Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

MDA News

CLERIC TASKS ANAMBRA STATE NUJ ON LOVE, UNITY AFTER ELECTION FRICTIONS. AS ODOGWU APPOINTS SEVERAL COMMITTEES FOR EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION

By Uzo Ugwunze  :

The Senior Pastor Deeper Love Assembly International NUJ Complex Awka, Pastor Joseph Nwabueze has charged the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) Anambra State Council to embrace love and unity as a principle for progress.

He gave the charge while conducting dedication prayers for the newly inaugurated Exco during the post election February NUJ Congress at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka as the body welcomed a new administration after a period of electioneering campaigns that witnessed bickering , bitterness, campaign of calumny, peddling of half-truths or falsehood, exergerated misrepresentation of facts as opponents slugged it out during the electioneering campaigns before the journalists made their choice to return Dr. Emeka Odogwu for a second term in office as the chairman.

In his sermon titled ‘Put Love above all things’ ( Col 3:13,14), the prelate said that love should be placed above all other values in life, saying that if love leads other desires and aspiration of life would later fall in place or be achieved in the long run. ” Where there is love, forgiveness, there will be progress, harmony, cooperation and there is nothing the group wants to achieve which cannot be achieved.”

Moreover, the state chairman, Odogwu who professed that he has forgiven all wrongs against his person, urged others to equally do same. He  insisted that neither him nor any NUJ member was above the NUJ body, extending a hand of fellowship to those who lost in the election as he resolved to break his own records and attract more values , human capital and infrastructural development to the union. “I thank everyone, we are one big family”.

Odogwu urged every chapel that were still owing check off dues to pay up, adding that those NUJ chapels due for election should put their house in order and elect their officers before the next month’s congress.

The Special Adviser to Gov Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programme, Dr Nelson Omenugha who came to pledge solidarity with the union after a successful NUJ election, urged the journalists to uphold professionalism, objectivity and balance reporting when writing their news reports.

Omenugha further enumerated the various achievements of the Soludo led administration ranging from free education, free antenatal and delivery, 1 Youth 2 Skills program, free distribution and planting of improved seedlings, employment of teachers and health workers, massive infrastructural development and road networks, describing him as a youth friendly governor who deserves a second term.

Also, the NUJ Matriarch, Prof. Stella Okunna who delivered a financial good will message from Valentine Ozigbo to celebrate with the union on the successful NUJ election, further advised journalists to be thorough whenever they were writing any  report for publication to avoid grammatical errors. 

Highlights of the congress included appointment of Joseph Egbeocha as Caretaker Chairman, ABS chapel, Dr Stanley Onunkwo as Political Affairs committee Chairman among several other committees Chairmen, Secretaries and members for a prospective robust administrative era, distribution of bags of Rice donated by the House of Representatives Member, Awka North and South, Hon Lilian Orogbu.

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

SOLUDO’S GOVERNMENT, COMMITTED TO DEMOCRACY—MEFOR  

By Rose Oranye   :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, on Friday, February 7, 2025, received the new executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by the re-elected chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Awka. 

Addressing the union leaders, Dr Mefor congratulated them for being the true choice of the people in their respective positions, adding that the Soludo government is committed to democracy, while the media is the bastion of democracy. 

According to him, “The Soludo government is committed to democracy. We were under pressure to try to interfere in the election, but we said people should be allowed to make their choices because this is democracy. The media is the bastion of democracy because, as the only agency that has the constitutional responsibility of holding government accountable to the people, its job is to defend democracy by holding government and governance accountable. You have been doing that job fairly well despite the challenges you face in the field.” 

He commended Anambra journalists for the fair and improved reportage of the Soludo government’s achievements and urged them not to relent. 

“We are not asking you to support Soludo’s government by way of confusing or lying to the people. Fair reportage here means saying it as it is and letting the people and posterity be the judge. I don’t expect anything less or different with the reconstituted team. If anything, we will be expecting more. This is an election year; it calls for fairness, even fairer reporting for people to get to know what Soludo has done with the mandate they freely gave him as their governor 34 months ago,” Mefor said. 

The commissioner further explained that the new security initiative, Operation Udo Ga-Achị, was set up to rid the state of criminals and that Agunechemba is the new name for the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG), adding that the group has recorded a lot of successes within this first month of operation. 

He urged the media and all Ndị Anambra to cooperate with the government to reclaim the state from criminals by providing necessary information. Whenever they see something, they should say something by calling 5111. 

Earlier in his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, assured that the union would continue to support the commissioner and the ministry in realising his dreams and those of the Soludo administration.

PASTOR NWABUEZE CHARGES JOURNALISTS TO PRIORITIZE LOVE FOR SUCCESS AND UNITY… AS ANAMBRA NUJ HOLDS FEBRUARY CONGRESS

By Chizoba Njaka  :

The Senior Pastor of Deeper Love Assembly, Pastor Joseph Nwabueze has urged journalists in Anambra State to prioritize love in their endeavors, emphasizing its crucial role in achieving success and unity. 

Speaking at the NUJ, Anambra State Council Secretariat during a prayer session marking the first congress of 2025 on the topic, Put Love Above All Things,” Pastor Nwabueze stressed that love surpasses material possessions, authority, and power in importance.

He noted that tradition and belief significantly impact one’s life, advising journalists to incorporate love into their work to earn respect. Pastor Nwabueze emphasized that love fosters unity in families, unions, and the state, warning that its absence can lead to hate and violence.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Youth Empowerment and special guest of the congress,  Dr. Nelson Omenugha congratulated the new executive of the Council, led by Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, on their victory. He expressed his well-wishes for the union’s future success and appealed to journalists to continue supporting the Soludo administration through their reporting and active participation in government activities.

The state Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, emphasized the importance of self-promotion among journalists, stressing that many struggle to effectively market themselves to the public. He urged journalists to present themselves professionally and identify with the union to enhance their credibility and reputation.

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

ROUND TWO BIG CATCH-UP: ASPHCDA, SMOH AND PARTNERS SENSITIZE STAKEHOLDERS 

By Nnedinma Okeke/Azuka Nnabuife/Chukwudi Nwauba  :

The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners has held a one-day Stakeholders Engagement meeting on the second round Big Catch-Up campaign to be held in nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State. 

The nine LGAs includes: Aguata, Ayamelum, Anaocha, Idemili North, Idemili South, Ihiala, Orumba North, Orumba South, and Nnewi South LGAs respectively. 

The engagement meeting, which was held in Awka was used to sensitize Stakeholders to include; Representatives from the Ministry of Information, NOA, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, ASUBEB, Religious leaders, Traditional Rulers, Presidents General, the Media, ASATU Men and Women on the campaign. 

The Executive Secretary ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem, urged the stakeholders to use their various medium and platforms in ensuring that immunization messages with special reference to the BCU campaign gets to the grassroots. 

“The BCU campaign is of high importance because it is an opportunity for us to reach zero dose/unimmunized children, inorder to ensure that they are fully immunized and protected from vaccine preventable diseases,” she emphasized. 

The Permanent Secretary, SMOH, Pharm Obiageli Uchebo noted that the state government was committed to ensuring children in Anambra live healthy lives. 

She urged stakeholders to ensure that they play their roles to ensure that eligible children in the state aged zero to 59 months were fully immunized and protected from deadly diseases as the vaccines were free, safe and effective. 

The Director Disease Control and Immunization, ASPHCDA, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi, noted that the essence of the BCU campaign was to ensure that children with special reference to those aged 12 to 59 months who missed their vaccinations during the COVID-19 era were reached and immunised.

Dr Uju Eze, UNICEF Strategic Behavioral Change (SBC) Consultant, explained that the BCU campaign were for zero dose/unimmunized children who had uncompleted immunization status.

She, further, explained that the nine LGAs where the BCU campaign was ongoing were underperforming in Routine Immunization (RI), urging the stakeholders to use their network in their respective LGAs to help sensitize and create awareness on the importance of RI.

Also present at the meeting were State team and Partners. 

*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra state

ASPHCDA HOLDS MENTORING AND DATA VALIDATION OF M&ES, CEFPS, AND CHIPS DESK OFFICERS 

By Nnedinma Okeke  :

The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) has held a one-day State level mentoring and data validation of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers, Community Engagement Focal Persons (CEFPs) and Community Health Influencer Promoters (CHIPS) Desk Officers. 

The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem, present at the event held at King David Hotel, Awka commended the officers who according to her were gate keepers and eyes of the Agency in their various communities and wards. 

She explained that hardwork ensures for efficient service delivery, noting that the essence of the meeting was to mentor the officers on ways to ensure productivity specially in the area of data. 

The Executive Secretary assured that challenges faced by the officers would be looked into to ensure that they would be able to carryout their duties hitched free. 

The Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health (SMOH), Pharm Obiageli Uchebo noted that the works of the officers were important in communities and the health sector at large. 

She explained that their roles in the institution aids to breach the gap from the healthcare centre to the people, and from the people to the healthcare centre. 

Uchebo commended the Executive Secretary, State CHIPS Programme Officer and all officers present at the meeting for their efforts in ensuring that the CHIPS programme was kept alive and going. 

The Permanent Secretary also laid emphasis on the value and importance of data which according to her was a tool to make informed decisions and effect for change within the system. 

Anchoring the event on comments/ discussions on reports, the State CHIPS Programme Officer, Mrs Amaka Okoye explained that the meeting was centered around progress report on the CHIPS programme/data reporting and submission. 

The CHIPS Agents from various Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State thanked the Agency and its team for efforts in combating challenges they face in the discharge of their duties. They assured of continuous effective service delivery at the communities/grassroots. 

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

CARTER CENTRE REASSURES ITS COMMITMENT IN PREVENTION OF NTDs

By Chukwudi Nwauba/Azuka Nnabuife :

Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Health and Carter Centre has reassured their commitment in prevention of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) across the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said this during a news conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Interventions in Awka with the theme “Unite to Act Towards Elimination of NTDs.

He urged Carter Centre and academic institutions to strengthen collaboration with the government, to sustain the successes achieved in the prevention of NTDs.

“Residents should report cases of elephantiasis, hydrocele, dog bites, snake bites, poncho nodules, yaws, buruli ulcer, leprosy, guinea worm, and bloody urine, to the nearest health centre for prompt treatment.

“We have  established three centres for treating dog bite victims with rabies viral infection at Onitsha Federal Medical Centre, Ekwulobia, and Enugwu-Ukwu General Hospitals. 

“Out of the 156 dog bite cases, 118 victims showed open wounds and bleeding, and more than half received free prophylactic treatment with anti-rabies vaccines.

“Results indicated that 87 males and 69 females were exposed, representing 56% and 44% respectively.

“The incessant movement of unvaccinated homeless, stray dogs in our streets remains a big challenge of public health.

“We are collaborating with the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, to control rabies viral infection in the state,” he said.

Earlier, Mrs. Egeonu Attamah-Isiani, Programme Officer, Carter Centre, said that the centre would continue to support the state to eliminate NTDs and achieve the global target by 2030.

Prof. Nkiru Orji, Coordinator, Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), South-East, urged the State government to make policies and increase funding for NTDs research, to provide data for elimination.

*Nwauba and Nnabuife are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

ANAMBRA EDUCATION COMMISSIONER WARNS AEOS, ZEOS AGAINST OVERSTEPPING BOUNDARIES 

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma Udeh, has issued a stern warning to Area Education Officers (AEOs) and Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), urging them to strictly adhere to their roles and responsibilities.  

Speaking during a meeting with the AEO of Onitsha South and the Association of Private School Owners in Onitsha South at the Conference Hall, Ministry of Education, State Secretariat Complex in Awka, Prof. Chuma Udeh emphasized the importance of following due process in the civil service system.  

“Do things the right way, do not overstep the boundary,” she cautioned, stressing that every position in the education sector has clearly defined responsibilities that must not be exceeded.” 

She noted that any deviation from assigned duties is often driven by selfish ambition or ignorance, both of which are unacceptable. The Commissioner particularly frowned upon unauthorized seminars being organized by officers without proper approval from the Ministry of Education.  

“It is wrong for an officer to organize a seminar for private school owners without obtaining approval from the Ministry.” She clarified that due process requires a formal request for approval to be submitted to the ministry before any seminar is held, differentiating between a request for approval and a mere notification.  

Prof. Chuma Udeh further urged officers to report any anomalies they observe during the course of their duties to the ministry, which will then investigate and provide solutions,  reaffirming that the present administration will no longer tolerate abuse of power, warning that defaulters will be held accountable for their actions.  

The Commissioner’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency, discipline, and efficiency within the state’s education system.

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

FHIS TEAM VISITS ASHIA ON STUDY TOUR 

By Chisom Okafor  :

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) team has embarked on a three-day study tour of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) to gain insights into the agency’s operational framework.  

The team, led by the FHIS Executive Secretary, Dr. Salamatu Belgore, was warmly received by the Managing Director of ASHIA, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi. Dr. Belgore expressed appreciation for ASHIA’s hospitality and the willingness of its leadership to share valuable knowledge. 

She explained that the primary objective of the visit was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of ASHIA’s various departments, focusing on their operational structures, resource management strategies, and service delivery models. 

The goal, she noted, was to identify best practices that could be adopted to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of FHIS in the Federal Capital Territory.  

In his address, Dr. Onyemaechi assured the visiting team of a well-rounded learning experience covering key aspects of health insurance practice, claims management, and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). 

He highlighted ASHIA’s reputation as a model health insurance agency, noting that no fewer than 13 states had previously visited for similar study tours, emphasizing that ASHIA’s success in health insurance implementation had earned it national recognition as a benchmark for other states.  

Providing a broad overview, Dr. Onyemaechi explained the structure of health insurance as practiced globally before narrowing it down to Nigeria’s national and state-level schemes. He elaborated on the roles of key institutions such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) in implementing federal health policies. 

Assuring the FHIS team of a hands-on experience, Dr. Onyemaechi said, “We don’t just teach theory; my team will guide you through the practical aspects. You will also visit some of our healthcare providers to gain on-site experience and see firsthand how the system works in real-time.” 

The study tour is expected to equip the FHIS team with valuable insights and strategies to enhance health insurance implementation in the FCT, strengthening the overall healthcare system in Nigeria.

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

ANAMBRA NUJ FEBRUARY CONGRESS RECORDS HUGE ATTENDANCE

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

The February Congress of the Anambra State Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) drew a significant turnout from its various chapels. According to the Chairman, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, the union has around 400 active journalists, and approximately 300 attended the Congress, which was the first held after the January 24 election.

The Congress took place at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center, located behind the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Awka.

In his address, Odogwu expressed that the large turnout reflects a commitment to unity rather than division, providing an opportunity for the members to reunite as one family. He stated, “During the pre-election period, there were divisions, alliances, and disputes among members that were expected during the election. However, to the glory of God, we chose to unite. We held a prayer session today to ward off negative influences and remind ourselves that we are one family working for the glory of God.”

He urged members to serve society better and to refrain from behaving unprofessionally while carrying out their duties, emphasizing the importance of their role as a moral compass in society.

“I use this opportunity to encourage us all to work together. My success is your success, and any failure is ours as a union. But, with God’s grace, we will not focus on failure. I urge every journalist in Anambra State to come together with us, just like Dr. Nelson Omenugha, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Empowerment, and Prof. Chinyere Okunna, among others, who support us and attend our congresses.”

He stressed the importance of working for the benefit of the union, saying that his priority is to champion initiatives that will make everyone happy over the next three years.

In his speech, the Chairman of the State Information Chapel, Dr. Stanley Onunkwo, called on aggrieved members who felt offended during the election to forgive one another and collaborate with the new executive for the union’s growth and development.

He noted that the National Council of the union praised Anambra NUJ for conducting a peaceful, free, and fair election, which should serve as a model for other states.

The atmosphere of the Congress was marked by the distribution of rice to members, donated by Prof. Lilian Orogbu, a lawmaker representing the Awka North and South Federal Constituency.

*Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA STATE READY FOR SHOWS, SAYS CULTURE COMMISSIONER

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo  :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, has said that Anambra is prepared for shows aimed at promoting tourism and enhancing the state’s appeal. He emphasized that improvements in road infrastructure have been made to facilitate easy navigation.

Commissioner Onyenji made these remarks during a courtesy visit from members of the Entertainment Industry Stakeholders at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat in Awka. 

He said, “Roads, which have been one of our major challenges in the state, are now becoming a thing of the past, thanks to our esteemed Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who is working to build new roads and maintain existing ones. Furthermore, with the ongoing street lighting in the capital city and several major towns, Anambra will stand out and become remarkable”.

He also mentioned other significant projects underway, such as Solution Fun City, which will serve as a hub for entertainment, relaxation, and exciting attractions once completed. “As our Governor often says, we want to make Anambra a destination hub, not just a departure lounge.”

Earlier in the meeting, Udeagbala Chukwubuikem, the coordinator of the Entertainment Industry Stakeholders, thanked the Commissioner for their warm reception. He explained that their visit was to discuss their upcoming ‘Unboxed Party,’ which is the largest monthly entertainment event for young people in the Southeast and the Niger Delta.

He noted that they hosted over 10,000 youths for the Unboxed Party experience in Awka last December and are now planning a stadium edition, requesting government permission to use the Awka Township Stadium for the event.

“This show will showcase Anambra State as an entertainment-friendly destination, attracting young fun-seekers and stimulating economic activities. The number of attendees will not only include our locals but also visitors from outside the state, which will benefit local businesses,” he added.

He further said that the event would unlock the potential of the creative industry in the state and improve its security narrative. Additionally, he expressed hope that granting permission for the stadium would inspire other event organizers, demonstrating that the Anambra State government is open to hosting events in its facilities to support the local creative industry.

He concluded by appealing for the presence of Governor  Soludo at the event to motivate and inspire them.

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

Skip to content