MDA News

Anambra State Government news from Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

ANAMBRA STATE BAGS MULTIPLE TECHNOLOGY AWARDS AT NATIONAL INNOVATION AND DIGITAL ECONOMY COUNCIL MEETING

Anambra State has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, securing an incredible four prestigious awards during the ICT peer review session at the 11th National Council on Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) meeting held in Kano.

The meeting was chaired by the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani and hosted by the Kano State Governor, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The vision of the administration of Mr Governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, is to build a liveable and prosperous Smart Mega City and Mr. Governor is massively leveraging technology and digital innovation towards achieving this vision.

The awards, a testament to Anambra’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and progress in the digital realm, are as follows:

*The Overall Winner Best State in Digital Technology Development:* Here, Anambra State stood tall as the undisputed overall winner, scoring the highest number of points in all categories, showcasing its comprehensive dedication to advancing the state in the digital landscape. This award was presented to the MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA) by the Kano State Governor, His Excellency, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf.

*First Position Best State in Digital Infrastructure Technology Development:* Under this category, Anambra State was recognized as the leading state in ICT infrastructure development, following the full implementation of the Zero Right Of Way (RoW) policy, implementation of an Internet Exchange Point; all emphasizing the state’s commitment to building a robust foundation for the prosperity of its people, using Technology. This award was presented by the Minister of CIDE, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

*First Runner-up in e-Government Implementation:* Anambra’s innovative e-government initiatives earned it the second position, highlighting the state’s effective use of technology in governance. The award was presented by the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.

*First Runner-up in Digital Technology Human Capital Development:* This award reinforces the state’s commitment to building a digitally-skilled and knowledgeable workforce and society in general. The final award was presented by the Kano State, Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Alhaji Mohammed Othman.

It is noteworthy that Anambra’s impressive outing at the annual event that brings together the federal government and state underscores its strategic vision and exemplary but detailed execution in the realms of infrastructure, e-government, and human capital development under the visionary leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.

The awards during the official opening ceremony, followed the earlier recognition received during the ICT Peer Review session, where Anambra’s presentation made by Dr. Florence Idigo, a Director in the State ICT Agency, garnered enthusiastic applause and commendation from industry experts.

Receiving the awards on behalf of Mr. Governor, the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, expressed profound appreciation to Mr. Governor for creating the enabling environment and a vision which guides the Agency in line with the ‘Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere’ mantra.

CFA also dedicated the awards not only to the team at ICT Agency but to the co-operation and collaboration of the entire solution team for their hard work and dedication to Mr. Governor’s vision.

“This achievement no doubt reflects our unwavering commitment to technological advancement and the transformative journey we are championing in Anambra State,” he concluded.

Public Notice: Anambra State Government Grievance Redress Procedure

The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Industry in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, has established a comprehensive Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) for addressing public concerns in an organized, timely, and transparent manner. This process is designed to resolve disputes efficiently and equitably to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Both concerned Ministries have designated staff members as administrators of this grievance redress process.

The Grievance Redress Mechanism ensures:

Complaints are submitted in writing to maintain official records.

All resolutions are documented and communicated to the complainants in writing.

All disputes are to be resolved within 21 working days.

Contact Details:

Hotlines: 08102693200; 09064395160

Email: grm@anambrastate.gov.ng; chuka.okeke@anambrastate.gov.ng

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Resolving Disputes:

Step 1: The complainant submits a grievance by voice call, SMS, or WhatsApp to any of the publicized GRM hotlines and sends a written complaint via email to grm@anambrastate.gov.ng

Step 2: The designated GRM desk officer receives and logs the grievance in the GRM portal https://grm.anambrastate.gov.ng and a tracking number is generated for the complainant.

Step 3: The desk officer acknowledges receipt of the grievance via the complainant’s email address (the email notifies the complainant of the case status, provides the grievance tracking number to the complainant, and, if necessary, requests additional details).

Step 4: The desk officer initiates the Grievance Investigation process to understand the nature and scope of the complaint.

Step 5: The desk officer communicates an estimated resolution timeframe to the complainant via a follow-up email.

Step 6: The desk officer ensures that the grievance is resolved and any necessary remedial actions are carried out within the established timeframe, aiming to resolve within 72 hours and not exceeding 21 days.

Step 7: The GRM desk monitors the implementation of the resolution to ensure compliance with the agreed terms.

Step 8: The complainant and the GRM desk officer engage to verify that the resolution meets the complainant’s satisfaction.

Step 9: The complaint is officially closed on the GRM portal once the resolution has been fully implemented to the complainant’s satisfaction.

Step 10: The GRM desk officer will compile and report all complaints received every quarter at a minimum.

The Anambra State Government encourages citizens to utilize the provided hotlines and GRM portal for grievance submissions, follow-ups, and resolutions. This mechanism demonstrates Anambra State’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective dispute resolution for the benefit of all citizens.

Signed: Ministry of Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice

MINISTRY OF YOUTH PROPOSES PARTNERSHIP WITH MEDIA HOUSES

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

The Anambra Ministry of Youth Development has proposed partnering with media houses to promote the 1YOUTH 2SKILLS program.

In a meeting held with all the radio stations in the State, the ministry discussed collaboration modalities for publicizing this youth empowerment initiative.

Addressing the media representatives at his office in Government House Awka, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, emphasized the ministry’s goal of establishing an active information system to raise awareness about the program among indigenous and non-indigenous youths in the state.

This awareness campaign aimed at mitigating insecurity, curb involvement in street activities, cultism, and robbery.

Mr. Agha Mba underscored Gov. Soludo’s manifesto, highlighting the significance of security as a top priority.

He stressed the need for youths to possess multiple skills in response to the country’s current situation, affirming that the state government’s commitment to ensuring that every Anambra youth acquired at least two skills, thereby, fostering self-employment opportunities.

The Commissioner mentioned the ministry’s intention to collaborate with various elements essential for propelling the state toward a more livable and prosperous environment, Heemphasizing that partnering with the media would significantly increase youth participation and publicize the program among citizens.

He also said that 5,000 youths benefited from the pilot phase, with an expectation of 10,000 youths to benefit in two batches. Stressing the importance of collaboration, urging media representatives to outline their capacity to train youths in specific skill areas, facilitating a targeted approach.

Commending the media representatives for their attendance, Mr. Agha Mba highlighted their pivotal role as agents in propagating the 1YOUTH 2SKILLS program across the State.

Responding, the media representatives expressed their willingness to collaborate with the ministry in publicizing the state government program, pledging to discuss this partnership with their respective managements, devising modalities for effective collaboration.

Among those in attendance were Christopher Molokwu, Wazobia FM; Franklin Ebuka, Ogene FM; Amarachi Ekwueme, Blaze FM; Judy Nwabueze, ABS; Nelson Nwaenyi, Ebe Onadi FM; Monalisa Uzowulu, City Radio, and Chioma Chukwuemeka from Radio Sapientsa.

*Ifeoma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

WOMEN AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER SEEKS MORE SENSITISATION ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo has called for a broader sensitisation of women on gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria as women and girls are mostly victims.

The commissioner, who received members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Women Committee, Anambra State Chapter in her office in Awka said there was need to sensitize people on gender based violence.

Mrs. Obinabo who spoke extensively on the ill treatment meted on women, advised parents to make out adequate time for their children while urging them to go back to the good old days of making inquiries before giving out their daughters in marriage.

Speaking during the courtesy call, the NAWOJ Chairperson, Mrs. Franklyn Onyekachi commended the Commissioner for Women Affairs for being in the fore front of the fight against gender based violence.

She further called for strict implementation and enforcement of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.

The women who were marking the 16 days of activism on GBV which has as its theme “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls” also paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Sir Chido Obidiegwu.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT HANDS OVER SITE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF INTERNAL ROADS AT SOLUTION FUN CITY, AWKA

By Okoli Sunday :

The Anambra State Government has handed over site for the construction of Internal Roads within the Solution Fun City, Awka.

Performing the handover ceremony, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma said that the event signified the commencement of construction works, charging the Contractor to take full ownership of the project by ensuring that the work is done within the timeframe and according to specifications.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Maintenance Department in the Ministry, Engr. Noel Okoye said that Gov. Chukuwma Soludo’s administration is poised to make Anambra State an arrival lounge instead of a departure lounge by creating a livable and prosperous homeland for everybody where people can live, invest, and enjoy returns on investment.

On his part, the Project Engineer of Ferotex Construction Ltd, Engr. Ola King, thanked the State Government for entrusting them with such huge responsibility, saying that the company would live up to expectations.

*Sunday is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

150 TRAINEES FROM ITF AWKA RECEIVE START UP PACKS…URGED TO UTILIZE OPPORTUNITY

By Uche Kalu :

Any society that neglects the development of its human capital is bound to retrogress in terms of growth and development. It is especially worrisome in Nigeria that even in the face of existing vacancies in several sectors of the economy, youths roam the streets without any form of gainful employment, giving rise to crimes and other social vices that bedevil the nation.

The Director General and Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Ariz Oluwatoyin Ogun said this during the graduation ceremony organized for 2023 batch of the National Industrial Skills Development Programmes (NISDP).

The event, being one of the first official functions of the DG since assumption of office was held in the Awka Area office of ITF. It featured the graduation of 150 students trained in various skills and presentation of start up packs to them.

Represented by the Deputy Director in charge of Finance, Mrs Felicita Ofodile while commending the graduands, urged them to utilize the opportunity provided by the training to make a decent living for themselves as well as their families, warning them of the consequences of selling the start up packs given to them.

The DG who thanked the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for providing an enabling environment for ITF to thrive in the state, noted that NISDP aimed at provision of skills that will create jobs to curb the rampant unemployment situation in the country and breed a new generation of entrepreneurs.

He also said that in few weeks, the Fund will unveil comprehensive policy thrust of its future.

In an interview, Mrs Ofodile noted that acquisition of skills builds the nation’s economy.

Responding on why some youths hate learning skills and other trades, she emphasised that every training starts from home, blaming some parents who are too busy to look after their children, noting that skill acquisition helps to reduce the rate of crime among youths.

In her address of welcome, the Awka Area Manager, ITF, Nancy Ekong, described the NISDP as an integral part of ITF expanded mandate and a policy directive from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMIT), designed to respond to skills shortages identified through an intensive research conducted by (ITF-UNIDO, 2012).

According to her, the thrust of the programme is to shore up the skills shortages by building capacity of the youths and ensure that they are employable by others or self-employed.

“Since inception of NISDP in 2012, 3,700 youths of the state have been trained in the following trade areas: In 2012-2013 – Welding, Fabrication and Tiling. In 2014-2015 – Computer Hardware, Cosmetology, Pastry, and Phone repairs. In 2016, Cosmetology, Pastry, Yam/Cassava Processing and Fishery.

“Also in 2017 — Tiling, POP, Carpentry, Domestic Electrical Installation and Block/Bricks making. In 2017 (WOSEP) –Poultry, Food Processing and Pastry. In 2018 – Catering and Event Management, Aluminum Fabrication and Installation and other trades.

“Today, we are witnessing the closing ceremony of yet another 150 trainees in Anambra State. Three trade areas were identified in collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders. The Trade Areas were: Hairdressing/Beauty Care, Tailoring, Solar Panel Installation. We had four competent trainers, who were stationed in the various centres for a period of the three months who were frequently monitored by both officers from the Area Office and the headquarters to ensure compliance to standard.

“Expectedly majority of the graduands of this programme will start-up their own businesses while others will be employed in various sectors of the economy, thus readily becoming potential members of various Business Member Organizations (BMOs).”

According to her, as partners in the implementation of the NISDP, the Bank of Industry (BOI) is to help provide the NISDP graduands access to “Start-Up” loans.

“Worthy of note is the huge support and collaboration given us by the state government for the actualization of this programme.”

While commending the graduands, Mrs Ekong explained that the prospect of NISDP is to provide opportunities for members of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) who complain of lack of skilled workforce, to draw from the pool of skilled technical middle level manpower that will be generated.

Some of the graduands, Chiamaka Ndubuisi trained on wig making, Chukwuemeka Ndigwe, Solar Installation and Stella — tailoring expressed gratitude to ITF for the opportunity to be trained in their various skills and promised to make proper use of the knowledge they got as well as contribute to the growth and development of the nation.

*Uche is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ENUGU STATE UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE AGENCY TEAM UNDERSTUDIES ANAMBRA STATE HEALTH INSURANCE AGENCY (ASHIA)

By Chisom Okafor :

The Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage team, understudies the State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) in a bid to improve the operations of their Health Insurance Scheme.

The Delegates from Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) paid a visit to ASHIA office in Awka to understudy the operations of the Scheme with a specific focus on the Claims management system for the Basic Healthcare provision fund (BHCPF) program and other programmes of ASHIA.

The Managing Director of ASHIA, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi while receiving the two-man delegation assured that they will be adequately equipped with knowledge of Health Insurance practice, Claims management as well as the background of Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

He gave them the general overview of Health insurance as it is practiced globally, then narrowed it down to the national and state health insurance schemes operations in Nigeria.

The MD, who spoke on the background of the BHCPF said that National Health Act 2014 in section 11 provides for a minimum of 1% of consolidated revenue of the Federal Government to be set aside to provide basic minimum package of health services to all Nigerians.

He further explained that the bodies charged with the mandate to implement this federal government policy include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) through their subnational equivalence.

Dr. Onyemaechi noted that Claims Management begins from when the enrollee is still at the hospital, adding that every Claim starts with pre authorization code request that is sent when the request is approved and service rendered then Claims for payment are sent to the Agency at the end of every month.

He assured the visitors that the ASHIA team would provide them with all the knowledge they require.

“We just don’t teach theory , my team will show you the practical aspects, you will also visit some of our healthcare providers to get on-site hands-on experience.

He encouraged them to have an open mind and feel free to ask all the questions they had regarding Health Insurance and BHCPF programmes.

The Leader of the team, Dr. Marcus Agu, on behalf of the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, extended his appreciation to the MD for the opportunity to meet with him personally, and assured him of their willingness to learn from him.

Present at the meeting includes Dr. Mary Chukwuma, a member of the Enugu State delegates and ASHIA Heads of Departments.

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

DIGITAL LANDSCAPE HARMONIZATION: ANAMBRA’S ISPs, HEIS INVITED TO AFRINIC ONE-DAY TRAINING

By Angela Nwanodu :

Recently, the Anambra State ICT Agency, in a strategic collaboration with the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), successfully organized a one-day interactive session that brought together Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), to discuss the imperativeness for interconnectivity and to lay the foundation for establishing an Internet Exchange Point in the State.

The collaborative session saw vibrant discussions and resolutions aimed at creating a more livable state and a robust economy through increased internet access and connectivity.

In furtherance of the milestone recorded with the interactive session, and in recognition of the pivotal role of ISPs and HEIs in expediting actions toward this interconnectivity, a one-day AFRINIC virtual training program has been scheduled to take place on December 5 by 12.00pm.

The follow-up virtual training will not only provide participants with invaluable insights, technical expertise, and practical knowledge to optimize their network infrastructures but will further yield answers to key questions posed by ISPs and HEIs.

AFRINIC, the Regional Internet Registry for Africa, is renowned for its commitment to advancing internet development across the continent. The AFRINIC virtual training therefore, represents a significant stride toward realizing the goals outlined during the interactive session.

This initiative aligns perfectly with the vision of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, of building a technologically advanced state, while the collaborative efforts of the Anambra State ICT Agency and the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) underscores practical commitment to positioning Anambra as a digital hub, driving innovation, economic growth, and improved quality of life for its residents.

Participants can expect an interactive and immersive learning experience, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate the dynamic landscape of internet services in the State.

For all participation and registration inquiries, please contact:

Tochukwu: 07065453352

Harrison: 08142814404

#Solutionishere.

Angela N.Nwanodu

PRO, Anambra State ICT Agency

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mobilePhone

+234 803 719 5787

emailAddress

angela.nwanodu@demo.anambrastate.gov.ng

website

ict.anambrastate.gov.ng

address

Anambra State ICT Agency Building.

Government House, Agu-Awka

Awka South LGA

Anambra State, Nigeria

*Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ATTENTION ANAMBRA STATE CIVIL SERVANTS!

Are you currently using the approved official email address, such as ada.obi@demo.anambrastate.gov.ng?

If not, don’t miss out on the benefits!

But, why switch to the official email when you already have a generic one like Yahoo or Gmail?

Here are some compelling reasons:

In February 2022, the Federal Government approved the use of a National Policy on Nigerian Government 2nd Level Domains, to replace generic email addresses with the .ng domain, to enhance efficiency in public administration, civil service responsiveness and transparency in governance, as well as reduce dependence on foreign domain platforms, ensuring data protection, and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the entire State Executive Council have already adopted this transition, and the Anambra State ICT Agency, led by Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, is actively collaborating with state MDAs to ensure full compliance and the discontinuation of generic emails for official correspondences.

Obtain your official email today by visiting the Anambra State ICT Agency at the Government House, Awka, or send an email to ict@demo.anambrastate.gov.ng.

ANAMBRA BUDGET DEFENCE: ANAMBRA COMMISSIONER FOR WORKS OUTLINES PLANS FOR 2024

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Anambra Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma says next year (2024) will be full time uninterrupted, speedy construction.

Engr. Okoma while speaking during the 2024 budget draft estimate defense, bilateral discussion said that the present administration led by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo had awarded close to 400km of road and have paid about 34 billion (42 percent).

The commissioner spoke on road interventions currently on-going, saying that Onitsha will be revived, maintaining that payments depends on progress of work and that next year, urban regeneration will be focused more.

“Our vision is focused on the mantra, which is building a liveable and prosperous homeland. So far, it’s a work in progress and we are prioritising because of funding.

On the Chinue Achebe Airport, the commissioner said works such as the lights are being fixed and plans are being made to add more air condition as well as fire fighting equipment.

“We are in talks with the aviation authorities because we have the catalog of the things we want to achieve.

“Were Anambra is going, the vision is so clear and we need to start laying the foundation,” Okoma said.

Speaking in an interview with state house officer after the defense, Engr. Okoma maintained that next year will be very active and that there will be a lot of road infrastructure, including a five star hotel in Awka.

“We have itimized and prioritized the works on the Anambra Airport. We are going to perfect the drainages and channelization.”

Office of the secretary to the Anambra State Government, headed by Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Anambra State Auditor General and Local Government Auditor General also appeared before the committees.

The Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropration, Mr. Ejike Okechukwu and Mr. Emma Nwafor, House Committee Chairman on Works, urged the ministries who appeared before them to do their best in making sure that Gov. Soludo achieved his ambition in Anambra.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State