LGA News

News from Anambra State Local Government Areas

CLEANLINESS: ONITSHA SOUTH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN AWARDS SWEEPING CONTRACT TO RYTEC COMPANY

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

In line with Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s resolve for a clean, green and healthy Anambra State, the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Emeka Orji, has awarded sweeping contract for most major roads in the area to Rytec Company Limited.

Giving reasons for the award of the contract, the council boss said that it is an eyesore to see the newly constructed roads by Gov. Soludo being littered with dirts, reiterating that Onitsha South under his watch must queue into the agenda of the governor.

Speaking shortly after the inauguration, the Coordinator of Onitsha South Street Sweepers, Mrs Chioma Eze, while lauding Chief Orji for the award of the contract noted that they started this sweeping exercise on February 2024 and had to stop due to conduct of election.

“During that time, Hon. Orji who was then the Caretaker Committee Chairman took it upon himself to see to our welfare.

“But recently, we are back to duty post with the recruitment of more workers (Men) whom their duty is to evacuate the sand at Niger Street because the women were complaining of waist pain after the evacuation.

“We started on Monday this week and we give kudos to Chief Orji for this, these sweepers are mostly widows and the poorest of the poor from the 17 wards of the LGA.

“We are to sweep From Niger Street –Ziks Avenue–Ochanja Roundabout–Biafra Market –Bridgehead (Ogbo- Osisi), sometimes Port Harcourt road and other strategic tarred roads in the area.”

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

OGWUANIOCHA COMMUNITY CRISIS: STATE GOVERNMENT SETS UP PANEL OF INQUIRY, SUES FOR PEACE

By Adaobi Nsofor :

A Thirteen Man Committee has been set up by the Anambra State Government to look into the lingering crisis in Ogwuaniocha, a community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state, which led to loss of lives and destruction of properties.

The Chairman of the Committee, Justice C K Anigbogu(Rtd) said that the state government wants to find out exactly what caused the problem, the consequences and the implications on both the wider and smaller scale, profer remedies so that Ogwuaniocha would be peaceful once more, and the foundation for overall peace in Anambra State through that process can be achieved.

“We want to present the situation the way it is without any colouration, and we can say that so far, the members of the community have been very coperative as there’s no incidence of antagonism throughout the proceedings”

“They have submitted their memoranda and have asked themselves very critical and crucial questions and given honest answers and we commend them for that approach because that’s the only thing that would bring peace, and that is why we still asked them as a community to maintain peace and avoid any kind of provocative approach to issues that may inflame passions,” Justice Anigbogu added.

He mentioned that so far, the community have acquitted themselves creditably in their presentations, comported themselves and came out openly to say some few home truths, and urged them to continue in that spirit, even as they still expect some number of people who would appear before the panel of inquiry.

He encouraged them to come and bare their minds to enable the committee to access the situation, which at the end of the day, will collate all the information and make their suggestions known to the state government.

While appealing to them especially those who lost their persons or properties destroyed to exercise patience as the government wants to address the issue holistically, he admonished the community to avoid provocative language, utterances and things that might hurt.

He further enjoined the community, and the youths to sheath their sword and see themselves as brothers where everybody will have the collective responsibility of protecting the community and the rich natural resources so it will be of benefit to the community and the state at large.

Mosignor Theophilus Odukwe and the Traditional ruler of Osomala, Igwe Victor Awogu in their separate speeches, advised the Ogwuaniocha community to come together and embrace peace as that would bring about unity and development they desire.

Members of the Committee of Panel of Inquiry included; Hon Justice CK Anigbogu, Prof. Felicitate Anyogu, Patricia Igwebuike (Esq), Gen. Laz Iloh;

Mosignor Theophilus Odukwe, Ven Dr. Chinedu Nnatuanya, Prof. Charles O. Ofoegbu.

Others were; Prof. Ikenna Alumona, Mr Benjamin Uzoka, Chief Emma Obi, Prof. Charles Nwadigwe;

HRH Victor Awogu and Comrade Emeka Okoye-Ozo.

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

ONITSHA SOUTH LG CHAIRMAN CONGRATULATES SOLUDO AS HE EMERGES FISCAL PRUDENCE GOVERNOR

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area and Soludo National Convener for 2025, Sir Emeka Orji, Oba Armani, has congratulated the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, as he emerged the most fiscal Governor in Nigeria.

The Onitsha Mayor said that it was not a surprise to him because the governor has maintained trajectory and pedigree in utilizing public funds even when he was the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

In 2005 and the subsequent years (2006 and 2007) Soludo was recognized as the global winner and the best African Governor of Central Bank.

In less than three years of Soludo’s administration, he has shown a commitment to prudent fiscal management, resulting in the state’s inclusion in the fiscal performance for the first time, and applauded the Governor for utilizing Ndi Anambra money in the right direction.

In a related development, Anambra State ranked among the top five best fiscal performers in the country in the Budget 2023 Fiscal Transparency Index publication and rose to third position in the same ranking in 2024.

“Prof. Soludo is the only Governor that equates input of public office holders with their output; thereby reducing the wastage in governance”, Orji posited.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

INSECURITY: ANAMBRA MARKET CHAIRMAN URGES SOLUDO TO BEEF UP SECURITY

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The President General of Building Materials International Market Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Chief Jude Nwankwo, weekend urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to beef up security aimed at curtailing the incessant crimes in the state.

Chief Nwankwo who made the urge stressed the need for equipping traditional rulers, Presidents General and others who know their terrains with a view to make the state livable.

“It is of prime importance to equip the Igwes, PGs, market leaders to fight crime in their respective communities as all communities know the bad eggs among them.

“Security is too costly to be maintained but our government needs to sit up, add more money to security. Soludo is an economist and he manages the state’s resources judiciously which resulted in all the infrastructural development in the state.

“Let him equip the Communities, Igwes, PGs, so that they would be held responsible if anything happens in their respective communities, this cult issues must be eliminated, they must be exposed.

“What is happening now requires non kinetic approach, it is unacceptable, the security agents need to fight crime, solar CCTVs are supposed to be installed in all the markets in the state. These are ways to follow to curtail all these crimes in the state,” he stated.

Speaking further, Nwankwo who is the ASMATA Patron, commended the governor for his efforts in making sure that businesses, markets open on Mondays, noting that he has the interest of the masses at heart saying, ” You can’t fend for yourself while staying at home”.

He said traders fear unknown gunmen who claim to be protesting against the detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kalu, saying that they cannot be attributed to Nnamdi Kalu as their actions and inactions portray them as criminals who kill and maim people.

“Traders are ready to go back to businesses on mondays but whenever it seems the business is gradually reopening, they come with threats, doing one thing or the other to show their presence.

“Gov. Charles Soludo in his protest for the release of the IPOB leader had visited President Buhari but at the end of the day, he wasn’t released.

“The lasting solution for this release of the IPOB leader is for all the Eastern Governors, House of Representatives in Igbo land to come together with sincerity, go to Aso Rock and protest for the release of Mazi Kalu, I think there is no other way.”

According to him, As soon as he is released, people would come out for their businesses, the truth is that even if we open now, you know most markets in Onitsha and environs mostly deal in wholesales and are being patronized by people from outside the state: Abuja, Kaduna, Cameruon, Togo, among others.

“With these threats and all that, the outsiders would not come on Mondays to patronize us, and when you open without anyone patronizing you, you would be discouraged to come out again unlike Awka, Enugu who deal in retails, they have their customers around them,” Nwankwo further explained.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ALL HALLOWS SEMINARY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS AMIDST CULTURAL DISPLAYS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha on November 1st, 2024 marked 100 years of existence with cultural displays.

The Rector, Rev. Fr. Paschal Onunkwo, emphasized the importance of cultural heritage during the centenary celebration. According to him, “Culture can never go into extinction. As an institution training future priests, we recognize that culture is an integral part of life.

“Effective evangelization requires speaking the language of the people. At All Hallows Seminary, we recognize the power of culture in shaping our message. By integrating cultural understanding into our formation, we ensure that the Gospel takes root. This approach enables our future priests to connect with their communities on a deeper level.”

The Rector who noted that he came to the institution in 2021, recounted his achievements which included; human formation, structural developments, renovations of buildings, reconstruction of dilapidated school road, which he said was done about 45 years ago.

“Mounting of new school gate to replace the old one which was 72 years old, renovation of father’s house by the old boys, excellent in academic pursuit, wonderful WAEC results, other external exams, music and other milestone achievements.

“Reaching 100 years of existence is a testament to God’s favor and grace. We are blessed to witness this milestone in our lifetime. As we celebrate this achievement, we honor our esteemed alumni – priests and laymen alike – whose remarkable contributions to society inspire us.

“Their accomplishments fill us with gratitude, motivating us to continue nurturing individuals of substance who will positively impact the world. This centenary marks two significant milestones: the school’s coming of age and a century of steadfast commitment.

“We acknowledge the tireless efforts of past and present individuals who have made All Hallows Seminary a beacon of excellence. May this celebration foster gratitude to God and appreciation for the dedicated community that has shaped our institution.

“During our centenary celebration, we honored individuals and groups whose tireless efforts have defined our institution’s 100-year journey.

“The Catholic Women Organization, CWO who contribute food to feed the seminarians and subsidized the school fees and make the seminary affordable for the rich and the poor,” he maintained.

The event featured the Labour Party Presidential candidate at the just concluded presidential election, Mr Peter Obi.

Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

NNEWI NORTH INDIGENES ENROLLS INTO ASHIA THROUGH ITS ADOPTION MODEL

By Chisom Okafor :

No fewer than 200 indigenes from Nnewi North LGA, have been enrolled into the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) through its adoption model, funded by Mr. Oliver Okonkwo.

The enrollment event was held at Umuzu village hall in Nnewi, where ASHIA representatives organized a sensitization session to educate beneficiaries about the program’s benefits and processes. Mrs. Antonia Okoli, speaking on behalf of ASHIA, explained that the health insurance scheme would provide beneficiaries with access to healthcare services across multiple hospitals without financial strain.

She stressed that the agency’s network of accredited hospitals would allow enrollees to choose the medical facilities best suited to their needs, ensuring that quality healthcare is both accessible and affordable.

Mr. Okonkwo, in his address to the community, expressed gratitude to the ASHIA team for facilitating the enrollment process and educating the beneficiaries. He emphasized that health insurance is a critical need, especially given the high costs of healthcare that can be financially burdensome for individuals and families.

He urged the community members to prioritize their health by seeking professional medical attention instead of self-medication or consulting unqualified practitioners, practices that are often prevalent due to lack of access to proper healthcare.

The beneficiaries, including Mrs. Gloria Muojekwu and Mr. Okey Obeleagu, were visibly appreciative of the gesture, acknowledging that the health insurance would enable them to receive quality healthcare at minimal cost.

*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

1YOUTH 2SKILLS INSPECTION TEAM VISITS NNEWI SOUTH

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

The inspection team of Anambra State 1 Youth 2 Skills program has visited training centers in Nnewi South LGA for the routine inspection .

The team comprising of the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba and other management staff visited various centers to assess the level of progress achieved in the ongoing state government youth program.

The team inspected training centers at Amaechi, Azigbo, Osumenyi, Utuh, Ukpor, Ekwulumiri as well as others.

Mr. Agha Mba addressed the trainees at various centers explaining that the monitoring exercise was to ensure that the centers are complying with the rules and regulations of the program, also to ascertain the level of progress.

He stated that 1 Youth 2 Skills is a developmental program that is community friendly which the state government wants to achieve through apprenticeship model.

The commissioner advised the Master Trainers and trainees to be committed at their different locations to guarantee the the success of the program.

He also stated that the state government is committed and passionate to achieve the youth empowerment program so as to enable the unemployed youths meaningfully.

He commended the trainers for being among the team that drives the program and charged the trainees to keep their interest afloat as they are trained.

One of the trainees, Uchenna Nduka thanked Mr. Governor for the opportunity given to him and promised to support him in his second tenure.

Some of the trainees who spoke during the inspection visit expressed hearth felt gratitude to the state government and commended the Ministry of Youth for the priviledge given to them to acquire skills through the” one Youth two skills program” also promised not to disappoint the Anambra State Government.

Aniagbado is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

SOLUDO’S LEADERSHIP QUALITIES, WORTHY OF EMULATION—EZEAJUGHI

By Rose Oranye :

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has been extolled for his exemplary and positive leadership qualities, through which development is being brought to rural communities and all parts of the state.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Ernest Ezeajughi, made this known while speaking on the ‘Impact of Positive Leadership in the Dynamics of Development’ at the Annual Lecture Series in honour of the late Chief Joseph Ndubuisi Nwokedi, to mark the 3rd Ofala Festival of Igwe Sunny Ositadinma Nwokedi, Uthoko VI of Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area.

Ezeajughi, who represented the governor at the event, urged the people of the area to continue supporting Soludo’s vision and aspirations for a second term in office to enable him to complete what he started.

“Since his inauguration as Governor of Anambra State, the state is wearing a new look. Things are happening in the state. If this is how the government is in Nigeria and other states, things would have been better. He’s an exemplary leader whose leadership qualities should be emulated by others,” he said.

The Chief of Staff further stated that the Governor has demonstrated that he came prepared to govern the state through his infrastructural and other development projects, including the 10 km road that leads to Achalla through Isuanaocha, which will reduce travel time from Awka to Achalla when completed, as well as the employment of over 8000 teachers, free primary and secondary education, free antenatal and delivery services, the building of new general hospitals, and the new Government House complex, among others.

The Chief of Staff was accompanied to the event by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor

SENATOR NWOYE INSPECTS 3.3-NSUGBE-UMUERI ROAD

By Ifeanyi Nwegbo :

Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North senatorial zone has emphasised that Anambra North serves as the nation’s food basket. To boost the transportation of agricultural products from farms to markets and enhance economic activities, he prioritized the rehabilitation of road projects in the area.

Sen. Nwoye said this while inspecting rehabilitated federal road linking the major communities in the area, which are; Nsugbe, Umueri,Aguleri and Omambala communities.

He noted that the road rehabilitation which was facilitated by him was sequel to his intervention in fulfilment of his promise to his constituents who brought his attention to the deplorable state of the road

Sen Nwoye promised to install street lights along 3.3-college road. And also thanked the Federal Ministry of Works through it’s agency, Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for handling the road rehabilitation.

Mr Ifeanyi Ogbaji thanked Sen Nwoye for fulfilling his promise and also pleaded him to do more in the north senatorial district, mostly 33-Umueri road down to Adani for easy transportation.

Appreciating Sen Tony Nwoye, all Keke and bus drivers and road users thanked the Senator for the intervention of which helped in reducing hardship they faced on the road.

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

OGWUIKPELE, OGWUANIOCHA COMMUNITIES APPEAL FOR GOVT INTERVENTION AMIDST CRISIS, HARDSHIPS

By Adaobi Nsofor :

A joint delegation from Ogwuikpele and Ogwuaniocha communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area recently paid a courtesy visit to Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, Chairman/CEO of Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company and Anambra Petroleum and Energy Resources. The delegation sought to find lasting solutions to the persistent crisis and hardships plaguing their communities.

One of the delegates, Mr Olisa Onwuma stated that they work for SEEPCO, the Company that produces oil in Ogbaru but promises made to them in the past have not been fulfilled, as they are not being paid as and when due by SEEPCO and have not been benefiting from the oil wells since time immemorial.

He regretted that there’s no good and functional schools and hospitals in their communities as their children usually get drowned in the river while going to school on boats.

Mr Onwuma maintained that not a single indigenous resident is employed in the service of the Company as a full time staff and most of the Government’s intervention palliatives meted out to communities affected by flood has not gotten to them for the past two years. He urged the state governor to look into their plight as they are suffering in their various communities and in the discharge of their duties as CLOs.

Responding, the Chairman, Prof.Ofoegbu lamented that despite his interventions, the two communties are still faced with various crisis ranging from bunkering and badging of crude oils, poor infrastructures and lack of social amenities.

“Ogbaru is now in the map of the world, following the oil wells in these two communties, and through my intervention, Anambra State was made an oil producing state. My concern now is, how to rescue the people because they’re suffering, we agreed to set up a committee to monitor badging and the number of times the badges crosses the river,the size of the badge and the timing.

“Some people are tampering with the proceeds of our oil and you must not keep quiet, you people are working for the good of the community and you must earn your salaries to survive

“We also agreed that there should be a Fish Processing Plant in Ogbaru, one in Ogwuikpele and one in Ogwuaniocha, in the form of a Fish farming Coperative where they will harvest, process, package and export fishes”, Prof.Ofoegbu added.

He further advised them to put all their needs in writing so he can relay them to the state government.