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COMMUNICATION KEY TO SUCCESSFUL PROJECT EXECUTION, SAYS POWER COMMISSIONER

By Azuka Offor :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Mr Julius Chukwuemeka has emphasised the importance of communication in executing any governmental projects. Mr Chukwuemeka made this known when the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Crew paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Awka .

He expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with ABS station, as part of Governor Soludo’s team, to keep Anambra residents informed about the governor’s accomplishments and future plans for their well-being.

The commissioner emphasized that Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) needs to enhance its outreach efforts to inform the public about Governor Soludo’s accomplishments. “Without effective communication, even the most impactful projects can be claimed by others as their own.”

Highlighting the governor’s achievements, Mr Chukwuemeka noted that the Ministry of Power and Water Resources has initiated the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the state, stressing
that the cost of operating the street lights using diesel, is much more than enough to construct few kilometers of roads. This helps in cutting cost of governance.

The commissioner emphasized that to achieve Governor Soludo’s vision of transforming Anambra into a livable and prosperous megacity, the ministry is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating global warming’s effects through the installation of solar power systems in all water projects across the state, making renewable energy the primary power source.

According to him, the ministry follows the ISE principle for executing government developmental projects. ISE stands for Impact, Sustainability, and Eco-friendliness, ensuring that projects benefit the people, promote sustainability, and minimize environmental harm.

He expressed his satisfaction that Anambra State is now leading in solar street lights as individuals, markets and other states are emulating the state.

On his part, the Managing Director of A.B.S, Mr Chris Molokwu thanked the Solution Governor for his numerous achievements in ABS especially the water supply project through the ministry. He commended the commissioner and permanent secretary for their efforts in transforming the ministry through solar energy.

He expressed the station’s readiness to partner with the ministry to keep residents informed about the state government’s accomplishments through their platforms.

Mr. Molokwu seized the opportunity to outline the organization’s needs, which include installing solar systems at the MD’s office and other ABS offices as well as upgrading and rehabilitating the power system at their Enugwu Ukwu transmission station and a generator set for backup power supply.

Those present at the visit included the Permanent Secretary, Sir Victor Ezekwo, the Director of News, Mrs Judy Jeff Nwabueze, Director of Commercial Services, Mrs Uju Ifediba, the News Editors, Mr Abuchi Nwozo and Mrs Ngozi Obileri.

  • Offor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

DR. MEFOR DECRIES JOURNALISTS’ WELFARE, PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR 2025 ANAMBRA NUJ ELECTION

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has advised the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to work towards prioritising the welfare of members.

Addressing members of the NUJ, Anambra State Credentials Committee, who visited him at his office in Awka, Mefor decried the plight of journalists in Nigeria, pointing out that they are not only underappreciated but are sometimes maligned by those in other professions, particularly politicians who obstruct their jobs and put them in harm’s way.

“Every news media platform should work out some life assurance for journalists. I would want the NUJ to think in terms of basic welfare packages for members, particularly their family members when they go prematurely in the line of duty.

“As for your program, you need to seek more support outside because you have been working for society. The job is a thankless job. Journalists are underappreciated and maligned by others who obstruct their jobs and put them in harm’s way. The job is very risky. Society should appreciate your work by supporting your programs. I noticed it’s only the press that is called out and given the responsibility to hold the government accountable in the Nigerian Constitution. This is a tool media practitioners have to leverage to make the profession much more potent and relevant,” he said.

The commissioner further assured that he will study their requests regarding the forthcoming NUJ Anambra Election and make a case to the appropriate quarters as the ministry can’t do much.

Earlier, the chairman of the Credentials Committee, Dr. Stanley Ikem Onunkwo, informed the Commissioner of the NUJ Anambra Election coming up in January 2025 and asked for the government’s assistance to ensure a successful election.

In a vote of thanks, a member of the group, Comrade Ebele Ézè, lauded Dr. Mefor’s numerous contributions in the field of journalism and urged him to assist them in reaching out to people.

Other members of the committee present during the visit were Mr. Chris Obileri of Radio Nigeria Purity FM and the Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika.

ANAMBRA GOVT RECOGNIZES CREATIVE INDUSTRY’S POTENTIALS, SAYS CULTURE COMMISSIONER 

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

The Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, says the Solution government acknowledges the potential of the creative industry, which encompasses arts, tourism, entertainment, and culture, by repositioning, developing and transforming the state into a tourism destination hub through the ongoing construction of projects such as the Solution Fun City, Agulu Lake Resorts, others.

The Commissioner made these remarks during a courtesy visit from the executive of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Anambra State Chapter, in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat in Awka.

He emphasized that the creative industry is a leading source of global employment, highlighting that the filmmakers have a significant role to play in promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people and nation’s growth.

“The message we pass through films is very critical. We must always use film to market our state, promote our core values and cultures to the world. Again, this government recognizes your guild by appointing a known face to be part of the government,” he added.

He congratulated the new executive, encouraging them to use their films to highlight the developmental progress occurring in various sectors of the state.

The State Chairman of AGN, Anambra Chapter, Mrs. Anyaegbunam Chinyelu expressed gratitude to the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for the massive development going on in the state and to the Commissioner for the warm reception accorded to them. 

She expressed that their visit was to felicitate and present the new executive of the AGN to him as well as declare their interest in promoting the Ministry’s projects when beckoned. 

She said, “We need government recognition and support in accommodation and logistics just like our counterparts in other states enjoy from their government, to enable us to function effectively and have a strong filmmaking hub”.

*Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

DR. MEFOR VISITS ANAMBRA POLICE COMMISSIONER —CALLS FOR ADEQUATE TRAINING AND PROFILING OF VIGILANTE OPERATIVES  

By Rose Oranye  :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, on Monday, October 28, 2024, paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, to familiarise and share ideas on better ways to improve on the current security situation in the state.

Addressing the Police Commissioner at his office in Amawbia, Mefor opined that profiling and adequate training of vigilante operatives by the police will not only enable prompt and proper flow of information but will help build their general orientation to effectively discharge their duties.

“I felt the need to see you. I speak for the government, and that means I have to comment on security issues whenever the need arises. We really need to be in touch so that we will be on the same page in matters of security.

“I want to commend the police for their efforts in combating crime. I am also worried about the issue of profiling of vigilante operatives in the state. Security challenges in Anambra State are becoming more and more asymmetric, meaning that a lot of the enemies are embedded. We need to know who the vigilante security operatives are. They need to be trained psychologically apart from weapon handling and otherwise.

“Undergoing training by the police will help build their capacity for the job. Most of them are barely trained in gun handling. If the vigilante security operatives are properly constituted, they will be an extension of the police and supply basic information that will help your work as expected in community policing. There’s a need to fully recover the state from criminals,” Mefor said.

Responding, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam expressed happiness over the Commissioner’s visit and expressed commitment to improving the security situation of the state and urged Ndị Anambra to always cooperate with the police to enable the Force to serve them better.

While appreciating the Information Commissioner’s suggestion about vigilante security operatives’ profiling, CP Itam assured that the police have plans to restructure operations regarding the vigilante operations and other levels of security operations in the state.

The Police Commissioner further disclosed his plans to commence a radio program ‘Ask the Police,” with Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), where DPOs and other senior police officers will interact with the people in the weekly radio programme.

* Oranye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

UNLOCKING IDEAS: SID KICKS OFF ANAMBRA MAIDEN INNOVATION WEEK

By Henrietta Madichie/Uche Igboeli/ Azuka Nnabuife :

In alignment with Governor Charles Soludo’s vision to transform Anambra State into a digital and creative capital, the Solution Innovation District (SID) has officially announced the inaugural Anambra Innovation Week 2024 (AIW2024).

This initiative is dedicated to fostering a robust ecosystem for digital talent, startups, and innovative businesses across the state.

Chinwe Okoli, the Special Adviser to the governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, shared details about the event during a press briefing in her Awka office.

She emphasized that the primary goal of AIW2024 is to nurture and support the startup ecosystem by incubating promising ventures, promoting research and commercialization and enabling businesses to leverage technology for scalable growth.

Okoli highlighted that Anambra Innovation Week is poised to become an annual flagship event, showcasing Nigeria and Africa’s rapidly growing and vibrant technology and innovation landscape.

“The event will convene innovators, policymakers, top technology CEOs, industry entrepreneurs, investors, digital experts, and academics from Africa and beyond.

“AIW2024 will feature a variety of activities, including exhibitions, showcases, and competitions, notably the “Battle 4 Solution.”

“This competition will reward the brightest startups in Nigeria with a total cash prize pool of 100 million naira for solutions addressing critical societal challenges across various sectors.

“Innovators from Anambra and across Nigeria are encouraged to apply and participate in the Battle 4 Solution, with applications now open at [www.innovationweek.anambrastate.gov.ng]

“This year’s theme is ‘Creating the Future of Africa Now”.”

The Anambra Innovation Week is scheduled to take place from November 25 to 29, 2024, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Agu Awka, Anambra State.

JONAPWD URGES NEWLY ELECTED LGA LEADERS TO CHAMPION DISABILITY INCLUSION IN GOVERNANCE

By Chidimma Ajemba :

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, has congratulated the newly elected local government area chairmen and councillors on their successful elections. The association, which advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities, called on the newly appointed leaders to prioritize inclusivity in their governance approach.

In a press release signed by the JONAPWD State Chairman, Comr. Ugochukwu Ernest C. Okeke, the association acknowledged the hard-earned trust the citizens of Anambra placed in the newly elected officials, urging them to use their new positions to foster equitable representation for all members of society.

A key request made by JONAPWD Anambra is for the appointment of persons with disabilities as Special Assistants on disability matters at the local government level.

According to the organization, including disabled persons in governance will enhance the policymaking process by ensuring that their specific needs are addressed and considered.

They emphasized that such appointments would not only support equity and justice but also empower the disabled community by giving them a platform to contribute to local governance.

The association referenced the Anambra State Disability Rights Law of 2018, Section 52, Subsection 1, which calls for the full participation of persons with disabilities in politics and public life without discrimination.

“This is an important step in creating inclusive communities, and we believe that by leveraging the leadership of the newly elected chairmen and councillors, positive changes will be made towards building accessible local governments across Anambra State,” said Comr. Okeke.

They further expressed optimism about the future and pledged their full support to the new local government leaders, stating their readiness to collaborate on initiatives that promote inclusivity and equal representation in governance.

The association’s call is a crucial move to ensure the rights and needs of persons with disabilities are given due attention in the new administration in the 21 local government areas of the state.

  • Ajemba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

MEFOR URGES JOURNALISTS TO UPHOLD ETHICS, PROFESSIONALISM

By Obinwa Chikaodili / Henrietta Madichie :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has called on media practitioners to uphold the highest standard of ethics and professionalism, emphasizing the need for fair, accurate, and objective reporting to strengthen their credibility as society’s watchdogs.

Dr. Mefor made this appeal on October 25, during a courtesy visit by the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), led by its chairperson, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejirika in his office at the Jerome Udorji Secretariat, Awka.

While highlighting the press critical role in ensuring effective governance and promoting democratic dividends, the commissioner urged journalists to prioritize Anambra State in their reporting. 

According to him, the achievements of this government are underreported, underscoring the media’s responsibility to shape public perception and spotlight the successes of the administration.

In her remarks, Comrade Ifejika expressed gratitude to the commissioner for the warm reception, reaffirming NAWOJ’s commitment to upholding ethical journalism and pledged the association’s cooperation with the state government to drive meaningful progress.

She was accompanied on the visit by some members of NAWOJ.

*Chikodili, Henrietta are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

DR. MEFOR COMMENDS TECH INITIATIVE IN ANAMBRA STATE

By Uche Igboeli/ Henrietta madichie/ Azuka Nnabufe :

Dr. Law Mefor, Anambra State Commissioner  for Information, visited the Innovation Solution District, Government House in Awka to champion the upcoming Innovation Week.

In a discussion with Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Dr. Mefor praised the initiative to organize the upcoming Tech Project, emphasizing the significance of the Solution Innovation/Tech Week, which aims to leverage technology and innovation to train and empower the youth of Anambra, particularly in gaining vital digital skills for employment.

The commissioner assured that his Ministry is committed to partnering with the initiative through extensive mobilization and awareness efforts. This will involve engaging church leaders, chieftaincy councils, and community representatives to encourage youth participation in the event.

The Special Assistant elaborated on the goals of the Innovation/Tech Week, which is designed to bring together tech innovators and communities from around the world to Anambra State. The event will focus on discussions surrounding ICT and digitization.

Additionally, Okoli announced a competition as part of the week’s activities, where the winner will receive a prize of N1million. The event is set to commence on November 25 and will span an entire week.

Mr. Ikechukwu Anajemba, a tech expert, highlighted the various programs included in the district drive, which encompass digital learning, productivity tools, graphic design, website development, and coding. These learning tracks have previously demonstrated significant success in supporting entrepreneurs and startups in their business growth.

He urged the youth of Anambra to take advantage of this free initiative set forth by the governor, encouraging them to apply and participate actively.

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

ANAMBRA PRIORITIZES ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, SAYS EDUCATION COMMISSIONER  

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma- Udeh has emphasised that the state government is working relentlessly to ensure the state’s academic excellence remains unrivaled.

Speaking at the 2024/2025 WAEC and Education Stakeholders Committee meeting held at the Ministry of Education’s Conference Hall in Awka, the commissioner highlighted the state’s continuous efforts to sustain and surpass its academic achievements.

Professor Chuma-Udeh assured the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) team, led by Branch Controller Mr. Uduak-Akpan, that the ministry remains committed to excellence, stating, “We are not resting on our oars.” She outlined strategic initiatives aimed at further enhancing Anambra’s academic reputation, demonstrating the ministry’s proactive approach to education.

According to her, “one of such initiatives involves the recruitment and deployment of qualified teachers, particularly from remote areas like Anambra East, to address the shortage of educators and ensure students in these regions have uninterrupted access to education throughout the academic year.

“With the recent addition of 8,115 teachers, the state has now exceeded both the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation( UNESCO) and national teacher-student ratio guidelines, a significant milestone,” she noted.

Professor Chuma-Udeh also pointed to several key programs, including the annual teacher’s boot camp, periodic teacher examinations, competency-based capacity development programs, and incentives such as the payment of three years’ counterpart funding for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). 

These initiatives, she said, are part of the current administration’s commitment to maintaining top-tier performance in the education sector.

The commissioner underscored the importance of continuous professional development, stating that these programs are designed to equip teachers with the latest advancements in pedagogy and help them refine their skills.

Earlier, the WEAC facilitator, Mrs. Genevieve Chukwudi Nwoko, guided the committee through an in-depth analysis of the various factors contributing to declining student performance, while also offering recommendations to enhance student achievement

The meeting was attended by several education stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, and the Director of Schools, Mrs. Ifeoma Onyeneke, amongst others.

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

ACTDA DEMOLISHES SHANTIES, MAKESHIFT SHOPS TO CLEAR MAJOR ROADS IN AWKA

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has conducted a significant demolition exercise targeting illegal structures and makeshift shops obstructing free flow of traffic in key areas of Awka, Anambra State. The move is part of the agency’s urban regeneration efforts to restore the city’s master plan and expand critical road networks.

Addressing Journalists at the demolition sites in Awka, ACTDA’s Deputy Commander of Enforcement, Mr. Ukachukwu Okonkwo who led the exercise said that the first phase of the demolition took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe Avenue by Igwebuike axis, near the old Nipost structure. 

“This is a major tarred road, but part of it were illegally occupied by individuals who built shops and workshops, including a carpentry workshop producing upholstery. We deemed it necessary to open up the road,” Okonkwo explained. He added that once cleared, the full size of the road was revealed, allowing for easier movement of vehicles.

Mr. Okonkwo said that the second phase of the exercise was carried out along Abakaliki Street, Club Road, where illegal shops were constructed under high-tension power lines. “These land grabbers initially set up makeshift shops but later started building permanent structures under the power lines, which is not only illegal but also poses serious safety risks.” He noted that several structures were demolished, while others have been marked for further demolition.

Aso, the final area targeted by the operation was in Okpuno, where unauthorized buildings had significantly narrowed a road that should have been about 30 feet wide. “The road had been reduced to less than 10 feet, making it impossible for vehicles to pass through, causing immense hardship to residents,” he said.  Residents had filed petitions and sought legal redress, prompting ACTDA to take action and remove the structures.

Mr. Okonkwo clarified that the demolition exercise was part of Awka’s urban regeneration program, aimed at transforming the city into a modern hub comparable to Dubai, in line with Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s vision as the initiative was driven by ACTDA Managing Director Mr. Ossy Onuko’s commitment to giving Awka a befitting look and correcting irregularities.

ACTDA has reaffirmed its dedication to enforcing the city’s master plan and promoting sustainable urban development, with ongoing demolitions expected in other areas where illegal structures are obstructing roadways and public spaces.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

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