LGA News

News from Anambra State Local Government Areas

JDPC HOSTS CAPACITY TRAINING FOR WARD DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEES, PHC OFFICERS IN ONITSHA NORTH LGA

By Claribel Udah/Chika Obi/Chioma Nwankwo :

The Justice, Development, and Peace Commission (JDPC) Nnewi, hosted a capacity-building session for Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in Onitsha North LGA.

The event, held under the Strengthening Public Accountability for Results and Knowledge (SPARK II) Project, aimed to empower stakeholders in healthcare delivery and strengthen the state’s primary healthcare system.

In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Benedict Chima Okolo, Director of JDPC Nnewi, emphasized the importance of the workshop in enhancing public accountability and health outcomes, particularly in maternal and child healthcare.

The initiative, supported by the International Budget Partnership (IBP) and implemented in collaboration with the Community Empowerment Network (COMEN) and Civil Rights Concerns (CRC), seeks to address critical challenges in healthcare delivery.

Rev. Fr. Okolo acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Health and the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), highlighting their contributions to improving health service delivery.

He stressed the pivotal role of WDC members and PHC officers in managing and ensuring transparency in the utilization of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), a cornerstone of Nigeria’s health financing reform aimed at achieving universal health coverage.

The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem delivered her goodwill message, highlighting their commitment to collaborate in strengthening maternal and child healthcare.

The training, which was conducted by the resource person Dr Ngozi, addressed public finance management, budget tracking, and immunization advocacy.

Interactive activities, including Question & Answer sessions, group discussions, and action plan development, encouraged participants to collaborate on practical solutions for system inefficiencies.

The training concluded with the distribution of post-test evaluations and a call to action for participants to leverage their roles in fostering accountability, trust, and improved healthcare delivery in their communities.

With this initiative, JDPC and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to making Anambra State a model for primary healthcare excellence through collaboration, capacity building, and community ownership.

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

TRADERS HAIL ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT AS SOLUTION GETS TO EKWULOBIA TRAFFIC PROBLEMS

By David Okpala/Stella Okpala :

Traders/transporters have extolled Governor Chukwuma Soludo for bringing solution to traffic problems within Ekwulobia Roundabout as flyover construction hits 95 percent completion.

They made their position public while exchanging views with information officers, who visited the site, on November 21.

The interviewed, Mrs Oluebube Ezenwankwo of New Spring Plaza said, “The pains of demolition of business structures to accommodate construction of this flyover has turned into gain.

“I personally lost my shop during the buildup of the demolition. I packed into an inner shop which was demolished again.It was indeed painful, economic setback, yet joyous, hence without demolition there will be no expansion.

“I must commend Soludo. He did not stop at demolition but went on to construct. The project is about being delivered, which is indeed solution to traffic congestion within Ekwulobia environs. We will no longer waste economic time at the traffic.

“Driving from here to Awka maybe achieved in 30 minutes but if 5 hours are spent on a traffic holdup, the economic wastages becomes enormous.”

Mrs Ezenwankwo added that Soludo has worked himself into 2nd tenure victory, unnecessary critics to blur this obvious fact will only tantamount to noise making, as light cannot be hidden.

The story of Mrs Ezenwankwo is not different from Mr Uchechukwu Chimelum, neither did it differ from that of a cyclist, Mr Timothy Emegharibe and his counterpart Mr Frank Ogbu.

They enjoined individuals who are suffering pains of demolition, as road dualization continues in Anambra State, to bear with Soludo, as it is in the interest of all.

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

4 INDIGENT TRADERS EMPOWERED WITH #400,000 BY MARKET CHAIRMAN

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Four indigent traders of Sokoto Road Market Traders Association, Onitsha, Anambra State, were empowered by the market Chairman, Hon. Emeka Mbachu, with a sum of #100,000 each.

The kind gesture of the chairman according to market sources has become a routine aimed at taking the down trodden to the next level, especially at this era of economic quagmire.

During the occasion, Pastor Godspower Chibuzor, who presided over the market prayer session that preceded the empowerment exercise enjoined the traders to embrace God and assist the needy for them to be blessed.

Despite the money presented to the beneficiaries, the benefactor, Hon. Mbachu and his amiable wife also donated some mother care items to nursing mothers as part of their social responsibility.

According to Mr Mbachu, I do it at least quarterly but as for this December last prayer, it is a must that I will help the needy. This one is the third time I am doing it. That is what I decided to be doing.

“After handing over to the needy, my friends and good spirited individuals around supported me and raised up to #300,000 for them.

“We rise by lifting others, when you see the needy, try to sponsor the person, don’t look at what people are saying about your philanthropy.

“The one I did last year, the beneficiaries came out today and sow seeds. A day after the prayer day, I was passing through the shop of one of the beneficiaries that was selling fruits and realized that she is now selling toys.

“I am pleading on all the market leaders to emulate my kind gesture as I emulate from our Governor.”

He also said that the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is a workaholic and as such whoever that works with him must behave like him.

“My special greeting goes to both the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Hon. Evarist Ubah, and our ASMATA President General, Hon Humphery Anuna, including the Onitsha South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Emeka Orji. They are people working under Onitsha South and they are doing good.

Reacting, Mrs Joy Azubuike, one of the beneficiaries said, “When I came to Sokoto road market, I didn’t know where to start from, everyday I will be crying till one day our commander advised me to stand firm. He told me to go and meet our chairman and explain things to him, I told him our chairman is not my class that he hardly responds or gives me a listening ear any time I am complaining my problems to him.”

“It pains me a lot but because every time our chairman will be advising us about being hot tempered, we should avoid it. So I let go, not knowing that he was planning for me,” she said.

Another beneficiary also prayed for God’s guidance on Mr. Mbachu as he remembered them, asking God also to remember him, make him a king and the land of Onitsha to bless him.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ONITSHA SOUTH CHAIRMAN VOWS TO ESTABLISH WATER TRANSPORTATION, IMPROVE ON INFRASTRUCTURE

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Chief Emeka Orji, has said that he would establish water transportation to ease especially the transportation problem of rural people in evacuation of their farm produce even as he vowed to uplift the infrastructural development.

“I am coming up with a program for water transportation, I am planning to build jetties for water transportation to convey people from Onitsha to Asaba, Anambra East and West areas as well as to other hinterlands.”

He made the vow while speaking to newsmen in his office, noting that for him to achieve this that he has already Kickstarted the construction of a modern general hospital for the people in the area at the former location of Urban Boys Secondary School Fegge.

Chief Orji pledged that in no distant time the project will be completed, explaining that he is designing his developmental plans in line with the state government development agenda even as he said that he will establish four major fire stations which will be scattered in four major areas of the council area.

He named the areas to include, Bridgehead, Fegge, Ochanja and Odoakpu, adding that as days roll by, he will be unfolding a lot of developmental programs that are going to impact positively on the people in the council area.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

IDEMILI NORTH NYCN LAUNCHES ANTI-DRUG ABUSE CAMPAIGN

By Chiedu Uche Okoye and Amaka Iloanya ;

National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN), Idemili North Chapter, under the leadership of Comr. Nwobosi Gideon Chukwuebuka, has kicked off awareness campaign for its upcoming programme tagged “Idemili North Youth Redemption Crusade”.

The president of the youth organisation in Idemili North LGA, Comrade Chukwuebuka Nwobosi, made the disclosure in his office at Ogidi about the forthcoming week-long event scheduled to take place this month.

He said the programme is designed to educate impressionable school children in Idemili North LGA on the consequences of their involvement in such anti-social acts as drug abuse, teenage prostitution, truancy in school, cultism, stealing, abortion, early marriage, and other social vices.

According to Comrade Nwobosi, the organisation would visit two secondary schools in each town, which is in Idemili North LGA, for the reformative, educative, and counselling programme.

More so, Comr. Nwobosi expressed his readiness to partner with NDLEA, NPF, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information, ASATU, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and other relevant agencies to ensure a smooth and successful program in Idemili North LGA .

He regretted that many young people, who failed to realise their potential owing to bad parenting, peer pressure/influence, and misguidance, are now lunatics, single mothers, drug addicts, criminals, and layabouts.

He, however, expressed optimism that the NYCN Idemili North Chapter would use the programme to re-mould the personalities of the young people and steer them to the right path of moral rectitude in order for them to become useful and responsible citizens of Nigeria.

Other members of the NYCN Idemili North Chapter, who accompanied Comrade Nwobosi on the awareness campaign for its programme were Comrades Chinedu Okenwa, Kelly; Emmanuel Muoghalu, Ajee; Adaora Obiesie, Adadioranma; Emeka Ezeanya; and others

Okoye and Iloanya are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

NNEWI DUAL ROAD PROJECT TAKES OFF WITH DEMOLITION OF MARKED STRUCTURES

By Enoch Uzuegbunam/Anthony Okpanku/Chioma Akaogu :

In a significant step towards transforming Nnewi’s infrastructure, the demolition of marked structures commenced has commenced to pave way for the dual road reconstruction project. The project aimed at enhancing connectivity and boost economic growth in the region.

President Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, Dr. Maduka Atuenyi, expressed support for the project, praising Governor Soludo for initiating the work. He ensured a smooth demolition process with security personnel. The clearing of structures was initially scheduled to start early in the morning but was delayed to allow residents to remove their belongings.

The supervising councilor on works in Nnewi North LGA, Mr Amobi Adigwulu who represented the chairman, Mr Echezona Anazodo, confirmed the project’s 12-months timeline. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of the governor and chairman to make nnewi a wonderful city and urged residents to comply with the reconstruction process.

Nnewi Youth Forum President, Ejim Ucheagwu appealed to affected individuals to endure the temporary inconvenience, citing the success of Okpunoeze Road as an example of the project’s potential benefits.

Some residents expressed joy on the project. Chioma Okeke, Mr Ben, a commercial motorcyclist praised the governor, acknowledging the long-term economic benefits.

Also Mr. Mike, a Keke driver, praised the community’s cooperation, saying, “God bless Soludo for this; more is coming.”

The demolition began at Owerri road (roundabout junction area)proceeding down to Ozubulu -Okija Road axis.

Uzuegbunam, Okpanku and Akaogu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

NNEWI NORTH INFORMATION OFFICERS PAY COURTESY VISIT TO CHAIRMAN ANAZODO

By Chidubem Okoye, Enoch Uzuegbunam, Anthony Okpanku and Chioma Akaogu :

In a show of solidarity and cooperation, information officers from the Ministry of Information, Awka posted to Nnewi North LGA have paid a visit to the Chairman of the LGA, Mr Echezona Anazodo to familiarize themselves with him and also congratulate him on his emergence as the newly elected chairman.

Mr Anazodo who warmly welcomed the officers, promised to collaborate with them and expressed his joy at having them on board. He emphasized his commitment to working closely with Governor Charles Soludo to transform Nnewi into a great city.

As the newly elected chairman, Anazodo has already begun making strides in Nnewi North. He has inspected damaged roads, reaffirming his commitment to partnering with the community for development. With his focus on security, infrastructure, and youth empowerment, Anazodo aims to make Nnewi North a prosperous homeland for all.

Okoye, Uzuegbunam, Okpanku and Akaogu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ANAMBRA GOVT TO COMMISSION KAOLIN PLANT BY JANUARY 2025, SAYS PROF OFOEGBU

By Adaobi Nsofor ;

Umunuko, Ukpor Community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State is about to get a face-lift following the discovery of Kaolin deposits and installation of Kaolin Processing Plant in their community.

The Managing Director/CEO of Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company, Prof.Charles Ofoegbu during his tour to the site to ascertain the progress of the work assured that the project would be delivered and commissioned by Governor Chukwuma Soludo by end of January, 2025.

He noted that the old mill has been fully refurbished, assembled and put in place while they await the arrival of the R3 which has been ordered and will occupy the fourth end of the factory house.

Prof Ofoegbu enumerated that part of the project in course is the installation of the kiln plant also known as kaolin calciner which is now refurbished and reassembled.

“We have mapped out the foundation for the warehouse that will host the kiln and that will commence on Tuesday, and hopefully by weekend, the foundation must have been strong enough to carry the weight and once it is completed, we will start installing the kiln, which would be partly vertical and partly horizontal followed by roofing to have effective cooling”

Prof Ofoegbu added that the next major assignment is to bring in a high tension 300kva transformer and a big generator that can power the equipments in the absence of electricity, saying that environmental issues and health of the workers should be considered while installing the kiln dryer.

He noted that the existing offices would be furnished to house the administrative and engineering staff and the facility is equipped with digital weighing balances for precise measurements and machines for industrial bag zipping.

According to him, 3,000 bags have been produced for kaolin storage. The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) will verify the weight and standards to ensure compliance with international requirements, paving the way for exportation.

On Community Social Responsibility, Prof Ofoegbu promised that they will streetlight and grade the road that leads to the factory, while the health center in the community would be refurbished, which by extension, can serve as referral point for the factory workers in case of emergencies. He also said that some basic drugs would be supplied to the health center and all these is to ensure that the Community benefitted from the project.

While stating that Environmental Impact Assessment is ongoing following best practices, Prof Ofoegbu
emphasised that the huge project would bring about industrialization, development and employment opportunities for the community and neighbouring communities.

Nsofor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ANAOCHA LGA CHAIRMAN IBEKWE URGES COLLABORATION TO COMBAT INSECURITY

By Chidimma Okoye :

The Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area, Mr. Rome Ibekwe has urged stakeholders and the public to join forces to combat crime and insecurity.

Speaking at a security summit held at the Neni council secretariat, Ibekwe emphasized the need for collective action against negative narratives that could jeopardize security during the upcoming yuletide season in Anaocha and its surrounding areas.

He praised the Nigerian Police and Anaocha Vigilant for their dedication to security. He also thanked Governor Soludo for construction of Ekwulobia-Nanka-Agulu-Amawbia Road and the dualization of Agulu-Nnobi-Nnewi Road with streetlights.

Ibekwe highlighted other ongoing projects, such as the Agulu Lake tourism initiative, poised to transform Anaocha and Anambra into a premier tourist destination, driving growth and development.

He discussed Anaocha’s key projects: the Mass Transit system and an ultra-modern international market. He emphasized the “Aku-luo-uno” philosophy, fostering public-private partnerships for infrastructure growth and thanked Chief Benson Chinedu Madubuko for empowering over 50 individuals, reducing crime and unemployment.

ACP Albert Dike of the Aguata Area Command
assured the public of their maximum effort with necessary collaborations on ground to bring crime and insecurity to the nearest minimum.

In attendance were members of the Vigilante group of Anaocha, The Nigerian Police, ACP Albert Dike among others.

Okoye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

NONYE SOLUDO’S HEALTHY LIVING PAP: SOLUTION TO MALNUTRITION

By Ginika Oguji :

The Matron of Comprehensive Medical Center (CMC), Akwuzu, Oyi LGA, Mrs Josephine Ajaegbo has highlighted on the importance of eating right to mothers during the weekly antenatal care, maintaining that the Nonye Soludo healthy pap is a good solution to malnutrition.

The Matron while speaking on the need to live a healthy life, urged mothers to inculcate the Nonye Soludo healthy pap into the feeding plan of their babies.

Ajaegbo explained that United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), records Nigeria as the second highest country with stunted children in the world, with a national prevalence rate of 32 percent of children under five, while estimated 2 million children in Nigeria suffer from severe acute malnutrition which only a few of these children affected receive treatment.

The new natural pap is an intervention according to the Matron that offers all Anambra children the opportunity to grow healthy and overcome the threats of malnutrition.

Speaking further, she said that a well structured approach has been adopted for the distribution of the healthy pap across the 21 local government areas of the State, including a referral Centre in every council area where the meal can be accessed.

Each referral centre according to her develops a database that feeds a central database with information about collection, monitoring, and progress, while every child who is on the meal would be consistently monitored to ascertain their recovery progress.

She praised the Governor’s wife on her Non Governmental Organization, “Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo” which she said has continued to evolve interventions like the Saturday workout, distribution of farm seedlings, Nonye Soludo organic farm, Nonye Soludo school club and pad Bank initiative that supports the state government’s strategies in delivering effective results in the health sector, especially with the heavy impact of food insecurity as well as social and economic challenges across the country.

Nurse Chinasa Chukwueze, a registered midwife, teaching on the nutritional values of the pap explained that it contains all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for the healthy growth and development of babies. The meal according to her is made up of three special ingredients, namely: groundnut, corn, and soya beans, which are rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, fibre, protein and zinc. The Pap also boasts nutritional benefits like vitamins B1, B2, B3, and iron.

Nonye healthy pap according to her is easy to make, just mix with water, add to boiling water, heat and stir while boiling till it thickens and colour changes to golden brown.

It can be recalled that the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo on August 6, 2024 launched a natural ready-to-use baby food known as ‘Nonye Healthy Living Pap’ for children in the state to curb children’s malnutrition.

During the unveiling at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, Mrs Soludo said that the idea behind the initiative is to rescue children with special nutritional needs as well as a mitigation programme to address challenges of malnutrition.

Nonye’s Healthy Living Pap is a pure natural meal that contains basic dietary nutrients to help children who are dealing with acute or minor malnutrition.

*Ginika is of the Ministry of Information , Anambra State