MDA News

Anambra State Government news from Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

ANAMBRA STATE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE HOLDS SEMINAR TO ENHANCE LEGAL KNOWLEDGE AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

By Chinelo okeke

The Anambra State Ministry of Justice hosted a seminar titled”The Law Officer and the Law” for Law Officers of Anambra State Ministry of Justice at Crescent Spring Hotels, Awka. The event,aimed to enhance legal knowledge and uphold professional standards, enabling legal officers of the state to excel in their daily practice and maintain the integrity of their profession.

Speaking at the event,the Hon Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Sylvia Chika Ifemeje, highlighted her achievements,so far which aligned with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administrative goals.She thanked the governor for facilitating the training, which is part of his manifesto, promise to collaborate with legislators and the judiciary to enact laws that facilitate speedy justice delivery. “To date, 18 bills have been passed into law,” she noted

She noted that the state government has also renovated four Ministry outstations in Nnewi, Awka, Otuocha, and Onitsha while ongoing projects which includes the construction of four court halls at the Awka Judicial Headquarters and four judges’ residential quarters, aimed at facilitating the employment of more judges to expedite justice delivery.

She further highlighted the State Government’s Initiatives, including renovating the Ekwulobia Correctional Services Center, Court of Appeal, and Federal High Court. Installation of solar Electricity in four Correctional service centers, the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and 31 High Court halls, as well as the Residential quarters of 31 High Court judges.

“Additionally, virtual hearing facilities have been deployed in four Correctional Service Centers and 31 High Courts to decongest correctional centers. The justice sector has also been fully automated through an end-to-end system, including e-filing, e-service, e-payments, and electronic compilation of records. Furthermore, law pavilions have been installed in the Ministry of Justice outstations and headquarters to facilitate efficient research.

“This administration according to her,has also achieved the online hosting of Anambra State’s laws on the newly created Ministry of Justice website, which features a payment portal for accessing laws.also, specialized courts have been established in, including courts for children and sexual/gender-based violence cases at both Magistrate and High Court levels.Small Claim Courts have also been set up for speedy resolution of liquidated money demands under ₦5 million.

Hon. Justice J.I. Nweze, Administrative Judge of the Onitsha Judicial Division, spoke on “Effectively presenting Prosecution Cases in court and best practices for submitting documents during trial”. While Ngozi Iwuno (Esq), Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice spoke on “stress management”.

A Seasoned lawyer Professor Nnama Mesharch Umenweke, Former Dean of the Faculty of Law Nnamdi Azikiwe University,Awka spoke on “Proper Pleadings: A Prelude for Good Cross -Examination,”emphasizing the importance of dedication, resilience,and hard work in legal practice.

In a vote of thanks, Nneka Umeozulu, Esq., DPP of the Ministry, thanked the Attorney General on behalf of the State counsels for organizing such an lmpactful Seminar.

Okeke is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: ASWAMA, PATNERS TO ORGANIZE SYMPOSIUM TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

By Benjamin Ogbuagu

In commemoration of this year’s World Environment Day, the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) in collaboration with the Anambra Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA) and the Statewide Waste and Environmental Education Foundation (SWEEP) is organizing a symposium to promote enviromental sustainable practices.

A press statement released to the public and signed by the Managing Director of ASWAMA, Mr Mike Ozoemena invites stakeholders and enviromentalists to the event which will take place on Friday June 6, at the Best Western Hotel (Meloch) Awka.

According to the statement, the symposium will aim to promote sustainable practices, enviromental stewardship and community engagement in tackling plastic pollution in Anambra State as well as panel discussions on best practices and challenges.

Furthermore, the symposium will feature presentations of innovative solutions, Exhibitions showcasing sustainable products and services, Breakout sessions for networking and collaboration, as well as Aggregator/Recycler engagement session.

Benjamin is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

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ANAMBRA ICT BOSS EMERGES NIRA FINANCIAL SECRETARY AS NIGERIA RECORDS GROWTH IN .NG DOMAIN ADOPTION

By Angela Nwanodu

The digital momentum in Anambra State has once again gained national spotlight as the Managing Director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, was elected Financial Secretary of the Executive Board of Directors of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) at its just-concluded 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

NiRA, the custodian of Nigeria’s country code top-level domain (.ng), held its AGM in a hybrid format, with over 325 stakeholders participating both physically and virtually. The event served as a critical review of Nigeria’s evolving digital identity ecosystem and highlighted major wins, including the registration of over 94,000 new .ng domains and the rollout of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) to boost trust and resilience in the national domain space.

Mr. Agbata’s emergence onto NiRA’s leadership is not just a personal milestone but a significant moment for Anambra State, which has, since the inception of Governor Soludo’s administration, adopted the .anambrastate.gov.ng domain in line with the call for local domain usage.

NiRA’s AGM also spotlighted strategic partnerships with public and private bodies, including the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and NITDA, both of which align closely with the state’s ongoing digital transformation journey.

For Anambra, Mr. Agbata’s new role opens even more channels for collaboration and influence as the state continues to position itself as a digital-first government and a model for responsible tech-driven governance in Nigeria.

“Our adoption of the .ng domain is not symbolic. It reflects our belief in building an internet identity that is both Nigerian and secure. I am honoured to serve on NiRA’s board at this critical time,” Mr. Agbata said following his election.

The Anambra State ICT Agency reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote a secure, accessible, and resilient digital ecosystem, both locally and nationally.

Nwanodu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ACTDA BOSS COMMENDS ANAMBRA GOVERNOR FOR TRANSFORMING CHILDREN’S DAY EXPERIENCE WITH FUN CITY

By Ukpa Ewa

The Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Dr. Ossy Onuko, has commended the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for transforming the Children’s Day celebration experience with the establishment of Solution Fun City in Awka.

Speaking during the 2025 Children’s Day celebration held at the Awka Fun City, Dr. Onuko described the Governor’s intervention as a historic moment for the children of Anambra State, noting that the development filled a void that had existed since the state’s creation in 1991.

“For the past 33 years, children in this state have never experienced anything like this. This Fun City is a proof to the Governor’s commitment to the wellbeing and happiness of Ndi Anambra and especially our children.”

The Solution Fun City features an amusement park, water park, country club and a family indoor games center. According to Onuko, the crowd at the event including both invited and uninvited guests reflect the excitement and appreciation of the people toward the government.

He further described the Fun City as one of the most impactful projects initiated by the present administration, adding that its significance and benefits will outlive the current government.

Addressing the theme of this year’s Children’s Day celebration, “Stand Up, Speak Up, Build a Bullying Free Generation,” Dr. Onuko highlighted ACTDA ongoing social interventions in the state capital. He said that the agency has been actively removing child beggars and vulnerable children from the streets, particularly around Aroma junction in Awka.

“Many of these children are victims of child abuse and exploitation. Some are used as tools for begging and are forced to return the proceeds to adults who exploit them. We are standing up and speaking out against such nefarious activities. This theme is a welcomed, timely message and ACTDA is fully aligned with it.”

Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

2025 WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY: ANAMBRA GOVT URGES CITIZENS TO CHECK BLOOD PRESSURE REGULARLY

By Chris Chikelue/Azuka Nnabuife

Anambra State Government has urged the people of the state especially the hypertensive to visit the Primary and Secondary health facilities in the state for a regular check of their blood pressure so as to live longer.

This assertion was made by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike in a press chat at the Action Centre of the ministry in Awka as the state joins the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s World Hypertension Day entitled, ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control it, Live Longer’.

He said that blood pressure check is free in the state and that arrangements are being made to make the medication for the control of the ailment available to the people living with hypertension at low costs.

“We have a lot of Non Communicable Diseases that we are battling with like diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Last year we did what we called solution know your number and that solution know your number is what we used to law it on people to know their number and control the number regularly.

“The numbers that you should know to avert very dangerous situation in your health are your blood pressure, your cholesterol, your sugar level and body mass index and we run it over a period of time and the continuity of it is what matters.

“In Anambra State, hypertension remains a major public health concern. This threat was rightly identified in His Excellency, Mr. Governor’s health manifesto, prompting the government to implement several aggressive campaigns and programmes aimed at reducing its burden.”

According to National Statistics, the prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria stands at 28 per cent. This aligns with recent data from the Solution Know Your Number Campaign here in Anambra State.

“Out of 2,362 individuals screened, 651, that is a 28 percent of it all were diagnosed with hypertension. Of these also 254 which is 39 percent were newly diagnosed cases while 396 of about 61 percent of the people screened were previously known cases.

“These figures are alarming and demonstrate the urgent need for a robust, multi-sectoral response. Our approach must therefore be comprehensive, combining awareness creation, regular screening, accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and sustained follow up.’’

The commissioner added that in celebrating this year’s World Hypertension Day in the state that the campaign will not only focus on sensitization but would also serve as a platform for mass screening, treatment and referrals where necessary.

“Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, the ‘Solution Governor’, the Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Health has prioritized the prevention and control of hypertension.

“His unrelenting support has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives such as the Solution Know your Number Campaign, which was successfully conducted across all General Hospitals in the state.

“Plans are underway to replicate this feat across all Primary Health Centres (PHCs), with routine free blood pressure checks and documentation becoming standard practice across our health facilities.’’

Commissioner Obidike nevertheless highlighted some difficulties facing the reception of the campaign in the state. He said, “Despite our achievements, we still face significant challenges. These include poor treatment adherence, shortages of trained healthcare personnel and inadequate funding for prevention and treatment programmes.

“On this World Hypertension Day, we reaffirm our commitment to addressing these gaps and scaling up our interventions with the full support of Governor Soludo’s administration’’.

Dr. Obidike, then, asked for the prompt compliance of everybody in the fight against hypertension in the state while saying that together, under the leadership of Governor Soludo, we could make a meaningful impact in the lives of our people and work toward a hypertension-free future for Ndi Anambra.

“As we mark this important day, let it be a catalyst for action. Let us choose healthier diets with reduced salt intake and increased fruits intake too. We should engage in regular physical activity, manage stress and avoid tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.’’

He advised that the prescribed medication be taken consistently once diagnosis has happened and then the routine blood pressure monitoring for early detection and control.

“Let us rededicate ourselves to this noble cause; together we can build a healthier, stronger and more resilient Anambra State where every individual is aware of their blood pressure status and has access to the care they need.’’

Chris and Azuka are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA MINISTRY OF HEALTH IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANSACA HOLDS 3-DAY SENSITIZATION MEETING ON CONTROL OF HIV/AIDS

By Chris Chikelue/Azuka Nnabuife

The Ministry of Health, Anambra State in collaboration with the Anambra State Aids Control Agency (ANSACA) has held a three-day Stakeholders’ Sensitization Meeting for the development of Anambra State HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan 2025 to 2027.

The meeting which started on Wednesday, May 14 created avenue for the concerned parties to plan for the activities that would address all the HIV thematic areas in terms of treatment, prevention, care, support and equally to address gender and human right issues in the state to ensure that Anambra State achieved its HIV epidemic control schedule which is aimed at ending the scourge by the year 2030.

Addressing the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said that for the expected result in the control of HIV/AIDS to be well achieved, the stakeholders as well as health workers so concerned need to be trained and retrained on the concept of the disease especially in the handling of the affected persons vis-à-vis the administration of the ailment.

“We need people that will counsel women that are already positive in the facilities. We still need training, especially online-training and it is going to be compulsory because it is important that we have this training so we will not make mistakes.

“We will do it every Monday and all these stakeholders here will be involved in the webinar so we have to get the ICT experts who will teach all the OICs, all the people drawn from the general hospitals and most of our doctors.’’

While commenting on the reason for the convergence, the ANSACA Programme Manager, Dr. Johnbosco Ementa said, “for this day 1, we invited key stakeholders who the Agency is collaborating with in achieving its desired goals.

“These stakeholders are the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of our Commissioner, Dr. Afam Obidike. We equally have the National Orientation Agency here because of the role they play in our society; we have the lead implementing partner, the Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNI). It is known that they man almost all the Health Facilities in Anambra State in the provision of HIV treatment, prevention and care for the people living with HIV.

“We have the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), they have some facilities they are in-charge of Anambra State, providing HIV treatments and the rest of them. We have in our midst National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), in-charge of HIV response in the country. We have the zonal coordinator here present with the NACA staff who will be providing technical guidance and a consultant for this strategic plan.

“We also have Ministries of Youth Development and Women Affairs represented by their Permanent Secretaries and Commissioners and we have the Secretary to the State Government in our presence represented by Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, HOD of Special Duties in the Office of the SSG, we have a whole lot of key stakeholders in the field of HIV.

“So in this room are gathered the stakeholders in different areas of HIV interventions to leverage on our experience over the years that we have programmed on the HIV space for us to bring out a certain plan that aligns with the National Response so that at the end of the day we will not be doing duplication of duties or of programmes, people will be doing that, that will be targeted at the integration of TB, HIV and malaria, the one that will help us to achieve a sustainable plan where Government takes ownership.

“If we must plan, we must have a plan that will directly ensure that states take over their HIV response and leveraging on our strength from different stakeholders where we have a holistic plan that will target all the interventions to ensure that pregnant women in Anambra State who are living with HIV AIDS all got enrolled in our treatment that will ensure that no child born of a pregnant woman will have HIV.

“We want to make it possible that people who have this virus will go to our facilities to know their statuses, to receive this treatment free and we equally have ASHIA in our midst; right now we are doing enrolment of people living with HIV in our different facilities. People should go to our facilities to access free treatment to help them achieve improved health attitude.

“It is going to be a very long day and we are going to have a two other days for technical sessions where we will be dividing ourselves into different groups to ensure that we come out with a very sound result oriented Strategic plan.’’

Chikelue and Nnabuife are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
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CULTURE COMMISSIONER HIGHLIGHTS SOLUDO’S POSITIVE IMPACT ON TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo

The Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, says Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has significantly contributed to tourism development in the state, attributing the progress to initiatives such as the establishment of Solution Fun City, a new Government House/Lodge, and several landmark projects.

Mr. Onyenji noted that the government has engaged a tourism consulting firm to develop a business case for several heritage sites in the state, including Agulu Lake, Owerre-Ezukala Cave and Waterfall, Ogbunike Cave, Anam Beach, and Awka City Park. These efforts are aimed at enhancing tourism in those areas.

The Commissioner shared these insights during a radio program, “Nzuko Anambra,” hosted by the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) in Awka.

He emphasized that improvements in road networks, essential amenities, and security have increased the number of visitors from The Diaspora and other tourists coming to the state.

“This government has had a positive impact across every sector in the state and will continue to do more. We advocate for Public, Private, and Community Partnerships (PPCP) to encourage private sector and community involvement in government initiatives. Communities are encouraged to maintain their heritage sites to promote tourism. Cultural festivals, such as the New Yam Festival are attractions that can draw visitors to the state,” he said.

Onyenji highlighted that Anambra is safe, beautiful, peaceful, and welcoming, which prompted President Tinubu’s visit to the state to commission some landmark projects. He added: “As tourism grows, businesses will thrive, job opportunities will increase, and the creative industry will receive more support.”

He also mentioned that the Ministry has been actively engaging with professionals in the creative industry to foster collaboration. “In my first year in office, I launched a ‘meet and greet’ program for comedians, musicians, masters of ceremonies (MCs), DJs, and other entertainers in the industry”.

According to him, Since this government established ANAWOOD, young people have received training in film production, directing, and other aspects of filmmaking to boost the industry. The creative economy is essential because it drives the state’s economy, and we are collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy to ensure that the state maximizes its benefits.

Listeners like David More from Nnaka called into the program to praise Governor Soludo for the significant tourism development in the state, particularly the transformation of the Okpoko slump into a vibrant area. They also suggested that the government should explore and develop additional sites.

Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

EDUCATION COMMISSIONER URGES MORE PHILANTHROPISTS TO ASSIST IN EDUCATION…AS B-LORDS IFEJIKA OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO PUPILS IN ANAMBRA

By Uzo Ugwunze :

Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has expressed joy at the increasing realization of philanthropists, that there is the need to assist in the educational development of the children of Anambra State.

The commissioner argued that well placed individuals in the state might not be aware of the impact of their decisions to complement the efforts of Governor Chukwuma Soludo geared towards ending the dynasty of poverty through education.

Speaking while hosting an Ebenebe born business mogul and philanthropist, B-Lords Linus Williams Ifejika in her office, Chuma-Udeh appreciated the interest of the philanthropist in empowering the children in his community through scholarships.

“What you started doing is in line with High Chief Christopher Ndubisi, the Ikenga Umuawulu, who had earlier acquired land, built smart school for free education of children in their community and neighboring communities,” she added.

Earlier, B-Lords Linus Williams Ifejika explained that his interest in alleviating the sufferings of the poor masses stemmed from the fact that he was once in their shoes. He noted that money is meant to solve problems which he described as necessity of necessities.

Appreciating Ikenga Umuawulu for building and equipping a school for the free education of children, Ifejika promised to replicate similar gesture in his community Ebenebe, this time with technology bias. He assured that through his proposed school, the future generation would be prepared from primary school’ to face the world of work driven by the computer and internet.

” I am in business which is not buying and selling. Without education, I may not have achieved this level of success, hence my passion for education,” he added.

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

ANAMBRA COMMISSIONER URGES SOLUDO WOMEN’S MOVEMENT TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE

By Okeke Anthonia Chioma and Okechukwu Onyinyechi B :

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Anambra State, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake,

has charged members of the Soludo Women’s Movement (SWM), Idemili North Chapter, to work diligently and tirelessly to achieve their individual and collective goals. She made this call during the inauguration of the SWM Idemili North LGA Chapter, held at the Idemili North LGA Headquarters in Ogidi.

As the Chairperson of the SWM Board of Trustees, Mrs. Nnake emphasized the group’s crucial role in supporting Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s reelection bid.

The National Convener of Soludo Women’s Movement (SWM), Lady Ify Atuogu, revealed that numerous SWM members have defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) due to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s impressive achievements in various aspects of governance in Anambra State.

More so, the Mayor of Idemili South LGA, Hon. Amaka Obi, who represented Gov. Soludo’s wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, advised SWM members to embrace the “Healthy Living Initiatives” and abide by its teachings. She further advised them to eat natural foods like assortment of fruits and vegetables as our consumption of them would enhance our physical well-being and make us achieve longevity.

The event climaxed with the conferment of traditional titles on the women, which were in recognition of their achievements and the support they had lent to SWM. Lady Chiamaka Nnake was given the traditional title of Achalugo while the title of Omenyili was conferred on Hon. Amaka Obi.

And the wife of Idemili North Mayor, Lady Ebele Nkwoka, received the title, Ugosimba while Lady Atuogu was given the traditional title of Onyechiburueze.

Other notable members of SWM who attended the event included Mrs. Chinelo Ikezuo, Idemili North Coordinator of SWM; and Dr. Eucharia Ochia, national secretary of SWM.

* Okeke and Okechukwu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *