MDA News

Anambra State Government news from Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

STATE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION VISITS ANAMBRA ICT AGENCY, ASSURES SUPPORT FOR E-GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES

By Nwanodu Angela :

The Chairman and Members of the State House Committee on Information visited the Anambra State ICT Agency on Tuesday for a familiarization meeting with the Managing Director, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA).

This visit underscores the critical collaboration between the legislative and executive arms in driving technological progress and ensuring effective governance in the state.

Led by the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Fred Ezenwa (Onitsha South 1), including Mr Jude Akpua (Njikoka II), Justice Azuka (Onitsha North 1), and Patrick Udoba (Anambra West), the delegation met with the ICT Agency’s leadership to gain a comprehensive understanding of the agency’s operations, discuss its challenges and explore ways to address these challenges within the framework of the law.

Explaining the Committee’s role, Ezenwa said, “We are acting according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic, Sections 128 and 129, which mandate us to oversee the activities of agencies like this. If you have challenges, we can address them in the House to ensure you are more productive. If there is a need for an amendment of the law or for a motion to be moved, we will do it to make your work easier”.

During the meeting, CFA emphasized the agency’s efforts in driving e-governance across Anambra State.

“Our vision is to build a digitally transformed Anambra State. At the core of our mandate is e-government capacity for the state—to build it and deepen it.”

CFA elaborated on the state’s progress in digital infrastructure, noting, “One of the first things Mr. Governor did was to remove the Right of Way (RoW) charges, which has encouraged infrastructure companies to work with the state. As a result, people now have fiber in their homes, a significant improvement compared to what we had before, all thanks to these reform changes”.

He discussed the agency’s role in pioneering digital transformation through collaborations with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“In terms of e-government, a number of things have happened in the state, Because our role is more of an incubatory role, we work with these MDAs to fulfill their goals. For instance, we partnered with the Ministry of Health to develop the ‘Ashefamu’ e-platform that gathers all the accredited health systems in Anambra State, and with the Ministry of Budget to automate their budget systems. Ours is a supervisory and advisory role to ensure these projects succeed.”

Agbata also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand broadband access, saying, “We are currently in partnership with a provider deploying internet in the Secretariat, and we have also extended this service to public places like Aroma, Eke Awka, Ifite, and Book Foundation. Expanding broadband access is crucial because the more Ndi Anambra have access to the Internet, the more possibilities open up for them”.

He mentioned the agency’s initiatives in training civil servants and distributing laptops to civil servants, teachers, and heads of local government officials, noting that Anambra is currently one of the leading states in tech adoption.

The visit reinforced the importance of aligning the agency’s objectives with legislative support to effectively fulfill its mandate. It also served as a testament to the collaborative spirit necessary for achieving good governance and technological advancement in Anambra State.

CFA expressed gratitude for the Committee’s engagement, emphasizing that continued collaboration is essential as the agency strives to overcome challenges and achieve its objectives.

Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EMBARKS ON REFORMATION AND REDIRECTION PROGRAM IN ANAMBRA’S 3 SENATORIAL ZONES

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development has embarked on the 2024 Youths Reformation and Redirection Programme across the three senatorial zones.

The program which is implemented to reach youths of different categories is aimed to equip them with necessary life skills, reorient their mindset and imbibe them with strong moral values towards positive lifestyle and to enroll the participants into the 1Youth 2Skills Solution Program.

It’s vision is also to address anti-social activities prevalent among young people and to re-integrate them gainfully and meaningfully into the society as change agents through value re-orientation, critical training processes, among others.

Declaring the workshop open in Onitsha North Council Headquarters, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba said that the workshop is in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision to develop the potential of young people as dependable human capitals.

He said the theme of the programme which is “Moving From The Street To Self-Realization For Self-Actualization” will give participants the much needed direction to live better and more useful lives.

Mr. Agha Mba also recalled that Governor Soludo, upon assumption of office, made a firm promise not only to eradicate different forms of social vices including touting from the state, but to also institute meaningful programmes that will positively change the lives of youths that were engaged in anti-social activities, emphasizing that the governor has now fulfilled and surpassed his promises.

Mr. Agha Mba mentioned some of the youth enterprise development programmes that will help transform the lives of youths socially and economically to include 1 Youth, 2Skills Solution initiative through which 5000 youths have been trained and empowered and an estimated 8,620 others expected to benefit from the second batch of the initiative and through Solution Innovation District (SID) where over 22,000 have been trained with digital skills empowered in the Level-up Anambra and Code Anambra programmes.

Also speaking, the Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Mr. Anthony Nworah said that he is overwhelmed by Governor Soludo’s programmes for the youth and advised young people to cherish and utilize all available initiatives to better their lives.

The Commandant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Anambra State Command, Mr. Daniel Onyishi who was represented by an Assistant Commandant in the agency, Mr. Christopher Adabor while delivering a paper on drug abuse,

advised young people to re-evaluate their cycle and try to maximise every meaningful opportunity at their disposal to better their life.

Another speaker at the event, Rev. Goodwill Mba who spoke on “Seven Keys to Greatness” noted that self discovery, diligence, keeping friends that are like-minded, being in good relationship with God, identifying mentors and roles models, determination to succeed and utilisation of positive opportunities are critical to realizing one’s dreams in life.

One of the participant, Messrs Shobayo Amadi thanked Governor Soludo for prioritising the welfare of youths and giving them opportunities to better themselves and promised that they will shun drug abuse and other social vices.

Another participant, Messrs Ebuka Ite from Ogbaru LGA expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Governor for giving the youth of Anambra a well packaged program like 1 youth 2 Skills free of charge.

Present at the event were the Director, Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Chito Osili, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Mr Tony Omatah and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth, Mr. Chibuzor Udeh.

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

CHILD BEGGING: ANAMBRA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS , ACTDA RAID AROMA UNDER BRIDGE, VOW TO PROSECUTE BEGGING SYNDICATES

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), has conducted a raid today at Aroma under bridge in a bid to eradicate the persistent issue of child begging in the area.

Addressing journalists after the operation, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, expressed deep concern that school-age children are being denied their right to education and exploited as beggars and petty thieves by unscrupulous individuals despite Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s provision of free basic education in the state.

Mrs. Obinabo stressed that the state government will not tolerate such activities anywhere within Anambra, and is committed to tracking down those responsible for sending these children to beg, noting that similar raids will be carried out across the state.

On his part, the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko, explained that these beggars and other miscreants have repeatedly been warned, both through conventional and social media channels to vacate the city, but they failed to comply.

Mr. Onuko emphasized that the authorities are determined to identify and prosecute the parents, guardians, and syndicates behind the exploitation of these children.

He reiterated that the raid is part of an ongoing effort to rid the area, which is a key governmental zone, as well as other parts of the Awka Capital Territory, of beggars and other miscreants.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAKU COMMUNITY HANDS OVER HEALTH FACILITY TO ASPHCDA

By Nnedinma Okeke :

As a testament to collective efforts and commitment to improving healthcare in its community and Anambra State at large, the Anaku Working Council in Ayamelum Local Government Area has handed over its community built healthcare centre to the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA).

The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem during the handover ceremony, thanked the Anaku Community for their “Aku-Luo Uno” project and community participation in ensuring the good health and well-being of its people.

The President General, Anaku Community, Mr Friday Paul Nwuba in his remarks thanked the State Government for providing the community a Doctor and Midwife to serve their health centre and ensure health condition of its citizens were optimized.

He noted that the state government’s support has been invaluable and reaffirmed the Anaku Community’s commitment to supporting vital projects that benefits its community.

The event had in attendance: the PHC Director, Ayamelum LGHA Mrs Adaeze Alokwu, Doctors, Nurses, Midwives and other staff of the Ayamelum Local Government Health Authority as well as members of the Anaku Community.

Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ONYENJI CHARGES STATE FIRE SERVICE TO STANDBY FOR EMERGENCY CALLS

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji has urged the Anambra State Fire Service to be prepared and ready to take action when alerted by the public to combat a fire outbreak.

The commissioner said this when he received the Fire Service team, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.

While commending their efforts in the state so far, he also encouraged them to continue sensitizing the people about the prevention of fire outbreaks.

“Your job is very essential and critical because without your office, when fire breaks out, it will be very destructive. I want to believe that you are relating with the markets and other public and private sectors on the prevention of fire outbreak, because fire outbreaks in the market can be very destructive too, Prevention is better than cure.

“Also, ensure you make your inputs on all the state government housing projects especially at the beginning of the projects. Right now, the state government is constructing a Solution Fun City which will be the biggest tourism hub in the sub Sahara Africa,” he added.

He congratulated the fire chief and his team on their appointment, noting, “We can be partners, as we are all working together to make Anambra State a smart, mega, and prosperous city where people can come to relax, work, invest, and enjoy.”

Earlier, the Chief of the Anambra State Fire Service, Mr Chiketa Chukwudi, expressed gratitude to the commissioner for the warm reception they received, saying that their visit was to seek collaboration with the ministry to carry out their goals of raising awareness about fire prevention, providing services, and conducting rescue operations to hospitality establishments and others.

” When we visited some hotels in the state, we discovered that some of them do not have fire extinguishers and this is very risky, that’s why we came to seek for the opportunity to move in and inform them of the importance of safety measures.

“A structure without fire safety measures is very perilous. If fire erupts, it can destroy everything. Therefore, I urge everyone constructing a structure to always implement safety measures,” he said.

* Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA ACHIEVES TOP RANKING IN DIGITAL TRANSPARENCY

By Nwanodu Angela :

Anambra State has made a significant stride in promoting transparency and accountability, earning a top spot in the State Fiscal Transparency League (SFTL) Q1 2024 ranking by BudgIT, a prominent civic organization dedicated to simplifying public information through creative technology.

This achievement highlights Anambra’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery under the visionary leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo,

BudgIT, known for its efforts in stimulating an active citizenry and enabling their right to demand institutional reforms, assessed the fiscal transparency of Nigerian states in Q1 2024.

According to the executive summary shared by Gabriel Okeowo, the Country Director, the rankings on the SFTL table varied significantly, reflecting diverse levels of transparency across states. (See https://fiscalleague.budgit.org/?_gl=1*1vvzhbw*_ga*MTc5MjExNDcxNS4xNzIxNzQzNTM3*_ga_0JJ5DSW0SF*MTcyMTc0MzUzNy4xLjAuMTcyMTc0MzUzNy42MC4wLjA)

Anambra State emerged as a top performer due to several key factors clearly available and accessible on its state website: comprehensive and timely fiscal documents, such as the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), proposed and approved budgets, and the presence of an operational e-Procurement portal.

Ranked 1st due to its comprehensive and timely fiscal documents and operational e-Procurement portal, Anambra State was closely followed by Edo State. Both states demonstrated similar strengths in document arrangement and availability but with recommendations for further improvement.

This ranking is part of a quarterly assessment program evaluating Nigerian states on fiscal transparency. It focuses on the availability and comprehensiveness of key fiscal documents, the functionality of state websites and e-Procurement portals, and the timeliness of publications. BudgIT recommended that all state governments ensure their websites are functional and up-to-date, which is crucial for facilitating the assessment process.

Anambra State’s achievement sets a high standard for others, showcasing the importance of digital transparency in fostering an equitable society. The state’s efforts in maintaining an organized and accessible website are commendable and serve as a model for others.

As we anticipate the Q2 rankings with enthusiasm, we encourage all citizens and stakeholders to visit the Anambra State official website, www.anambrastate.gov.ng, for authentic and verifiable news, updates, and information.

This platform is your go-to resource for state-related information, keeping you informed about the latest developments and initiatives in Anambra State. Let’s join hands in promoting transparency and accountability. Explore today and be part of Anambra’s journey towards excellence!

Feel free to share your feedback via ict@anambrastate.gov.ng.

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

COOU HOSTS CLIMATE ACTION, HIGHLIGHTS INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABILITY

By Nwanodu Angela :

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, hosted the Climate Action Summit, themed “Tremendous Strategy for a Sustainable Future”, under the leadership of Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Kate Omenugha.

The event brought together stakeholders to align with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of creating a livable and prosperous Anambra, fostering a sustainable future through collective action.

The summit tackled Africa’s pressing need for climate action, spotlighting the continent’s vulnerability to climate change through panel sessions and masterclasses. Experts explored sustainable solutions for Nigeria and Africa.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo represented by Chief of Staff Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, emphasized ongoing governmental efforts to develop a smart, sustainable, and prosperous Anambra.

He underscored the importance of community collaboration in environmental initiatives. “Together, we can create a resilient and thriving environment for future generations,” he stated.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha commended Governor Charles Soludo for his numerous initiatives to sustain the environment.

She also announced a five-year plan to plant 1 million trees and the establishment of a Student Environmental Task Force at COOU as key actions to combat climate change within the university community.

Speaking at Masterclass 2, MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata highlighted environmental challenges as the state’s most pressing threat.

He praised the summit’s focus on tree planting and discussed how AI can revolutionize environmental management. “Geo-marking trees can significantly enhance our forestry efforts,” he explained, commending the Vice-Chancellor’s initiative and Governor Soludo’s dedication to environmental issues.

Key highlights included the official setup of an environmental task force to ensure sustainability and the inauguration of key officials, amongst whom were, MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms. Chinwe Okoli, as Ambassadors and Partners of the initiative.

The summit featured notable attendees, including Nigeria’s Former Ambassador to Spain, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Chairman of the University Governing Council, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, High Chief Okeke Ogene, and various state commissioners.

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

MD ASBA SAYS SOLUDO PROVIDES SUCCOUR TO CIVIL SERVANTS AFTER RETIREMENT

By Chiamaka Edokwe :

Amidst economic uncertainties where budgets tighten and expenses scrutinized, the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s Administration through Anambra State Small business Agency(ASBA),has provided succor for civil servants after retirement through the ASBA Civil Servant Solution Retirement Entrepreneurship Loan Scheme.

According to the MD/CEO ASBA, Mr Clement Chukwuka during a media chat in his office complex, the scheme aimed at supporting civil servants to have a thriving business to fall back on after service.

“Gov. Soludo’s Administration is very passionate about the workers’ welfare even after retirement hence his willingness to supporting and funding their means of livehood after retirement.”

Mr Chukwuka reiterated that the Agency’s mandate remained to ensure that poverty is reduced to its bearest minimum through funding and capacity building.

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

GOVERNMENT FLAGS OFF OKO POLYTECHNIC’S TREE PLANTING EXERCISE

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

Anambra State Government has flagged off tree planting campaign initiated by the Federal Polytechnic Oko for the protection and conservation of environmental ecosystem.

Performing the symbolic tree planting exercise under its”Operation Go Green” at the institution’s premises,the State Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor noted that the gesture would help regulate the climate and ensure ecosystem stability.

The Commissioner who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, said protecting the environment is among the government’s vision to transform the state into a liveable, prosperous mega city.

He posited that the state has been bedevilled by deforestation, hence the need to engage in mass tree planting, adding that the idea is to mobilize every student to plant at least one tree.

“Every student of the school should have one tree planted.This campaign should also be taken to homes and other institutions.Ndi Anambra should plant trees, if you fell one tree, you plant at least five trees”

While urging Ndi Anambra to not only plant trees to ensure healthy living, check erosion and guard against global warming, he underscored the need to nurture them until they grow up.

The Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Uche Onyegbu, described the event as a noble exercise and in fulfillment of already mapped out policy of the institution on environmental protection, conservation and aesthetics.

He explains that the institution understands the importance of protecting the environment, hence considered it worthy to embark on the exercise to also prevent gully erosion already threatening structures in the institution.

Dr Uchegbu, then, appealed to the state government to partner the school in its effort to control identified gully erosion sites, calling for more collaboration in the area of establishment of School of Agriculture at its Ufuma campus.

Contributing, a Former Board Member, National Board For Technology Incubation and member of Academic Staff Union of the Research Institute, Hon Cletus Amaraegbu, urged the institution’s management to take full ownership of the Tenera Specie high yielding oil palm and coconut seedlings.

A Nollywood Actor recognised as the face of the “Operation Go Green”initiative, Mr Stephen Eboh, outlined other benefits of the exercise to include revenue generation, erosion control and other economic derivables.

He pointed out that with the commencement of the exercise, the institution has set the pace in the comity of higher institutions of higher learning in promoting environmental friendly ecosystem.

In a Vote of Thanks, the Acting Registrar of the institution Mr Obini Onuchukwu, called on those who still engage in deforestation to desist, noting that it is the major cause of the present global warming the whole world is experiencing.

He commended the State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, Hon Amaraegbu and other Principal Officers of the institution for their contributions and support services towards the realisation of the project.

Mr Onuchukwu, added that the institution will partner the State Ministry of Agriculture to develop Aqua-culture and related activities at its Atani campus.

In attendance at the ceremony were, Deputy Rector, Dr Ken Ezekwe, Bursar, Mr Stephen Udu amongst others.

Ugokwe is of the State Ministry of Information

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: ANAMBRA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT JOINS GLOBAL CELEBRATION

By Lilian Akpunonu :

The Anambra State Ministry of Environment joined the international community in commemorating World Environment Day (WED), 2024, a United Nations initiative celebrated annually on June 5th. This year’s theme, “Our Land, Our Future: Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought,” highlights the urgent need to address land degradation, which affects over 40% of global land and half of the world’s population.

According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, land degradation costs the global economy up to 12% of its GDP, equivalent to $4.7 trillion annually. In Anambra State, land degradation has led to soil erosion, flooding, and loss of biodiversity, affecting the livelihoods of millions of people.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, emphasized the importance of restoring land values through sustainable environmental practices. He stressed that land degradation is a significant contributor to erosion in the state and urged citizens to take proactive steps towards environmental conservation.

He explained that the ministry has set achievable goals and planned activities, events, and policy amendments to combat land degradation and promote a cleaner, greener, and sustainable Anambra State. Part of the initiatives is to Plant more trees across the state.

The celebration is part of the global “Generation Restoration” movement, which aims to unite people worldwide in restoring the environment for future generations.

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