MDA News

Anambra State Government news from Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

‎NUJ ANAMBRA SET TO HONOUR SYLVIA UZOMA TOCHUKWU-NGIGE WITH PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

By Chizoba Njaka
‎
‎The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, is set to honour Sylvia Uzoma Tochukwu-Ngige with the 2026 NUJ Anambra Professional Excellence of the Year Award.
‎
‎The disclosure was contained in a statement posted on a social media platform on Aug. 28. The award forms part of the activities lined up to commemorate the council’s 35th anniversary and the 2026 Man of the Year Awards, with the celebrations set to culminate in the NUJ Anambra Press Week grand finale.
‎
‎According to the event programme, the grand finale will hold on September 10 at Annabel Event Centre, Awka, Anambra State capital.
‎
‎Tochukwu-Ngige is listed as the awardee for the Professional Excellence of the Year category, recognising professional achievement and excellence.
‎
‎The event will also feature the 2026 Man of the Year Awards, as the NUJ Anambra State Council celebrates 35 years of its activities and contributions to journalism and society in the state.
‎
‎The Chairman of the NUJ Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, is listed as the host of the grand finale. The celebration is expected to bring together journalists, media practitioners, government officials, professionals, stakeholders and other dignitaries to celebrate excellence and outstanding contributions to the society.

‎The NUJ Anambra State Council’s 35th anniversary and Press Week grand finale will provide an opportunity to recognise individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields while celebrating the union’s journey and achievements over the years.
‎
‎
‎Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
‎
‎
‎#Ministryofinformationandvaluareformation
‎#Anambraisrising
‎#Informationiskey
‎#Solutionishere
‎#Solutioncontinues
‎
‎

BRINGING HEALTHCARE CLOSER: ANSACA, PARTNERS REACH EKWULOBIA COMMUNITY

By Obianuju Isima

The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has intensified its grassroots health interventions with a two-day community outreach in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area (LGA), providing residents with access to free screening, health information and basic medical services.

The outreach, held on Aug. 25 and 26 at the Cathedral Church of St. John’s Hall, Ekwulobia, was organised by Youths on Ground Progressive and Mentorship Initiative in partnership with ANSACA and KNCV Nigeria.

During the exercise, residents were screened for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, typhoid, and hepatitis B and C. The team conducted blood pressure checks and provided health education, treatment and medications to eligible participants.

ANSACA commended the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for his continued support for the agency’s community based interventions, noting that his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare has enabled the agency to extend essential health services to residents at the grassroots.

The agency acknowledged the contributions of Youths on Ground and KNCV Nigeria, stressing that strategic partnerships remain vital to expanding the reach of health services, ensuring that more people can access timely screening, information and care.

The outreach underscores ANSACA’s commitment to taking health services beyond healthcare facilities and closer to the communities, while promoting prevention, early detection and healthier lives across Anambra State.

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

#anambraministryofinformationandvaluerefirmation
#anambraisrising
#ANSACA
#ekwulobia
#aguataLGA
#grassrootshealthcare
#KNCVnigeria
#youthsonground
#solutionishere
#solutioncontinues

‎IBUZO FELICITATES NDI ANAMBRA ON 35TH ANNIVERSARY

By Chikodili Ideke E.
‎
‎Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Edward Obiefuna Ibuzo, has congratulated Ndi Anambra on the state’s 35th anniversary, calling it a milestone of resilience.
‎
‎In his message, Ibuzo celebrated the people’s enterprise and contributions to Anambra’s growth and development over the past three and a half decades.
‎
‎He said the anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the state’s journey, acknowledge achievements, and appreciate citizens shaping Anambra’s future.
‎
‎The Commissioner urged Ndi Anambra to remain united and support initiatives promoting development, peace, security, efficient transportation, and improved living conditions.
‎
‎He noted that collective support and responsible participation are essential to sustaining progress and achieving a greater, safer, and more prosperous Anambra.
‎
‎Ibuzo said the resilience and enterprise of Ndi Anambra remain key drivers of development, boosting the state’s reputation and growth in recent years.
‎
‎He reaffirmed the Ministry of Transport’s commitment to policies and programmes that improve transportation, enhance safety, and support overall state development.
‎
‎The Commissioner called for continued cooperation among citizens, government, and stakeholders, stressing that unity and shared responsibility build a stronger future.
‎
‎He wished Ndi Anambra a happy 35th anniversary and prayed for continued progress, peace, and prosperity across the state.
‎
‎‎Chikodili is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.
‎
‎#MinistryOfInformation
‎#MinistryOfTransport
‎#InformationIsKey
‎#Anambra35thAnniversary
‎#AnambraIsRising
‎#SolutionIsHere
‎#SolutionContinues
‎
‎
‎

ARTMA WARNS MOTORISTS AGAINST ROADSIDE PAYMENTS, OUTLINES PROCEDURES FOR TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

By MaryAnn Chukwuma
‎
‎The Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) has advised motorists on the appropriate steps to take when confronted with traffic enforcement actions, particularly vehicle impoundment and alleged extortion by enforcement personnel.
‎
‎The agency gave the advice in an advisory issued on Aug. 27, urging motorists who believe their vehicles have been wrongfully impounded or who encounter officers demanding unauthorised payments to follow established official procedures.
‎
‎ARTMA stressed that its personnel are not authorised to impound vehicles for traffic offences without clear video evidence, and advised motorists to request proper documentation whenever enforcement action is taken against them. It further directed motorists stopped by ARTMA officers on the road to insist on being taken to an official ARTMA office, where the matter can be properly processed.
‎
‎The agency also warned motorists against making payments by the roadside, explaining that where a traffic offence is established and attracts a fine, the affected motorist should request the official penalty list and confirm the applicable amount.
‎
‎According to ARTMA, every traffic offence has a prescribed fine, and motorists are expected to verify the exact amount payable before making any payment to enforcement personnel. The agency encouraged motorists to contact its official telephone lines immediately to verify applicable fines and report officers suspected of demanding money.
‎
‎It also advised motorists to take note of officers’ names, uniforms and identification tags, stressing that such information would assist investigations and enable specific complaints to be made against personnel where necessary.
‎
‎For motorists unable to reach the agency through its official phone lines, ARTMA provided [email protected] as an alternative channel for lodging complaints. The agency assured members of the public that its priority remains promoting safer roads and ensuring that journeys across Anambra State are smoother and more orderly.
‎
‎
‎MaryAnn Chukwuma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
‎
‎
‎#Ministryofinformationandvaluareformation
‎#Anambraisrising
‎#Informationiskey
‎#Solutionishere
‎#Solutioncontinues
‎
‎
‎
‎

BUILD RIGHT, PROTECT LIVES: AGUIYI WARNS RESIDENTS AS EROSION THREATENS UMUSIOME-NKPOR

By Amaka Iskala
‎
‎The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has urged residents of Umusiome-Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area to take greater responsibility for safeguarding their environment as a severe gully erosion continues to threaten buildings, roads and other infrastructure in the community.
‎

‎Dr. Aguiyi gave the warning on Aug. 25 when he inspected the erosion site, attributing part of the environmental challenge to inadequate drainage termination and construction practices that failed to properly consider the steep terrain of the area.
‎
‎The commissioner stressed that addressing environmental problems should not be left solely to government, urging residents to understand the consequences of their activities and give proper consideration to environmental factors when constructing buildings and other infrastructure.
‎

‎He noted that the growing incidence of erosion, flooding and related environmental challenges across Anambra required increased community participation, responsible construction practices and sustained environmental awareness.
‎
‎According to him, while the government would continue to provide interventions where necessary, communities must also take ownership of environmental protection by avoiding practices capable of aggravating erosion and other ecological hazards.
‎

‎The commissioner was accompanied during the inspection by the Managing Director of the Anambra State Waste Management Company (ANSWECCA), Engr. Ifeanyi Nwasinoke, and the Head of the Ecology Department in the Ministry, Dr. Ijeoma Onyekwelu.
‎
‎Dr. Aguiyi said the team would document the situation and assess the extent of the damage to provide a basis for determining appropriate interventions to mitigate the erosion and protect affected infrastructure.
‎

‎He reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Government to creating a clean, green and livable state, stressing that achieving the vision would require sustained collaboration and shared responsibility between the government and citizens.
‎
‎

‎Amaka Iskala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
‎
‎
‎#Ministryofinformationandvaluareformation
‎#Anambraisrising
‎#Informationiskey
‎#Solutionishere
‎#Solutioncontinues
‎
‎
‎
‎

FRSC, ANAMBRA GOVT STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP ON GRASSROOTS ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS

By Chisom Okpala

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Anambra State Government have renewed their commitment to strengthening grassroots road safety awareness and reducing road traffic crashes across the state.

The commitment was made when the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Anambra, Corps Commander Bridget Asakhauno, paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Barr. Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka, in his office on Aug. 26.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both institutions to explore areas of collaboration, particularly in promoting community based road safety initiatives through local government authorities and grassroots communities.

Discussions focused on intensifying public enlightenment on safe driving practices, compliance with traffic regulations, responsible road use and pedestrian safety.

They also emphasised the need to raise awareness about the dangers of reckless driving, excessive speeding and other traffic violations that often lead to avoidable crashes.

Speaking during the meeting, Ezeaka stressed the need to take road safety campaigns beyond urban centres to communities at the grassroots.

He described local communities as critical stakeholders in promoting compliance with road safety regulations and advocated sustained sensitisation programmes in rural communities, schools, markets, motor parks and other public places.

According to him, such programmes will help educate motorists, commercial drivers, pedestrians and other road users on responsible road use and the need to prioritise safety.

Earlier, Asakhauno reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders to advance road safety education across the state.

She said collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs would enable the Corps to reach more grassroots communities through coordinated advocacy and public enlightenment programmes.

Asakhauno said the initiatives were aimed at promoting safer road use and reducing road traffic crashes.

The two officials expressed optimism that sustained institutional collaboration, increased public awareness and active community participation would enhance road safety consciousness, reduce traffic related fatalities and contribute to safer communities across Anambra.

Chisom Okpala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

#Ministryofinformationandvaluereformation
#Anambraisrising
#FRSC #GrassrootsEngagement
#Solutionishere
#Solutioncontinues

WAYS CITIZENS CAN BUILD A BETTER, SAFER AWKA

By Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige

Every beautiful, safe and well-planned city is built through the combined efforts of government and responsible citizens. In Awka and across the Awka Capital Territory, residents have a role to play in creating an orderly environment by respecting planning regulations, protecting public infrastructure and supporting community development.

Before constructing any building, residents should obtain the required planning approval and ensure that construction follows the approved design. Unauthorised changes, illegal structures and developments that ignore zoning regulations can place pressure on roads, drainage systems and other public facilities.

Citizens must also keep roads, drainage channels and public spaces free from obstruction. Building on setbacks or dumping refuse into drains can contribute to flooding, while indiscriminate waste disposal creates health and environmental hazards for entire communities.

Keeping homes and surroundings clean is another important responsibility. Residents should dispose of waste properly, maintain their buildings and protect trees and green spaces. Regular maintenance of structures can also help prevent building-related accidents and protect lives and property.

Responsible citizenship includes paying lawful taxes, levies and other statutory charges. Citizens should also protect public infrastructure such as streetlights, transformers, roads, drainage facilities and manhole covers, while reporting illegal developments or vandalism to the appropriate authorities.

Community participation is equally important. Residents should attend town-hall meetings, support sanitation exercises, participate in development initiatives and cooperate with planning officials during lawful inspections. Such cooperation helps authorities identify problems and maintain orderly urban development.

Ultimately, building a better Awka requires partnership between government and citizens. By respecting planning rules, keeping communities clean, protecting public facilities, promoting peace and taking responsibility for their environment, residents can help create safer, healthier and more beautiful communities for everyone.

Sylvia is of the Ministry of Informatiin, Anambra State

#ACTDA
‎#MinistryOIinformationAndValuaReformation
‎#AnambraIsRising
‎#InformationIsKey
‎#SolutionIsHere
‎#SolutionContinues

ANAMBRA AT 35: CFA SAYS TECHNOLOGY CAN DRIVE GREENER, SMARTER FUTURE

By Angela Nwanodu

The MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), has said technology can play a critical role in helping Anambra build a greener, smarter, and more connected future as the state marks its 35th anniversary.

Agbata, in a commentary reflecting on the anniversary theme, “Our Environment, Our Future, said the state’s environmental challenges, including erosion, flooding, blocked drainage channels, and indiscriminate waste disposal, require not only stronger environmental management and community responsibility but also smarter ways of connecting Ndi Anambra with government.

According to him, technology can help shorten the distance between what Ndi Anambra see in their communities and what government knows, enabling environmental concerns and other public issues to be reported more quickly and systematically. He noted that residents are often the first to observe emerging problems in their communities, stressing that “Government cannot be everywhere, Ndi Anambra already are.”

Agbata said digital platforms could transform such observations into useful information for government, particularly when reports are captured with details such as photographs and location data. He explained that multiple reports from a particular area could help government identify patterns and early warning signals around issues such as flooding, drainage and erosion, supporting more informed decisions on where attention and resources may be required.

He identified Smart Anambra and SolutionLens platforms as examples of the state’s growing digital ecosystem for connecting Ndi Anambra with government services and creating channels for feedback and engagement. While Smart Anambra serves as a digital gateway for accessing government services, SolutionLens provides a channel through which Ndi Anambra can communicate issues, provide feedback and draw government attention to matters within their communities.

Agbata, who described this approach as a practical expression of Governor Soludo’s Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” vision, said the objective should not be technology for its own sake, but technology that makes government more aware, accessible and responsive. He said the ICT Agency would continue to translate the administration’s digital transformation agenda into practical solutions that improve how Ndi Anambra interact with government.

He, however, emphasised that technology cannot replace personal and community responsibility, noting that the “our” in “Our Environment, Our Future” is significant. He urged communities to take reasonable action within their capacity, including addressing minor environmental issues where possible and reporting problems requiring government intervention before they escalate.

The ICT Agency Boss said the principle of using technology to strengthen the connection between Ndi Anambra and government extends beyond environmental issues to public infrastructure, government projects, and public services. He stressed that the real measure of digital transformation should be its ability to help solve problems, strengthen public participation, and bring government closer to the people.

As Anambra celebrates 35 years of statehood, Agbata said the state must look towards a future that is not only greener but also smarter and more connected, with technology helping government and Ndi Anambra work together to protect the environment and build a better state.

Smart Anambra- smart.anambrastate.gov.ng
SolutionLens- lens.anambrastate.gov.ng

#AnambraAt35 #OurEnvironmentOurFuture #GreenAnambra

Angela Nwanodu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

PHYSICAL PLANNING PERMIT MANDATORY FOR ALL DEVELOPMENTS IN ANAMBRA – COMMISSIONER

By Ruth Orji

The Anambra State Government has reiterated that developers must obtain the necessary physical planning permits before embarking on any development in the state.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, stated this in a statement issued on Aug. 22.

Ojukwu said building or development permits were mandatory for all forms of physical development, including installation of communication cables, construction of retaining walls along river shores by sand miners and development of urban infrastructure, among others.

He explained that the requirement was in line with the provisions of the Physical Planning Law of Anambra State, which seeks to ensure orderly, safe and sustainable physical development across the state.

The commissioner said Section 34 of the law required every developer to apply for and obtain the appropriate permit before commencing any project.

He urged developers to obtain the necessary approvals before starting their projects, saying compliance would help prevent illegal and unregulated developments.

Ojukwu further said the requirement was reinforced by Section 2 of the Anambra State Physical Planning Law of 2015, stressing that ignorance of the law would not be accepted as an excuse for non compliance.

He urged developers to familiarise themselves with the relevant provisions and ensure full compliance with the law.

Ruth Orji is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State*

#Ministryofinformationandvaluereformation
#Anambraisrising
#BuildingPermit #UrbanDevelopment
#Solutionishere
#Solutioncontinues

PAYMENT OF ASSESSMENT FEE, NOT BUILDING PERMIT , PLANNING MINISTRY CLARIFIES

By Ruth Orji

The Anambra State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has clarified developers that payment of an assessment fee does not automatically confer approval or grant a development permit.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, stated this in a statement issued on August 24.

According to the Commissioner, many developers mistakenly assume that payment of the assessment fee amounts to the approval of their building plans or the issuance of a development permit.

He explained that Section 19 of the Physical Planning Regulations clearly states that payment of an assessment fee does not amount to the grant of a building permit, as the fee is strictly an application fee.

Barr. Ojukwu further noted that the Ministry’s Legal Department may raise administrative queries where proposed building plans violate the approved building coverage area or where the required certification from COREN-registered engineers or ARCON-registered architects is lacking.

He said these and other regulatory deficiencies may form the basis for administrative queries, reiterating that payment of an assessment fee does not constitute approval to commence or continue any development.

Ruth is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

#MinistryofInformationandvaluereformation
#MPPUD
#buildingnotpermit
#Anambraisrising