MDA News

Anambra State Government news from Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

HEALTH TEACHERS URGED TO LEVERAGE ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR HEALTH EDUCATION/SENSITIZATION

By Nnedinma Okeke :

Teachers of Health Education in various schools across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State, have been urged to leverage on available platforms and opportunities to educate people about their health and well-being.

The Anambra State Health Educator, Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina made the call during the Health Education Teachers engagement meeting on the forthcoming Intergrated Measles Campaign in the State.

She urged Health Education Teachers to utilise opportunities available to them such as the Parents, Teachers Association (PTA) meeting to educate/sensitize parents on the advantages of accessing antenatal care and family planning services in health facilities.

This she said would help women live more organised and healthy lives.

The Assistant Family Planning Focal Person in the State Ministry of Health (SMOH), Mrs Stella Opia enumerated to the Teachers some advantages of accessing family planning services which helps in child spacing as pregnancy should be by choice not by chance.

According to her, family planning helps to improve the physical and mental health of a woman and man as it would help them be better prepared and plan before welcoming another child.

“This will help the woman rest physically from the nine months journey of carrying a baby before another pregnancy journey and it could also help in the career and productiveness of a woman both in her home and work front.

“Importance of family planning in families and the society at large are numerous,” Mrs Opia reiterated.

She, then, urged the Health Education Teachers to also leverage on the forthcoming Intergrated Measles vaccination campaign to sensitize mothers on the importance of accessing family planning services as it does not prevent one from having more children.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

COMMISSIONER FOR HEALTH HOLDS DATA REVIEW MEETING

By Chukwudi Nwauba :

In a significant move to enhance public health initiatives, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike has convened a data review meeting with key stakeholders from various health sectors.

The gathering aimed to analyze recent health data trends, identify areas needing urgent attention, and strategize for improved healthcare delivery.

Dr. Obidike during the data review meeting held at the Data Operation Centre in the State Ministry of Health, Awka reiterated the commitment of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration in the healthcare sector of the State.

He emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making in addressing public health challenges.

“Accurate data is crucial for developing effective policies and interventions.”

The review included statistics on disease prevalence, vaccination rates, and healthcare access across different demographics.

Health officials presented findings that highlighted both progress and ongoing issues. While vaccination rates have improved in several regions, the meeting underscored disparities in access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.

Participants discussed actionable strategies to bridge these gaps, including increased funding for community outreach programs.

The Commissioner also announced plans for regular data updates and a new public health dashboard that will be accessible to citizens, promoting transparency and community engagement.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to collaborate with local health departments, partners, and community leaders to implement the proposed strategies effectively.

In attendance during the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mrs. Obiageli Uchebo, Acting Director Public Health, Dr. Afam Anaeme, Programme Coordinators and Partners.

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

INFORMATION COMMISSIONER’S VISIT TO ANAMBRA STATE PRINTING PRESS: A STEP TOWARDS MODERNIZATION

By Azuka Nnabuife/Ngozi Nnajiofor/ Uche Igboeli/ Henrietta Madichie :

The Information Commissioner, Dr. Law Mefor, has visited the Anambra State Printing Press to assess its potential and discuss improvements to enhance functionality and efficiency within the facility.

Dr. Mefor highlighted the importance of modernizing the printing press, advocating for digital technologies such as direct image production.

He said that this modernization is crucial for the government to evaluate the press viability.

“Printing can be a viable revenue source when planned effectively. If you excel in your craft, people will seek you out, regardless of your location,” he remarked

Mr. Obuzo Emeka Chris, the Managing Director of Anambra Printing Press, expressed gratitude for the commissioner’s visit.

He guided Dr. Mefor through the facility, showcasing several non-functional machines and appealing to the state government for necessary overhauling and maintenance of outdated equipment.

*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ICPC CHAIRMAN RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, CAUTIONS AGAINST CORRUPTION

By Uche Kalu :

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has emphasized that corruption is the foundation of all criminal activities, calling on Nigerians to unite against it.

Dr Aliyu who made this known in Abuja where he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 National Crimewatch Awards, stressed that corruption severely threatens national security, eroding stability, prosperity, and sovereignty.

According to a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Commission’s Spokesperson and Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, the

representative of the chairman, Deputy Director, Dr. Oluwasina Babasola, noted that, “Under Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu’s leadership, the ICPC has achieved significant milestones and earned widespread respect and strategic partnerships across Nigeria in just a few months.

Dr. Babasola while addressing the gathering comprising of most military and para-military officers reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption. He expressed gratitude for the recognition received, noting that it would inspire further efforts to minimize corruption and promote good governance.

The event’s convener, Mr. Tony Okpe, stated that the awards aimed to honor individuals and organizations devoted to crime prevention, believing that such recognition fosters dialogue on national security and encourages the pursuit of a safer society.

Justifying the credibility of the awards, Mr. Okpe explained that recipients were selected based on feedback gathered from independent assessment questionnaires filed out by crime-beat journalists.

“The National Crimewatch Awards have earned a prestigious reputation over their 21-year history for honoring exceptional contributions to national security.

“Among this year’s awardees were prominent figures such as Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Police Operations, and Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, honored as National Crimewatch Man of the Year.

“Others included Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, recognized for their lifetime achievements in national security and the fight against drug-related crimes,” the statement concluded.

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

NDI ANAMBRA WANT GOVT THAT WILL DELIVER DIVIDENDS OF DEMOCRACY TO THEIR DOOR STEPS—INFORMATION COMMISSIONER

By Chinelo Ajulufo :

The Anambra Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, has reacted to the bill that was recently passed into law which said that the state and the local government should operate a joint account, saying that Ndi Anambra wants dividends of democracy at their door steps.

Dr Mefor said this on October 9 at his office, during an interactive Session with Arise television.

He also said that the law is in accordance with section 7 of the 1999 amended Constitution which stipulated that the State House of Assembly should make Law for regulation, administration and financing of the local government in the whole federation.

“The law provides a legal framework of all financial automomy of the local government.

“The same constitution also imposes a duty on the state government to see to the proper running of local government including their financial administration,” he said.

He futher explained that the local government will still be in charge of administering their funds as against the notions of some people that the state government wants to take charge of the monies allocated to local government.

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

IRRIGATION FARMING: ANAMBRA GOVT AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PARTNER FEDERAL GOVT

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

In a strategic move to boost food security, Anambra State government has affirmed its commitment to collaborate with federal government to reactivate existing dam to enhance irrigation farming in the state.

To achieve this objective, a six Man preparatory team drawn from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Anambra- Imo River Basin Development Authority under “Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria” (SPIN) has opened up discussions with the state government.

Speaking during the engagement meeting in Awka, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, said the state would do the needful to ensure that the people of the state benefit from the project.

He stated the readiness of the state government to key into the 5 year project geared toward resuscitating any identified existing federal government water source/dam for production of crops, especially rice and maize.

Contributing, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, said the state has enough Dams in Ogboji, Ufuma and Ifite Ogwari/Omor that will meet requirements for establishment of the SPIN project.

Earlier, the SPIN Project Leader, Mrs Stella Arachie, had told the meeting that they were on an assessment tour to determine suitable location for reactivation of a water source/dam in the state.

Arachie,who doubles as the Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, highlighted detailed requirements for establishment of the project to include; availability of Water Source In Dry Season/Dam.

According to her, other requirements include, evidence of land ownership, availability of 500 hectares of land, counterpart funding as well as water users association/cooperatives among others.

She, then, enumerated components of the SPIN project to include, Dam Safety and Irrigation, pointing out that it also targets to undertake studies for hydro power in the nation.

After deliberations, the team with state government officials comprising of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Power, Ezekwo V.C, and some Directors visited Ogboji and Ifite Ogwari/Omor to carry out on the spot assessment of the areas.

Ogboji, is in Orumba South Local Government Area, while Ifite Ogwari and Omor communities are in Ayamelum Local Government Area of the state.

They all expressed satisfaction that the dams have the stipulated requirements and potentials for all year round irrigation farming in the area, adding that Ifite Ogwari Pumping Station had already been supported by ATAPS-1 project with canals, channels.

The State Commissioner for Water Resources and Power, Engr Julius Chukwuemeka and his Economic Planning and Budget counterpart, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake also attended the engagement meeting.

*Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY MONITORS 1 YOUTH 2 SKILLS TRAINING CENTERS IN AWKA SOUTH LGA

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

The Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development has visited 30 Training Centres in Awka South Local Government Area to monitor the ongoing training of second phase of 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution Program and to assess the level of progress achieved.

The Training Centres visited include; Thrills Lawel Fashion and Design, Stanprisy confessionary, Rose beauty salon, Chijioke Okoro cosmetology, J S beauty hub, Preshy cee beauty care, Supreme taste catering as well as Confessionary and Dilinya John Aluminum Fabrication centre.

The monitoring team led by the Commissioner, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba said that the monitoring exercise is to ensure that the program is going on smoothly across the State, adding that Mr. Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is building a life time business hub using a developmental plan tagged 1Youth 2 Skills Solution.

He also said that the program has a well-designed human capital development strategy which will transform lives and fortunes, reduce unemployment drastically and solve the problem of insecurity in the state.

The commissioner further said that 1 Youth 2 Skills program is purely a community based programme designed to incorporate five very important stages such as Apprenticeship/Vocational Skills Training Scheme, Entrepreneurship Scheme, Cooperative Formation, Business Financing Scheme and One Year Mentorship Scheme.

Mr. Agha Mba said that 220,000 youths applied for the program but 10,000 were accepted, charging the trainees to take the training serious and not to see the Governor’s gesture as mere political empowerment but as a development plan that is already designed to equip them to be more strategic in business so as to win as a successful business owners in the future.

Two of the trainees, Emenike Chinwe from Awka and Chukwu Chioma from Enugu State thanked Mr. Governor for the wonderful opportunities giving to them to be part of this Program and promised not to disappoint the ministry after the trainings.

Some of the trainees who spoke during the inspection visit expressed heart felt gratitude to the state government and commended the ministry for the privilege given to them to acquire more knowledge through 1Youth 2 Skills Solution program.

*Ifeoma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS COMMENDS ACTDA, SEEKS PARTNERSHIP FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIAASC), State Chapter has praised the leadership of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) for its ongoing efforts in transforming the Awka Capital Territory.

This commendation was made during a courtesy visit to the ACTDA office in Awka on October 9, 2024.

During the visit, NIAASC Chairman, Dr. Ikenna Onorah, highlighted the importance of fostering closer synergy with ACTDA, pointing to various developmental projects that could thrive through such collaboration.

He emphasized the Institute’s commitment to supporting the “Solution Mandate” initiated by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, which seeks to promote sustainable growth in the state.

In recognition of his visionary leadership, Dr. Onorah formally honored the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko, by naming him an honorary member of NIAASC.

Responding to the recognition, Mr. Onuko expressed his gratitude and emphasized the indispensable role that architects play in urban development, acknowledging the Institute’s contributions to ACTDA’s success.

He further reiterated his commitment to forging partnerships that align with the state’s broader goal of creating a liveable and prosperous homeland as envisioned by Governor Soludo.

Giving his vote of thanks, a lecturer from the Department of Architecture at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Architect Aniegbuna Augustine underscored the urgent need for stricter urban planning regulations, particularly in managing unregulated building, fencing, and drainage systems.

He warned that without these controls, Awka risks losing its aesthetic value and could deteriorate into slum-like conditions, stressing the importance of adherence to the city’s master plan.

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

COMMISSIONER NNAKE URGES STRATEGIC PRIORITIZATION IN 2024 BUDGET PLANNING

By Maureen Agbala :

In a concerted effort to drive efficient and productive resource utilisation for transformative development, the Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, has emphasized the need for prudent allocation and strategic prioritization of projects to maximise economic benefits.

Mrs. Nnake highlighted these points during the inauguration of the 2024 Budget Committee members at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning’s Conference Hall, Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.

She urged bilateral discussions between the Ministry, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to produce a credible and realistic budget.

The ongoing bilateral discussions aim to streamline the budgetary activities of MDAs, ensuring that each MDA operates within its allocated budget envelope and that these operations are prioritized by the communities or people involved.

Mrs. Nnake pointed out that the state’s recurrent revenue, particularly its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), is not growing at the desired pace. Therefore, MDAs must carefully prioritize their initiatives, and she stressed the importance of integrating the Community Charter of Demand (CCD) into MDAs’ plans to ensure meaningful community participation in the budgeting process.

“Prioritizing key programmes is crucial, given that the budget is structured around specific initiatives. Local government matters, such as road maintenance, should be managed by local authorities. The Works Department must account for this distinction when planning its budget to ensure resources are effectively allocated and responsibilities properly assigned,” she stated.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Chris Azor, Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Organisation (CSO), expressed his appreciation for the bilateral discussions and emphasized the need for them to continue. He noted that they are implementing a participatory budget.

“The benefit is that we are bringing the budget to the citizens. It is now the citizens’ budget, and you can see how participatory it is. Many civil society groups, such as the Women’s Society and organizations representing people with disabilities, among others, are participating. It’s a potpourri of all stakeholders, and this is what the budget should be about. The budget is truly coming from the citizens. For example, if they need a market, you don’t give them water. We have moved past the era where budgets are decided solely by MDAs,” he said.

He continued, “Today, we are implementing a participatory budget, the people’s budget. Whatever the people want is included, and the government prioritizes based on the people’s input. As you know, we are doing more with less. So, when you look at the priorities identified by the people, you choose from them, and implementation begins, creating a positive trickle-down effect that makes everyone happy. We are prioritizing the needs of the citizens, with a new level of transparency and accountability.”

A person living with disability, Mr. Okoye, expressed full support for the commissioner’s approach to prioritizing the needs of MDAs, especially given the government’s decision not to procure loans. He noted that this focus would likely result in only a few critical projects being included in the budget.

“The budget’s performance over the past two quarters indicates the government’s strong commitment to developing essential infrastructure, with the goal of accelerating the state’s socio-economic growth and ensuring resources are effectively allocated to initiatives that drive progress and enhance citizens’ quality of life,” he stated.

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

EMPOWERING CHANGE: STATE MINISTRIES OF JUSTICE AND SPECIAL DUTIES RECEIVE DIGITAL TOOLS

By Nwanodu Angela :

Today marks a significant milestone in the Anambra State’s ongoing digital transformation, as the Ministry of Special Duties received their new digital work tools, furthering Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s visionary mantra: “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere.”

The tools were presented by the Anambra State ICT Agency, which is spearheading the implementation of e-government initiatives across the state on behalf of the state government.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs. Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, welcomed the digital tools with immense enthusiasm, noting their potential to greatly enhance the ministry’s efficiency and effectiveness.

“These tools will revolutionize how we work and we have the solution governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to thank for this noble initiative,” she stated, expressing excitement over the positive impact they are expected to have on daily operations.

Earlier, the Ministry of Justice received their own batch of digital tools during a visit to the Anambra State ICT Agency. Mrs Ndirika Onyekwelu (Esq), the Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Attorney General and the entire team.

“We are absolutely thrilled! on behalf of the Attorney General and our Legal Drafting Department, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Governor for providing these much-needed laptops. These digital tools will significantly enhance the efficiency of our dedicated law officers, who are responsible for drafting every contract and agreement for the state government.

“This support goes beyond just providing technology; it’s about empowering our team to work smarter. Previously, our officers spent long hours drafting documents manually, often working overnight. Now, with this new technology, we anticipate significant improvements in our processes, from legal drafting to civil litigation and case preparation, she explained.

As both ministries embrace this exciting development, they expressed deep appreciation for Mr. Governor’s commitment to addressing their needs through innovative solutions. “This is a welcome change, and we couldn’t be happier.”

With the State ICT Agency playing a pivotal role in driving the implementation of these e-government initiatives, both the Ministry of Special Duties and the Ministry of Justice are now better equipped for a more efficient and tech-driven future, embodying the spirit of innovation that is transforming governance across the state.

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