MDA News

Anambra State Government news from Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

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 *

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 *