partner with his constituents, especially the market leaders under his jurisdiction to achieve the common goal and urged the people of Idemili North to give their unalloyed support to the elected chairman.

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

FEGGE RESIDENTS HAIL GOVERNOR SOLUDO OVER ACCESSIBLE ROAD NETWORK

By Obianuju Azukeago/Ndidi – Chibueze Chinaemelum :

A cross section of Fegge residents in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State have hailed Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State for constructing a good road network in the major streets of the area.

Speaking with Information Officers at Fegge, a Keke driver, Mr. Noble Okonkwo said that the present administration has given the occupants/residents of Fegge easy access to their various houses.

Mr. Okonkwo explained that before now, the streets had the problem of road accessibility. “As you can see now, the roads are easily connected with each other which makes our business less stressful”, he noted.

He described Governor Soludo as a public oriented person who has the interest of his people at heart.

Also, Mrs. Angelina Okagbue, a business woman on her part said that the residents of Fegge now enjoy good roads since the inception of Prof. Soludo as the governor of the state.

Mrs. Okagbue added that the roads in the area were dilapidated and abandoned until the present administration came to construct them.

She urged the people of Anambra State to vote Prof. Soludo in for the second tenure to enable him continue with the good works he is doing in the State.

Others who spoke to our reporters rained encomiums on Governor Soludo led administration for the good road network and other developmental strides in the state.

* Azukaego and Chinemelum are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

IGBOEBISI EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO SCHOOL CHILDREN IN OBOSI

By Chiedu Uche Okoye :

The Igboebisi Empowerment Foundation, which came into existence some years ago, gave 22 pupils in Obosi educational life-lines that would enable them to acquire qualitative secondary school education.

The factors of indigence, diligence, and brilliance were the benchmark used to select the beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme.

The well-attended event, which was graced by illustrious sons and daughters of Obosi, took place inside the Cavernous hall of the Obosi town hall.

Pupils who came out with flying colours in the state Common Entrance Examination were selected for the scholarship examination.

Each of the 14 primary schools whose pupils sat the Igboebisi Scholarship Examination selected four pupils for the examination. And 16 pupils from all the schools that participated in the scholarship examination sailed through in the competitive examination.

More so, four pupils from Central School, Obosi, a pupil who executed an engineering feat, and a diligent and obedient pupil from a poor home benefited from the scholarship scheme, too.

The event was opened with prayers said by Venerable Chukwubuihem, who prayed for the sustenance and continuation of the Igboebisi Educational Empowerment Programme.

The Traditional Ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka(Eze Iweka III), in whose domain the event took place, said that investment in human beings is the greatest investment we should make.

He thanked teachers for grooming school children for greatness and referred to them as builders of our society.

Igwe Iweka further prayed that teachers should receive their rewards not only in heaven but also on earth.

More so, the President General of Obosi Development(ODU), Barr. Chimezie Obi, who was represented by Mr. Amala Egbuonye, advised the beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme to use the opportunity offered to them for the acquisition of education to realise their manifold potential.

Barr. Obi further enjoined the people of Obosi to continue supporting the Igboebisi educational initiative, which is beneficial to Obosi people.

In his remarks, Dr. Uche Chukwurah, who is one of the directors of the Foundation, said that the idea behind the Foundation is transformational, not transactional. He said, “our volition to support pupils from poor homes to acquire secondary school education had proved that we’re one people, who have not lost our humanity”.

During the event, dance groups from some primary schools in Obosi entertained the guests with their cultural displays.

The climax of the event was the collection of certificates of recognition by the beneficiaries of the Igboebisi Empowerment Foundation Scholarship Programme.

Some of the dignitaries, who attended the event donated money to the Foundation so as to enable it to foot the educational expenses of the beneficiaries of the Igboebisi Educational Foundation.

The donors included Rtd Col. Agbanusi, Barr. Victor Nwokeabia, Lady Phina Onwuachu, Mr Omezie Onyire, Kosisochukwu Iweka’s Foundation, Obosi Village Square Initiative, and ODU Enugu Women’s Wing.

Other illustrious sons and daughters of Obosi, who were present during the event were Rtd AIG Nnaemeka Okeke, Prof Nnamdi Onyire, Barr. Oby Ajaegbo, Prof.(Mrs) Ononye, Mr. Chinedu Nwogem, Mrs Oby Agom(Principal of Union Secondary School, Obosi) , Mrs. Arinze(Principal of CSS, Obosi), and Chief Omezie Chukwurah(Oshaa Obosi).

The Igboebisi Empowerment Foundation, which is the brainchild of a London-based medical doctor, Dr. Kene Igboebisi, is designed to help brilliant kids from poor homes acquire post-primary school education.

*Chiedu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ONE BLIND ONE CANE CAMPAIGN OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED IN ONITSHA NORTH

By Nkiru Mbunabo /Antonia Amaechina/Uche Azuka/Claribel Udah/Chioma Nwankwo/Chika Obi :

The Mayor of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Nweze Tony Nwora, at All Saints Cathedral Church Onitsha, delivered an inspiring message to the visually impaired during the “One Blind One Cane” campaign organized by the National Association of the Blind, Anambra State Chapter, in collaboration with the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSAA).

Mayor Nwora urged members of the visually impaired community to “never look down on themselves”, emphasizing the importance of resilience even as he encouraged them to envisage a future where they can achieve their goal, saying that God has given them a talent to help them live a productive life.

Looking at the eagerness on their faces, he recognized their determination to thrive despite their challenges, saying he always put God first and advised them to do likewise.

Mr Tony Odili Ujubuonu MD/CEO of ANSAA who was represented by the General Manager, Mr Chijioke Agbayim, noted the significance of the event and thanked all partners for their contribution to the campaign’s success.

Mr Chizoba Orji, Chairman of the White Cane campaign praised the partnership with ANSAA and acknowledged the effort of the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for employing 20 members of the visually impaired community in a recent recruitment drive for teachers.

Mr Ernest Okanmelu, Chairman of the Association of the Blind, Anambra State expressed gratitude to Mayor Nwora for his support and commitment in partnering with the association.

He also commended ANSAA for their efforts with the campaign, highlighting also the initiative by Gov. Soludo’s administration to empower individuals with disabilities, including efforts championed by Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo through her pet project.

Students from different schools of the visually impaired graced the occasion and it is also a big reminder and a collective responsibility to uplift and empower the visually impaired in our community.

*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

FLOOD ALERT: AYAMELUM RESIDENTS WARNED OF IMPENDING DISASTER

By Kelechi Achukwu-jide :

As the Cameroonian authorities release water from the Lagdo Dam, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has sounded the alarm, warning residents of Ayamelum Local Government Area, Anambra State to take immediate action to protect lives and property from impending floods.

The State Director, NOA, Mr Edozie Ajaegbu, gave the warning during a flood sensitisation campaign in Anaku community, Ayamelum LGA, one of the flood-prone areas in Anambra State, urging residents to desilt drainages around buildings and avoid constructing houses near water channels.

Mr Ajaegbu also advised residents to be proactive by knowing flood periods and necessary measures to take to avoid being victims.

The Deputy Director Programmes, NOA Awka, Remigus Obi, informed the people of Ayamleum that 11 states, including Anambra, will be affected by the flooding. “Ayamelum will be severely hit.

“We urge you to assist NOA in telling your people to move away from flooding areas for safety.”

Other officials, including Deputy Director Administration, NOA Awka, Barr. Ifeoma Chijioke and Assistant Director Programmes, Mr. Obiorah Ignatius, emphasised the importance of early crop cultivation to avoid devastation.

The President-General of Anaku Community, Mr Paul Nwauba, praised the timely intervention, promising his community’s support and adherence.

The event concluded with the distribution of sensitisation materials.

*Kelechi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ODERA MARKET GETS FACE-LIFT AS NEW CHAIRMAN UNVEILS WATER PROJECT

By Ukpa Ewa :

Leaders and traders at Odera Market in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State are singing the praises of their new chairman, Mr Nnaemeka Nworah, after he successfully implemented a key water project, bringing an end to 16 years of neglect. The market now boasts a fully functional water system in all streets, providing clean water for all traders.

During an inspection of the project in Awka, Chief Tochukwu Nwokoye, Chairman of Ezinanor community and leader of Ezi Awka, expressed satisfaction with the rapid progress.

“For many years, nothing was done to improve this market, but under two months of the new chairman’s leadership, water is now available everywhere,” Nwokoye said.

Addressing Journalists, the Chairman of Odera Market Mr Nworah, who has been in office for barely two months, shared his vision for the market’s continued development.

“Before I assumed office, I noticed that the market lacked basic facilities like water and toilets. I plan to transform this market in the next two years,” he said, emphasizing his support for Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and his 2025 re-election bid.

Speaking also, the Market Woman Leader, Mrs. Nkiruka Edemobi applauded the swift action taken by the chairman.

“I have been in this market for over 10 years, and this is the first time we are seeing real changes. Water is easily accessible now, and we are happy with the progress,” she said.

Also, the Vice Chairman of Odera Market Mr. Great Ikechukwu, stressed the importance of transforming the market into a modern facility, calling on Gov. Soludo to assist with ongoing erosion issues affecting traders.

“We are working hard to bring Odera Market to limelight, but we need the government’s help to overcome these challenges,” he added.

Mr. Obichukwu Ukora, a chemical and paint trader, also commended the improvements, noting that the chairman had fulfilled his promise to provide water throughout the market, noting that the transformation is evident, praying for his continued success.

The recent upgrades signal a brighter future for Odera Market, with traders and community leaders looking forward to further developments under the current leadership.

Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

COUNCILLORS, PG, OTHERS COMMEND SOLUDO, ANSEC FOR AWARDING CONTRACT FOR REHABILITATION OF OBA- NNEWI ROAD

By Uzo Ugwunze :

Idemili South LGA Councillors Representing Oba Ward 1 and Ward 2 , Mr Ebuka Chibueze and Mrs Nkiru Onwuakagba respectively, President General Oba Patriotic Union, Mr Anthony Uzo Ejiofor and an Aspirant for the EzeOkpoko II of Oba throne, Chief Vincent Chukwuma Ananti have commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for awarding contract for rehabilitation of Oba/ Nnewi Road during the 31st Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) meeting.

Speaking to our reporter, Mr Chibueze thanked His Excellency profusely, saying that Oba people will be delighted to vote massively for Soludo for his second tenure.

“I thank our solution governor for this wonderful gesture to Oba people. This shows that Oba people have started benefiting from the dividends of democracy. The road rehabilitation will make Oba people come out enmasse to vote for Soludo in the next election because one good turn deserves another. Oba people are saying that it will be well with Charlie Nwamgbafor”, said Chibueze.

Contributing, Mrs Nkiru Onwuakagba described Prof Soludo as the best governor so far who has ensured that democracy dividends reach out to the grassroots. “There is no LGA that is not benefiting from the various road construction or rehabilitation either completed or ongoing all over the state barely 2 years in office. Infact,he is not competing with anyone in the next election”.

According to the PG, Chief Uzo Ejiofor, I heard about the awarded Oba-Nnewi Road rehabilitation contract. Before now, the LG Chairman, Mrs Amaka Obi came to our aid when a truck fell at the failed portion of the Oba- Nnewi Road in front of the Afor-Uzo Oba Market although no life was lost.

“She intervened by filling some of the failed portions with lumps. She later connected me with the MD/CEO, Anambra Road Maintenance Agency (ARMA), Mr Obinna Nduka who did some excavation and filled some places on the road with stone base but when they stopped work he said there was much rains but thank God with the rains abating and the awarding of the Oba- Nnewi Road rehabilitation, the road will soon take a new shape to the benefit of the road users and our people.”

In his remarks, Chief Vincent Ananti (Esq) stated : “I am highly excited to hear about the award of the contract for the rehabilitation of the Nnewi Oba Road.I sincerely commend the Solution Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

“The bad state of the road especially at the Afor Oba Market area resulted in the fall of a trailer with the load which would have caused a lot of casualties but for the fact that it took place in the night.

” The failed portion at the Okike Agip section of the Old Oba- Nnewi Road also has been a death trap where innocent commuters fall prey to kidnappers but that will soon stop as soon as the road is rehabilitated or reconstructed,” he said.

It would be recalled that recently during the 31st ANSEC meeting approval was given for the award of contracts which included; the rehabilitation of Nnewi to Oba Road to ensure pleasurable movement of people and goods that have remained impassable for many years, especially during the rainy season.

The memo was presented by the MD/CEO of Anambra Road Maintenance Agency (ARMA), Mr Obinna Nduka, through a direct procurement at the cost of N131, 343, 612. 28 (One Hundred and Thirty-One Million, Three Hundred and Four-Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Twelve Naira, and Twenty-Eight Kobo )

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

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.