The Challenge Initiative (TCI), has called for stronger investment and collaboration to improve family planning and reproductive health services in Anambra State.
TCI Regional Manager, Dr Obasesam Etowa, made the call during a presentation to the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, at an inception meeting.
Dr Etowa said TCI’s new strategy would focus on sustaining contraceptive uptake, addressing commodity stockouts, strengthening financing and integrating family planning into maternal, newborn and child health programmes.
He noted that although Anambra’s modern contraceptive prevalence rate increased from 11.7 per cent in 2013 to 22 per cent in 2024, unmet need for family planning rose to 15 per cent.
He also identified inadequate funding, frequent contraceptive stockouts, shortage of trained providers and weak coordination as some of the challenges affecting family planning services in the state.
Responding, Dr Obidike welcomed the TCI team and commended the organisation for its support to the state’s health sector.
Dr Obidike said the presentation provided useful insights into the progress recorded and the gaps that still require attention, assuring that the state government would continue to work with relevant partners to improve healthcare services for women and families.
The commissioner stressed the need to strengthen postpartum family planning counselling, improve the availability of family planning commodities and build the capacity of healthcare workers to provide quality services.
He assured TCI of the Ministry’s readiness to strengthen collaboration in line with the state’s health priorities.
Stanley Nwako is of the Ministry of Health, Anambra State
A delegation from Lost Life Biotech, a China-based biotechnology company, has paid a courtesy call on the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, to discuss innovative solutions for tuberculosis (TB) control.
Speaking during the visit, the company’s West Africa Representative, Mr Daniel Ta, said the delegation came to share its TB solutions with the Commissioner and explore possible areas of collaboration in the state’s health sector.
According to him, Lost Life Biotech is engaging governments and countries across the world to showcase solutions aimed at strengthening the fight against tuberculosis.
“We came to share with the Honourable Commissioner the solutions we have for TB and how effective they are. We are presenting more than three different types of solutions,” he said.
Mr Ta also disclosed that the delegation included the Chief Executive Officer AFKMED Biotech Nigeria Limited, Rainy Liu who is promoting a solution for blood sugar control, noting that his primary responsibility is focused on TB solutions.
Welcoming the delegation, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, thanked them for the courtesy visit and their interest in contributing to the state’s healthcare system.
Dr Obidike said the Anambra State Government remains open to innovative health solutions and meaningful partnerships that could improve disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment for residents.
He assured the delegation that the Ministry would carefully examine the solutions presented and consider possible areas of collaboration in line with the health policies and standards of the state.
The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange ideas on strengthening healthcare delivery and disease control in Anambra State.
Stanley Nwako is of the Ministry of Health, Anambra State
The Government of Anambra State has said that it is not giving up on its continuous adherence to innovation in the application of telemedicine into the healthcare delivery system.
Telemedicine was introduced by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo led administration to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state by keeping the residents closer to medical care at every given time of the day.
The concept introduced by the Governor Soludo’s government initially focused on hard-to-reach areas of the state, where access to qualified medical personnel was difficult.
To emphasize on the improved structure of telemedicine the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said the programme is being expanded to enable all residents to have easy access to quality medical personnel and improved health care.
“We started telemedicine with the hub-and-spoke approach; the hub has two medical doctors in each LGA while the ‘spoke’ refers to the Primary Health Care centers with nurses or other health workers that are directly linked to the hubs.
“What this means is that all the PHCs in Anambra State can access qualified medical doctors for accurate examination and proper medical care anywhere and at any time.”
“When patients walk into a Primary Health Care Centre in their locality and present a case, the nurse or health worker on duty reaches the hub with the aid of ICT gadgets and a doctor attends to the patient directly, online,” Commissioner explained.
Speaking on its expansion Dr. Obidike was of the opinion that it is necessary because every Anambra resident deserves quality medical care in line with the Governor Soludo administration’s policy on health care.
“We are expanding it so that every Anambra resident can access the hub, speak to a doctor and get a correct prescription from qualified medical doctors.
“This will curb the issue of self-medication and abuse in line with Governor Soludo’s programme on health care delivery.”
The Programme Officer, Dr. Ken Nwokolo was also of the opinion that with telemedicine residents of the state can access medical doctors 24 hours a day, also that residents can have access to a doctor even if the doctors in their hub are offline.
Chris Chikelue is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
A Chinese biotechnology firm, Lost Life Biotech, has expressed interest in partnering with the Anambra State Government to strengthen tuberculosis (TB) prevention, diagnosis and treatment through innovative healthcare solutions.
The delegation made this known during a courtesy visit to the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, at the Ministry of Health, Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, on July 14.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Obidike commended the group for its interest in supporting the state’s healthcare system, reaffirming the government’s commitment to collaborate with credible partners to improve public health.
He said the Soludo administration remains open to innovative and evidence based health interventions that will enhance disease prevention, early diagnosis and quality treatment for residents.
According to the commissioner, the Ministry of Health will carefully evaluate the proposals presented by the biotechnology firm to identify areas of collaboration that align with the state’s healthcare policies and standards.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the West Africa Representative of Lost Life Biotech, Mr. Daniel Ta, said the visit was aimed at presenting the company’s tuberculosis control solutions, exploring opportunities for partnership with the Anambra State Government.
He explained that the company is engaging governments and health institutions across different countries to promote innovative technologies that support the global fight against tuberculosis.
“We came to present our TB solutions to the Hon. commissioner for health and discuss possible areas of collaboration. We have developed more than three innovative solutions aimed at strengthening tuberculosis control,” he said.
Mr. Ta introduced the Chief Executive Officer of AFKMED Biotech Nigeria Limited, Mr. Rainy Liu, who is part of the delegation, noting that while Mr. Liu promotes biotechnology solutions for blood sugar management, the team’s primary focus during the visit was on tuberculosis intervention.
The visit underscores the growing interest of international health organisations in partnering with Anambra State to strengthen healthcare delivery, improving disease control through innovation and strategic collaboration.
Chris Chikelue is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
The Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) has intensified its road safety awareness campaign by educating motorists on the importance of speed control signs, stressing that compliance with speed limits is essential to reducing road crashes and protecting lives.
In a road safety message released on their Facebook page on July 15, the agency noted that excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of traffic crashes, urging motorists to understand and obey all speed related road signs.
According to ARTMA, the maximum speed limit sign indicates the highest speed motorists are permitted to drive on a particular road, while the minimum speed sign shows the lowest speed allowed under normal driving conditions to ensure the smooth and safe flow of traffic.
The agency explained that the end of speed limit sign informs drivers that the previous speed restriction has ended, allowing them to proceed in accordance with the speed regulations applicable to the new section of the road.
ARTMA emphasized that speed limits are carefully determined based on road conditions, traffic volume, and the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
The agency urged drivers to avoid speeding, remain attentive to traffic signs and adjust their speed to suit prevailing road and weather conditions.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible driving habits through sustained public enlightenment, enforcement of traffic regulations, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to improve road safety across Anambra State.
Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
By Obiageli Nwankwo The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital learning, improving school infrastructure and strengthening partnerships with tertiary institutions as part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s education reform programme. The commitment was restated during a working visit to Flora Azikiwe Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Neni, on July 14, by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Longinus Ogugua, and the Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Omenugha.
The visit to one of the state’s smart schools was aimed at assessing the implementation of digital learning and exploring ways to strengthen collaboration between secondary schools and tertiary institutions. During the visit, Dr. Ogugua and Prof. Omenugha inspected facilities and interacted with the school’s management, teachers and students to assess the progress of the smart school initiative.
Speaking to the students, Dr. Ogugua urged them to remain focused on their studies and make good use of the opportunities available to them. He encouraged them to draw inspiration from Prof. Omenugha, whose father was the pioneer principal of the school, saying that hard work, discipline and determination can lead to success.
The commissioner said the Soludo administration would continue to invest in digital learning, modern educational facilities and strategic partnerships that would improve teaching and learning across the state. In her remarks, Prof. Omenugha commended the state government’s investment in education and called for closer collaboration between secondary schools and tertiary institutions to promote academic excellence, innovation and research. She also recalled growing up at Flora Azikiwe Model Comprehensive Secondary School while her father served as its pioneer principal, describing the experience as one that helped shape her academic journey.
The visit highlighted the shared vision of the Anambra State Government and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University to build a technology-driven education system through stronger partnerships, innovation and digital learning, with the aim of preparing students for the demands of the modern world. Flora Azikiwe Model Comprehensive Secondary School is one of the public schools upgraded into a smart school by the Anambra State Government to promote digital learning and equip students with 21st-century skills.
Obiageli Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State #Ministryofinformationandvaluareformation #Ministryofeducation #Anambraisrising #Informationiskey #Solutionishere #Solutioncontinue
The Anambra State Ministry of Health has commenced data collection for the Mid-Term Review of the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint, an exercise aimed at assessing achievements, identifying challenges, and improving health sector outcomes in the state.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held on July 14, at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Awka, the Anambra State Facilitator for the Mid-Term Review, Dr. Dozie Nwokedi, said the strategic document serves as the medium-term development framework guiding the health sector at the federal, state, and local government levels.
According to him, the blueprint provides a framework for health departments and agencies to design programs, projects, and activities targeted at improving healthcare delivery. He explained that the strategy is built around four pillars, three enablers, 18 objectives, 27 priority initiatives, and 265 interventions, and is designed to guide the health sector from 2023 to 2027.
Dr. Nwokedi noted that the Mid-Term Review is intended to assess progress made so far and identify challenges affecting the implementation of key health interventions. “This exercise is not to indict any state or probe anybody. It is simply to document what has been achieved in the identified priority areas and highlight the challenges,” he said.
Key departments and agencies participating in the review include the Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Medical Services, Nutrition, Immunization, the State Health Insurance Agency, and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency. The review will examine outputs and achievements recorded at the midpoints of 2024, 2025, and 2026, with participating departments expected to provide data on relevant indicators and interventions.
Dr. Nwokedi added that findings from the exercise would support the federal government and other stakeholders in making informed decisions and identifying priority interventions that can be fast-tracked to improve health outcomes. He said the review is also expected to strengthen the implementation of the strategic document in the remaining period.
In his remarks, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, described the Mid-Term Review as a critical exercise that will enable the state to assess progress in implementing key health interventions and identify areas requiring more attention.
Dr. Obidike said the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo remains committed to strengthening the health system through evidence-based planning, improved service delivery, and effective use of health data. He urged all departments and agencies involved to provide accurate and comprehensive information, stressing that reliable data is critical to effective planning and decision-making.
“The review gives us an opportunity to look at what we have achieved, identify existing gaps, and strengthen areas that require improvement. We must ensure that the information provided reflects the work being done across the health sector in Anambra State,” Dr. Obidike stated.
The commissioner assured the review team of the ministry’s cooperation and reiterated the state government’s commitment to working with the federal government and relevant stakeholders to improve healthcare outcomes for Ndi Anambra.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, thanked the facilitator and stakeholders for their participation. She assured the team of the ministry’s readiness to provide necessary support for the success of the exercise.
“Thank you so much for being here with us. We are ready to work with the team and provide the necessary support to ensure the success of this exercise,” Dr. Uchebo said.
Stanley Nwako is of the Ministry of Health, Anambra State
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, will hold its 33rd inaugural lecture on Thursday, July 23, 2026, featuring Nigeria’s first Reverend Sister Professor of Law, Professor Anne Amuche Obiora.
Professor Obiora will deliver the lecture titled, “Constitution and Customary Arbitration in Nigeria: Peace, A Point of Convergence,” focusing on constitutional law and customary arbitration within Nigeria’s evolving legal system.
The inaugural lecture, a longstanding university academic tradition, provides professors opportunities to present years of research, scholarly contributions, and intellectual achievements while enriching knowledge and advancing academic discourse.
As Nigeria’s first Reverend Sister to attain the rank of Professor of Law, Professor Obiora has distinguished herself through exceptional scholarship, research, and unwavering commitment to legal education over many years.
Her selection as the university’s 33rd inaugural lecturer reflects recognition of her remarkable contributions to legal scholarship and marks another significant milestone in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University’s academic history.
The lecture is expected to offer scholarly insights into the relationship between constitutional law and customary arbitration, highlighting their importance in promoting peaceful dispute resolution and strengthening justice within Nigerian communities.
The event also reflects the university’s commitment to its 3Vs mantra of Values, Viability, and Visibility while promoting academic excellence, impactful research, innovation, and meaningful intellectual engagement across disciplines.
Scholars, legal practitioners, policymakers, students, and members of the public are expected to attend the lecture, one of the university’s flagship academic engagements promoting knowledge exchange and professional interaction.
The 33rd inaugural lecture further underscores COOU’s commitment to sustaining academic excellence and creating platforms that encourage intellectual discussions, celebrate outstanding scholarship, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Eberechukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
By Chikodili Ideke E. In a move to advance sustainable transportation, the Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Edward Obiefuna Ibuzo, on 10 July 2026, led senior officials of the Ministry on a strategic working visit to Ọmaa Vehicle Assembly in Umunya to explore areas of partnership.
The Managing Director and Founder, Chinedu Oguegbu, an indigene of Igbo-Ukwu, introduced Ọmaa as a local vehicle assembly company committed to regional developments, innovative transportation solutions, and to making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland.
Oguegbu explained that Ọmaa produces commercial vehicles of diverse models powered by Compressed Natural Gas, electricity, and other alternative energy technologies. He said the name “Ọmaa” is derived from the Igbo expression, “Oma Mbala”. The delegation inspected modern CNG buses, smart passenger management systems, and Semi-Knocked-Down assembly operations. They were also briefed on the company’s roadmap toward Completely-Knocked-Down manufacturing to strengthen indigenous automotive production.
Oguegbu demonstrated the company’s advanced CNG technology, which allows seamless switching to petrol through Electronic Control Unit calibration. He also showcased Ọmaa’s automotive training centre for technicians in vehicle assembly and electric mobility. He described Ọmaa as a practical solution to transportation challenges, citing its successful Awka–Onitsha pilot service. He highlighted that the dual-fuel buses are equipped with advanced security features including cameras, tracking devices for real-time monitoring, separate entrance and exit doors, charging ports, and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable and safe journey for passengers. Discussions focused on introducing rechargeable debit card ticketing, scheduled bus departures, and a Public-Private Partnership pilot. The proposed pilot, both parties said, will generate operational data to support affordable fares, efficient planning, and sustainable transport service delivery. In his remarks, Hon. Ibuzo proposed partnering with Ọmaa to build the automotive engineering capacity of Transport Ministry personnel. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to cleaner transportation, skills development, indigenous vehicle manufacturing, and Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision for a sustainable transport system. Both parties expressed optimism that the proposed collaboration would strengthen public transportation, promote local industrial growth, create employment opportunities, and accelerate Anambra State’s transition to a modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable transport system. Chikodili is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State. #MinistryOfInformation #MinistryOfTransport #SustainableTransport #ỌmaaVehicleAssembly #AnambraIsRising #SolutionIsHere #SolutionContinues
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Enforcement Team was on ground today in Enugwu-Ukwu for a major compliance operation aimed at sanitizing the area. The operation is part of ACTDA’s directive to ensure orderly growth and protect residents from avoidable hazards.
The team, led by the Commander of Enforcement, Mr. Jude Nworah, moved across residential and commercial zones to identify illegal developments and structures that violate planning laws and safety standards within the Awka Capital Territory.
During the operation, the officers sealed an unauthorized gas plant that was erected without approval from ACTDA.
Commander Nworah said investigations earlier carried out by ACTDA showed that the facility did not meet safety requirements and was located in a densely populated area.
He explained, “Illegal gas plants like this pose a serious threat to the community because they can cause fire outbreaks, gas explosions, and loss of lives and property.” He further said, “No approval was granted for the facility, and it will remain sealed until due process is followed.”
The enforcement team also demolished an illegal projection built directly under high-tension cables. The commander explained that the structure violated the mandatory safety setback required by law for power line corridors. “Buildings under high-tension lines endanger occupants, disrupt power supply, and make it difficult for EEDC to carry out maintenance,” Mr. Nworah said.
He warned that “such structures will continue to be removed because they put both residents and utility workers at risk.” He added that “these actions are part of ACTDA’s ongoing commitment to ensure a safer, cleaner, and well-planned Awka Capital Territory. The agency is working to prevent disasters, protect public infrastructure, and ensure all developments align with the approved master plan.”
According to him, enforcement will be sustained across all communities in the capital territory, and defaulters will face the full weight of the law.
The commander advised the public to always obtain approval from ACTDA before building or siting any business, noting that structures under high-tension cables and illegal gas plants put everyone’s life at risk.
Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
