Member representing Anambra East and West at the green chamber, Mr. Peter Aniekwe has urged Anambra East Local Government Chairman, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze to prioritize collaboration and communication between local and national leaders, saying that the partnership would foster strong relationships and facilitate discussions on legislative updates, address constituents’ concerns, and promote community development project.
Mr Aniekwe made the call during a courtesy to Anambra East Chairman, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze in his office at the Council headquarters .
He briefed the Chairman on federal initiatives and legislation that will benefit local communities. These initiatives included; funding and support for road construction, public transportation, and community facilities.
Other initiatives were; economic empowerment programs that will foster small business growth, job creation, and workforce development as well as public health and education initiatives, aimed at addressing healthcare disparities, improving access to quality education, and promoting overall community well-being.
The chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze briefed the lawmaker on local issues such as security, infrastructural development, public health, education and economic growth.
He thanked Mr Peter Aniekwe for his great support to Anambra East and Anambra state at large.
Nwegbo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Anambra Commissioner For Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh has lauded the Agulu Peoples Union(APU) for their foresight in establishing the APU Vocation Academy, Agulu.
Prof Chuma-Udeh gave the commendation at the official opening and first matriculation ceremony of the academy held at the school premises in Agulu.
She said that investing in the future of society is always laudable and showcases a society that is interested in the progress of the community.
“Your projection and interest in the future of the youth are manifest with this school. Youths are in dilemma, they do not know their right from their left, with this Academy, the community is saying that self-sustenance is the best gift one can give to another.
“The acquisition of skill is important in human life; once acquired, it stays with one throughout life unlike a corporate job that one retires from at a certain age,” she posited.
Prof Chuma Udeh asserted that Agulu people have always been known as hardworking people and their proficiency in skill acquisition is also well-known, adding that she is not surprised that they embarked on such a venture.
She assured the community that the present administration will give the academy every support needed to make it an enabling institute for the students while promising to solicit future collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development as it aligns with Governor Soludo’s 1-Youth, 2-Skills initiative.
In his remarks, the President General of Agulu Peoples Union, Chief Oliver Afamefuna recounted the event that led to the establishment of the Academy, stating that it was borne out of passion to take the youths off the street and social vices such as drug abuse, thuggery and actively engage them in profitable venture via the acquisition of skills in diverse trades.
The Director of APU Vocation Academy, Dr, Emmanuel Duezeh in his address stated that the Academy is not limited to Agulu Indigenes alone but is open to all who are interested in acquiring a skill or two while adding that currently, the Academy is offering 11 courses which cut across bag making, footwear, nylon making electrical works amongst others.
The highlight of the event was a tour of the facility and inspection of some of the products by the Academy by Commissioner Chuma-Udeh and her entourage which included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, and Director of the Technical and Vocational Education, Lady Ngozi Enemuo
Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Vice Principal(Administration) Community Secondary School, Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area, Mrs. Joy Okafor, has lauded Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo on the recent inclusion of Senior Secondary classes in his Free Education initiative in the state.
The Vice Principal made the commendation during an interactive session with information officers in her office at CSS Oko.
According to her, Gov. Soludo is doing wonders in the education sector. He is really the Solution to what parents need now considering the harsh economic situation of the country.
“I no longer see children who should be in school learning hawking or loitering about the streets anymore due to the Solution government’s free education program from kindergarten to the Senior Secondary Schools in the state.
“It is a great encouragement to us and parents. His Free Education Policy has tremendously helped many parents who are not only indigenes of Anambra State. Every Nigerian and even Non-Nigerian resident in the state is benefiting from his magnanimity.
“Parents are now happily bringing their wards and children to school. It has helped students to return back to school. Those that ran away because of school fees and burden of fees are now coming back to school and going off the streets,” she noted.
She said that the state government’s free education initiative has caused an upsurge of students coming into the school.
“Prior to the introduction of Free Education, we had only three classes(A to C) in our JSS3 and SS1 classes. But now, we are heading to five classes (A to E) due to the increase of students and high response of parents to the Free Education by Gov. Soludo.”
Mrs. Okafor further noted that the state government has done well in terms of equipping and revitalizing public schools in the state.
“The Solution governor through his efforts, is building and repositioning public schools in the state to global standard. About two weeks ago, all the heads of public schools in the state were invited to Awka by the state government and given Physics, Chemistry, Biology and other science equipment for their schools.
“Another great achievement of Gov. Soludo in the educational sector is the employment and deployment of qualified teachers to all the public schools in the state.
“By so doing, he has effectively solved the problem of lack of qualified teachers in our school. Before, we had less than 20 teachers but now, we have about 41 qualified and capable teachers. No more PTA and Auxillary teachers,” she emphasized.
However, the Vice Principal called on the state government and well meaning individuals of Oko community to help them in constructing a proper perimeter fencing round the school as this has posed a huge challenge and insecurity to the school.
“We need perimeter fencing in the school. This is our major challenge. It has affected us so much in the area of controlling our students and security of school properties.
“Many school properties have been stolen and vandalized by intruders who come into the school anyhow because every corner of the school is open and accessible. We, therefore, call on the state government and well to do individuals in the community to help us in combating the insecurity in our school.”
Also, the Senior Prefect of the school, Akpan Chidiebere Israel, expressed gratitude to Gov. Soludo for the Free Education implementation in the state, describing it as a great opportunity provided mostly for intelligent students who hitherto could not afford their school fees.
“Gov. Soludo is really the Solution. He brought solution to the problem of students and even to those children in the village who have not seen the four walls of a school, but can now access Free Education even to their syenior Secondary School classes. All thanks to Prof. Soludo who made their dreams come through,” he said.
*Chioma and Charity are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Residents of Anambra West Local Government Area, Anambra State are currently facing a dire situation as the area has been severely submerged by the ravaging flood.
The rising waters have caused widespread damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, leaving many residents displaced and in need of urgent assistance.
In light of this crisis, the residents have made a passionate appeal to federal government, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and Anambra State Government for immediate assistance.
Speaking to information officer, one of the resident, Mr. Okonkwo Odili stressed the urgent need for relief supplies such as food, shelter, and medical assistance.
“Our people are facing extreme hardships, with no shelter, food, or clean water, and the health risks are escalating as waterborne diseases spread unchecked. This situation demands swift and decisive intervention to save lives and provide relief to those affected,” he said.
Mr. Odili explained that the flood was as a result of heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of families, adding that some were forced to seek shelter in makeshift camps or with relatives, as their homes have been inundated with water.
He said that the situation is critical and required prompt action from the state government to provide relief to those affected, appealing to the government to swiftly respond to their appeal and provide the necessary assistance to alleviate the suffering of the flood victims.
As the residents of Anambra West LGA struggle to cope with the aftermath of the flooding, it is crucial that the state government steps in to provide support and assistance to those in need. The plight of the flood victims must not be overlooked, and immediate action is required to address this humanitarian crisis.
*Felix is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe last Friday, expressed deep concern over the devastating impact of the nation’s economy and insecurity.
Achebe, in his 2024 Ofala message tagged: “Courage Perseverance, Self-reliance” which he translated into Igbo language as , “Onye kwe, Chi’e ekwe”, said the combined effects of the duo of poor economy and insecurity are the spiraling ride in the cost of living, business closures, loss of employment, a general feeling of hopelessness and lack of trust in the government.
According to the monarch, “At last year Ofala, I stated that the previous 12 months were marked by uncertainties occasioned by the aftermath of the general elections, further exacerbated by the continuing insecurity and the effects of the sudden removal of the fuel price subsidy.
” Unfortunately, the well-being of the polity has declined even more steeply in the last 12 months, leading to a 10-day national protest in August 2024 tagged: “End bad governance”, said Obi Achebe.
He expressed disappointment that the federal government had rejected proposals aimed at restoring Nigeria’s former glory. These proposals included devolution of power, downsizing the government, addressing the interconnected issues of insecurity, agriculture, and high cost of living, mitigating the impact of fuel price hikes on the cost of living, and tackling bad governance fueled by corruption and the lavish lifestyles of political leaders.
He therefore called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to consider alternative views and urgently convene a non-partisan national economic and security summit to forge a collective way forward for the country.
He also decried the enormous economic and social impact on Ndigbo who continue to suffer at the hands of unknown gunmen who have been terrorizing the community, killing, maiming, and kidnapping their own people for ransom, causing widespread fear and disruption. The situation has forced schools, markets, and public facilities to shut down every Monday in compliance with the sit-at-home order.
* Nwachukwu, Okoli and Anakor are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
In a bid to drive socio economic development in Nigeria, MasterCard Foundation in partnership with United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) organized a four-day in-house training tagged “Young Africa Innovates” for young Anambra youths between the ages of 18-35 years in the state.
The training which started on Monday 14th October, 2024 at ASSU Hall, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka was aimed to strengthen the capacity of innovation hubs and local institutions as well as support young innovators from all works of life.
Speaking during the training, the Focal Person United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP), South East, Chiwetalu Okosi stated that Young Africa Innovates ethos is rooted in inclusivity and to ensure that innovators from all works of life are empowered to bring their vision to life.
She also said that at the core of the programme, innovators will be provided with technical support to test, validate and scale up their solutions.
According to her, Anambra is the pilot state for South East and the focus is on Commerce because of the state’s peculiarity on entrepreneurship, so there is need for innovative ideas under the value chain for commerce to find out how we can find new ways of doing commerce to improve. Once we have something new and innovative, the idea will be refined.
“Out of 3000 youths that applied, 300 was selected, there was no academic restriction and the programme was conducted in two batches. After the training they will pitch their ideas and best 30 will be selected and scaled up into incubators stage after which they will be given all they will need to refine these ideas like; seed money, mentorship etc and the refined ideas will further be developed and established,’’ she said.
One of the participants, Mrs Okonkwo Patience Onyinyechi, a fashion designer expressed joy to be selected for the programme, stating that she has learned a lot of new ways to help boost her business.
‘’This is a life changing opportunity, I have learnt so many new things that will help improve my business and also in other fields of works, even if am not selected at the end of the day, my life has richly been impacted positively’’.
Idika Chidimma, one of the resource persons commended the organisers of the programme as it will empower the young innovators and help them address the challenges in the commerce sector.
‘’These young innovators are local talents, they are residents in the state so they know the challenges in the commerce sector, they have been equipped with new ways to address these challenges and also to improve their skills,’’ she said.
* Nwokedi and Agbala are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Onitsha Police Area Command in Anambra State has undergone significant transformations since Mr. Nzota Chidi, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), took office two weeks ago as the Area Commander, issuing a stern warning to criminals in the commercial hub of the Southeast, advising them to vacate the area or face severe consequences
The Area Commander with the support of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Tina Okeke, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), the Inland Town Police Station has achieved notable successes. Within just 10 days of assuming command, Mr. Chidi’s team neutralized two kidnappers, apprehended one, and injured another.
Mr. Chidi reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining law and order in Onitsha and its surroundings, vowing not to tolerate criminal activities. His resolute stance and prompt actions have sent a strong message to criminals, ensuring a safer environment for the community.
“I am in Onitsha to protect lives and property of the residents, there must be nightlife, people should have their freedom of movement and association and can’t be caged by criminals,” he vowed.
The new Area Commander reiterated the need for environmental cleanliness, adding that cleanliness is next to Godliness.
“Everywhere should be kept clean, including our homes to avoid epidemics that can be caused by unhealthy environment. You have to keep your work place clean like your home and that is what I am doing, painting, putting some structures in order.
“Sand procured for some of the structures that looked abandoned now look beautiful and livable. I want to live a legacy of cleanliness and be known as fighter of crimes and criminality in Onitsha even if as a crime burster, I have achieved the feat in other places I worked.
“Any criminal that does not want to leave Onitsha must meet his waterloo and if he doubts me let him wait and see,” he vowed.
He pleaded to residents to always come up with information that will lead to arresting criminals, assuring of the protection of the identity of such informants.
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Anambra State Government has announced that it will no longer condone erection of shanties and dingy shops along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
This was contained in a release made by its environment monitoring taskforce, The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra State which was signed by its Managing Director and Chief Superintendent General, Comrade Celestine Anere, made public on October 18.
According to the release, it is the intention of the State Government to bring to public its decision to expunge and rid the entire stretch of road from Amansea axis of the Federal highway all through down to Bridgehead, Onitsha Metropolis of shanties and attachments on either sides of the Enugu-Onitsha road.
“Traders on the either sides of the long stretch are advised to start dismantling and evacuation of all shanties and strictures. The State Government will frown and subsequently wield the big stick against any defaulter of this directive.
“Enforcement to clear up the highway will resume two (2) weeks from the first announcement (i.e) 18 October 2024.
“All the motor parks cited on either sides of the Federal highway must be well gated to make way for a peaceful and a lot safer environment.
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, on Monday, October 14, visited the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, in his office at Government House, Awka, to firm up the two ministries plan to embark on town hall tours of 21 LGs in the state to drive the message of Governor Soludo’s sterling achievements.
Speaking during the visit, Mefor recalled that he had earlier hinted to Nwabunwanne about the Information Ministry’s proposed Local Government Town Hall Tours to strategically communicate Governor Soludo’s several sterling achievements and was visiting with his team to work out modalities with the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs counterpart.
According to him, he decided to visit the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs because of the urgency of the town hall tour and the need for the two ministries to collaborate to achieve the desired purpose.
“The town hall is intended to bring together traditional rulers, presidents-general, women and youth leaders, and other critical stakeholders in each local government in one hall and reiterate what the governor has done specifically in their areas and equally get feedback and appreciation of what has been done well and what more should be done to better their lives.
“The Ministry of Information has set up a committee for the town hall. We expect you to do the same so we can have a joint committee to think out where and how we would start,” he said.
Responding, Hon. Nwabunwanne commended the commissioner for doing so much within a short time, even as he reiterated his commitment to the idea and assured of his ministry’s interest.
“It’s a welcome idea. I’m ready anytime. Mine is how to deliver the Soludo solution to the people. What we need is to put things together. I’ll get a team to join yours as a joint committee. Let them draw up a programme and a timetable on possible dates and we take it from there,” he said.
* Oranye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
Anambra State Government has rolled out its environment monitoring taskforce against structures blocking drainages in Akuzo, Nkpor, Idemili Local Government Area.
The monitoring was conducted by the Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB).
Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr. Stephen Ezenwa said that the structures were built on an existing drainage channel thereby blocking free flow of flood.
Ezenwa pointed out that the blockage caused flood to prevent the occupants of the area from accessing their buildings also it destroyed property worth millions of naira.
He added that ANSPPB Idemili North LGA has visited the area severally, warned and served the developer removal notices but all led to no avail hence the demolition.
He warned that Anambra State Government would arrest and punish any defaulter who built on drainages and without a building approval.
“Developers should always visit the Board and get approvals before erecting any structure.”
He stressed that it is unlawful to build without an approval in the state.
