MDA News

Anambra State Government news from Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

SOLUDO, GIVING SPORTS ITS PRIMACY OF PLACE – MEFOR

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor has expressed Governor Soludo’s commitment to giving sports its primacy of place in the state.

Receiving members of the Sports Writers Association (SWAN), Anambra State Chapter, who paid him a courtesy visit yesterday, September 24, 2022, at his office in Awka, Dr Mefor noted that with the return of school sports, the governor is already making way for sports excellence in the future.

According to him, the performance of Team Anambra in the just concluded National Youth Games, where Anambra bagged nine gold, 9 silver and eight bronze is a testament of the Governor’s good works in sports development.

“I noticed that Anambra State is returning in field tracks. The school games is already yielding results. There’s need to catch them young to be doing well in sports and that’s what Governor Soludo is doing in Anambra State. He is making way for sports excellence in the next five years and more.

“More facilities will be put in place. We need to encourage more people to board the tracks. Apart from being a veritable source of employment, sports keeps the youths occupied as an idle mind is a devil’s workshop.

“Watch out what cultism and drug abuse are doing to the society. We need to create alternative positive actions that can be rewarding and engage the youths,” he said.

The commissioner, who expressed the ministry’s readiness to partner with SWAN, urged the members to make formal requests regarding the installation of the Governor as their Grand Patron as obtainable in other states, among other issues.

Earlier, the SWAN Chairman, Anambra State, Chimezie Anaso expressed the association’s commitment to promoting Governor Soludu’s administration through positive reportage of his moderate strides in the sports sector.

*Oranye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ENHANCING COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION: DR. LAW MEFOR’S STRATEGIC AGENCY VISITS

By Azuka Nnabuife, Ngozi Nnajiofor :

As part of his familiarization tour, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, visited the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) and the Anambra State Library Board in Awka.

The commissioner who explained that the visit was to engage with staff and understand the challenges they face in their work, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to improve operations.

Dr. Mefor emphasized the need for a comprehensive overhaul to bring about positive change, suggesting that the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) embark on community-focused projects. These projects would involve in-depth interviews with local communities about ongoing initiatives, shedding light on the administrative frameworks that have driven these projects forward.

He expressed his desire to organize town hall meetings across the 21 local governments in the state, where he plans to meet with the Presidents General (PGs) and traditional rulers.

He highlighted the vital role of journalists, referring to them as the government’s “megaphone”.

Mr. Chris Molokwu, the Managing Director of ABS, shared insights about the challenges the media house faces, indicating plans for training to rejuvenate their operations.

On his tour to the state Library Board, the commissioner pointed out Governor Soludo’s commitment to education, specifically mentioning the provision of scholarships for basic education from primary to secondary school.

He emphasized the initiative of “1 youth, 2 skills,” aimed at equipping young people with multiple skills to serve as ambassadors for their communities.

The Acting Director, Anambra State Library Board, Mrs. Obioma Obalum, outlined several challenges being faced by the board, including issues with electricity and the functionality of some libraries in the state.

Mrs Obalum explained that the board conducted sensitization and training programs for children during the long vacation to foster learning.

The commissioner’s visit was focused on tackling pressing issues through collaborative efforts, emphasizing the vital role of effective communication and education in the state’s development.

* Nnabuife and Nnajiofor are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

INFORMATION COMMISSIONER, MEFOR KICKS OFF FAMILIARIZATION TOUR, WELCOMES FIDES TEAM

By Nwakile Bernadette :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor has embarked on a familiarization tour to the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA)

Dr. Mefor, who said that the visit aimed at repositioning and revitalizing agencies under the ministry, aligning with Governor Soludo’s vision and mission, noted that the strategic move is to enhance collaboration between the Ministry of Information and other agencies, ensuring a seamless communication flow that showcases Governor Soludo’s achievements far and wide.

The commissioner noted that Governor Soludo’s achievements had been significantly underreported in the past. He urged the Managing Director of ANSAA, Mr. Ujubuonu Odili Tony to leverage his expertise to promote these accomplishments through targeted advertising.

He requested Mr. Ujubuonu Odili Tony to provide a comprehensive list of Governor Soludo’s achievements, as well as the challenges and prescriptions of the agency to enable him effectively communicate the governor’s accomplishments and reposition some agencies for better communication.

In his remarks, Managing Director of Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Mr Ujubuonu Odili Tony expressed heartfelt gratitude and pledged to foster a collaborative and friendly relationship between the agency and the ministry.

The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ndirika Onyekwelu (Esq), urged the Managing Director of ANSAA to adhere to dictates of the law while discharging his duties

In a related development, the media team, Fides Newspaper Publication, Awka led by Comrade Jude Atupulazi paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner, Dr.Mefor in his office.

The commissioner expressed gratitude for their visit and encouraged them to support Governor Soludo’s vision and mission by highlighting his notable achievements, particularly in infrastructure development

He promised that the media will embark on a project tour across all 21 Local Government Areas to assess the progress and unfinished projects, emphasizing that they would serve as impartial judges upon completion of the tour.

Dr. Mefor expressed concern that Governor Soludo’s notable achievements in Anambra State have been significantly underreported. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate in highlighting these accomplishments.

Responding, Comrade Jude Atupulazi expressed gratitude to the commissioner and pledged support from Fides Newspaper Publication, contingent upon the ministry’s willingness to collaborate and keep them informed. He highlighted several challenges Fides has faced in recent years, which the commissioner assured would be addressed.

In attendance were Permanent Secretary, Mrs Ndirika Onyekwelu (Esq),HOD, Information, Mr Emma Ikegwuani, Obi Obiadi, Rev. Fr. Dr. Robot Anagboso, Jude Atupulazi, Leticia Ogbonna Oluchi Anayaeji.

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

ACTDA BOSS PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR ONYE-EZE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Mr. Ossy Onuko, has pledged his full support for the upcoming Onye-Eze Football Tournament as part of his commitment to promote youth development through sports in Awka.

Mr. Onuko made this known during a courtesy visit by the organizers of the tournament at his office in Awka.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, ACTDA, Mr. Onuko emphasized the unifying power of sports, noting that sports is one of the social activities capable of uniting enemies to become friends.

The ACTDA Boss while lauding the efforts of Gov. Soludo in advancing the state’s development across all sectors, stressed that despite limited infrastructure such as stadium, sporting activities are key to bringing people together, foster unity and peaceful coexistence.

He further assured the organizers of his assistance in making the tournament a success, noting that Gov. Soludo’s administration loves youths and their development, hence his support.

“It’s not easy to come by money these days, but I am committed to supporting this initiative to unite our youth and encourage their positive development. I commend your efforts and urge you to continue the good work,” Onuko said.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman, Organizing Committee of Onye-Eze Football Competition, Mr. Christopher Uzoh, expressed gratitude to Mr. Onuko for his support.

Mr. Uzoh explained that the tournament now in its second edition, is being sponsored by Chief Samuel Ekwunife, aimed at engaging youths from the 33 villages in Awka to help address youth restiveness and promote community unity.

The chairman who urged all the youths in Awka to cue and participate actively in the tournament, insisted that the initiative would steer youths away from negative influences such as drug abuse and violence, by engaging them in meaningful and positive activities.

The Onye-Eze Football Championship will kick off on Oct. 12, with the final match scheduled for Dec. 29, 2024, at the Awka City Stadium.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT FLAGS OFF MAIDEN FILM PRODUCTION TRAINING IN AWKA

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

In line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision to equip every youth in the state with skills through the “One-Youth-Two Skill Programme,” the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism is preparing to train approximately 100 young individuals in film production and the creative industry. This initiative aims to create “Anawood,” which will be an umbrella and identity for those producing films in Anambra State, as well as enhance the socio-economic well-being of the state and tell the true story of the Igbo people.

The training will take place at the Anambra Film Village, located within the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) premises. It will cover approximately 24-25 courses, including cinematography, props and set management, script writing, entrepreneurship, acting, make-up, directing, sound management, online content creation, costume and fashion designing, among others.

The Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, emphasized that the training aimed at providing youth with the opportunity to join the global movement by equipping themselves with skills in content creation, film production, cinematography, editing, post-production, marketing, among others, that will help to promote and market the true culture and core values of the Igbo people.

He noted that besides agriculture, the creative industry is a major source of employment and with the rise of social media, many individuals are earning money from various sectors through content creation.

“In Nigeria, our people were instrumental in the formation of Nollywood through its first film, “Living in Bondage,” which broke new ground and propelled Nigerians into film production. Today, Nollywood has earned billions of naira, and Nigerian films are making waves throughout Africa.

“As part of the One-Youth-Two Skills initiative, this program offers multiple skills, and I thank the governor, Prof Charles Soludo, for providing the opportunity for you to gain functional and productive training in film production,” he said.

He then called on the students to be disciplined, obedient, serious, and creative, noting that the training would officially start on Monday.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Film Village, Mrs. Chinyere Ozoh-Okoma, stated that the training will run for four months, focusing more on practical skills. “What we are doing here is One-Youth-Two Skills in filmmaking, and we will train them in all aspects of film production so that they will understand the entrepreneurial part of filmmaking. We will also create a platform for them to upload their works and collaborate on content creation.

“We want to ensure that filmmaking in Nigeria, especially those that concern Ndi Igbo, reflects our culture of hard work, honesty, and brotherhood. We aim to teach them to tell our stories in a way that promotes our rich cultures and core values, steering away from the portrayal of rituals and the quick-money syndrome, which is not representative of our culture.”

One of the students, Menje Innocencia Chukwuamaka, a graduate of Adult Education from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, expressed gratitude to Governor Charles Soludo for allowing them to be trained in film production. She stated that she opted for costume, make-up, and entrepreneurship.

She then called on every youth in the state to seize every opportunity to learn new skills and develop themselves instead of being idle.

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

ASPHCDA, PARTNERS HOLD PLANNING MEETING ON HPV SPOT CHECK, SUPPORTIVE SUPERVISION

By Nnedinma Okeke :

The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), National Primary HealthCare Development Agency (NPHCDA), in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and CHAI, have conducted the state entry and planning meeting for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) spot check.

Also, Integrated Medical Personnel, together with Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) supportive supervision.

The meeting, held in ASPHCDA office complex, was chaired by the Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem who welcomed all partners, thanking them for their support to the state.

She noted that the partnership demonstrates the commitment of these organizations to improving healthcare delivery in Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

The Objectives of the Meeting were centered on conducting HPV spot checks which aimed at assessing the coverage and quality of HPV vaccination services in Anambra State.

Also, to implement IMPACT supportive supervision to strengthen healthcare systems and improve service delivery.

The meeting marked a significant step toward reducing the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria through improved HPV vaccination coverage and healthcare service delivery.

It was attended by NPHCDA Anambra State Coordinator, Mr Obioha Agbakwuru, together with other Representatives of NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, CHAI and ASPHCDA team.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: INSIGHTS FROM ANAMBRA AND LAGOS STATES

By Nwanodu Angela :

Africa’s digital future took center stage at the Hyperscalers Convergence Africa Conference, held at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. Top experts in technology and infrastructure development gathered to explore and shape regulatory frameworks that will propel the growth of digital infrastructure across the continent.

Among the distinguished panelists were the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Lagos State, Olatubosun Alake, and the Managing Director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, who shared insights from their respective states on the journey so far.

In his remarks, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata highlighted Anambra’s success story through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), particularly in digital infrastructure development.

He noted that Governor Charles Soludo’s initiative to waive Right of Way (RoW) charges was pivotal in attracting investors and enhancing ease of business, following the examples set by Lagos and Kaduna.

“Governor Soludo’s decision to waive RoW charges significantly boosted connectivity and economic growth in the state.

“Government is financially burdened, so we have focused on collaborating with local partners to connect our services.

“For the first time, we now have a civil service with access to the internet – another successful example of PPP in action,”Agbata noted.

He explained that a major component of the state’s digital transformation strategy has been leveraging partnerships with local businesses to foster digital access across government institutions.

Agbata maintained that such collaborations were critical for states, not just Anambra, as efficient resource management is key to meeting diverse governance priorities.

He emphasized that partnerships like this are instrumental in driving progress in critical areas such as digital infrastructure, as they distribute the burden of development and maintenance, making them an essential component of effective modern governance.

Olatubosun Alake, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, highlighted the importance of stakeholder consultation and advocacy, particularly when engaging the private sector.

He urged companies to establish their own codes of conduct to ensure smooth interactions with the government and legislative bodies, which play a critical role in reforms aimed at fostering ease of doing business.

“Ease of doing business is pivotal because it determines whether an investor will engage,” Alake said.

He also emphasized the importance of qualified personnel in civil service sectors and advocated for competitive pay packages to ensure optimal service delivery.

Other distinguished panelists included Dr. Ayotunde Coker, Chairman, Africa Data Centres Association; Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria; and Douglas Njenga, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Special Projects, WIOCC Group. The session was moderated by Sade Dada, Public Policy Manager for Anglophone West Africa at Meta.

The discussions underscored the importance of regulatory frameworks, partnerships, and targeted reforms in driving digital infrastructure development across Nigeria and the African continent.

ASHIA HOLDS ONE-DAY SENSITIZATION MEETING WITH DESK OFFICERS

By Chisom Okafor :

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency(ASHIA), has sensitized the Desk Officers of its various accredited health facilities.

The ASHIA Managing Director, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi in a meeting with the desk officers at ASHIA headquarters in Awka, discussed the overview, dynamics and operations of the Scheme.

He advised the officers to familiarize themselves with the operations of the Scheme by studying the ASHIA operational guidelines given to them.

Dr Onyemaechi cautioned them on the administration of branded drugs to enrollees in the bid to extort money from them, educating them that unbranded drugs are the approved medicine by the health insurance policy and any branded drugs given to enrollees should be with proper explanation and their consent.

The MD expressed dissatisfaction at hospitals that render services that are not included in their accreditation by ASHIA, advising such hospitals to desist from such or face the consequences.

He pleaded with the desk officers to be open minded and attentive to the enrollees to ensure that they do not pay out-of-pocket for services that are covered by the scheme.

Speaking on pre authorization code, the MD advised the desk officers to always send the proper diagnosis when requesting for the pre authorization code to avoid denial.

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

STATE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION VISITS ANAMBRA ICT AGENCY, ASSURES SUPPORT FOR E-GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES

By Nwanodu Angela :

The Chairman and Members of the State House Committee on Information visited the Anambra State ICT Agency on Tuesday for a familiarization meeting with the Managing Director, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA).

This visit underscores the critical collaboration between the legislative and executive arms in driving technological progress and ensuring effective governance in the state.

Led by the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Fred Ezenwa (Onitsha South 1), including Mr Jude Akpua (Njikoka II), Justice Azuka (Onitsha North 1), and Patrick Udoba (Anambra West), the delegation met with the ICT Agency’s leadership to gain a comprehensive understanding of the agency’s operations, discuss its challenges and explore ways to address these challenges within the framework of the law.

Explaining the Committee’s role, Ezenwa said, “We are acting according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic, Sections 128 and 129, which mandate us to oversee the activities of agencies like this. If you have challenges, we can address them in the House to ensure you are more productive. If there is a need for an amendment of the law or for a motion to be moved, we will do it to make your work easier”.

During the meeting, CFA emphasized the agency’s efforts in driving e-governance across Anambra State.

“Our vision is to build a digitally transformed Anambra State. At the core of our mandate is e-government capacity for the state—to build it and deepen it.”

CFA elaborated on the state’s progress in digital infrastructure, noting, “One of the first things Mr. Governor did was to remove the Right of Way (RoW) charges, which has encouraged infrastructure companies to work with the state. As a result, people now have fiber in their homes, a significant improvement compared to what we had before, all thanks to these reform changes”.

He discussed the agency’s role in pioneering digital transformation through collaborations with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“In terms of e-government, a number of things have happened in the state, Because our role is more of an incubatory role, we work with these MDAs to fulfill their goals. For instance, we partnered with the Ministry of Health to develop the ‘Ashefamu’ e-platform that gathers all the accredited health systems in Anambra State, and with the Ministry of Budget to automate their budget systems. Ours is a supervisory and advisory role to ensure these projects succeed.”

Agbata also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand broadband access, saying, “We are currently in partnership with a provider deploying internet in the Secretariat, and we have also extended this service to public places like Aroma, Eke Awka, Ifite, and Book Foundation. Expanding broadband access is crucial because the more Ndi Anambra have access to the Internet, the more possibilities open up for them”.

He mentioned the agency’s initiatives in training civil servants and distributing laptops to civil servants, teachers, and heads of local government officials, noting that Anambra is currently one of the leading states in tech adoption.

The visit reinforced the importance of aligning the agency’s objectives with legislative support to effectively fulfill its mandate. It also served as a testament to the collaborative spirit necessary for achieving good governance and technological advancement in Anambra State.

CFA expressed gratitude for the Committee’s engagement, emphasizing that continued collaboration is essential as the agency strives to overcome challenges and achieve its objectives.

Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EMBARKS ON REFORMATION AND REDIRECTION PROGRAM IN ANAMBRA’S 3 SENATORIAL ZONES

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development has embarked on the 2024 Youths Reformation and Redirection Programme across the three senatorial zones.

The program which is implemented to reach youths of different categories is aimed to equip them with necessary life skills, reorient their mindset and imbibe them with strong moral values towards positive lifestyle and to enroll the participants into the 1Youth 2Skills Solution Program.

It’s vision is also to address anti-social activities prevalent among young people and to re-integrate them gainfully and meaningfully into the society as change agents through value re-orientation, critical training processes, among others.

Declaring the workshop open in Onitsha North Council Headquarters, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba said that the workshop is in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision to develop the potential of young people as dependable human capitals.

He said the theme of the programme which is “Moving From The Street To Self-Realization For Self-Actualization” will give participants the much needed direction to live better and more useful lives.

Mr. Agha Mba also recalled that Governor Soludo, upon assumption of office, made a firm promise not only to eradicate different forms of social vices including touting from the state, but to also institute meaningful programmes that will positively change the lives of youths that were engaged in anti-social activities, emphasizing that the governor has now fulfilled and surpassed his promises.

Mr. Agha Mba mentioned some of the youth enterprise development programmes that will help transform the lives of youths socially and economically to include 1 Youth, 2Skills Solution initiative through which 5000 youths have been trained and empowered and an estimated 8,620 others expected to benefit from the second batch of the initiative and through Solution Innovation District (SID) where over 22,000 have been trained with digital skills empowered in the Level-up Anambra and Code Anambra programmes.

Also speaking, the Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Mr. Anthony Nworah said that he is overwhelmed by Governor Soludo’s programmes for the youth and advised young people to cherish and utilize all available initiatives to better their lives.

The Commandant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Anambra State Command, Mr. Daniel Onyishi who was represented by an Assistant Commandant in the agency, Mr. Christopher Adabor while delivering a paper on drug abuse,

advised young people to re-evaluate their cycle and try to maximise every meaningful opportunity at their disposal to better their life.

Another speaker at the event, Rev. Goodwill Mba who spoke on “Seven Keys to Greatness” noted that self discovery, diligence, keeping friends that are like-minded, being in good relationship with God, identifying mentors and roles models, determination to succeed and utilisation of positive opportunities are critical to realizing one’s dreams in life.

One of the participant, Messrs Shobayo Amadi thanked Governor Soludo for prioritising the welfare of youths and giving them opportunities to better themselves and promised that they will shun drug abuse and other social vices.

Another participant, Messrs Ebuka Ite from Ogbaru LGA expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Governor for giving the youth of Anambra a well packaged program like 1 youth 2 Skills free of charge.

Present at the event were the Director, Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Chito Osili, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Mr Tony Omatah and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth, Mr. Chibuzor Udeh.

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