Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji has urged the Anambra State Fire Service to be prepared and ready to take action when alerted by the public to combat a fire outbreak.
The commissioner said this when he received the Fire Service team, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.
While commending their efforts in the state so far, he also encouraged them to continue sensitizing the people about the prevention of fire outbreaks.
“Your job is very essential and critical because without your office, when fire breaks out, it will be very destructive. I want to believe that you are relating with the markets and other public and private sectors on the prevention of fire outbreak, because fire outbreaks in the market can be very destructive too, Prevention is better than cure.
“Also, ensure you make your inputs on all the state government housing projects especially at the beginning of the projects. Right now, the state government is constructing a Solution Fun City which will be the biggest tourism hub in the sub Sahara Africa,” he added.
He congratulated the fire chief and his team on their appointment, noting, “We can be partners, as we are all working together to make Anambra State a smart, mega, and prosperous city where people can come to relax, work, invest, and enjoy.”
Earlier, the Chief of the Anambra State Fire Service, Mr Chiketa Chukwudi, expressed gratitude to the commissioner for the warm reception they received, saying that their visit was to seek collaboration with the ministry to carry out their goals of raising awareness about fire prevention, providing services, and conducting rescue operations to hospitality establishments and others.
” When we visited some hotels in the state, we discovered that some of them do not have fire extinguishers and this is very risky, that’s why we came to seek for the opportunity to move in and inform them of the importance of safety measures.
“A structure without fire safety measures is very perilous. If fire erupts, it can destroy everything. Therefore, I urge everyone constructing a structure to always implement safety measures,” he said.
* Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Anambra State has made a significant stride in promoting transparency and accountability, earning a top spot in the State Fiscal Transparency League (SFTL) Q1 2024 ranking by BudgIT, a prominent civic organization dedicated to simplifying public information through creative technology.
This achievement highlights Anambra’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery under the visionary leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo,
BudgIT, known for its efforts in stimulating an active citizenry and enabling their right to demand institutional reforms, assessed the fiscal transparency of Nigerian states in Q1 2024.
Anambra State emerged as a top performer due to several key factors clearly available and accessible on its state website: comprehensive and timely fiscal documents, such as the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), proposed and approved budgets, and the presence of an operational e-Procurement portal.
Ranked 1st due to its comprehensive and timely fiscal documents and operational e-Procurement portal, Anambra State was closely followed by Edo State. Both states demonstrated similar strengths in document arrangement and availability but with recommendations for further improvement.
This ranking is part of a quarterly assessment program evaluating Nigerian states on fiscal transparency. It focuses on the availability and comprehensiveness of key fiscal documents, the functionality of state websites and e-Procurement portals, and the timeliness of publications. BudgIT recommended that all state governments ensure their websites are functional and up-to-date, which is crucial for facilitating the assessment process.
Anambra State’s achievement sets a high standard for others, showcasing the importance of digital transparency in fostering an equitable society. The state’s efforts in maintaining an organized and accessible website are commendable and serve as a model for others.
As we anticipate the Q2 rankings with enthusiasm, we encourage all citizens and stakeholders to visit the Anambra State official website, www.anambrastate.gov.ng, for authentic and verifiable news, updates, and information.
This platform is your go-to resource for state-related information, keeping you informed about the latest developments and initiatives in Anambra State. Let’s join hands in promoting transparency and accountability. Explore today and be part of Anambra’s journey towards excellence!
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, hosted the Climate Action Summit, themed “Tremendous Strategy for a Sustainable Future”, under the leadership of Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Kate Omenugha.
The event brought together stakeholders to align with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of creating a livable and prosperous Anambra, fostering a sustainable future through collective action.
The summit tackled Africa’s pressing need for climate action, spotlighting the continent’s vulnerability to climate change through panel sessions and masterclasses. Experts explored sustainable solutions for Nigeria and Africa.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo represented by Chief of Staff Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, emphasized ongoing governmental efforts to develop a smart, sustainable, and prosperous Anambra.
He underscored the importance of community collaboration in environmental initiatives. “Together, we can create a resilient and thriving environment for future generations,” he stated.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha commended Governor Charles Soludo for his numerous initiatives to sustain the environment.
She also announced a five-year plan to plant 1 million trees and the establishment of a Student Environmental Task Force at COOU as key actions to combat climate change within the university community.
Speaking at Masterclass 2, MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata highlighted environmental challenges as the state’s most pressing threat.
He praised the summit’s focus on tree planting and discussed how AI can revolutionize environmental management. “Geo-marking trees can significantly enhance our forestry efforts,” he explained, commending the Vice-Chancellor’s initiative and Governor Soludo’s dedication to environmental issues.
Key highlights included the official setup of an environmental task force to ensure sustainability and the inauguration of key officials, amongst whom were, MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms. Chinwe Okoli, as Ambassadors and Partners of the initiative.
The summit featured notable attendees, including Nigeria’s Former Ambassador to Spain, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Chairman of the University Governing Council, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, High Chief Okeke Ogene, and various state commissioners.
* Nwanodu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Amidst economic uncertainties where budgets tighten and expenses scrutinized, the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s Administration through Anambra State Small business Agency(ASBA),has provided succor for civil servants after retirement through the ASBA Civil Servant Solution Retirement Entrepreneurship Loan Scheme.
According to the MD/CEO ASBA, Mr Clement Chukwuka during a media chat in his office complex, the scheme aimed at supporting civil servants to have a thriving business to fall back on after service.
“Gov. Soludo’s Administration is very passionate about the workers’ welfare even after retirement hence his willingness to supporting and funding their means of livehood after retirement.”
Mr Chukwuka reiterated that the Agency’s mandate remained to ensure that poverty is reduced to its bearest minimum through funding and capacity building.
*Chiamaka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*
Anambra State Government has flagged off tree planting campaign initiated by the Federal Polytechnic Oko for the protection and conservation of environmental ecosystem.
Performing the symbolic tree planting exercise under its”Operation Go Green” at the institution’s premises,the State Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor noted that the gesture would help regulate the climate and ensure ecosystem stability.
The Commissioner who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, said protecting the environment is among the government’s vision to transform the state into a liveable, prosperous mega city.
He posited that the state has been bedevilled by deforestation, hence the need to engage in mass tree planting, adding that the idea is to mobilize every student to plant at least one tree.
“Every student of the school should have one tree planted.This campaign should also be taken to homes and other institutions.Ndi Anambra should plant trees, if you fell one tree, you plant at least five trees”
While urging Ndi Anambra to not only plant trees to ensure healthy living, check erosion and guard against global warming, he underscored the need to nurture them until they grow up.
The Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Uche Onyegbu, described the event as a noble exercise and in fulfillment of already mapped out policy of the institution on environmental protection, conservation and aesthetics.
He explains that the institution understands the importance of protecting the environment, hence considered it worthy to embark on the exercise to also prevent gully erosion already threatening structures in the institution.
Dr Uchegbu, then, appealed to the state government to partner the school in its effort to control identified gully erosion sites, calling for more collaboration in the area of establishment of School of Agriculture at its Ufuma campus.
Contributing, a Former Board Member, National Board For Technology Incubation and member of Academic Staff Union of the Research Institute, Hon Cletus Amaraegbu, urged the institution’s management to take full ownership of the Tenera Specie high yielding oil palm and coconut seedlings.
A Nollywood Actor recognised as the face of the “Operation Go Green”initiative, Mr Stephen Eboh, outlined other benefits of the exercise to include revenue generation, erosion control and other economic derivables.
He pointed out that with the commencement of the exercise, the institution has set the pace in the comity of higher institutions of higher learning in promoting environmental friendly ecosystem.
In a Vote of Thanks, the Acting Registrar of the institution Mr Obini Onuchukwu, called on those who still engage in deforestation to desist, noting that it is the major cause of the present global warming the whole world is experiencing.
He commended the State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, Hon Amaraegbu and other Principal Officers of the institution for their contributions and support services towards the realisation of the project.
Mr Onuchukwu, added that the institution will partner the State Ministry of Agriculture to develop Aqua-culture and related activities at its Atani campus.
In attendance at the ceremony were, Deputy Rector, Dr Ken Ezekwe, Bursar, Mr Stephen Udu amongst others.
The Anambra State Ministry of Environment joined the international community in commemorating World Environment Day (WED), 2024, a United Nations initiative celebrated annually on June 5th. This year’s theme, “Our Land, Our Future: Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought,” highlights the urgent need to address land degradation, which affects over 40% of global land and half of the world’s population.
According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, land degradation costs the global economy up to 12% of its GDP, equivalent to $4.7 trillion annually. In Anambra State, land degradation has led to soil erosion, flooding, and loss of biodiversity, affecting the livelihoods of millions of people.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, emphasized the importance of restoring land values through sustainable environmental practices. He stressed that land degradation is a significant contributor to erosion in the state and urged citizens to take proactive steps towards environmental conservation.
He explained that the ministry has set achievable goals and planned activities, events, and policy amendments to combat land degradation and promote a cleaner, greener, and sustainable Anambra State. Part of the initiatives is to Plant more trees across the state.
The celebration is part of the global “Generation Restoration” movement, which aims to unite people worldwide in restoring the environment for future generations.
* Akpunonu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Managing Director of Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, has presented beneficiary identity cards to the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programme, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, for the 21 executive members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) from Nnobi Ward One.
Additionally, Dr. Onyemaechi provided 21 pamphlets outlining the benefit package to ensure that the beneficiaries are fully informed and receive their entitled benefits.
During the card presentation at the ASHIA complex, Awka, Dr Onyemaechi, noted that the scheme has remained instrumental to quality and affordable healthcare services in Anambra.
He appreciated Dr Omenugha for the gesture and encouraged the beneficiaries to access the services and give feedback to the agency to enable them serve Ndi Anambra better.
Receiving the cards, Dr Omenugha, emphasized his interest in ensuring productivity through properly taking care of the people doing the work and his deepest concern on healthy living of his people.
He noted that getting his ward executive members enrolled into ASHIA is part of his contributions to the growth of APGA, good governance and Anambra State in general.
The Chairman of APGA, Nnobi ward one, Chief Frank-Iyke Ezeanya, in a vote of thanks appreciated Dr Omenugha for his support and Dr Onyemaechi for the good job he is doing in ASHIA.
He promised greater commitment to mobilizing support for Governor Soludo, growth of APGA and the state at large.
*Okafor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), has inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) comprising of key stakeholders on health to plan and develop a Strategic Health Development Plan that will last from 2024 to 2029.
The two day workshop took place at IDK learning Centre in Awka.
Declaring the event open, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike explained the importance of the TWG to think through on how to expand the health insurance coverage of the state particularly the informal sector and how to implement the mandatoriness of the scheme through innovative strategies of businesses providing evidence of health insurance certification before they can operate.
Dr. Obidike applauded the MD/CEO of ASHIA for representing the health insurance agency in Anambra and nationwide.
On his part, the Chairman, Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Mr Tony Muobike, spoke on success achieved with a predetermined plan (SHDP) and a strong legislative framework as the bedrock of every project.
He gave his support by promising necessary legislation with the House of Assembly or draft new legislations that will be passed in the House of assembly.
Giving an overview of the workshop, the Managing Director of ASHIA, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi said that the plan will look carefully at how the agency will strategically increase their coverage to enroll more into the scheme, the practical steps they need to take to achieve their objectives.
Dr. Onyemaechi noted that because the staff of the agency are integral part of the stakeholders developing the plan, they will have an institutionalize memory of the document even when he must have exited the position in the future, expressing optimism that his would be successor will continue with the plan.
According to the ASHIA MD, the plan will equally bring out the practical steps they need to take on month-to-month and year -to-year bases, how to source the resources they will leverage on among others, describing the document as timely.
The event attracted relevant stakeholders, representatives of the National Health Insurance Agency, WHO, Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture, State Bureau of Statistics, Research Consultants, Ward Chairmen, Civil Society Organizations, others.
*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
To improve the health care delivery system in Anambra State, the state government in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), on Tuesday, launched the State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Unit and its accompanying e-platform.
The platform is targeted to enable real-time registration, renewal and regulation of health facilities and licenses, data collection, analysis, and reporting, facilitating informed decision-making and prompt intervention where necessary to ensure better performance from healthcare providers.
Inaugurating the initiative in Awka, Anambra State Capital, the Chairman, Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Mr Tony Muobike described it as a tool to actualize the dream of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to provide quality healthcare to Anambra people, noting that due to its importance, the state legislature did not waste time in passing the bill legitimizing the initiative within a month of its arrival to the assembly.
Muobike, while commending the state ICT Agency for its contribution towards the development of the initiative’s e-platform, called on health professionals to familiarize themselves with the law and fully integrate it into their operations so that they do not run foul of it.
“Quackery is in many forms. Aside from those who are operating illegally, we also have registered institutions run by doctors where quackery is being practiced.
“The law supporting this initiative affects all professionals in the health practice and the idea is that each professional will concentrate on their specific areas of certified and proven expertise.
“Though there will be inspectors who will ensure compliance with the law, the public also has a duty to ensure that the law is well implemented,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike described the initiative as a regulatory system to enhance management of health facilities and practitioners in the state.
“Prior to this administration, almost 80 percent of healthcare services were been driven by the private sector with little or nothing to regulate them but with the advent of the Governor Soludo administration, investment in the healthcare sector have constantly been on the rise ensuring better days ahead”
Obidike further explained that the initiative and the accompanying e-platform are all aimed to systematically eliminate quackery in all its forms in the state health system and increase accessibility especially for those in rural areas.
“Under this initiative, we already have 326 health informants across the state who provide us information on health facilities across the state.
“It is unfortunate that their findings show that 45 percent of the health facilities operating in the state are not registered.
“This platform will enable residents identify health facilities that provide services in specific areas, as well as help in reporting issues.
“By adopting advanced monitoring and accreditation processes, we are setting a benchmark for other states in the federation. It is a testament to our commitment to harnessing technology for the advancement of public health.
“At the national level, the Anambra State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Unit and E-Platform is a crucial step towards achieving the objectives of the National Health Policy. It supports the federal government’s efforts to strengthen health systems, improve service delivery, and ensure accountability in the health sector.
“We are proud to contribute to the realization of these national goals, which are vital for the socio-economic development of our country,” Obidike concluded.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the state ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to demonstrate what technology can do in the health sector.
He noted that technology cannot solve all your problems but can solve so many problems. It is only dependent on what you want to achieve with it.
Mr Agbata further explained that what the ICT agency has done is to replicate the vision of the ministry in setting up the e-platform and bringing on board, all the state assets. The idea is to ensure authenticity and eradicate quackery as much as possible.
He explained that the reason for the URL, ashefamu.anambrastate.gov.ng; is to solidify authenticity. The State Executive Council have approved the .anambrastate.gov.ng as a stamp to authenticity of all government information and processes.
The ICT boss appealed to practitioners in the industry and people of the state to flog the system and ensure that it accomplishes the intent for which it was established.
In a goodwill message, the representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Mohammed Bonnos congratulated Anambra State for the milestone, saying the initiative will protect Anambra citizens.
A practical demonstration of how the system works and discussions on the scalability formed the high points of the event.
* Nwanodu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu has described the state under Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, as a steadily rising economic destination point in Africa and an increasingly preferred location where numerous developmental and industrial enterprises are being encouraged to establish and flourish.
The Commissioner made the remark during an interactive session with some officials of United Nations Development Program (UNDP) from Lagos State who visited him in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.
Mr. Udechukwu declared that Anambra State is steadily planning, organizing, strategizing, and executing to launch an ambitious agenda in Anambra Industrial City with a view to move Anambra State toward becoming one of the global centers of excellence for Industries with the capacity to absorb and process a vast variety of raw materials to finished manufactured products, in automotive industry park, pharmaceutical industry park, agro – processing industry park, leisure – entertainment centres, financial services centres and more.
“Some of the made in Anambra products would be exported back into the global market to earn foreign exchange and to grow our share of global trade.
“In order to achieve this goal of establishing an emerging manufacturing hub, Mr. Governor, Prof Soludo will soon unveil the Masterplan for the new Anambra Industrial City, the new Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, the Solution Fun City and more.
“In the Ministry, we are looking to grow our export program, we are also aiming to reach out to the world as a rising trading and industrial centre.”
According to him, We are hopeful to partner with UNDP for industrial investment promotion, export development, talent enhancements, global placement of highly skilled talents, capacity building for export focused industries, setting up trading houses in overseas markets and working to attain all compliance with international trades and to access new markets.”
Commissioner Udechukwu also pointed out that, beyond industrial development that Gov. Soludo is poised to grow a population that is productive at home and exportable abroad as well as ensuring that the next generation is more literate than the current one. This is why the Governor is investing free education in public schools and human capacity development through innovation and vocational skills acquisition for youths.
Earlier, the leader of the team Mrs. Joyce Oburu, thanked Commissioner Udechukwu for availing them the opportunity to interface with him and expressed their happiness to be in Anambra state to consolidate their historical partnership.
Mrs. Oburu said that the aim of their visit was for new program development and data verification for their Small to Medium Enterprise project grant support program that the UNDP are implementing in Anambra State.
She added that the SME Grant Support Scheme project was designed to supporting and enhancing the growth capacity of SME’s using cluster approach that is comprised of two layers which include a grant of 100,000 to 3,000 SME’s in the state and staged capacity building for SME’s through trainings, mentorship and coaching of the entrepreneurs.
“The purpose is to enhance and intensify their capacity to do business in a standardized form and to help them with the grant to bounce back from the shocks of the recent global economic turbulence that had affected Nigeria after the COVID-19 era because according to survey, Anambra State were also severely affected.
“We are not giving them the grant for short term purpose, we also have long term purpose to ensure that all these businesses strive,” she said.
The team leader said that the project has six states as the pilot states, pointing out that Anambra has always been home for UNDP over many decades with a State UNDP Resident Officer in Nigeria, Ms Chinwetal.
She also stressed that UNDP have some additional programs they are about to roll out in the Anambra State, ranging from African Young Innovators Program and UNDP Jubilee Fellow programs that will be of benefit to Ndi Anambra.
“To propagate this SME Grant Scheme program, we have a structure where we reach out to people in the LGA’s through ASATU with Traditional Rulers and President Generals of various towns taking the sensitization to the grassroots and they have already selected people that will help in local mobilization, reported Mr Okwudili Obiefuna, Director of SME at the State Ministry of Industry.
“We are at the stage of sensitization, awareness and also mobilizing our youths for their participation in communities and markets. Very soon, people will start online registration for these UNDP programs,” he said.
Present at the meeting were the Director SME Mr. Okwudili Obiefuna, the SA on Commerce and Industry Mr. Eloka Mmaduekwe and the SA to the Commissioner and UNDP desk officer in the Industry Ministry, Ms Jennifer Okoye.
*Amaka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
