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.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has commissioned several projects built by a United States based Anambra Philanthropist, High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu who came back to invest on infrastructural and human capital development in his community, Nnobi, Idemili South LGA.
Commissioning the projects, Governor Soludo after thanking High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu, called on other illustrious sons and daughters of Anambra to embrace the Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) to support what government is doing to make the state a healthy, liveable and prosperous place.
“I have come to Nnobi and I feel like lying down here. This is the kind of event I love attending daily. Nnobi is a great community with great people. I usually tell people if you claim you are a big man, I will ask the person how many kilometers of road have you completely constructed.
” Government IGR cannot do much that is why we decided on PPCP to support government. 12 years ago I adopted a public primary school. I did the perimeter fence, provided 40 computer sets for the computer lab, provided school uniforms, bags, books and pencils, augmented the incentives for teachers as my contribution to what the previous administration in government was doing in Anambra.
” Maya Angelou told Oprah Winfrey that her legacy was not the record of being the richest black woman but the school she built in South Africa which will eventually produce the future leaders in their community.
” People like late Tonimas who did 18 km roads at Neni will always be remembered, Chinechendo of Adazi have done 14km and targets 30km to break Tonimas record,Ndi Anambra should emulate them and partner with government in developing their communities.
“I remember that it was during the commissioning of the renovated Nnobi General Hospital by the same Ikemba that I declared free antenatal and delivery including those who delivered through CS and we have almost zero mortality for Ndi Anambra.
“So, I thank Ikemba and his wife the Rock and next year June I will be here to help him convince people like SEAMAN and others to take up projects in this great Nnobi community,”said Soludo.
The ISLGA Chairman, Mrs Amaka Obi in her address said that as an ardent believer in the Solution Governor’s think home philosophy, she has been persuading many illustrious sons and daughters of Idemili South to partner with government in developing their immediate community and the LGA.
“When I came into office, I declared that anybody who builds and tars any road or street, that street or road shall be named after the person irrespective of the name it was bearing previously.
“Ikemba Nnobi is not the richest but I pleaded with him and his wife to come home and help me bring development closer to the people.
“He has done a lot in Nnobi community. Projects Ikemba sponsored include, Renovation of General Hospital Nnobi, Renovation of Doctors Quarter at General Hospital Nnobi, Building of modern Security Office at General Hospital Nnobi. Ikemba Nnobi built a Security Tower at Nnobi Police Station. Ikemba Nnobi has contributed so much in the security of lives and properties of his people the Ifite Ogbeadiji community Nnobi. He also provided over 500 Motorcycle Riders with safety helmet and Reflective jackets.
“The wife has empowered so many women, empowerment of widows and women with Fufu Processing Machine. Commercial Grinding Machine. Medical outreach, infact they have done me proud and are willing to do more,” said Mrs Obi.
Earlier in his speech, the benefactor, High Chief Ezeonu said that when Soludo was campaigning to become the Governor of Anambra State he said that he would turn the state into Dubai of Africa, saying that it was one of the things that motivated him to support the government by doing the little he can to make Ifite Ogbeagidi, Nnobi have a taste of what one can see in Dubai.
He explained that the last time he met the governor was during the burial of the late wife of Igwe Nick Obi of Nnobi and told him that he is going to come and commission three projects in Nnobi. “He said: make it happen I am always available.I thank you for what you are doing in Anambra and for Nnobi people and community.”
He thanked four key individuals who made the occasion possible: God, Governor Soludo, his wife, and the Transition Chairman of ISLGA, Mrs. Amaka Obi who constantly encouraged him to focus on projects.
“My wife, Thelma Ezeonu, has been the rock behind me, Ikemba Nnobi. Although we are not politicians, we will continue to support the government.
“Iyom Ife-Abata kept telling me ‘ Ikemba you can do it. I believe in you. So in 15 days this road was done with intensive construction work going on morning and night.
“I remember Governor Soludo said Dubai and I have been to Dubai and their roads have Street lights and flowers, so I put Street lights and flowers along the road.
“I also learnt that Governor Soludo likes water, I built water projects here too, so I have given the governor what what he wants.
“I learnt at US to follow government policies and to give your own support. Governor is not God, the little you can do please do it to support the government.
“I also observed that ‘Okada riders’ commercial cyclists were speeding on this road day and night, so I provided close to 500 motorcycle riders with safety helmets and reflective jackets.
“If my government is succeeding, I am also succeeding. This is just 5 percent of projects the Governor will commission here in Nnobi. By June next year I will ensure that all illustrious sons of Nnobi who seldom come home will be here to take up several projects”, said Ezeonu.
* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA) Solidarity Movement Onitsha South Local Government Area has inaugurated its LG working committees, Ward Executives, honoured the Party National Chairman, Mr Sly Ezeokenwa (Esq) and other party members who have helped in one way or the other in the development of the party
The National Convener of the group, Sir Ebere Okafor charged the newly inaugurated members to go to all nooks and crannies of the state to convert people by propagating the good works of Mr Governor to them.
According to him, “we inaugurate the 17 wards that make up Onitsha south LG today to propagate the good works of the governor, we have to support him because he is doing very well. Over 700 executives from ward levels to LG level converge here today and they have been successfully inaugurated.
“The expectation is that they should go to their various wards and begin to propagate the good works of the governor who has been doing too many things especially in Onitsha South, Okpoko now known as New Haven, every where in Onitsha is serene environment with good road network.
“That is why ASM has been on course to make it go viral that we are supporting the government that is doing the best”, he advised.
He lauded the people of the area, saying that it is their nurture to the national chairman who is from the area that made him(the national chairman) to be where he is today, thanked them for giving the party a reliable product as the national chairman.
The inauguration Chairman, Mr. Buchi Uzoechina, who is also the Onitsha South Protocol Officer earlier in his speech urged those that will be inaugurated to champion the governor wherever they found themselves and assured the national convener of the group that onitsha south ASM will not disappoint them.
The Onitsha South Local Government APGA Chairman, Mr Uchenna Nnabuenyi in his words extolled the group for their turnout, charged them to be up to their expectations and disclosed that many people are in more than two or three support groups, he warned them to leave the group for the new people because more and new people are needed in the party.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Special Duties, Mr Onyebuchi Obi, who is also among those to be nominated by the governor for Onitsha South LG Chairman said that he witnessed a huge turnout of people, stating that the solidarity In the name was experienced today.
”It is a sign of new face of APGA saddled by Mr Governor in the state with the evidence of his good governance in road infrastructure, free education, free antenatal, not leaving the environmental aspects of it.
“It is a call to duty and a call to reciprocate the works of our Governor in Onitsha South , for them to have present themselves to be inaugurated today shows their sincere solidarity”, he said.
The Onitsha South LG Coordinator, APGA Support Movement, Mr Chinedu Okoro in an interview with newsmen disclosed that after the inauguration, they will start ward tour which will be for the campaign for Governor Soludo’s re-election.
“ I promised Governor Soludo 21/21 because he has helped us now for his re- election, unlike the previous election which had some hitches because of situation of things, with these works on ground and other things he is doing now, his reelection is assured, undisputable”,he boasted.
”We will fish out those people that belongs to more than one, two support groups, we will not like the executives to belong to this new support groups, they are trooping into it because it was formed by Hon Sly Ezeokenwa with the Governor, forgetting that the purpose is the same.
“We are to convert other party members and fill them as the executives because we need more people in the party so that the party will be growing”.
He lauded the Chief Executive Officer, Admin Oil and Gas, Chief Promise Egbeji for his support towards the development of the party, noting that he was behind the financial contribution that made the inauguration a success.
The National Chairman, Mr Sly Ezeokenwa (Esq) was represented by the National Women Leader, Mrs Ngozi Obidike, Others honoured at the event were the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs Beverly Ikpeazu Nkemdiche represented by the Vice Chairman Odoakpu ward 1, Agozie Chiagozie Nzeakor, The CEO Admin Oil and Gas, Chief Promise Egbeji, APGA Chairman Onitsha South LG, Mr Uchenna Umennakenyi and other dignitaries that witnessed the event.
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has inspected the ongoing work at Niger Street, Fegge, Onitsha, a proposed site for an entertainment, leisure and fun center.
The governor who was ably represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi commended the Local Government Boss, Mr Emeka Orji for the recovery of the land, saying that it would be put to good use for the people of Onitsha and Anambra State in general.
“I will tell the governor the extent of work done already and the regeneration to do because we must put it for the good use of the community, Onitsha community and anambra in general.
”We look at environmental impact, what it was before and what it is today, I remember about 2 months ago, Mr Governor came here, the number of batcher and makeshifts here was disturbing.
“We’re working to revitalize Onitsha, and one of Governor Soludo’s top priorities is to breathe new life into the city. Instead of our brothers and sisters living on the other side of the bridge and commuting to Onitsha for work, we want to create a thriving hub where people can live, work, and play. Our goal is to reclaim and transform the area into a vibrant and attractive space, making Onitsha a desirable destination once again.
He emphasized that a major milestone for business owners and travelers crossing the Niger River would be the creation of leisure and entertainment opportunities. This will be achieved through the reclamation of a significant amount of land (though the exact number of plots or acres is unknown). The goal is to drive meaningful urban regeneration and local government development, ultimately making Onitsha a thriving, livable, and prosperous homeland for all.”
Regarding the recent viral video negatively portraying the Ochanja water fountain, Ezeajughi clarified that it is misleading the public. He recalled accompanying the Governor to the site in May 2022, when it was a massive dumpsite with refuse piled high enough for the governor to stand on and change a traffic light bulb. Moreover, there were even dead bodies buried amidst the trash.
“But today we have achieved water fountain, quality roads, instead of people commending the governor for the great job, for reviving Ochanja, the water fountain is still under construction and not yet commissioned .
The Council boss Mr Emeka Orji in his response commended Mr Governor, assuring him of always queuing into his policy in bringing back the lost glories of Onitsha and making the state a liveable and prosperous place.
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
To ensure the well-being of traders,the Anambra State Government through the leaders of Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association(ASMATA) has organised free medicare for traders.
The free medical treatment program kicked off on April 16th, covering the 7 zones of the state. The program began with Aguata zone, followed by Awka and Idemili zones, and is currently ongoing in Ogbaru zone.
According to Amb.Ezeilo Franklin, the CEO of the Qoran group, the project is going to end next week Tuesday with Onitsha zone.
“Qoban is a Jewish name which means Dedicated Unto God, an international enforcement that is into education and health consultancy.
“Following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent emphasis on the importance of health, we recognized that a healthy trader is not only wealthy but also productive. Given that Anambra State generates significant revenue from markets, it’s alarming to see many traders struggling with illness or succumbing to death. This realization prompted us to take action,” he emphasised.
The Qoran boss explained that they launched this project with ASMATA to improve traders’ health at the grassroots level, enabling them to pay taxes and contribute to the state’s social development.
“So far, I am impressed by the turn up of traders, but the highest was Idemili zone with over 300 attendees. We are expecting that Ogbaru zone will top by 10 in number.
He noted that they concentrated on vital signs, prostrate, temperature, blood pressure, sugar and added malaria because of working space but cannot do other necessary parameter laboratories,
advised traders to always go for such tests.
Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, Chairman of Ogbaru Main Market (Relief Market), expressed his satisfaction with the project, stating that ‘it’s commendable to entrust leadership to those who seek it, as they are more likely to excel and outperform others since they have taken the initiative to ask for it’.
“Traders are responding well, and everyone’s getting involved. We announced the free medical treatment last week, and I’m delighted it’s happening in my market and benefiting the entire Ogbaru zone,” he noted
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Chairman of New Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Chief Stephen Oforle and traders, have lauded Governor Charles Soludo and ASMATA leaders on the free medical treatment to traders.
Chief Oforle made the commendation while fielding questions from newsmen in his office stating that, “It is a thing of joy that it is being done here in our market, I also provided a conducive environment for them. Traders trooped out en masse, like yesterday, they over stayed their time due to massive turn up.
“As we help to sensitize traders to make sure the free medical treatment yielded fruits, I as well plead to the state government for the continuation of this free medical treatment and provision of drugs to help in case of critical conditions.”
He however frowned at the inability of Africans especially Ndi Igbo to go for medical check ups, adding that instead they are more interested in their businesses than health, stressing that a healthy person enjoys wealth and they should check their health status at least two or three times in a year.
Director of the ASMATA free medical treatment program, Ambassador Ezeilo Flanklin (who is also a medical biochemist), informed the crowd the event was the final stop in Idemili zone after previously visiting Ekwulobia, Aguata, and Awka zones. He remarked that the medical outreach is part of ASMATA’s commitment to serve the seven zones of its region.
He explained that they have treated over 300 patients in these zones and records so far showed that the most pronounced medical cases were BP and sugar.
The director noted that although ASMATA has adequately provided for the outreach, attendance has been low in some zones. Mobilization efforts need to be improved to ensure more traders take advantage of the free health check-ups.
He advised that one should go for routine check and know the parameters of his body system, vital signs and know if you are healthy or not before you pursue money.
” It is very important to do this continuously, I even said that I will personally reach out to the commissioner for Health, Dr Obidike, he is doing well in primary health in the state but will ask him to find a way to collaborate with ASMATA.
” I urge the state government, governors’ wife, I love what she is doing in health status of Anambrarians, I ask all parastatals of health to come together to form a bond with ASMATA to do this often, because without the health of the traders, they will not trade well to pay tax and governor will have money for all the infrastructural development,” he stated.
Comrade Anayo Ibeabuchi, PRO New Auto Spare Parts stated that New Auto Spare Parts is the venue for about 12 markets under Idemili North and South.
He commended the organisers of the free medical treatment and the traders as well as those who participated in the free medical exercise.
* Nwachukwu and Okoli are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
