MDA News

Anambra State Government news from Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

ANAMBRA GOVT TRAINS FARMERS, STAKEHOLDERS ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE STORAGE, PRESERVATION—–EMBARKS ON INSPECTION TOUR

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

No Fewer than 150 Farmers and stakeholders have been trained by the state government on how to preserve their agricultural produce using safe methods, just as it embarked on an inspection tour of some agro allied establishments.

The two day training held at the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Hall, Ministry of Agriculture,was organised by the Produce Department.

Declaring the training tagged”Proper Handling, Storage, Preservation and Grading of Agricultural Produce” open, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, described it as apt especially now that government has prioritised food security.

“This is a very important capacity building session, helping the farmers to make their livelihood resilient because when your produce can be preserved, then your livelihood is also preserved.”

He enjoined the participants to put their new knowledge to good use and also step down the training to other farmers in their respective communities.

“We want to make sure produce are good enough for consumption and help those who are involved in value chain activities. So, I enjoin us to open up and soak every bit of information.”

In a remark, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, called on the participants to disseminate information about the Neem leaves potentials and adopt the technique of turning it into produce preservatives.

She noted that it was important for all stakeholders to collaborate through trainings and sensitisation campaigns to address issues.

Conducting practical sessions, a Resource Person, Dr Obigwe Chukwuma, demonstrated the use of organic matter, Neem leaves, oil and cake among others as natural preservatives, fertilizers and pesticides.

“Information on the utilisation of plant extracts such as those of neem oil, neem cake, neem seed kernel and neem leaf should be made available for the farmers and other grain keepers for safe and economic preservation.”

Dr Chukwuma, the Chief Executive Officer, Royal Neem Ltd, explained that preserving produce in a natural way results in healthier humans and reduces the need for chemical interventions.

He, then, affirmed that the organic method of preservation was a much more sustainable process.

Speaking during an inspection tour of some establishments, the Acting Director of Produce Department, Mrs Uzoamaka Emeagwali, said that the event was staged to sensitive farmers on safe methods of preserving agricultural produce.

She lamented that poor storage methods, adulteration and unhygienic ways produce were being handled by processors and marketers in the state necessitated the training programme.

Mrs Emeagwali, noted that prevalent unwholesome practices was raising concerns among stakeholders about the attendant health risks, expressing commitment to sustain the exercise.

She affirmed that government was playing its role to sensitize the people as well as stakeholders on the best practices to handle and process agricultural produce.

Establishments inspected by the team include, Belga Nig Ltd, Palm Fruit and Kernel Processing, Abagana,Tony silver Industry Ltd, Palm Kernel Crushing Mill, Umuokpu and Wisdom Pack Rice, Agu Awka.

On arrival at Tonysilver Ltd, the Managing Director, Engr Sylvester Ofodile, who was on ground to receive the team explained the stages of production in processing palm kernel.

Mr Louis Ime Kalu, a Resource Person and Director of Produce, Abia State Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry, demonstrated how to determine the quality and free fatty acid of the palm kernels.

According to him, the higher the free fatty acid, the higher the cholesterol in the oil. So, that is what we are trying to ascertain.

*Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA GOVT PARTNERS FIRM ON LIVESTOCK DIGITISATION, CONSTITUTES STEERING COMMITTEE

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

The Anambra State Government and Dilimson Holdings Limited are to use new technologies to explore and expand opportunities existing in livestock agricultural sector for effective collaboration.

To drive implementation of the initiative,18 Man Steering committee for “Anambra State Livestock Information Management System” has been inaugurated.

It was gathered that the partnership will encompass crucial aspects such as development of robust database on animals/livestock and standardisation of global best practices.

While on the collaborative meeting held in Awka, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, expressed optimism that the project would enhance fulfillment of the Ministry’s livestock development mandate.

“I acknowledge Dilimson for the initiative to partner us in the fulfillment of our mandate to the people of the state in the quest for food security and livestock protein.

“So for us to be able to measure livestock in Anambra State, we need to know what they are, where they are and what they are doing.”

Inaugurating the 18 Man Steering committee members under his watch as Overseer, Dr Ihejiofor, urged them to work with high sense of commitment as a team toward delivering the value to Ndi Anambra.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, who shared background information about the collaboration, explained that presentations would be done to enable the committee members to know the roles expected of them.

Responding, the Chief Executive Officer of Dilimson Holdings, Mr George Umobi, said the Firm supported financially for the project by an international organization, Romania Aid, has recorded over 20 years of practice in animal identification and management.

While emphasizing the need for facilitating technology driven innovation and development within the livestock sector, he said they are geared to work together with the state government on tagging of animals for traceability and identification.

“We are set to begin digitisation of livestock because there are so many things that will go into that data.

“Tagging these animals are very important because it helps in farm management, development of the animals and the Veterinary Services Department management of animal health,” Umobi added

The two parties had signed a memorandum of understanding in May, 2024 which outlined a collaborative frame work for the project.

Highpoint of the meeting was inauguration of members of the steering committee by Mr Commissioner as follows: Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, Special Project Implementation Unit, Dr Chu Basil Ejidike,1st Chairman, Mr James Obienyem, Co Chairman, Mr George Umobi, 2nd Co- Chairman, Dr Viadu Ovidiu, 3rd Co-Chairman, Dr Edet Umoh will serve as the Secretary.

Others include, Amarachi Ifeduba, Assistant Secretary, Mrs Ebere Ojimadu, Financial Secretary, Mrs Rebecca Echebi, Assist Financial Secretary, Mrs Chiamaka Agbili and Mr Alex Izuakor, Community Engagement Experts, Mr Chudi Udechukwu and Mr Ifeanyi Nwaegbo, Assist Community Engagement Experts.

While Mr Chibumkasim Umobi and Mr Chukwuka Ugokwe will serve as Communication Officer and Assistant Communication Officer respectively.

*Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

MEFOR MULLS CREATION OF MORE DEPARTMENTS IN ANAMBRA INFORMATION MINISTRY, RETRAINING OF STAFF ON NEW COMMUNICATION SKILLS

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has expressed readiness to look into the possibility of creating more departments in the Anambra State Ministry of Information for optimal performance.

Speaking when he received the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ministry of Information Chapel, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Awka, Dr. Mefor noted that adding one or two departments, training staff, equipping the Situation Room, and provision of a bus or two, among others, will help to further promote the good works of the government.

“I’m particular about training. Even those who have degrees in Mass Communication or Journalism need to be retrained because things are radically changing. The new media has altered everything. If you don’t upgrade to meet up, sticking to the old method will make the world leave you behind. The world is at the top now, no longer a global village as thought by Marshall McLuhan. Even in government, some agencies have gone so far. There’s a need for on-the-job training so that we can drive our mandate and statutory responsibilities. We really need to change our old ways. There is now a compelling need for a paradigm shift,” he said.

The Commissioner further thanked the union leaders for accepting him as their member and urged the workers to add ginger to what they do, while assuring that he would try to mobilise and motivate them as much as possible and provide the needed leadership.

Earlier, the Ministry of Information Chapel Chairman of NUJ, Dr Stanley Ikem Onunkwo, lauded the Commissioner for his hard work and explained that the visit was to officially welcome and brief him on the Ministry’s activities.

He requested the Commissioner’s intervention in creating more departments, equipping the Situation Room, training workers, and providing a bus for the Ministry.

Present at the visit were the Acting Director of Information, Emma Ikegwuani, and his deputy, Mrs. Chinyere Ogbuagu; Secretary of the Union, Obinna Obiadi; and Mr. Peter Onyejekwu.

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

INTERGRATED MEASLES CAMPAIGN: ASPHCDA, PARTNERS MEET HEALTH EDUCATION TEACHERS

By Nnedinma Okeke :

Following activities geared toward achieving success in the forthcoming Intergrated Measles campaign, the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners, has held a one-day engagement meeting with Health Education Teachers.

The engagement meeting aimed at ensuring the State achieves its 95 percent coverage with no eligible child of nine to 59 months left unimmunized in the upcoming October 12 to 18 Measles campaign holds in Awka, Anambra capital city.

It had Health Education Teachers in attendance from schools across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State together with ASPHCDA team and Partners: NPHCDA, UNICEF, WHO, CHAI and AFENET.

Pharm Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, represented by Director Disease Control and Immunization, ASPHCDA, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi urged the Health Education Teachers to work for the inclusion of immunization in their curriculum.

She noted that the meeting would impact on the Teachers with adequate knowledge to be able to respond to questions and be Ambassadors to impact knowledge to others in their respective schools on the importance of immunization.

NPHCDA Representative, Mrs Josephine Erugo noted that the event was an opportunity to educate the teachers on Measles vaccination coming up in the state which was for the protection of the Nigerian Child.

The UNICEF SBC Consultant, Dr Uju Eze noted that UNICEF works toward the betterment of women and children and the forthcoming Intergrated Measles Campaign exercise was geared toward the betterment of children.

She urged the Health Education Teachers as Stakeholders to participate actively as they would aid in serving as Health Focal Persons in their respective LGAs which was for the good of women and children.

The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) Consultant, Dr Joseph Agboeze noted that their organisation strongly supports immunization in Nigeria in the areas of human resources with technical expertise as their field officers would be part of the campaign.

The Chilton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Technical Assistant, Mr Obinna Ezem, emphasizing that CHAI supports vaccination in Anambra State urged the Health Education Teachers to help cascade knowledge gained from the meeting in their communities for the program to be effective with desired results achieved.

The UNICEF ASUBEB Desk Officer, Mrs Cecilia Ofuonye urged for corporation of the teachers in the upcoming vaccination exercise as the meeting would aid sensitize them on informations about the campaign.

The Health Education Teachers while asking questions on areas of clarification, pledged their support toward ensuring success in the forthcoming Intergrated Measles vaccination campaign in the State.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS HOLD ENGAGEMENT MEETING FOR UPCOMING MEASLES CAMPAIGN

By Nnedinma Okeke

The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners hold one-day Education Stakeholders engagement meeting for upcoming Integrated Measles Vaccination Campaign in Anambra State.

The meeting had in attendance Education Secretaries/Officers-In-Charge from the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State, Partners: NPHCDA, UNICEF, CHAI, and AFENET together with ASPHCDA team.

The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem represented by the Director Disease Control and Immunization, ASPHCDA, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi noted that the Education Stakeholders play a crucial role in ensuring success of the campaign in the State.

She urged the Stakeholders to be Ambassadors and help spread the gospel of the vaccination campaign aimed at protecting children as the meeting would aid in equipping them on the necessary information they may need.

The NPHCDA Anambra State Coordinator, Mr Obioha Agbakwuru expressed gratitude to Education Stakeholders and the Media for support given to previous Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) conducted in the past.

He noted that they occupy strategic positions in providing mobilisation and ensuring that target population of SIAs were achieved.

“Presently we are about conducting the Intergrated Measles campaign and we solicit for your continuous support in ensuring that Anambra achieves its 95 percent coverage target for the exercise whilst ensuring that no eligible child of nine to 59 months is missed.

“Most of the target population to be vaccinated for the Measles campaign would be reached in schools, which is why the Media and Education Secretaries/Officers-In-Charge play a crucial role in this exercise.”

He, then, on behalf of NPHCDA solicited for the Stakeholders continued support in ensuring that all eligible children in respective schools in the 21 LGAs of the State are vaccinated during the Intergrated Measles campaign.

The UNICEF SBC Consultant, Dr Uju Eze emphasized the importance and role of the Stakeholders, as most of the target groups for the vaccination are in schools. She gave an overview of the 2024 Intergrated SIAs, noting that the meeting would create an avenue for discussions on success of the campaign.

Mrs Chinenye Udeani, CHAI Technical Assistant explained that the Measles campaign was Intergrated as it could be leveraging on the activity to create awareness/sensitize girls and parents/caregivers on the benefits of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine.

The Anambra State Health Educator (SHE), Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina anchoring the meeting, urged all hands to be on deck in ensuring that no eligible child for the vaccination is left unimmunized in Anambra State.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

INFORMATION COMMISSIONER ASSURES COLLABORATION WITH SOCIAL REFORMATION AGENCY FOR DRUG ABUSE, ANTI-CULTISM, AND MORAL REARMAMENT CAMPAIGNS

By Rose Oranye :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has pledged his support to the newly established Anambra Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISOR) in tackling drug abuse, anti-cultism, and moral rearmament campaigns, emphasizing the need for behavior modification to create a better Anambra.

During a courtesy visit from ANCISOR’s Managing Director, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, Dr. Mefor expressed concern over the rising moral decadence among youths, citing drug abuse, anti-cultism, and Yahoo Plus as major crises.

He stressed Anambra’s influential role in Igboland, saying, “If Igboland were a train of coaches, Anambra is the head coach dragging others”.

The Information Commissioner assured ANCISOR that, together, they will make the agency a household name within months.

Earlier, Sir Nnabuife explained that ANCISOR’s mission is to promote Anambra State’s core agenda, emphasizing the importance of a clean Anambra, obedience to the law, and support for education, health, and community development.

*Rose is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SOLUDO’S PPCP INITIATIVE SET TO BOOST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, SAYS NNAKE

By Maureen Agbala :

Anambra State is focused on creating a prosperous homeland where every Anambarian can return with pride, reinvest their resources, and continue building legacy for future generations while staying connected to their roots.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, stated this at an event held at the ASATU Hall, Government House, Awka, in collaboration with Presidents-General and community leaders on the Public-Private Community Partnership (PPCP) initiative of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration set to accelerate community development.

Mrs. Nnake explained that the PPCP, also known as the ‘Solu Dozie’ Anambra Initiative, serves as a major platform created by the state government to unite Ndi Anambra across the globe allowing them to witness the development of social infrastructure, recognize their contributions, and participate in the growth of their communities.

She emphasized that while the state government is doing a great job with limited resources, they cannot achieve everything alone. This is why the PPCP initiative requires the partnership of Presidents-General and community leaders to spearhead it.

“We are here to educate them, present the project, and get their input to further develop this initiative. The PGs will lead the community implementation teams, and we believe that their input at this early stage is crucial in addressing concerns we may not have considered at the grassroots level.

“This meeting also is to inform them that we are doing this together. The government cannot do everything. We need everyone on board to ensure the initiative comes to life.

“When we focus on healthcare, we ask how we can mobilize our people wherever they are in the world, to ensure that their healthcare facilities are functional and serving their intended purpose. The state government is committed to ensuring that every community-led project is completed and functional, she explained.

Mrs. Nnake clarified that the PPCP is not a continuation of the Community Choose Your Project Initiative, which was funded solely by the government. “This is a new initiative aimed at mobilizing Ndi Anambra across the globe.

“Many want to know what’s happening in their communities but don’t have the information or know how to help out. For example, we aim to raise awareness about the condition of healthcare facilities in their communities and how they can help make them more functional. Some people may not be able to build a school but can contribute to upgrading an existing one—that’s what this initiative is all about.

“This PPCP allows more people to do something meaningful. It encourages participation in various community projects toward creating a better society and a more developed Anambra State. This initiative has no set time frame due to its nature and will continue indefinitely. For now, we are focusing on healthcare and social infrastructure because of the immediate impact they can have,” she declared.

Mrs Nnake informed that the programme will be rolled out before the year end.

National President of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU),Titus Nnabuike Akpaudo (Esq), described the new initiative as commendable. He explained that the communities are expected to use their own resources for development, but this will be under the government’s strict 100% supervision to ensure that any project embarked upon by a community is seen through to completion.

“I commend Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s visionary leadership and applaud Mrs. Nnake, who is truly dedicated to her duties and always ready to serve the state’s growth and development. The PGs and town unions are pleased with this initiative, and we are fully committed to ensuring its success. I assure the state governor that he can count on us to make the plan work as intended,” he said.

In his remarks, Zonal Leader of the Anambra South Senatorial Zone, ASATU and former President-General of Orsumoghu, Ichie Chika Dennis Muomife, stated that the state government is institutionalizing an already existing system by formalizing community efforts for greater productivity.

“In the past, communities, especially in Anambra State, achieved projects through community effort. Now that the government wants to formalize this process, it is a positive development because it will increase the trust and confidence people have in their leaders. Knowing that the government is involved will encourage people to contribute even more,” said Ichie Muomife.

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

ANAMBRA HEADTEACHERS URGED TO PURSUE SELF-IMPROVEMENT, REVITALISE BASIC EDUCATION SECTOR

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The annual leadership retreat for headteachers, officers-in-charge, and Directors in the State Basic Education sector has ended with a call on the participants not to relent in rendering quality service to humanity.

The retreat organised in batches for the entire Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs), in the state held at Archbishop Obiefuna Retreat and Pastoral Centre, Awka with the theme: “Education as a Panacea for Human Capital Development: Effective and Efficient School Management as Sustaining Factors” could be simply described as a forum to retrain the school administrators to address salient issues that militate against the implementation of educational policies and programmes of the state government.

Addressing the participants, the state Head of Service, Mrs Theodora Igwegbe(Esq), stressed the importance of imbibing the values of hardwork and honesty which can help to reduce examination malpractice in schools, and boost learning outcomes, urging the participants to teach the societal values to the school children in order to reduce social vices ravaging our contemporary society.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Awka, Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi stated that the retreat was aimed at reviving the essential leadership skills for the headteachers to ensure maximum efficiency in achieving the set goals of basic education in the state.

According to Dr. Nwadinobi, the leadership retreat would allow the headteachers to share experiences, collect critical schools data, proffer feasible solutions to their problems and motivate them for greater productivity.

“I urge you to embrace the future task with enough positivity and deliberate efforts to add value to our basic education as you get back to your schools”, she said.

Resource persons drawn from various fields of education presented well researched papers to the participants, such as Prof. Patience Egboka, whose lecture focused on “School Administration and Management in Primary Schools”, described the headteacher as a manager, a community relations person, a supervisor, an instructor, a curriculum innovator, and a catalyst towards planned educational revolution whose role is to direct and monitor the academic and non-academic activities within the school.

She called for a continuous in-service teacher programme, improved welfare and sufficient funding as strategies for improvement of school administration.

Also in a paper titled: “Evaluation of Schools, Using Quality Assurance Indices or Aspects”, Dr. Bibiana Okoli described quality assurance as a process of monitoring, assessing, evaluating and reporting all aspects of the school life based on agreed standard, adding that human capital development is the most valuable asset within any organisation.

On her part, Dr. Ndidi Okeke who spoke on “Ethics and Values in Teaching and Learning”, stated that ethics are the principles guiding human conduct, while values shape the learning environment through the inculcation of ethical behaviours and attitudes for both the teachers and learners.

On her part, Mrs Kate Ndulue who delivered a paper on “Curriculum Prepares the Learners to Meet the Needs of the Society” emphasized that curriculum comprised the learning content, methods, and sequence for teaching and learning which guarantees uniformity and consistency that can drive learners’ progress.

The retreat also featured a paper on “Value Re-orientation and Stakeholders’ Role” presented by the Executive Chairman of ASUBEB, Awka, Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi who stated that values are standards or principles used to judge the worth of an idea or action, while value re-orientation is the act of changing, adjusting, re-aligning attitudes and beliefs to a new and acceptable behaviour.

She concluded her paper by highlighting some values in Nigeria and Anambra State, such as sacredness of human life, communal living, family, hardwork, and respect for old age among others, calling on all stakeholders in the education system to embrace the shared values of Anambra State so as to make a positive impact on everyone everywhere.

“Data Collection and Analysis Management in Schools” by Engr. Mike Neboh also featured, while question and answer session, experience sharing and suggestions for the way forward were the high points of the retreat.

In attendance were the Board Secretary, Loveline Mgbemena, the permanent Board Members, Officers-in-charge, and the Directors.

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

DEFEND GOVERNMENT IN POWER, COMMISSIONER TASKS INFORMATION OFFICERS

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, has tasked information officers under the ministry to hit the ground running by reporting all developmental activities and projects of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, saying that they do not necessarily need to be All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) members to promote the good work of the present State Government administration.

The Commissioner gave the directive during an interactive session with all the staff cum information officers (IOs) employed in the Ministry at the Head of Service, Auditorium, Jerome Udoji, Secretariat, Awka.

Dr. Mefor expressed worry that the governor’s activities were underreported, insisting that there must be a paradigm shift.

“We cannot have over 180 information officers and yet the reports sent in by the IO’s do not make up to 10 percent on the Anambra State website.

“We need feed back, every information officer should report at least once a week. A report evaluation module will be compiled regularly. In fact, after every three weeks any information officer who did not file in any report will be withdrawn from the person’s duty station and he or she becomes a floating officer.

“If the Principal officer at your duty station is not cooperating report back to me and I will pay that person a visit.

“Infact, we shall commence LGA tours to check and assert the responsibilities of the state information officers. Sometimes, they do not even know why you are there because if they knew they have no reason not to carry you along.

I have three months to deliver so I seek your cooperation as a matter of responsibility to join my vision and passion to promote the good works of this present administration which have been unprecedented.”

The commissioner promised to look into the challenges facing the information officers and promised to do his best to protect their interest so long as it will enhance performance and productivity toward a liveable, desirable Anambra State.

In her remark, the Permanent Secretary, Barr Mrs Ndirika Onyekwelu said, ‘Our commissioner is an ‘A’ person so we are very lucky to have him at the helm of the affairs. He was appointed today and the next day he was already hosting press briefing with every Sector needed to make things work in the state.

“I met some air of despondency when I resumed in this ministry but since Law Mefor came on board the atmosphere has changed. Do you know that for the first time, during the last ANSEC meeting, it started with a commendation by Mr Governor who acknowledged our Commissioner’s impact in less than three weeks of appointment, what a good note to start with,” she said

Also, HOD Information, Emma Ikegwuani after commending the Commissioner said that a strategic roaster will be drawn to ensure that week in week out the ministry’s presence was felt in the social media to ensure that the activities of the government were reported and reacted upon.

He further pledged on behalf of the information officers that the ministry will run at the pace of the Commissioner to actualize his vision.

The HOD Film department, Mr Peter Onyejegbu observed that most LGAs and MDAs principal officers do not like working with our state information officers. He suggested that a correspondent be written to the heads of Agencies and LGAs to assert the presence of our State information officers.

Several information officers suggested ways to improve performance, efficiency and productivity in the Ministry of Information.

The Observations include overhauling and equiping of the Situation room and ICT room with modern gadgets and the need for all IO’s to register or obtain the official government email Anambra.gov.ng since the Anambra State ICT department is ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Information as well as provide identity cards and jackets for field workers, iPads and data so as to equip and motivate the information officers.

*Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

INFORMATION COMMISSIONER MEFOR, PSYCHOLOGISTS TO PARTNER FOR SOLUDO’S PLAN FOR CIVIC AND VALUE REORIENTATION

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, this Tuesday, received his co-psychologists from the Department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.

Addressing the commissioner during the visit, the Director of, the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Reduction (ICUDOR), Nigeria, and immediate past President of, the Nigerian Psychological Association, Prof. Michael Ezenwa, leader of the group, said the essence of the visit was to identify with the commissioner and see how they can collaborate with him and the government to improve governance in Anambra State.

Prof. Ezenwa described Mefor, who is also a journalist, as a practising psychologist with depth who never ceased to demonstrate love for the profession. He thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for spotting him.

“If there are responsibilities you want us to do for the government or your office, we’ll be willing to do that to ensure that both you and your principal succeed.

“This is our state, and the governor, Prof. Soludo, has demonstrated leadership. He has invested a lot in security architecture and infrastructure. I just wanted to tell you this without mincing words. Today, Uga, my own community, is having a road under construction. Soludo has brought a road into my community…We are not politicians; we are academics. We speak what we see,” Ezenwa said.

Also speaking, the Head of Psychology Department (HOD), UNIZIK, Prof. Chidozie Nwafor, explained that they have erudite professors who are experienced in research, psychoeducation, and everything that will make a state work in addressing behavioural change.

“We will be available 24/7 to participate, share ideas, and support the government of Anambra State, your ministry, and others to ensure that Anambra State progresses.”

Responding, Commissioner Mefor thanked them for identifying him as one of their own, adding that he has three degrees in psychology and that he started publishing the first psychologist magazine as a young psychologist and cannot afford to take psychology for granted.

“I’m always worried about the place of psychology in Nigeria and national development. It has been a cause of concern for me because I believe that psychology is grossly underutilised and possibly because psychologists haven’t been able to stake their position or prove what they can do. I believe that you don’t have to wait for opportunities; you create them. I wouldn’t want to say that psychology is shut out of our national life. We haven’t done enough to break into the mainstream.

“So every little opportunity we have such as this, we should try and demonstrate what psychology can do. I sincerely believe that we can do a lot together. Even before you called, I was already reaching out. There is work to be done, and luckily for psychology and psychologists in Nigeria, Prof. Soludo just created a purely psychological agency—the Anambra State Agency for Civic and Value Orientation. It’s a pure socio-psychological intervention agency. I have been thinking all along before the agency was created about 4-5 weeks ago. So you can break into the agency and help the man who is in charge there in fulfilling the mandate given to the agency by Governor Soludo. We should be able to pull collaboration around there. I am not sure if the agency is under my ministry, but it won’t matter.

“Many of our youths have lost their way in Anambra State, the South East, and Nigeria. So there is a need to launch full social rearmament campaigns, value reorientation, and moral rearmament campaigns with the information ministry and the new agency…,” Mefor said.