No fewer than 700 Nnobi indigenes have been enrolled into the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA).
The sponsors of this enrollment includes; Sir Pius Ufudo Foundation, Nnobi US Diaspora Health Group, and Okigbo family.
The event, held at Sir Pius Ufudo Complex in St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Nnobi featured a sensitization session by ASHIA representative, Dr Ngozi Ifediora.
Dr. Ifediora assured that ASHIA facilities in the community can handle the enrollees health issues, and will make referrals when need arises.
She noted that there will be a monitoring team to ensure that the enrollees make good use of the opportunity, especially for medical checkups, adding that those found wanting shall be replaced, saying that there is a plan to ensure that ASHIA beneficiaries access healthcare services in any part of the country.
On his part, an indigenous private medical practitioner with facility in the community, Dr Mike Omenugha, who gave testimonies of benefits of the scheme to ASHIA beneficiaries, thanked the sponsors for their humanitarian gesture, calling for people to regularly do medical checkups, avoid self-medication and patronizing quacks.
Some beneficiaries, including Mr Gilbert Oguegbulu and Mrs Lucy Obeleagu commended their benefactors for the opportunity to access quality healthcare at little or no cost. Some of the 464 ASHIA beneficiaries of the previous year, attended the event.
*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
The Onitsha South Stakeholders, Industrialist, Market Chairmen, party faithfuls and well wishers on 12th Sept, endorsed the Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji for continuity.
Making the endorsement at the local government secretariat, Fegge during the flag off ceremony of morning campaign for the upcoming LG election.
They assessed Mr Orji’s performance over the past two years as Transition Committee (TC) Chairman and encouraged him to build on his achievements, identifying areas for further improvement if re-elected on September 28.
Okwudili Obinwanne, Chairman of the Fegge Landlords Association, noted that Mr. Orji has performed wonderfully well as Transition Committee Chairman. “He has done marvelously well on security and infrastructure. Onitsha was a den of robbers and dirt before now, but today it looks gorgeous.”
Regarding the opposition, he remarked, “In reality, there is no genuine opposition here. Those perceived as opposition are, in fact, well-wishers of Emeka, indirectly. While they may be misunderstood as opposition, they are not. Mr. Orji is a good market that sells itself”, he said.
An Industrialist, Chief Michael Okigbo described Orji as a civilized person who has spent many years abroad and his positive impact to the well-being of Onitsha residents and the environment is a welcome development.
He stated that Orji has done well both in security, assured that he would do better if elected and stated that he believes that onitsha would be more cleaner as it is.
The President of Onitsha Sports Club, Chief Olisa Okafor reiterated that Orji has done well which every residents of Onitsha and visitors can attest to.
“Emeka has been in London for years, he is a sportsman and we grew up together, somebody who has traveled a lot would like to attract some good things to his area to fit his lifestyle”.
He urged onitsha south constituents to vote for Chief Orji who has done marvelously as a transition committee chairman, wondering what would happen if duly elected.
The President General of Fegge Housing Estate, Chief Afam Udogalanya declared that Chief Orji acceptance by many people is as a result of his achievements as the TC chairman, who transformed fegge to what it is today.
The PG who is also the Onitsha South APGA Deputy Chairman noted that there is no fire service vehicle in Onitsha South, urged Chief Orji to make it his first priority if elected.
The Onitsha South Youth Leader who doubles as the Anambra North Senatorial Zone APGA Youth leader, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwanyanwu lauded Chief Orji for the development he has attracted in the area so far, stated that the youths are ready to garner more votes for him come Sept 28, LG election.
However, The Chairman, Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders, Association (ASMATA) Soludo Support Group, Chief Peter Okala lauded Governor Soludo for the massive developmental strides he has done in the state so far , urged the Igbos to follow him for his good leadership.
Speaking to Newsmen, the Market Chairman of Sokoto Road, Chief Emeka Mbachu stated that Chief Orji deserved the endorsement because of his good relationship with the traders.
He noted that the infrastructural developments Chief Orji has attracted so far in Onitsha South are enough for his continuity, stated that he would emerge winner for being tested and trusted.
In the same view, the Chairman of Haruna Market, Chief Emmanuel Idoko applauded Chief Orji for the project attracted so far in Onitsha South indicating that the area is the most benefitted LG in Governor Soludo’s led administration.
Others who assessed and endorsed Chief Orji were the President General of Bridge Head Market, Chief Chinedu Ezekweike, the Chairman of Ochanja Market, Chief Bonaventure Muo and other dignitaries.
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The second phase of the 1 Youth 2 Skills program themed, “Value Re-Orientation” has commenced in Ayamelum Local Government Area.
The Ayamelum LGA Chairman, Mr. Alphonsus Ofumelu, officially launched the program at the LGA Secretariat in Anaku.
The initiative, spearheaded by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, was supervised by the Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development, led by Commissioner Patrick Agha Mba.
The program aimed to empower youths after 4-6 months of training in their chosen skills, providing startup funds to establish their own businesses.
Ofumelu commended Gov. Soludo for his commitment to youth development, saying that the program will elevate Anambra State to new heights.
He encouraged participants to take the program seriously to transform their lives and positively impact on the society.
Osita Ozalagba, representing the Commissioner’s Office, cautioned trainees against misusing their attendance or missing classes, as this will lead to disqualification.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Mr Emma Ozuonye expressed heartfelt gratitude to the state government for the opportunity and promised that they will make the most of it, praying for God’s blessings on the Soludo-led administration.
Other people in attendance include the master trainers, Coordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria Ayamelum LGA Chapter, Peter Okwuobo, and Ohaneze Youth Coordinator, Mr Clement Nweke.
*Kelechi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Traditional Ruler of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Igwe Pharmacist Alex Onyido has urged the youths to go into agriculture especially farming as a major means of fighting hunger in the land as obtainable in those days which sustained our grandfathers.
He made the urge during his 2024 new yam festival celebration held in his palace, adding that not only will farming fight hunger but will also keep the youths busy instead of roaming the streets in search of white collar job that is nowhere to be found.
He described newyam festival (Alo Mmuo), as an inheritance from our forefathers, stating that it is the reason the people give the forefathers the yam to eat first during the celebration as mark of honour before the people will eat it.
“The ancestors are saints like you have saints in the church. In the Igbo culture we have saints, Nwankwo, Nworie, Nweke, Nwafor, among others as you have saints, Cyprian, Peter, John, Philip, among others,” he stated.
He lamented that with the high cost of food items now and pump price of fuel, the only way out of the socio-economic and political quagmire is to embrace agriculture.
“The pump price of fuel now is #1250, a tuber of yam is about #5000, not to talk of other food items, we have teeming youths and they should go to farm now. The economic hardship is an ill wind that blows nobody good,” he stated.
He deplored that excessive taxation on imported goods has exacerbated the situation, emphasizing that essential items like pharmaceuticals should be exempt from high taxes.
“We still pay old tariffs, multiple taxation on importation of wares. A lot of things are happening at the ports, government should help out importers of these essential commodities,” he pleaded.
Highlight on the occasion was paying of homage to the monarch by his cabinet members, dance groups, town union branches, in-laws, friends and well wishers.
In return each person smiled home with a tuber of yam and fowl as the case may be as the monarch’s appreciation to participants during the celebration.
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Nnewi North Chairmanship, Mr. Echezona Anazodo, visited the Nnewi North Secretariat, to congratulate trainees of the second phase of the 1 Youth 2 Skills empowerment program.
The program, launched by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, aimed to equip over 10,000 youths across the state with various skills and provide seed capital of N2 billion.
In his address, Anazodo commended the trainees on their selection and urged them to acquire the necessary skills to succeed in life, thanking Gov. Soludo for the opportunity and pledged to consolidate on the initiative when elected into office.
“I am committed to ensuring the steady empowerment of Anambra youths, as envisioned by Gov. Soludo’s administration. I will build on this program to create a prosperous homeland for all.”
*Enoch and Chidubem are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The APGA Chairmanship candidate of Orumba South Local Government Area, Mr Shedrack Azubuike has promised to ensure youth development in the council area.
Speaking during the 1 Youth 2 Skills reorientation exercise organized by the Ministry of Youth Development at the council headquarters, Umunze, Azubuike said that his major priority is to see that youths in the local government area thrives in their various areas of specialization.
He noted that the 1 Youth 2 Skills programme is one of the governor’s numerous ways of appreciating the values placed in the youths in his administration, urging the youths to take the programme seriously and promised to ensure they have swift training sessions with the various trainers.
* Akaogu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Market Chairman of the Old Motor, Car Parts Dealers Association, Mgbuka Obosi, Idemili North Local Government, Anambra State, Chief Samuel Ifurunwa has expressed his readiness to mount Solar Lights in and around the market.
This was done following the outcome of the recent meeting of the State House of Assembly with the market leaders in the state pertaining the installment of solar lights and CCTV cameras in all the markets in the state.
Speaking immediately after the Friday market weekly prayers in the market, the President General, Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association, PG ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna thanked Chief Ifurunwa and his executives whom he said are doing very well.
He reiterated that the market Chairman Chief Ifurunwa is a blessing to the market and one among the market leaders that are doing well, urged the traders to give him and his executives a maximum support.
Anuna revealed that their agenda includes extending the market’s operating hours from 7am to 12 midnight. To ensure safety and security, they are planning to install CCTV cameras, which will enable them to monitor and review footage from the previous night’s activities during the morning hours.
He used the opportunity to inform the traders of another agenda which is the ASMATA New yam festival which he said would be done next week and would be an annual event, with the yams harvested from the ASMATA farmland.
He also said that all the market leaders would have their own portion of the farmland for their yearly new yam festival where they can also plant any cash crop of their choice.
Chief Ifurunwa attributed his decision to install solar lights to a meeting with State House members. He recalled that upon assuming office, he had mounted satellites, but they were rendered useless due to inadequate power supply from Enugu Electrical Distribution Company (EEDC).
He maintained that following the satellite’s failure, he met with his caucus and key market stakeholders to purchase 27 solar lights, costing over ₦1.3 million, with more to come. This initiative was prompted by a recent fire outbreak in the market, which led to the decision to disconnect lights from the transformer during closing hours.
Chief Ifurunwa commended Governor Charles Soludo’s innovative idea, Special Assistant to the Governor on Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, ASMATA PG, and thanked traders for their support in providing the solar lights.
The market Public Relation Officer, Pastor Chinedu Igwoegbu in his speech, thanked Chief Anuna, noting that his visit to their market showed that their chairman is doing very well
There was also presentation of the first cash crop(yam) from the ASMATA farmland by Chief Anuna to the market chairman,Chief Ifurunwa, accompanied with 10% cash of the money donated by a trader in support of the upcoming ASMATA new yam festival.
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Nkwelle Ezunaka Community, Oyi Local Government Area witnessed jubilation galore last weekend at the palace of their new traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Anachuna, as he marked his maiden new yam festival about three decades after the demise of his predecessor, Igwe (Dr), Ralph Nwakoby.
The monarch expressed satisfaction as he performed the maiden new yam festival in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, saying, “I am overwhelmed with joy to see people from all walks of life gathered here to witness this historic event.”
He urged his subjects to unite and work towards the progress of Nkwelle-Ezunaka, emphasizing, “Let us put aside our differences and move our community forward.”
The monarch also paid a glowing tribute to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, commending his rapid infrastructural development and peace restoration efforts in the state.
He noted that Governor Soludo is a working Governor, and prayed that one day he will remember them and fix their roads, which are in dire need of attention.
Addressing those still harboring grudges over his election as the new monarch, he reassured, “We don’t hold grudges; it’s natural to have differences, but Nkwelle people are peaceful and loving. We love ourselves and will continue to live in harmony.”
Expressing satisfaction shortly after being conferred as the ‘Onowu,’ of the community by the monarch, the President General, Chief Willie Okafor, thanked God that the election of the monarch happened while he is the PG, lamenting that the community has been denied a lot because of lack of a monarch.
“I can’t ask for more from God for being number two citizen of Nkwelle-Ezunaka. I thank God for me to be the vessel used to give Nkwelle-Ezunaka a king after about three decades of not having a monarch.I am overwhelmed, I am grateful to God. Nkwelle-Ezunaka will ever be grateful to God for this.
“I will ask those who are still feeling grudges that it is time to unite, If you look at Igwe you know that God has just given us a gentle man as a king, a young man, I will ask everyone to come together, let us move our community forward,” he pleaded.
On the issue of presentation of certificate to the monarch he said, “We know that soonest the governor will issue the certificate to him and then we do our maiden Ofala festival, this is just new yam and the crowd was much, let alone when we celebrate Ofala festival,” he stated.
Contributing, an in-law and indigene of Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Omezie Chukwurah, whose wife, Mrs. Chinelo Lynda Chukwurah, was conferred with the Chieftaincy title of ‘Ocheze Oshia,’ by the monarch, he stated that the Igwe was a man of the people.
“My wife is one of those three women that were conferred today with traditional titles by the monarch and I love my wife because they gave her to me, that’s why I’m progressing.”
On the efforts to ensure Governor Soludo presents certificate of recognition to the monarch he assured that, “I will meet the governor for issuance of certificate to Igwe Nkwelle, he knows me too well and knows that I am APGA staunch member.”
Earlier, the community treasurer , Chief Gibson Udeagwu, who was honoured as “Okaka Nkwelle,” stated that, ” We have been conferred with Chieftaincy titles so that we would work with him, (monarch ), I am happy about the Igwe because Nkwelle community suffered for 30 years on the issue of Igwe after the demise of our last Igwe, Dr Ralph Nwakoby.
” Since then, Nkwelle has been having problem, the youths behave badly. This first new yam celebration with our Igwe is a great one, it is we, the Ogbuefi Nkwelle that were managing the new yam festival.
“I plead with the opposition to join us, we will welcome them, the election of this monarch was free, fair and credible, Igwe won with 400+ votes, while the second position had 200+, the third 100+.
“I plead to government to help and build our roads, this building material road to Nkwo bank,( Oze –Nkwo bank road),if constructed will decongest all the hold ups at Awka Road and serve as a bye pass for those going to Awka, Anambra East, West, Ayamelum, and kogi State.
Also on the issue of certificate, he pleaded to Governor Soludo to present certificate of recognition to the monarch lamenting that for about 30 years the community existed without a monarch, disclosing that both the monarch and his subjects are APGA faithful.
Wife of the treasurer, Mrs Amaka Udeagwu, stated that, “There is light now at Nkwelle, we are now in the modern days and I thank God for giving us life to witness this light in Nkwelle brought by the election of the monarch,” even as she prayed for health, progress, long life in Nkwelle.
She expressed satisfaction with the traditional title conferred on her husband, adding that the monarch has done well for finding him worthy to be so honoured as ‘Okaka Nkwelle-Ezunaka.”
Chief John Onwuanyi who was conferred with “Ogene” the first in Nkwelle, expressed joy, saying, “this is our first Igwe, we used to have warrant chiefs, this is the first contestant out of the four that contested for Igwe, I am the first that canvassed for him, telling our people what he can do, because he is American citizen.
“This is his first new yam festival, he selected two persons from each village and conferred with Chieftaincy titles, I know he will lead Nkwelle well and I pray God to give him wisdom to lead Nkwelle,” he prayed.
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Traditional Ruler of Uke, Igwe Charles Agbala and the President General, Uke Development Union(UDU), Chief Peter Onyejegbu have solicited for the Anambra State Government to construct two roads in their community, saying that it would decongest the gridlock experienced at some major roads around Idemili North Local Government Area.
The two major roads include: Igwe Ileka-Eke Uke-Ugwuagbugbana-Mpia Road Uke(5.75km) and Eke Uke-Okpokolo-VIP Umuoji Road with Spur to Appeal Uke (3km).
Speaking during the 2024 New Yam festival celebration at his palace, Igwe Charles Agbala who said that the two roads were vital to Uke community, its neighboring communities and residents of Anambra State stressed that it will not only serve as alternative routes to avoid gridlock but also help in solving the problem of insecurity sometimes encountered by motorists within that part of the state.
“These two roads which the PG, UDU is drawing the attention of the state government to consider constructing are very important because it links other towns around us. We are not the only community that ply those roads”.
“Igwe Ileka-Eke-Uke-Ugwuagbugbana links Uke ancient and popular market, Ogidi and Abatete communities. It will decongest roads which experience heavy traffic during rush hour. It can also help checkmate insecurity should an event of hoodlums blocking a particular road occur.
“The other road from Uke to Okpokolo-Vip links Umuoji, Ojoto communities towards Nkpor is also important. We are located at the heart of Idemili North which is densely populated and we deserve more allocation,’,” said the monarch.
According to the PG, Chief Peter Onyejegbu, sometimes motorists are stuck up to three hours at Eke-agu Abatete gridlock. If these roads are built by the state government: Mpia-Ugwuagbugbana- Eke Uke-Igwe Ileka Road, anyone from Awka going to Ekwulobia does not have any need to drive through Eke-agu Abatete. The person can take the route from Endwell Abatete, enter Uke and move on via this road to his destination. It is so important.
“There is another very important road from Eke Uke-Okpokolo-VIP Appeal to Muoghalu Road Umuoji. These are strategic roads that if government construct them for us, the governor has solved the problem of gridlock being experienced by motorists around the LGA and beyond,” Onyejegbu said.
The duo also thanked God for bumper harvest and for being alive to celebrate the 2024 New Yam festival, saying that it is a miracle from God for a planted yam seedling to decay and produce big tuber or tubers for mankind to eat.
They prayed God to ontinue blessing the artisans, businessmen, civil servants, farmers and Uke people from different walks of life especially those who are interested in the peace and development of Uke Community, urging them to think home while investing their resources and for everyone to embrace Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s own a garden and plant a tree campaign as a panacea to hunger.
Moreover, The Council Chairman, Mr Stanley Nkwoka who graced the occasion to celebrate with Igwe Uke said that he was delighted to eat the ceremonial new yam for the first time this year at Uke because Abatete community his hometown was celebrating new yam that same day.
” I wish Igwe Agbala long life to celebrate more New Yam Festivals. My leadership will bring good things in Idemili North. Let everyone learn to do the right thing, that is what brings development. Governor Soludo has brought solution, let us partner with him to benefit from that solution,” said Nkwoka.
Also, a US Navy Commander, High Chief Ifeanyi Okeke and Former INLGA Chairman, Mr ChuksBrown Igboanua said that the New Yam festival was a time all the titled men come home to felicitate with the Igwe and pay homage to the throne, adding that yam is a great crop that should not be eaten anyhow without celebrating it as the king of crops.
Dignitaries and illustrious sons and daughters of Uke Community which Included ; Igwe Emeka Onuoha of Oraukwu Ancient kingdom, Igwe Emeka Iluno of Ifitedunu, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu of Umuawulu, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume of Omor, Chief Emeka Enendu ,Vice President, Bright Ambassadors Club, Sir Adam Fidelis.
They all prayed that God would bless the monarch with long life, prosperity, wisdom, wishing that during his reign Uke people and community will continue to enjoy peace, unity and development.
* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Chairman of Anaocha LGA, Comr. Rome Ibekwe, has taken a significant step towards maintaining a clean and healthy environment in Anaocha LGA. Recently, he led a team of Waste Management to clear a massive refuse dump at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Adazi-nnukwu, a move that has been widely commended by the community.
This effort demonstrates the Chairman’s commitment to ensuring that Anaocha LGA is free from arbitrary and hazardous waste littered anywhere in the Council Area. This is geared at promoting a clean and safe environment for residents.
During the clearing exercise, Comr. Ibekwe seized the opportunity to appeal to the people of Anaocha (Ndi Anaocha) to join hands with the government in maintaining a clean environment in Anaocha LGA. He emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring that Anaocha surroundings remain tidy and free from refuse.
This call to action underscores the Chairman’s belief in community-driven initiatives and the need for everyone to contribute to the development of Anaocha LGA.
Comr. Ibekwe also took the opportunity to commend the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo CFR for his remarkable efforts in cleaning up the surroundings of Anambra State. The Governor’s initiatives have had a significant impact on the State’s environment, and the Chairman’s acknowledgement of these efforts highlights the importance of collaboration between different levels of government in achieving a common goal.
The clearing of the refuse dump at St. Andrew’s Catholic Adazi-nnukwu is a sign of Comr. Ibekwe’s dedication to improving the lives of the people of Anaocha LGA.
His appeal for community involvement and recognition of Governor Soludo’s efforts demonstrate a comprehensive approach to addressing environmental challenges. As Anaocha LGA continues to strive for a cleaner and healthier environment, the Chairman’s leadership and commitment to public-private partnerships will be crucial in achieving this vision, for a greater Anaocha.
