The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji has called on Anambra’s illustrious sons and daughters in The Diaspora to come home and invest, noting that the State is safe and has good road networks.
“Anambra State in the whole of Southeast is ranked the number one in the ease of doing business and our Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has built a lot of roads across the state which will expedite tourism in the state.”
The commissioner said this during the unveiling of the Soul City Obosi Project, at a business dinner held at the Hilton Leisure Hotel and Suites, Regina Ceali, Awka.
He noted that the design of the Soul City Obosi project is superb and in a good location at the base of the second Niger Bridge.
“Everything expected to be done for a safe investment by the public has been done and investors are safe to invest.”
He pledged government’s readiness to support investors to enjoy their investment in any part of the state, noting that Mr. Governor is on the right track and more things are coming.
The founder, Soul City Estate, Mr. Nnamdi Nwokoye said that the project is a dream come through which will make Anambra State great.
“Soul City, Smart City is a tourism area which will have a mini zoo, schools, hotels, hospitals, residential, amusement parks, others and will be second to none in Nigeria.
“Our investors from Europe and America will be here soon. Hon. Commissioner, I assure you that as this is starting in your time, it is going to be completed in your time too. We will continue to wish for your support for the project.”
He, then, thanked the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism for the support rendered to him in ensuring the project undergoes due process.
In a presentation on the benefits of Real Estate Investment, Dr. Tony Mbeke said that Real Estate is a life investment that does not depreciate with time and Soul City Estate is a real wonderland in a great location.
“Soul City is a place to invest your money for the organizers are reliable and the location where it is located is in a good site where everyone would want to be. Invest in land purchase because it is a seed you should sow today for your future and the unborn,” he said.
He warned the public to be mindful of where they invest their hard-earned money as regards the purchase of land.
One of the investors in Soul City Estate Obosi, Chief Arthur Nworah said that it is good to invest in Soul City.
A cultural Dance performance by the Anambra State Troupes and a Music presentation by an upcoming artist ‘Apete’ formed the high point of the event.
*Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) enforcement team in collaboration with Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG) has on April 4, took a decisive action to dislodge illegal occupants from an uncompleted building at Amawbia Express intended for use as a hotel due to concerns over threats and nuisances to the surrounding environment.
Prompted by a surge in drugs peddling and other illicit enterprises within the environment, officials of the two combined teams acted swiftly to dislodge approximately 300 individuals hailing from Kano, Taraba, Kogi, Adamawa and various other states, who had unlawfully occupied the structure.
Addressing Journalists in Amawbia, Anambra State, the Commander of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Mr. Ugochukwu Nwimo, said that there are urgent need for intervention, citing rampant illegal enterprises and public nuisance perpetrated by the occupants.
Nwimo, who said that there was prior warnings and 14 days eviction notice to the illegal occupants of the structure, they persisted in their nefarious activities, hence, a comprehensive response from authorities.
Speaking on the need to maintain law and order in the capital city, Mr Nwimo said that contact with the owner of the building showed his lack of knowledge regarding the unauthorized tenants, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In his words, “Efforts are underway to ensure the safety and well-being of children and women found in the premises. while measures are being taken to prevent similar situations in the future” he said.
When inquired by the newsmen on the arrangement of the occupants of the uncompleted building, a private security man from Adamawa State, Muhammed Garba who oversees the premises, clarified that the owner of the building had no knowledge of the illegal occupants.
Garba, who said that he accommodated them based on brotherhood and tribal affection, acknowledged that there was nefarious activities ongoing within and around the area, but insisted he has never been part of such act, nor has any arrangement whatsoever in constituting public nuisance.
Residents who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, expressed gratitude for ACTDA’s intervention, applauding the restoration of order and the eradication of the criminal hub.
They unanimously acknowledged the persistent security and social challenges posed by the presence of those occupants and welcomed the decisive action taken by authorities to restore sanity to the state.
*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
In a firm stance against examination malpractice, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has emphatically said that parents and unauthorized individuals will not be permitted entry into examination centres across the state during the Transition Placement Examination.
The directive was issued during an interactive session with Zonal and Area Education Officers (ZEO) at the Ministry of Education Conference Hall, State Secretariat Complex, Awka.
Commissioner Chuma-Udeh emphasized that severe consequences await anyone found violating this directive, as the government aimed to curb instances of examination malpractice within examination centers.
Expressing concern over this, Commissioner Chuma-Udeh underscored the necessity for strict compliance with the directive.
She urged officers to ensure that invigilators are fully informed about the directive and to enforce its implementation, asserting that the state government will not tolerate any deviation from the directive.
She urged the officers to ensure that only bonafide serving teachers, and not Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) teachers or retired teachers serve as invigilators during the examination.
In a similar development, the Ministry of Education has issued a directive urging schools in the state to adhere to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s mandate for the installation of IP cameras.
Addressing Zonal Education officers and Area Education officers at a meeting held in Awka, Prof. Chuma-Udeh emphasized the necessity of complying with the governor’s injunction.
She highlighted Gov. Soludo’s concern over the escalating incidents of student molestation, prompting the decision to implement surveillance measures both inside and outside the classrooms.
The commissioner urged officers to prioritize the prompt installation of IP cameras in schools under their jurisdiction to enhance safety and deter misconduct.
*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Participants at a two day farmers summit/international conference on agriculture have called on governments and stakeholders in the sector to deploy new technologies leveraging on the development of organic farming to boost food security in the nation.
Professionals in the sector comprising of practitioners,scholars and policy makers drawn from across the nation and beyond made this call during the conference organised by the Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University,Awka at the Institution’s Auditorium.
Declaring Open the conference with the theme”Digitalisation of Agriculture and Bio-conservation for food security” the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, described the theme of the conference as apt considering the era of digital switch and it’s relevance in enhancing agricultural practice and food supply which is very pivotal to sustaining economic growth and development of the nation.
Prof. Esimone who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, , assured the Faculty of the continuous support of the present administration at a time where every citizen of the nation ought to join the practice of agriculture either by food production or animal husbandry.
The scholar stated that now the Faculty is about completing her movement to its permanent site based at Ifite-Ogwari and Umueje, the University community is eagerly awaiting the advent of the Farmer’s Market which will lead to revenue generation for the institution and supply of farm produce to the University Community and beyond.
In her address, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Cordelia Ebenebe informed that the International Conference is aimed at relating with practitioners in the same trade at the global parlance, to learn from their achievements and strategies designed to surmount challenges.
Prof. Ebenebe disclosed that it was on this note that the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) engaged not just erudite personalities in the field of agriculture but also real farmers with the wealth of experience in the sector.
In his Keynote Speech, a Former Director, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) Ghana, Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo harped on the essence of big data science and applications of digital trends to produce food.
Underscoring the importance of smart farming in the areas of irrigation, livestock farming,crop growth model,robotics and equipment automation,he made a strong case for use of lots of scientific and mechanical innovations to make farming more sustainable.
On his part, Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Foster Ihejiofor,who received an award of recognition during the event, described the event as apt and designed to proffer solution to food crisis facing the nation.
He stated that all hands must be on deck in the practice of agriculture to make profitable and sustainable as it is a way of feeding the nation, creating of jobs and generating wealth.
Dr. Ihejiofor emphasized that the Gov. Soludo’s administration is using agriculture to provide opportunities and jobs for the youths of the state with technology driven ways to enhance their skills and competence.
The Agric. Commissioner informed that the state have gone into Oil Palm and Coconut tree planting by distribution and cultivation of seedlings which in the nearest future will generate funds for the state.
The lead paper presenter and Director, Songhai Integrated Farm, Port Novo, Republic of Benin, Rev. Fr. Prof. Godfrey Nzamujo presented a paper titled, “The Challenges today in Harnessing and Deploying Digital Technology to leverage Regenerative Agriculture,”
He stated that the challenges facing the sector is on how to use agro-ecological and climate-smart principles and practices to turn our present food and agricultural system into a resilient, regenerative, high productive and sustainable system.
Prof. Nzamujo averred that agricultural initiative at Songhai Integrated Farm is based on the conviction that the present situation requires a radical change in our agricultural system to enable people to develop the awareness and capacities commensurate with the dynamics of biological systems and our environmental capital.
The scholar also highlighted that Green Economy of tomorrow termed Agro-economy should be based on tripod comprising of the living (Biological Sciences), Decentralized Renewal Energy and Digital Technologies.
While calling for new technologies adaptable in organic agriculture production,he showcased how he was privileged to witness new technologies deployed in both livestock and crop production in Songhai.
He commended the Faculty of Agriculture for the initiative behind the all important conference geared towards enhancing the Agricultural sector.
On her part, the Chairperson, FAIC Organizing Committee, Dr. Eucharia Obidiebube noted that the conference provided a platform for discussion on the modern trends in agriculture and also a way to encourage the youths to embrace agriculture as a means of wealth creation.
The scholar disclosed that the Committee invited Prof. Nzamujo as one of the lead paper presenter to share in his wealth of knowledge and as well explore the Songhai Integrated Farm as the institution plans to establish a Pilot Farm with a view to having institutionalized based Songhai Farm.
Other scholars who spoke at the conference were Prof. Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University of Nigeria and Prof. Rotimi Akuko, Director Canada Research Chair Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research.
The opening ceremony of the conference also featured Farmers’ Summit, Conferment of Awards and Recognition of students of the Faculty for their academic excellence.
In line with its vision aimed at digitally revolutionizing the media landscape, the Anambra State ICT Agency, in collaboration with Activ8 Hub, on Thursday, hosted an enriching workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Journalism for media professionals.
The workshop took the practitioners through emerging AI models, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Bing AI, Microsoft Copilot, among others, with the aim of enhancing their journalistic practices, ensure more efficient, accurate and compelling reportage.
The event featured experts such as; Mr. Chukwuma Mezie-Okoye, co-founder of Activ8 Hub, and Nehemiah Onyekachukwu Emmanuel, an AI Engineer with Microsoft who offered deep insight into the transformative impact of AI in journalism. With a focus on leveraging AI to bolster productivity, fact-checking, and narrative crafting, the session illuminated the path for journalists to integrate these cutting-edge tools into their work responsibly.
It also marked a significant stride in Anambra’s technological advancement, as was highlighted by the MD/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata who shared insights into the progress of work on the state’s ICT infrastructural development, which he noted has vastly improved internet connectivity, thus facilitating more innovative initiatives.
According to him, the digital revolution ongoing in the state is only possible because Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo understands the 21st Century technology demands and is providing the support and political will required to guarantee such advancements.
“This workshop not only signifies Anambra State’s commitment to empowering its journalists but also reflects the government’s dedication to leveraging technology for societal advancement.
“As AI continues to evolve, Anambra’s media professionals need to be better equipped to navigate the digital age, ensuring the delivery of credible, insightful, and engaging content to their audience.
“This training further underscores the state government’s undertanding of the critical role of media practitioners in the digital revolution in the state and our commitment to “EverythingTechnology, Technology Everywhere” in the state
“AI is getting more sophisticated by the day and journalists must make the most use of the tool because it has the capacity to make enhance productivity,” Agbata concluded.
In his words, Co-Founder, Activ8 Hub, Mr. Chukwuma Mezie-Okoye, expressed profound appreciation for the partnership and pledged continued support towards the advancement of digital revolution in the state.
“The message is clear: Embrace AI, not as a replacement, but as a complement to journalistic excellence, shaping a more informed, discerning, and connected world, welcome to the future”.
Mr. Ogemdi Ozoemenam expressed gratitude on behalf of all participants, thanking the Anambra State Government and Activ8 Hub for the crucial training on AI in Journalism. ” We are optimistic that it will enhance our professional endeavors” he concluded.
* Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu has charged Ndi Anambra to key in to the Healthy living with Nonye Soludo.
Healthy living with Nonye Soludo is a social health crusade founded by Dr.Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, aims at re-establishing a health conscious mindset and promote the philosophy of right health in families, schools and communities in Anambra State and beyond.
The mission is to mobilise all critical segments of the society to make healthy living an important culture
Speaking at the ASUBEB hall, during the distribution of 27,000 cartons of vitamins supplements to elderly people in the 336 wards of Anambra State by Healthy living with Nonye Soludo, the commissioner reiterates that good health and clean environment will bring out productivity in the lives of every onye Anambra for maximum output in rendering services.
He thanked Mr.Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for creating enabling environment for greener, clean and livable Anambra, assuring the wife of the governor that he will personally take the crusade of healthy living with Nonye Soludo down to all corners of the state.
* Kennedy is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*
In her resolve to upscale the literacy skills of Anambra Students, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Ude has rewarded the winners of the 2023 Spelling Bee competition.
The competition held last year at Best Western Meloch Hotel, Awka featured first and third positions clinched by Master Delight Okeke and Miss Lois Igube from Holy Ghost International Primary School, Awka.
Presenting the gifts to the pupils at Holy Ghost International Primary School Awka, the commissioner praised the pupils for their dedication to education and encouraged them to appreciate their parents’ efforts.
She also acknowledged the school and its teachers for their role in shaping their futures.
The school’s proprietor, Mrs Ubosi-Okeke Kenechukwu expressed gratitude to the commissioner and Governor Chukwuma Soludo for their contributions to the education sector.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to the winning pupils by the commissioner.
*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*
The Anambra State Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Agency has extended its sincere appreciation to Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo for the transparent and merit-based appointment of new permanent secretaries in the state’s civil service.
According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the agency
attest to Mr Governor’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance and his prioritization of meritocracy, which ensured that the appointments are based on the candidates’ qualifications and commitment to service.
“It is also not lost on us, the meticulous consideration of criteria such as professional spread, which helped identify high-performing individuals from different professions and climes, who have shown great commitment to serving Anambra State.
“Among the distinguished appointees is Dr. Florence Idigo-Ibenta, a Director in the state Civil service, serving with the Anambra State ICT Agency.
“Dr. Florence’s contribution towards the state’s recognition at the 11th National Council on Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) meeting in Kano, signposts her dedication and leadership.
While appreciating Governor Soludo’s visionary leadership and expresses profound gratitude for the appointment process that upholds the principles of fairness and equal opportunity, the agency congratulates one of her own, Dr. Florence Idigo-Ibenta for this great accomplishment and wishes her greater breakthroughs and success in her new role.
_Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State _
The Industry Commissioner, Anambra State, Mr. Christian Udechukwu has said that the state government have initiated plans to establish economic ties and investment relationship with Indonesia as well as open the doors to bilateral travels.
Mr. Udechukwu said, “such is a unique opportunity for Nigeria, especially Anambra to build a stronger relationship in respect to industrial development.
The Commissioner made this known during a live conference call of the “2nd International Forum of Higher Education,Industry, Government Partnership Meeting and Education Expo” hosted by Anambra-Indonesia Industrial Partnership Development.
“Our interest in participating in this program is primarily to update ourselves on the opportunity that exist on both sides.”
According to the commissioner, Indonesia and Nigeria have a lot of things in common, saying that in terms of population, Indonesia is estimated to be about 275 billion while Nigeria is about 260 million.
“There is opportunities for companies in Indonesia to participate in infrastructure development for Nigeria particularly Anambra.
“I speak particularly in respect of oil and gas, food crops development such as palm oil, coconut, rice soy beans, sugar, corn and more.
“I am aware that between the periods of 1978 to 1988, Indonesia facing some good challenges made significant investments in food development with the result that there is a higher degree of food sufficiency in food production for Indonesia.
“Today, your research development and investment policies will be very useful to Nigeria at this moment. The global cost of living crises that started in Europe, UK and America last year has come to Nigeria and so we are facing food security challenges.We can benefit from Indonesia experience to repeat what they did in 1978 to1988.
The Commissioner expressed that the state is building industries for the purposes of participation in agro food processing, automotive development, economic free zones where companies from Indonesia can benefit from making pioneer incentives in terms of taxing the availability of lands, approvals for establishment of industries which some may be solely owned by Indonesians or joint venture with local partners.”
According to him, the participation of Indonesia in our industrial development would be a significant development as we are very viable in ICT development. We have a Centre called the Solution Innovation District which is entirely dedicated to ICT development and in the next few weeks, we will be launching a program designed to train 1 million digital citizens of the state.
Mr. Udechukwu noted that Anambra has a population of about 8.5 million people and will like to train a million to be literate in ICT and industrial processing so that they will be able to work remotely to serve Indonesian companies as well as come over to Indonesia with their ICT skills if the need arises.
“Nigeria is also African’s fastest ICT economy but the size of the market and the volume of trade in servicing is not as high as that of Indonesians, we are just about to take off because the size of the market in Nigeria is just under five billion.
The Commissioner highlighted that Indonesia is a market leader in tourism, hospitality, hotel development and in the service sector and for us in Nigeria and Anambra in particular it is a very high growth sector.
“We have the population of 8.5 million and we have a national population of over 260 million and with the Africa free trade areas, we have a population of 1.2 billion as well as a market size of over 7 trillion dollars.
“I know that this is a market that Indonesia will be happy to be in. With the Africa free trade growing, companies from Indonesia that are investing in Anambra can serve the entire 1.2 billion people in Africa and get the share of 7 trillion dollar economy.The is the new future that we are opening up to our partners who chose to do business with us.
“We have just concluded a master plan for an industrial city on a 4000 hectare plots of land and in that portion, we are dedicating about 400 hectares to automotive and pharmaceutical product development. We know that Indonesia is also very viable in pharmaceutical production so we welcome your company into the state to participate in the development of Africa’s new 65 nation market located in the state.
The Commissioner emphasized that the state have a population that is highly literate at about 97 percent, adding that the state recently launched a free education program which implied that literacy rate will be approaching 100 percent in the next five years.
According to him, the state is also interested to see that there is a deepening of bilateral relationship in aviation thus having Indonesian airlines flying into Nigeria on a direct flight basis where possible or one stop over in whatever location they prefer.
Mr. Udechukwu added that the state also wants to grow significantly in area of aqua culture, saying that between 2018, Indonesia had an outstanding breakthrough in sea food production to about using 99,000Km of coastline and they were able to excel in sector alone to about 9.3 million tones of production.
Nevertheless, Nigeria does not have the same length of coastline but we have about 400km of miles for fish and aqua culture development as well as about 450km of coastline.
“In this specific areas, we will like to see a growing partnership, a partnership that works and I consider that the opportunity to speak through this forum is a first significant step in deepening and establishing business relationship.”
Present during the live conference meeting is the SSA on Industry, Mr Eloka Mmaduekwe.
*Amaka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
In the aftermath of the USTDA Reverse Trade Mission on Cybersecurity, the imperative for international collaboration to combat the escalating menace of cyber threats has become ever more apparent.
Among the Nigerian Delegation to the mission held from February 4 to 15, 2024, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, played a pivotal role alongside counterparts from Ghana and industry leaders in the United States. Together, they shared insights, shedding light on the global implications of cyber threats and the necessity for collaborative efforts.
Highlighting the interconnected nature of cyber threats transcending geographical boundaries, Mr. Agbata underscored the significance of local cyber resilience. “Cybersecurity is an escalating issue that demands proactive measures through robust policies and infrastructure,” he emphasized.
In a groundbreaking move to secure its digital landscape, the Anambra State Government, led by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, has taken substantial steps in advancing cybersecurity within the state, which underscored the administration’s deep understanding of cybersecurity’s pivotal role in modern governance.
Gov. Soludo’s administration stood out as the first in the state’s history to prioritize cybersecurity to this extent. This marked a critical shift toward safeguarding the state’s digital infrastructure and assets, demonstrating a commitment to security and sustainability.
The administration’s dedication is evidenced by the developing of a comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy, Information security strategies, and frameworks. These initiatives aimed not only to protect the state’s digital environment but also to create a resilient framework against evolving cyber threats. This holistic approach ensured that Anambra’s digital transformation journey remained secure and sustainable.
In an interview, Mr. Nonso Okoye, Senior Special Assistant to Mr. Governor on Cybersecurity, emphasized that cybersecurity is everyone’s business. Recognizing the borderless nature of cyber threats, he stressed the need for a unified global effort to safeguard digital infrastructures.
A notable aspect of Anambra State’s cybersecurity strategy is its emphasis on developing indigenous technological solutions. This focus enhanced security and fostered innovation, economic development, and local expertise. Plans for establishing an incident reporting portal and drafting business and government continuity plans, further underline the administration’s commitment to a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
Mr. Okoye also stressed the importance of community-level cyber resilience, recognizing the localized impact of cybersecurity challenges. “The agency remained committed to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity developments, implementing proactive measures, and advocating for a collaborative approach to mitigate cyber risks”, he concluded.
Gov. Soludo’s administration’s efforts in fortifying the state’s cybersecurity showcased a commendable blend of vision, innovation, and strategic planning. As Anambra advances toward a fully digitized governance model, these cybersecurity measures ensured that the state is not only prepared to defend against digital threats but also positioned as a leader in digital security and governance.
The Anambra State ICT Agency invites stakeholders, industry partners, and the community to join hands in building a resilient digital future. By sharing experiences, and best practices, and fostering collaboration, we can collectively enhance our cyber defenses.
*Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
