MDA News

Anambra State Government news from Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

‎COOUTH MANAGEMENT PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO FAMILY OF LATE PROF. OJIYI

By Obianuju Azukaego
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‎The Management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, led by the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Prof. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prof. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ojiyi.
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‎The condolence visit took place on August 6, at the deceased’s residence in Enugu, where the COOUTH delegation commiserated with his wife, Bar. (Mrs) Chikaodinaka Happiness Ojiyi, and the entire family over the loss of the distinguished medical scholar.
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‎Dr. Umeakuewulu conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the Management, staff and entire COOUTH community to the family.
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‎She described Prof. Ojiyi as an exceptional clinician, scholar, mentor and administrator whose remarkable contributions to medicine, medical education and humanity would remain indelible.
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‎According to her, the death of Prof. Ojiyi was a monumental loss not only to COOUTH but also to the medical profession and the nation at large.
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‎The Chief Medical Director recalled the support extended to the late Prof. during his period of illness, noting that the hospital stood firmly by him until his passing.
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‎She particularly recalled the Management’s visit to him at the UNTH, Enugu, where prayers and financial assistance were offered as a demonstration of the hospital’s solidarity, compassion and care.
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‎Responding on behalf of the family, Bar. (Mrs) Ojiyi expressed profound appreciation to the COOUTH Management for its unwavering love, prayers, compassion, financial assistance and continued support throughout her husband’s illness and after his passing.
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‎She thanked Dr. Umeakuewulu and her team for honouring the memory of the late Prof. with the condolence visit and prayed that God would continue to strengthen and bless the Management as it strives to advance quality healthcare delivery.
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‎Obianuju Azukaego is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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ANSACA EXPLORES GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS TO STRENGTHEN ANAMBRA’S HIV AND TB RESPONSE

By Obianuju Isima

The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), led by its Executive Director and Project Manager, Dr. Nkem Okeke, has taken another strategic step towards strengthening the state’s HIV and tuberculosis (TB) response through collaboration with global public health experts.

During a strategic visit to renowned public health and infectious diseases expert on Aug. 7, Chief Obiefuna Austin Arinze, in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area(LGA), ANSACA presented its State Strategic Transformation and Sustainability Plan (SSTSP) 2026–2028 and explored opportunities for technical collaboration, resource mobilisation and knowledge sharing.

Key discussions focused on transforming the HIV Awareness Brigade (HAB) into an integrated community health delivery platform, empowering trained volunteers across Anambra’s 326 wards to support HIV and TB awareness, prevention, screening, referrals and linkage to care.

The meeting explored a potential partnership with Nollywood to harness the power of film, storytelling and influential voices in promoting HIV and TB awareness, encouraging healthy behaviours and reducing stigma.

ANSACA appreciates Chief Obiefuna Austin Arinze for his commitment to supporting Anambra’s public health goals by bringing his global expertise and international networks to the state’s HIV and TB response.

Together, through innovation, collaboration and community engagement, Anambra is moving closer to achieving Zero New HIV Infections and building a healthier future for all.

Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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OGUGUA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE EDUCATION, ASSURES ANAM COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT

By Obiageli Nwankwo

The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, has reaffirmed the Soludo administration’s commitment to providing equitable access to quality education across the state, assuring the people of Oroma Etiti Anam of continued government support for educational development.

Ogugua gave the assurance on Aug. 4 while receiving members of the Oroma Etiti Anam Education Committee, led by the President-General of the community, Mr. Charles Nchezor, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Education in Awka.

The commissioner commended the delegation for its commitment to improving education in the community, noting that the state’s education reform agenda is designed to ensure that every child has access to quality learning opportunities.

He urged parents and community leaders to support government’s efforts by ensuring that all school age children are enrolled in school and by promoting the importance of education.

Ogugua also called on the community to utilise its town union structures to address cases of school land encroachment, stressing that the protection of educational infrastructure is a shared responsibility.

He assured the delegation that Oroma Etiti Anam would continue to benefit from the state’s educational programmes and interventions.

Earlier, Nchezor congratulated the commissioner on his appointment and said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the ministry on educational development in the community.

He appealed to the state government to establish a Smart School in Oroma Etiti Anam, intervene in the challenge of school land encroachment, and recruit qualified indigenous teachers residing in the area to address teacher shortages.

Both parties expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between the ministry and the community would enhance educational development and advance the delivery of accessible, quality and inclusive education across Anambra State.

Obiageli Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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MEFOR: ANSEC ACCELERATING SOLUTION 2.0, HONOURS RETIRING AIG ORUTUGU, CELEBRATES SOLUDO AT 66

By Lilian Ezejiegu

The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) held its 8th meeting on 5 August, at the Lighthouse, Awka, where crucial decisions were reached to accelerate Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s Solution 2.0 agenda.

Following the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, on 6 August, briefed journalists at the State Secretariat, revealing major resolutions expected to influence governance and development statewide.

According to Dr. Mefor, Council members carefully examined critical issues bordering on governance, infrastructure, security, economic growth, and strategic policies designed to improve the lives of Ndi Anambra significantly.

A touching moment during the meeting was a special valedictory session held in honour of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Ikioye Livingston Orutugu, following his retirement from active service.

Council members applauded AIG Orutugu for his professionalism, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to strengthening security through effective collaboration with government, security agencies, and communities across Anambra State consistently.

The meeting also featured a joyful celebration as Council members honoured Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his 66th birthday, describing his leadership as purposeful, visionary, courageous, and transformative for Anambra.

Dr. Mefor reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to people-centred governance, assuring residents that every decision taken by Council reflects government’s determination to deliver sustainable development, accountability, and lasting progress statewide.

He urged Ndi Anambra to remain supportive of government programmes, expressing confidence that the resolutions reached during the 8th ANSEC meeting would translate into greater prosperity, security, and democratic dividends for everyone.

Lilian is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.

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MEFOR HAILS RETIRED AIG ORUTUGU’S ROLE IN STRENGTHENING ANAMBRA SECURITY, URGES RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT AGUNECHEMBA

By Lilian Ezejiegu

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, has praised the retired outgoing Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Ikioye Orutugu, for his outstanding contributions to the restoration of security across Anambra State, describing his role in the establishment and strengthening of Agunechemba as historic.

Speaking with journalists in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, on 6 August, Dr. Mefor said the retired police AIG, played a pivotal role in the formation, training, and retraining of Agunechemba, the Anambra Vigilante Service, which has become a major pillar in the state’s security architecture.

According to the Commissioner, the history of Agunechemba would be incomplete without honourably acknowledging Orutugu’s invaluable contributions. He noted that beyond the initial training of the vigilante personnel, the former AIG ensured continuous retraining to improve their operational efficiency, a legacy that continues to produce positive security outcomes.

Dr. Mefor recalled that during his service, Orutugu earned widespread commendation for leading successful operations that led to the arrest of several notorious criminal suspects who had long been on the security agencies’ wanted list, thereby boosting public confidence in the state’s fight against crime.

He also commended Operation Udo Ga-Achi, describing it as an effective joint security initiative built on the foundation laid by Agunechemba. He explained that the operation comprises the Anambra Vigilante Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Navy, and the Department of State Services (DSS), all working together to safeguard lives and property.

The Commissioner said one of Orutugu’s greatest achievements was fostering seamless cooperation among the various security agencies. According to him, there was no friction between the police and Agunechemba under the retired AIG’s leadership, adding that the spirit of collaboration has significantly contributed to the restoration of peace and security in the state.

Dr. Mefor appealed to Ndi Anambra to continue supporting Agunechemba, stressing that security is everyone’s responsibility. He said Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s whistleblower policy remains in force to encourage residents to volunteer useful intelligence that will help security agencies combat crime. According to him, “If you see something, say something, and the government will do something.”

The Commissioner disclosed that credible intelligence leading to successful security operations could attract rewards of up to ₦5 million. He assured residents that every piece of security information received by the government is treated with the utmost confidentiality, emphasizing that the identities of informants are carefully protected throughout the process.

Dr. Mefor urged residents not to fear providing information, assuring them that the government has put in place adequate measures to protect sources of intelligence. He called on members of the public to report fake native doctors, fake pastors, criminal hideouts, and every other suspicious activity capable of threatening the peace and security of Anambra State.

He reaffirmed that the Soludo administration remains committed to restoring Anambra to its position as the safest state in Nigeria, noting that improved security is the foundation for sustainable development, increased investment, and the overall well-being of the people. He urged citizens to sustain their cooperation with security agencies to consolidate the gains already recorded.

Lilian is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation.

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NUJ ANAMBRA TO MARK 35TH ANNIVERSARY WITH 2026 MAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

By Ngozika Omenankiti

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, will on Sept. 10 celebrate its 35th anniversary with the 2026 Man of the Year Awards and Press Week Grand Finale.

The event is expected to bring together journalists, government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders and other stakeholders from within and outside Anambra State.

The celebration, themed “Anambra NUJ, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service,” is aimed at reflecting on the council’s contributions to ethical journalism, professionalism and responsible reporting over the past three and a half decades.

According to the organisers, the event will also feature the presentation of the 2026 Man of the Year Awards to individuals and organisations that have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to the development of Anambra State and Nigeria.

The council said the grand finale of the Press Week would provide an opportunity for members to celebrate the union’s achievements while reaffirming their commitment to truth, responsibility and service to society.

The anniversary celebration is expected to attract a broad spectrum of participants, including media practitioners, public office holders, captains of industry and other dignitaries from across the country.

Ngozika Omenankiti is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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ANAMBRA WARNS ORPHANAGE HOMES AGAINST CHILD TRAFFICKING, ILLEGAL ADOPTION

By Stella Anekwe

The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has warned registered orphanage homes against child trafficking, illegal adoption and the sale of babies, saying offenders would face prosecution and possible jail terms.

Speaking on Aug. 4 during a meeting with leaders of the Association of Registered Community Children’s Homes in Awka, Onyekesi said the state government would not tolerate activities capable of undermining its commitment to child protection. She urged operators to shun all forms of illegality, maintain proper documentation and ensure transparency in their operations.

The commissioner advised members of the public seeking adoption or child welfare services to deal only with officials of the ministry’s Child Development Department. She also announced that the ministry would conduct unscheduled inspections of children’s homes to ensure compliance with government regulations.

Responding, the association’s Chairperson, Mrs Ngozi Helen Eze, thanked the commissioner for the engagement, apologised for past infractions by some operators and pledged members’ commitment to government regulations.

Eze appealed for government support in logistics and welfare to strengthen the operations of registered children’s homes. She also pledged the association’s support in identifying and eliminating illegal and unregistered homes, which she described as major drivers of child trafficking and unlawful adoption in the state.

Also speaking, the association’s Secretary and Coordinator of Model Children’s Home, Awka, Rev. Sr. Akuchukwu Philomena Chikodili, condemned backdoor adoption practices, saying they frustrate genuine adoption by qualified prospective parents. She urged members to uphold ethical standards and avoid actions capable of tarnishing the reputation of registered children’s homes.

The Director of Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, Mrs Aisha Edwards Maduagwu, described orphanage work as a humanitarian service rather than a profit-making venture. She urged operators and ministry officials to expose unethical practices and work together to safeguard the state’s reputation.

Earlier, the Head of the Child Development Department in the ministry, Mrs Amaka Onyali, called for stronger collaboration between the ministry and registered children’s homes. She directed all homes to submit monthly returns ahead of quarterly inspections and pledged to strengthen compliance with child protection regulations.

Stella Anekwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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‎2026 AUGUST MEETING: AGUIYI URGES ANAMBRA WOMEN TO PLANT TREES, PROMOTE CLEAN ENVIRONMENT

By Kennedy Aniedozie
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‎In line with the agenda of the solution government in creating an eco friendly Anambra, The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has on August 5 extended warm felicitations to women across the state as they count down to the 2026 Annual August Meeting.
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‎In a goodwill message, Dr. Aguiyi wished all Anambra women safe journeys as they travel home for the annual gathering and urged them to make environmental sustainability a major focus of this year’s meeting.
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‎The commissioner called on women leaders to intensify awareness on proper waste management and environmental sanitation in their various communities, noting that a clean and healthy environment is essential for the well-being of every resident.
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‎Dr. Aguiyi recalled Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s position that the environment remains Anambra State’s number one existential challenge, stressing that everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment.
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‎He also encouraged every woman to use the opportunity of the August Meeting to plant at least one economic tree in her husband’s compound, saying such a gesture would not only improve the environment but also create lasting economic value for families and communities.
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‎According to him, a tree planted and nurtured to maturity becomes more than a source of shade or food; it stands as a living legacy that preserves the memory of the person who planted it for future generations.
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‎The commissioner urged women not to miss the opportunity to leave a lasting environmental footprint through tree planting and prayed for a peaceful, successful, and productive 2026 Annual August Meeting.
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‎Kennedy Aniedozie is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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ARTMA CRACKS DOWN ON E-BIKE USE, INTRODUCES MANDATORY WAIVER FOR MAJOR ROADS IN ANAMBRA.

By Judith Oraeki-Anigbogu

The Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) has announced new regulations for electric bike owners, making it mandatory for riders intending to use major roads across the state to obtain a waiver from the Ministry of Transport and wear crash helmets while riding.

The directive, issued in a public notice by the agency dated August 3, forms part of the ongoing efforts by the Anambra State Government to strengthen road safety, improve traffic management, and ensure the orderly integration of electric bikes into the state’s transportation system.

According to the notice, all electric bike owners who wish to operate on major roads must first secure an official waiver from the Ministry of Transport.

ARTMA stressed that compliance with this requirement is compulsory for all affected riders.The agency also made the use of crash helmets mandatory, emphasizing that every riders must wear protective headgear while on the road.

“The measure is aimed at reducing the risk of serious injuries and fatalities in the event of road crashes”, the notice said.

ARTMA urged electric bike operators to comply fully with the new safety guidelines, warning that adherence to traffic regulations remained essential for protecting lives and maintaining order on the state’s highways.

Reaffirming its commitment to safer roads, the agency encouraged all road users to obey traffic rules, noting that responsible riding and strict compliance with safety measures are keys to preventing accidents and saving lives.

The notice concluded with the message: “Obey Traffic Rules. Save Lives”.

Judith Oraeki-Anigbogu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.

ANAMBRA HEALTH MINISTRY TRAINS PROGRAMME OFFICERS ON 2027 ANNUAL OPERATIONAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

By Chris Chikelue

The Anambra State Ministry of Health has commenced capacity building for Programme Officers on the implementation of the 2027 Annual Operational Plan (AOP), reinforcing its commitment to evidence based planning and improved healthcare delivery across the state.

The one day step down training, organized by the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics (DPRS), was held on August 4, at the ministry’s conference room in Awka. It brought together programme officers to strengthen their capacity for effective planning, coordination and implementation of health programmes in line with national priorities.

Addressing participants, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. John Paul Onyekineso, urged them to actively participate in the training and contribute meaningfully to the development and implementation of a robust AOP that will sustain Anambra’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading performing states in the health sector.

He explained that the training was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint (HSSB), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s framework for health sector planning, coordination and performance management.

According to Dr. Onyekineso, the blueprint provides a framework for aligning state health priorities, development partners’ interventions and budgetary allocations with national health goals under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He noted that every state is expected to develop an evidence based AOP before the preparation of state and federal budgets, ensuring that health programmes are properly prioritized and adequately funded.

“The AOP is a critical planning instrument that guides health sector interventions, resource allocation and partner coordination. It aligns state priorities with national health goals and remains one of the key requirements for accessing federal and development partner support,” he said.

Dr. Onyekineso added that the current exercise focuses on the preparation and implementation of the 2027 AOP, stressing that all proposed activities must align with the state’s budget framework to improve implementation, accountability and opportunities for technical and financial support.

Participants described the training as timely and insightful, saying it enhanced their understanding of strategic planning, programme prioritization, inter agency collaboration and results based implementation.

They expressed optimism that the knowledge gained would strengthen the delivery of health programmes, improve coordination among stakeholders and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for residents of Anambra State.

Chris Chikelue is of the Anambra State Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Awka