Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has made significant strides in developing Anambra State’s infrastructure. Within 32 months in office, the administration has awarded 641.121 kilometers of roads, with 316km already asphalted
According to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoma who revealed this in a press briefing in his office, this feat was achieved without borrowing or owing contractors.
The commissioner noted that Soludo administration has made substantial progress in fulfilling its social contract with the people of Anambra State. The administration’s road construction projects are designed to last at least 20 years, utilizing the latest technology.
“These projects, spread across the state’s three senatorial zones, aimed to connect lives, foster unity, and stimulate economic growth. With improved roads, residents and businesses will enjoy safer, faster, and more efficient travel, unlocking new opportunities for trade, commerce, and investment,” he maintained.
He urged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure built by the government.
* Okoli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Construction works has commenced on Umuona-Aguluzoigbo -Nanka Road project.
Speaking during the hand over ceremony, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoma noted that the road was awarded by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the last two Executive Council meetings.
Represented by the Director of Planning, Design and Structural Department in the Ministry, Mr. Obi Okafor
the commissioner maintained that “the road will connect Umuona, Aguluzoigbo, and Nnaka communities, fulfilling Governor Soludo’s promise to deliver the dividend of democracy to Ndi Anambra. The project is expected to be completed within 12 months.” He urged the contractor to expedite the project and complete it within the scheduled timeframe.
The Area Manager of IDC Construction Ltd, Mr. Youssef Zghib, assured that the work will be delivered on schedule and according to specifications.
* Okoli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Environment has expressed Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment toward ensuring sanity and legality of scrap dealers and their members in the State.
The Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odimegwu, represented by the Permanent Secretary of Environment, Mr Tochukwu Obodogha while addressing a group of Anambra Scrap Dealers and Scavengers Association said that the Essence of the meeting is to plan on how to make Anambra great and stop all sorts of criminality and illegality in the state.
During the meeting yesterday, Mr Tochukwu stressed that the stealing and vandalisation of Private and Public goods, properties and infrastructure shall be put to a stop in the state.
“We want to prevent trading of stolen or vandalized goods, properties and infrastructure in the state.
“No more loitering around of scavengers at odd hours especially when people have left their houses or when students have gone to school.”
He also highlighted that the pit shall have specialized visits to the location where the scrap dealers have trading pits in the state from time to time by the Ministry of Environment which comprises the officers of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Brigade) and the Special Anti-Touting Squad in Anambra (SASA). “If they examine these pits to contain any stolen or vandalized properties, it shall result in the arrest and prosecution of the owners and possible sealing of that pit.
“We have restricted all scavengers movement in the streets and refuse bins. All scavenging activities shall be done at the dump sites for now until we have a proper regulations of who will be going around to scavenge.
“Scavengers will be identified with Identification Cards. Any Scavengers who want to engage in scavenging work and does not have identification card will be arrested and prosecuted especially any movement at odd hours.
Obodogha opined that all dealers will be identified with their Certificate at their pit so as to get rid of bad element among them.
To this effect, Anambra State Government did not ban Metal Scrap Waste Management but restricted the illegality activities that constitute criminality in the state. It is part of circular economy, he said.
“We want you to work hand in hand with the state government to ensure all sorts of criminalities are stopped immediately.
The Chairman of the Anambra Scrap Dealers and Scavengers Association, Mr. Stephen Azubuike Igboke, has praised the state government’s efforts to address the challenges facing the industry. However, he also appealed to the government to take action against impostors who are masquerading as legitimate scrap dealers and scavengers, thereby disrupting their business operations.
A Scrap Dealer, Mr. Dominic Ndubuisi Nkwuda’s statement highlights the importance of regulating the scrap metal industry in Anambra State. By stabilizing the industry, the government can help reduce criminal activities, such as theft and vandalism, which are often associated with scrap metal dealings.
As a scrap dealer with years of experience, He acknowledged that there are “bad eggs” in the industry, but believed that the government can work with legitimate scrap dealers to identify and eliminate fake or illegal operators.
Also Present in the meeting include Director of Environmental Health and Pollution Control(EHPC) Rev. Sr. Dr Monique Okeke, HOD Accounts Mrs Nkemakonam Imoka.
*Lilian is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners, with support from Hon. Pascal Agbodike Foundation, has flagged-off optimized Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (oMNCHW) in the state.
The oMNCHW: a week long activity with life saving interventions was flagged-off at Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State.
The Commissioner, SMOH, Dr Afam Obidike represented by Director Disease Control and Immunization, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi noted that the oMNCHW initiative is a cornerstone of the State’s commitment to improving health and well-being of mothers, newborns, and children across the State.
“Maternal and child health is a key priority for the Government of Anambra State as we recognise that the health of mothers and children form the backbone of a thriving society,” he said.
He explained that the week-long event underscores the State resolve to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality by delivering high impact, evidence-based interventions to our communities.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem said that the oMNCHW objectives were designed to provide free and equitable access to essential healthcare services for pregnant women, newborns, and children under five years of age.
Also, to administer life-saving interventions such as: Vitamin A supplementation, Deworming, Immunization, and Malnutrition screening, to educate mothers/caregivers on appropriate infant and young child feeding practices, family planning and hygiene.
Furthermore, to strengthen primary healthcare systems by promoting community participation and engagement.
The ES, represented by Dr Uliagbafusi, urged that all must work together as Government officials, Healthcare providers, Development partners and Community leaders to ensure that the oMNCHW services reach every ward, village, and household in Anambra State.
The UNICEF Team Lead, Mr Gift Oguzor expressed gratitude to the State Government, State health team, and the programme Sponsor for organising the flag-off ceremony which was geared toward creating awareness and sensitising people on the oMNCHW.
While urging all who attended the event to aid spread the news for everyone to be informed, the UNICEF team lead urged pregnant women and parents/caregivers with children under five years of age to visit the health facility nearest to them in order to access the interventions.
The Member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency, Hon. Pascal Agbodike who sponsored the program, represented by Mr Azuka Okoli urged mothers/caregivers in Ihiala LGA, Anambra South Senatorial Zone, and Ndi Anambra at large to ensure they utilise opportunities of the life saving interventions which the oMNCHW gives.
The State Nutrition Officer (SNO), ASPHCDA, Mrs Chikanso Obiechefu and immediate past SNO, Mrs Eriken Uzoamaka gave health talks at the event while educating and sensitising mothers on exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding.
The oMNCHW commenced in State from December 11 to 15, 2024.
*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has urged the information officers to think outside the box, advising the officers to make their reports community based, especially those in various local government areas, where government activities happen on daily basis.
The Commissioner gave the urge during an interactive session in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat with the Acting Director of the Ministry, Mr. Emma Ikegwuani.
Speaking, he said that Gov. Soludo is very serious and more concerned about Information Ministry and their News reportage in the State.
According to him, the Governor has not seen much commitment from the information officers and their reportage on government’s activities in the State.
This he said citing information officers posted to various local government areas, that were not up and doing in discharging their duties, emphasizing that information department is the base and heart of any Government, from Federal level down to the grassroots.
“You need to think outside the box, thereby designing nice programmes, that will have wide coverage, as well as attracting sponsorship. Try to incorporate the town criers, ward Chairmen, PGs, traditional rulers, among others.
“These are the people that have information at their beck and call, that can easily reach the people at the grassroots and the public.”
He also urged them to be very active in online reporting and spreading of government activities to the public, because the governor focuses more on online News, which is the trending thing.
Dr. Mefor, did not hesitate to remind them that they can achieve this, through Governor’s official handles, many platforms, government sites, Facebook feeds, organizations sites, among others.
“With this, the Governor can go any length in spending heavily on Information Ministry, because he sees the magnitude of their works.”
He promised to work tirelessly, to making sure that the Information Ministry and officers are well equipped for effective gathering and dissemination of information.
*Chinemelu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, has called for unity among women in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in the state.
Speaking during a press briefing organized by the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) at her office in Awka as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, she outlined the ministry’s ongoing efforts to combat the scourge.
Mrs. Obinabo emphasized that her ministry has initiated numerous programs, including conferences, press briefings, market sensitization campaigns and stakeholder engagements in communities to raise awareness about GBV and its devastating effects.
“This year, the women of Anambra State have taken a bold step to create awareness about gender-based violence. Women must stand united, support one another, and refuse to be used as tools to humiliate or intimidate their fellow women,” she emphasized.
Speaking on the theme “Unite to End Gender-Based Violence,” the commissioner highlighted the power of collective action in addressing the issue. She urged mutual respect between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, stressing the importance of tolerance and understanding.
“Age affects reasoning; mothers-in-law should be loved and understood. Similarly, daughters-in-law must avoid viewing their mothers-in-law as competitors,” she advised, adding that fostering harmony in families is essential to building a violence-free society.
She further warned perpetrators of violence, explaining that ignorance of the law would not be an excuse. “The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law (VAP) is in full force, and designated courts are ready to handle cases. We will not tolerate the humiliation of widows or the seizure of their property. Offenders will face justice,” she warned.
On his part, the Managing Director, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) also addressed the gathering, acknowledging that men also suffer from domestic violence but stressed the critical role of women in shaping homes and society. “Women deserve respect and appreciation for their contributions, especially in journalism, women uncover stories men cannot, and they deserve recognition,” he said.
NAWOJ Anambra Chairperson, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejirika, who led a delegation to the State Police Command as part of the activism campaign, emphasized the need for women to recognize early signs of abuse, whether verbal or non-verbal, and to speak out against violence. “Silence has caused too many lives to be lost. Women must seek help and support instead of enduring violence in silence,” she urged.
Similarly, a Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Barr. Helen Obi while addressing female Journalists highlighted the global origin of the 16 Days of Activism, which began in 1991 and stressed the importance of prevention programs, education, and advocacy to combat GBV. “This year’s theme underscores the need for collective action to eliminate gender-based violence,” she noted.
The campaign activities included a road walk through key locations in Awka, such as the Police Command, Ministry of Women Affairs, Aroma Junction, and NUJ Secretariat to raise awareness about GBV. Stakeholders including a gender rights activist, Comrade Ify Unachukwu also called for the establishment of Violence Against Persons Commission, enhanced media coverage of real life stories and more resources for Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARC).
The call to action from the event was clear: unity, awareness, and decisive action were vital to ending gender-based violence in Anambra State and beyond.
*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has visited 1 Youth 2 Skills TV media facility established for dissemination of information about Mr. Governor’s youth program in the state.
Dr. Mefor on arrival at the Ministry of Youth Development Complex, said that he was appointed the commissioner for Information, three months ago, adding that the first thing he did was to visit the media establishment in the state.
He emphasized the need to change the narrative of reportage in the state, saying that it is easy to market a good product as Mr. Governor has done so well without borrowing money in the last 32 months.
He further said that since his appointment in his office, he has introduced a number of programs targeting effective external and internal communication, adding that he introduced a program ‘Ask the commissioner on Thursdays every week as well as Take the Heads of the Department’ to radio station to discuss the essence and achievements of the state government in the state.
He pointed out that the solution weekly bulletin which is between 12 to 15 pages that comes out every Fridays was also introduced and sent out through Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media handles.
The Information commissioner explained that it is necessary to get feedback from the audience to know what they want, expressing the need to modernize town caries which he called Community based communication.
Dr. Mefor said that he promotes 1 Youth 2 Skills program to the public in over 100 interviews he granted, that he always put it as one of the top six achievements of Mr. Governor’ administration, adding that 50 percent of Ndi Anambra are not tv cultured but radio listeners which will go a long way, reaching the people in the rural areas instead of newspapers, social media and tv.
He advised the youth of the state to participate in the ongoing 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution program to help in reducing crime and youth restiveness in the state, calling them to take ownership of their state in order to have good security services to avoid killing and kidnapping in the state.
*Ifeoma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has lauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s initiative in setting up the 1Youth 2Skills TV and the Youth TV Studio for the Ministry of Youth Development.
The 1Youth 2Skills TV, which was approved as part of the 2024 Action Plan, was designed as a platform for information dissemination, youth engagement, and skills training.
Dr Mefor, who was visiting the TV Studio located at the Ministry of Youth Development Complex behind Government House, Awka, also commended the Ministry, led by Mr Patrick Agha Mba, for ensuring the effective implementation of Mr Governor’s initiative to enhance the youth development agenda of the Solution Administration.
According to the commissioner, the initiative aligns with Governor Soludo’s vision of jobs, jobs and quality jobs.
He maintained that Mr Governor does not believe in the government of palliatives that gives citizens rice or fish, but believes in the government that will teach you how to catch fish, train you on skills and give you necessary funds for a smooth take off, which is reflected in the 1Youth 2Skills Solution of Prof Soludo’s Administration, noting that the Federal Government has also adopted the initiative. Dr Mefor commended the Commissioner for Youth Development for his plans to go beyond 1Youth 2Skills to 1 Youth Multiple Skills.
While praising the 1Youth 2Skills TV Production Crew for quality and professional service delivery, the Commissioner assured that the Ministry of Information will support and promote the initiative, especially to the grassroots, urging town unions to emulate the Obosi community that has started 1Family, 2Skills in furtherance of the Governor Soludo’s 1Youth, 2Skills programme.
Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu has been adorned with the National Philanthropist Award for Humanitarian Service.
The Award was sponsored by the Royal Ambassadors Family Enlightenment Foundation (RAFEF) in collaboration with Green Revolution Farmers Feed the Nation Foundation (GRFFNF).
The commissioner shortly after receiving the award at REFEF’s 2024 love feast held in Awka commended the organizers for their efforts and for coming together to discuss ways of impacting on the people.
He reiterated that the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s vision for Anambra State was to create a smart mega city where everybody would have a preferred destination to live, learn, invest, work, relax and enjoy in.
“The role of feeding the nation mirrors what the governor recently launched and termed, “Farm to Feed”, which is the governor’s response to the quality of living and high prices of goods and services as a result of inflation.
“Even if the harvest from your backyard or farm land is to feed yourself only, you would have reduced the pressure on goods in the market. If we all work to feed ourselves then the nation would have been fed.”
The commissioner noted that the government has a deliberate and purposeful policy that was designed to liverage on agriculture to deliver zero poverty in the state.
“We are handing out millions of Palm oil seeds and over 2 million was given out this year through community structure to ensure it gets to the grassroots because it’s a hybrid variety which would start yielding seeds in about 2 to 4 years.
“We are also starting a major agricultural revolution that would restore the place of palm oil in the state as a wealth creating medium to escape and end the cycle of poverty in our society which is in line with Green Revolution and the Royal Ambassadors conviction.”
He noted that the government has programmes that support cooperatives through access to finance domiciled in it’s Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA) and the Ministry of Industry in collaboration with the bank of Industry.
The Director General, NAFEF and GRFFNF, HRM, Mr. Jonathan Okwudili commended the state government for its numerous programmes geared towards improving the lives of the people especially the youths and women.
“I am proud to lead an organization that has been at the forefront of promoting unity, leadership and community development in Nigeria.
“We have made significant strides at empowering women and youths farming projects for sustainability and food sufficiency.
“Today our kingdom boasts of impressive membership of over 700,000 citizens representing all six geo-political zones on the 774 LGA’s and 36 states in Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.”
“We strive for efficiency, progress and agility while maintaining discretion, reflection and wisdom. Our motto is ‘speed, silence, and surprise which reflects on our core values and guiding principles.’
“We also embrace innovation, flexibility and proactively allowing us to respond swiftly to challenges, maintain confidentiality,integrity and foaster innovation and progress.We are not just visionaries, we are the architects of a brighter future.”
In an address, the Executive Secretary of RAFEF, Mrs. Roseline Chinwe Mgbejiofor said that the Royal gathering of 2024 love feast was a moment to reflect on their journey, celebrate their achievements and envision a brighter future rooted in purpose, compassion and commitment to transforming lives.
She highlighted that RAFEF is a subsidiary of Royal Ambassadorial kingdom established under the visionary leadership of the DG, born out of the kingdom’s vision for transformation and nation building and that the organization has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals and communities across Nigeria.
“Our commitment to rural development and community-driven projects have significantly improved the quality of life in remote areas by focusing on education, skills and economic empowerment. We are building a legacy of resilience and self-reliance.”
The Royal father of the day, Igwe Emeka Ilouno, Igwe of Ifitedunu commended the commissioner for his word of encouragement and appealed to the organizers to be focused and determined as they partner to alleviate the plight of the people and ensure food sufficiency.
The Commissioner for the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, has announced that the Ministry’s budget for 2025 will focus on developing major heritage sites to enhance tourism attractions. Key sites include Agulu Lake, Ogbunike Cave, Owerre-Ezukala Cave/Waterfall, Anam Beach, and the Awka City Park.
He made this statement during a press interview at the Anambra State House of Assembly Complex in Awka.
Mr. Onyenji said, “We expect to achieve even better results next year, significantly advancing our projects. We have partnered with a globally recognized consulting firm to provide us with a business case and recommendations for our tourism sites.”
According to him, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo is keen on creating a city park in Awka that features a green environment for picnics and other recreational activities. Once the business case is established, we will attract investors to partner with the state government through Public, Private, and Community Partnership (PPCP) for the development of these sites.
“These initiatives will not only increase the workload for the Ministry but will also generate more revenue for the state government and, most importantly, create job opportunities for the people. These achievements is aligned with the Governor’s vision of transforming Anambra into a livable and prosperous mega smart city, where visitors can relax, work, and enjoy themselves,” he emphasized.
*Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
