MDA News

Anambra State Government news from Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ADOPTS MCET BUDGET PRESENTATION STANDARD FOR FUTURE USE, AWARDS HEAD PRS, ROSE ODINAMKPA

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

The Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, led by the Chairman, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu has officially adopted the budget presentation standards of the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism (MCET) for future use. The committee also approved the capital estimates proposed by the ministry to ensure optimal service delivery.

Additionally, Mrs Rose Odinamkpa, the Head of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), was awarded a cash sum of N10,000 for her exceptional work in the preparation and detail of the budget.

These motions were proposed by Hon. Noble Igwe, the House Member representing Ogbaru I constituency and seconded by Hon. Fred Ezenwa, representing Onitsha South I constituency, during the budget defense session at the Anambra State House of Assembly Complex in Awka.

The Chairman, Hon. Okechukwu commended the Commissioner, Mr . Don Onyenji, for following their directives on how to outline the budget. He remarked, “During your last budget defense, we emphasized the need for every procedure to be detailed. I am pleased to see that you adhered to those guidelines and delivered an outstanding budget presentation”.

He encouraged the Commissioner to maintain a cordial relationship with the Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism to foster good synergy between them.

Hon. Mbachu Nigeria, representing Awka South I constituency and also the Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, also expressed his appreciation to the Chairman for his commendable work. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all processes follow due procedure.

In his vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, expressed gratitude to the House Committee for their fair treatment of the Ministry. He thanked them for adopting the Ministry’s budget standards for future use and for recognizing the Head of PRS for her outstanding performance.

He assured the House that the Ministry would fulfil the mandates outlined in the budget, which focuses on developing heritage sites in the state to enhance tourism, noting that it is a major attraction for this government, as leisure promotes longevity. He told the House Members that they would be notified of the Ministry activities. Then, he appealed to them to guide the Ministry when they make mistakes.

The Head of the PRS department, MCET, Mrs Odinamkpa, expressed her gratitude to God Almighty and the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for recognizing her work as exceptional and rewarding her for it.

She said, “It was like a dream when I was commended by the House Committee for my work and called to receive a cash sum of N10,000. I had never expected this, especially considering the challenges I faced during the preparation of the budget.”

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

DR. ONYEMAECHI URGES OICS TO TRAIN STAFF ON BHCPF PROCEDURES

By Okafor Chisom :

The Managing Director, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, has called on Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of Primary HealthCare facilities (PHCs) to educate their staff on the procedures of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Dr. Onyemaechi expressed concern that some nurses at PHCs lack knowledge of BHCPF operations, making them unable to provide care to enrollees in the absence of the OIC.

He made this appeal during a two-day validation exercise with OICs held at the ASHIA office in Awka.

Highlighting the importance of proper documentation, Dr. Onyemaechi emphasized that the patient encounter forms must always be accessible at healthcare facilities. He also directed that referrals should be meticulously documented and enrollees should be referred to the nearest secondary healthcare facilities when necessary.

The MD instructed OICs to procure only drugs listed in the official drug list provided by the agency, warning that any facility found violating this directive would face consequences as per ASHIA’s policy.

Dr. Onyemaechi also mandated OICs to ensure that at least one staff member is always available to provide services to BHCPF enrollees, ensuring uninterrupted care delivery.

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

MINISTRY OF POWER AND WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER DEFENDS 2025 BUDGET… UNVEILS PLAN FOR 2025

By Azuka Offor/ Chikaodili Obinwa :

The Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Mr. Julius Chukwuemeka has unveiled his ministry plan for 2025, stating the state government’s readiness to change gear through his ministry in bringing infrastructural development to every nooks and crannies of Anambra State come 2025.

Mr. Chukwuemeka made this known while addressing journalist shortly after his ministry bilateral/ budget defence with the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation bill at the state house of Assembly. According to the commissioner, the power sector of the ministry will extend power to various industries and communities in the state as the state is coming up with a very big cluster of industries called Anambra mixed -use industrial city. This will help in providing access to reliable and affordable power supply for investors to invest in the state.

He maintained that the ministry will continue to use renewable energy sources like solar to power key government infrastructure, illuminate streets and communities in Anambra comes 2025.

He stated his ministry’s plan to join other states in establishing some key agencies that will help the ministry to domesticate the issue of power regulation and management around the energy value chain once the electricity bill of the state is passed by the state house of Assembly.

In the area of water resources, commissioner Chukwuemeka maintained that his ministry will take it beyond were it was now, in making sure that Anambra State Urban Water Asset Holdings Corporation who has taken the management of water supply after some decades of non- availability of water, they will continue to provide clean and portable water supply driven with solar to areas it has not reached come 2025.

The Commissioner ceased the opportunity to appreciate the efforts of the fire service officers for being more proactive as it concerns prompt response to fire emergencies and the sensitization they carried to the public places, churches and markets on how to stop fire emergencies and how to use fire extinguisher too. He revealed that his ministry will continue with the sensitization come 2025 in making sure that every body has the knowledge on how to prevent and fight fire emergency.

Those present during the budget defence included; The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Sir. Victor Ezekwo, the MD/CEO of the Anambra State Urban Water Asset Holdings Corporation, Mr. Ikeobi Ejiofor , the fire chief, Mr. Emmanuel Chiketa, among others.

* Offor and Obinwa are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ASBA MD HIGHLIGHTS AGENCY’S IMPACT ON SMALL BUSINESSES IN ANAMBRA

By Chiamaka Edokwe :

The Managing Director/CEO of Anambra State Small Business Agency(ASBA), Mr. Clement Chukwuka has emphasised the impactful role of the Agency in empowering small businesses across the state. Speaking during a radio programme on Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), tagged ‘Ask the Commissioner,’ Mr. Chukwuka emphasised ASBA’s contributions to advancing the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.

He revealed that several programs have been launched to address the specific needs of small and medium business owners in the state. These initiatives included; ASBA’s SME facilities,

One Youth 2 Skills funding program, Igwebuike(co-operative)funding scheme, the UNDP/EU N100,000 grant and training program among others which have a direct impact on increasing business revenue and creating jobs.

The MD/CEO further emphasised the economic impact of ASBA’s programs on local businesses, noting an increase in employment rates and overall business growth in Anambra State. He outlined the Agency’s plans for sustaining these gains, with a focus on long-term development strategies and continued collaboration with stakeholders.

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

EDUCATION COMMISSIONER ENDORSES SCHOOL RE-ACCREDITATION, PROMISES IMMEDIATE APPROVAL FOR ELIGIBLE SCHOOLS

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has called on private school proprietors to take advantage of the Federal Ministry of Education’s accreditation exercise to secure approval for their institutions.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Ministry of Education and All Private School Proprietors in the state, held at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka, the Commissioner expressed concern over the high number of unapproved schools operating in the state.

She emphasized that schools passing the Federal Ministry of Education’s re-accreditation exercise would be immediately approved by the State Ministry of Education, warning that running an unapproved school is a criminal offense, adding that any proprietor who fails to meet the accreditation requirements will face school closure.

“This accreditation exercise is an opportunity for all unapproved schools to regularize their operations. Any proprietor who fails to comply will risk having their school shut down.”

The Commissioner also urged proprietors to collaborate with the federal government’s team conducting the annual school census, emphasizing that cooperation is essential to secure the state and its students’ fair share of federal resources.

She also advised school owners to always request a letter of authorization from the state ministry to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing school premises. “Schools are sacrosanct, and their sanctity must be respected,” she warned.

In their remarks, the leaders of various private school associations commended the Soludo-led administration for fostering inclusive governance and ensuring peace in the state’s educational sector despite national security challenges.

The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, Director of Schools, Mrs. Ifeoma Onyeneke, other directors and education stakeholders.

*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

YULETIDE: OCHA BRIGADE INTENSIFIES WAR AGAINST STREET TRADING IN ONITSHA

By Kelechi Achukwu-jide/Ogochukwu Mokwugwo/Ifeanyi Nwegbo :

In a bid to maintain orderliness and decongest the roads inside Onitsha market this festive season, the OCHA Brigade has intensified its efforts to curb roadside trading. The brigade has been seizing wares from traders who insist on displaying their goods along the roads, despite having shops in the markets.

Speaking with newsmen in his office, the Zonal Commander, Anambra North OCHA Brigade, Mr. Daniel Martin Obiefuna emphasised the importance of maintaining orderliness and cleanliness in the markets. He explained that the brigade’s major work is road decongestion. “Some traders who have shops in Onitsha markets prefer selling along the road. After the roads are repaired, these traders compromise the cleanliness and orderliness of the area,” he said.

The Commander warned that the brigade will no longer tolerate this behavior, and erring traders will face prosecution. “Normally, we don’t return seized wares. But today, we are releasing some seized goods to their owners. He also revealed that he has opened case files for future offenders.

He urged market leaders and traders to cooperate with the Brigade to achieve the goal of maintaining a clean and orderly market environment.

The Commander called on market leaders to always strive to help the government implement policies that will create a healthy trading environment for the general public.

Achukwu-jide, Mokwugwo and Nwegbu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

HPV VACCINE INTRODUCTION WILL REDUCE BURDEN OF CERVICAL CANCER, SAYS DR OKEKE, OTHERS—AS HPV VACCINE INTENSIFICATION BEGINS DEC 3

By Uzo Ugwunze/Gloria Anaeze :

The Supervisory Councillor for Health, Idemili North Local Government Area, Dr. Nkem Okeke, Director of Health Authority, Mrs Chinwe Okeke, Social Mobilization Officer/Health Educator, Mrs Chinenye Okpala Nwankwo have assured community leaders that the introduction of the Human Papilloma Virus( HPV), vaccine is to reduce the burden of Cervical cancer which is the second most common cancer amongst women in Nigeria.

Speaking during the Idemili North Stakeholders Engagement Meeting for HPV vaccine Intensification at Ogidi, Dr Nkem Okeke said that the program was organized by the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHDA) in collaboration with state Ministry of Health and partners

“We are sensitizing you to sensitize your community members. Actual Intensification vaccination will begin on December 3, 2024.

HOD Health Idemili North, Mrs Chinwe Okeke lamented that Idemili North was among the three LGAS that did not do well during the uptake of the vaccine, hence the need to repeat the vaccination uptake. “The Cervical cancer is dangerous and a killer disease that affects the mouth of the cervix or neck of the womb.

“It is only this December that it would be made available for everyone within 9 to 14 years but from next year it will become a routine immunization for only children who will be 9 years,” she noted.

Deputy Mayor Idemili North, Lady Phina Onwuachu suggested that private schools and churches be sensitized to advice their children to take up the vaccines.

Earlier in his remarks, the Leader of Idemili North Councillors, Nze Anikpe commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for seeing that the program is repeated to make sure that the number of children who are the target population are reached.

Chairman’s wife, Lady Ebere Nkwoka reiterated the need to discard the unfounded rumors and encourage eligible children to receive the vaccines.

Ugwunze and Anaeze are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ASHIA SENSITIZES COOU STUDENTS ON TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS SOCIAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMME (TISHIP)

By Chisom Okafor :

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has conducted a sensitization session for students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam campus, on the benefits of the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP).

Speaking at the event, ASHIA’s Managing Director, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, highlighted the agency’s earlier sensitization efforts at the Uli campus and praised the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha, for her proactive approach, noting that Prof. Omenugha engaged ASHIA to ensure that students from all campuses, including Awka, benefit from TISHIP, which provides access to quality healthcare both on and off campus.

Dr. Onyemaechi explained that students requiring specialized care beyond the university’s medical centers can be referred to ASHIA’s secondary healthcare facilities. He commended Prof. Omenugha for implementing the program without imposing additional costs on students.

The ASHIA boss assured the students that the program would improve their healthcare access and eliminate situations where medical fees included in tuition go unused. He revealed that ASHIA has already assessed equipment needs at the Uli and Igbariam medical centers and will supply the necessary items to enhance service delivery.

Currently, over 231,000 Anambra residents are enrolled in ASHIA’s scheme. Dr. Onyemaechi encouraged the students to familiarize themselves with their entitlements under the program, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to providing them with quality healthcare.

Mr. Josephat Ezehiri, the university’s Students’ Attorney General, expressed gratitude to ASHIA, noting that the program would alleviate the financial burden of healthcare on students and ensure they receive adequate medical attention.

This initiative further underscores ASHIA’s mission to make quality healthcare accessible to all Anambra residents, including students.

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

ANAMBRA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION DEFENDS BUDGET: MEFOR REVEALS PLANS FOR 2025

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, says the ministry is working tirelessly in moving basic information desimination to full blown strategic communication, reputation and perception management both for Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and Anambra Government.

Dr. Mefor while defending his budget before the Anambra State House of Assembly committee on Information during the budget defense/bialateral discussion, said that he will reposition the ministry to be a true bridge between government and the people.

The Commissioner who appeared alongside Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Information Communication Technology Agency(ICT)and Anambra State Signage Agency(ANSAA) said that the 2025 budget for the ministry of Information is a little above five billion naira.

“We will do everything humanly possible to project the achievements of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and the legislative arm will not be left out.

“We will continue to spread the good governance of Soludo to the people so as to make them understand the vision of the government and the journey so far.

“This will enable us to get feedbacks from Ndi Anambra which will in-turn strengthen the policies of government were necessary.”

According to him, the Information Ministry will be repositioned to be a true bridge between the government and the people and we are relying on the media who have been giving us fair reportage.

The commissioner promised to bring back community based communication through the town criers and hall meetings with stakeholders.

The House Committee Chairman on Information, Hon. Fred Ezenwa in his remark assured that the 8th Assembly will assist all MDAs in making sure that the budget of 2025 achieve its purpose.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ASHIA WINS MOST INNOVATIVE MDA AWARDS

By Chisom Okafor :

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has been celebrated as the Most Innovative Ministry, Department, and Agency (MDA) in Anambra State during the recently concluded Anambra Innovation Week (AIW) program. This distinguished recognition highlights ASHIA’s outstanding use of digital technology to enhance its operations and improve healthcare service delivery across the state.

In addition to the prestigious award, ASHIA received a cash prize of N2million as part of the honor.

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, who was present at the award ceremony, lauded ASHIA for setting a high standard in service delivery and contributing significantly to his administration’s vision of making Anambra a model state for quality and affordable healthcare.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer ASHIA, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, expressed profound gratitude to the dedicated ASHIA team for their relentless efforts in driving innovation within the agency. He emphasized that the adoption of cutting-edge technology has not only transformed the internal processes of ASHIA but has also played a critical role in expanding access to quality healthcare services for the residents of Anambra State.

Dr. Onyemaechi attributed the success of the agency to the commitment of the Anambra State Government under the leadership of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo. He commended the governor’s support and investment in innovative solutions that strengthens the healthcare system.

The AIW program, which celebrates creativity and innovation in solving societal challenges, provided a platform to showcase ASHIA’s efforts in leveraging technology for health insurance coverage. The agency’s initiatives, including the seamless enrollment process, efficient claim management, and transparency in service delivery, were noted as benchmarks of excellence.

This recognition further solidifies ASHIA’s position as a trailblazer in healthcare innovation. The agency’s commitment to utilizing modern tools and techniques to meet the health insurance needs of the people of Anambra State demonstrates its dedication to excellence. By prioritizing accessibility and quality, ASHIA continues to enhance the health and well-being of its beneficiaries, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic growth of the state.

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