State News

News from all over Anambra State

ASPECTS OF THE NEW SECURITY INTERVENTION – OPERATION UDO GA-ACHI – TAKE OFF AS ANSEC AWARDS MORE STRATEGIC ROADS AND OTHER PROJECTS

PRESS RELEASE

The 38th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) Meeting, held at the Council chambers in Awka, celebrated and savoured the two key awards won by Anambra State in the National Primary Health Challenge. The state emerged as the winner in the South East and the best national champion in Nigeria, winning a combined sum of $1.2 million in the two categories.

Some aspects of the new security intervention—Operation Udo Ga-Achi—designed to root out insecurity in Anambra were favourably considered and approved to ensure a peaceful and joyous Christmas celebration.

The report of the consultative meetings between relevant ministries, departments and agencies, and the private sector on the Anambra State Action on Business Enabling Reform (SABER) programme was considered and approved. The consultative meetings aim to tease out ways and means of improving the ease of doing business in Anambra State. The report showed that Anambra state in the last annual peer review placed no. 1 in South Nigeria and 7th in Nigeria. The report also showed the pathway to Anambra State retaining its first position in southern Nigeria and possibly emerging first in Nigeria in the next review.

Projects and Contracts Awarded

The Council considered and approved contracts for key projects that will expand and deepen the Solution Government’s infrastructure revolution. Some of the road contracts are for the rehabilitation of federal roads in deplorable condition. Many of these federal roads have already been rehabilitated and beautified as part of the grand preparations for a memorable Christmas celebration.

The Council considered and approved the award of the contract in the sum of ₦214,006,328.51 (two hundred and fourteen million, six thousand, three hundred and twenty-eight naira, fifty-one kobo) in favour of Muterbonch & Co Nig Ltd for the rehabilitation of Eze Uzu Junction Agu-Awka and the front of the ANSIEC Office to Arroma Junction along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Awka, Awka South LGA.

Others are the award of contract in the sum of ₦1,650,000,000.00 (One Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) Only, in favour of IDC Construction Limited, for the Proposed Completion of the Asphalt Wearing Course of the access road of the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, Anambra East LGA;

The award of contract in the sum of ₦577,000,000.00 (Five Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million Naira) only, in favour of Crystal Dove Construction, for the Development of 624 Open Stalls within the Modern Bus Terminal in Ekwulobia.

The award of the contract for the construction of the Ekwulobia flood control project phase II, including the maintenance of bio-remediation for the next year within the project track, in the sum of n4,450,000,000.00 (four billion, four hundred and fifty-four million naira only) to AG Vision Construction Nig Ltd.

The award of the contract for the rehabilitation of the Amawbia Flyover to Arroma Junction along the Enugu Onitsha Expressway in the sum of N327,829,570.72 (three hundred and twenty-seven million, eight hundred and twenty-nine thousand, five hundred and seventy naira, seventy-two kobo only) to New Idea Construction Company Ltd.

The award of the contract for the provision of free internet access to Nwafor Orizu College of Education in the sum of N93,107,362.50 (ninety-three million, one hundred and seven thousand, three hundred and sixty-two naira, fifty kobo) (in the first year) to Swifttalk Ltd.

The award of the contract for the provision of free internet access to the College of Health Technology Obosi in the sum of N85,517,325.00 (eighty-five million, five hundred and seventeen thousand, three hundred and twenty-five naira only) (in the first year) to Croz Enterprises.

The award of contract in the sum of ₦467,269,015.00 (Four Hundred and Sixty-Seven Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand, Fifteen Naira) only, in favour of Pudsey Limited, for the Supply and Installation of Outdoor Furniture at the Solution Fun City, Awka.

The award of contract in the sum of ₦128,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Million Naira) only, in favour of Crystal Dove Construction Company Ltd, for the construction of the Gatehouse, Perimeter Fence, and Earthworks (Clearing) at Ekwulobia Modern Bus Terminal.

The award of contract in the sum of ₦234,811,927.50 (Two Hundred and Thirty-Four Million, Eight Hundred and Eleven Thousand, Nine Hundred And Twenty-Seven Naira and Fifty Kobo) in favour of Newsbreak International Communication Ltd for the Installation of Security Equipment and Features in Newly Acquired Security Vehicles (Lot 1 – Hardware Security Gadgets).

Finally, the Council also approved additional sum of ₦52,983,847 (fifty-two million, nine hundred and eighty-three thousand, eight hundred and forty-seven naira) only, bringing the Revised Estimated Total Cost (RETC) to ₦146,000,000.00 (one hundred and forty-six million naira) only, for the completion of Judges Quarters for the Anambra State Judiciary at Judges Quarters, Onitsha, Anambra State, in favour of Tivoge Properties Ltd.

Law Mefor, PhD

Commissioner for Information

Anambra State.

ONITSHA NORTH MAYOR JOINS APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN IN THANKSGIVING FOR SUPREME COURT VICTORY

By Chika Obi, Chioma Nwankwo and Claribel Udah :

The Mayor of Onitsha North LGA, Mr. Nweze Tony Nwora has attended a thanksgiving Mass at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Fegge, Onitsha South LGA, to celebrate the Supreme Court victory of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Chairman, Chief Sly Ezeokenwa (Esq), who was affirmed as the authentic National Chairman of APGA by the Apex court.

The event, which was an expression of gratitude to God, drew the presence of several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; the Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Chukwuma Okoye; APGA State Chairman, Chief Ifeatu Obiokoye (Esq), representative of the National Deputy Legal Adviser of APGA, Mr. Harold Chiedu Ekwerekwu (Esq); Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Mr. Chiejina Obieze; and former APGA State Assembly aspirant, Mr. Shedrack Okafor among others.

Mayor Nwora, speaking at the occasion, congratulated Chief Ezeokenwa on the landmark victory and prayed for divine guidance and protection as he leads the party to further success.

The thanksgiving celebration also highlighted APGA’s commitment to unity and progress as members rallied in support of the party’s vision for Anambra State and Nigeria.

The event was not just a celebration of legal victory but a reaffirmation of APGA’s mission to drive positive change in governance, underscoring its readiness to deliver on its transformative agenda.

* Obi, Nwankwo and Udah are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

BILL TO ESTABLISH ANAMBRA ELECTRICITY SCALES SECOND READING

By Chizoba Okeke :

A bill for a law to establish Anambra State Electricity Market and Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission has passed second reading at the State House of Assembly.

The bill, aims to regulate electricity generation, transmission, system operation, distribution, and supply across the state.

Leading debate on the bill, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Assembly and Member representing Njikoka Constituency II, Dr. Jude Akpua, explained that it seeks to ensure equitable access to electricity across the state by integrating more areas into the national grid, noting that the commission’s primary objective would be to provide reliable and economically efficient electricity for the benefit of Anambra residents.

Supporting the motion, the Chief Whip and Member representing Ihiala Constituency I, Barr. Jude Ngobili, pointed out that the bill would play a significant role in addressing long-standing electricity challenges in the state, noting that it would facilitate the provision of electricity to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Uli Campus, which has been without power for over two decades.

The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, urged the relevant committee to thoroughly review the bill to ensure its effectiveness and stressed the necessity of establishing a regulatory agency capable of handling electricity-related matters in the state to improve power supply and economic growth.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA WINS PRIMARY HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE, TAKES HOME 1.2 MILLION US DOLLARS

By Nnedinma Okeke , :

Anambra State of Nigeria has taken first position in South East and overall best in the Country as they go home with cash prize of one million, two hundred thousand US dollars ($1,200,000) in the 2nd Edition of the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Awards.

The award, which was hosted by His Excellency, Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was an event dedicated to celebrating transformative leadership and excellence in primary healthcare.

The prestigious event took place in Abuja on December 12, 2024: a day of global significance as we commemorate Universal Health Coverage Day.

It had His Excellency, the Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima as its special guest of honor and Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammed Ali Pate as its keynote speaker.

At the event, Anambra State smiled home as the best State in South East zone and the overall best State in entire Country.

For winning the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge award as the best State in the Southeast zone, Anambra recieved a cheque of five hundred thousand US dollars ($500,000).

Also, for winning the overall best State in the Country at the PHC Leadership challenge, Anambra also received a cheque of seven hundred thousand US dollars ($700,000). This brings the total money won by Anambra State at the Challenge to one million, two hundred thousand US dollars ($1,200,000).

The Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo who received the award himself, was accompanied by the Commissioner, State Ministry of Health (SMOH), Dr Afam Obidike, Commissioner, State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Pharm Chisom Uchem, and the Managing Director, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr Simeon Onyemaechi.

The event was in collaboration with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Aliko Dangote Foundation, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and UNICEF.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

UDHR : CLO CHARGES GOVERNMENT TO MONITOR ACTIVITIES OF MISSION, PRIVATE SCHOOLS, OTHERS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Anambra State Chapter of Civil Liberties Organization(CLO), on Dec. 10, lamented on the exploitative and outrageous fees charges by majority of mission and private schools in Nigeria, saying that education as a veritable and inevitable weapon to fight ignorance, poverty, etc must be given priority attentions.

Making the lamentation while marking the 76th anniversary of Universal Declaration of People’s and Human Rights, UDHR, that is celebrated globally, the state CLO Chairman, comrade Evangelist Vincent Ezekwueme lamented that most pathetic and despicable is that government uses public funds to pay salaries, allowances and gratuity of their staff.

“We reiterate our incessant appeal for establishing primary and secondary schools in Mba Farm, 3-3, Nsugbe, Oze, Nkwelle axis, the only government schools in these areas are Oyolu Primary and Nkwelle Community Secondary Schools.

“It is incredible but existential reality that one Mission School at Onitsha collects little above N500,000 for JSS 1 students, whereas students entering SSS1 in the same school pay above N400,000 yet government failed to play its regulatory roles.

“”We Commend Governor Soludo for his educational revolution in the state, extending free education to SSS 3 and demotion of six principals for exploitation and extortion, such watchdog and monitoring should be extended to mission and private schools.

“With a gun you can kill a terrorist but with education, employment and skill acquisition you can kill terrorism. Citizens must adhere strictly to God’s commandments, ‘thou shall not kill,” he stated.

According to the group, Governments at all levels should live up to their responsibility if we lost glory of the country would be restored and employment opportunities created for the youths to have something doing.

“There is no day without ugly report of criminal activities in the state especially incessant killings, kidnapping, cultism and cult related violence, armed robbery, youth restiveness and what have you.

“We appeal to perpetrators to give peace a chance and embrace dialogue. Government should provide empowerments, skills acquisitions, employment opportunities and constant town hall meetings.”

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

CHRISTMAS: ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY SPEAKER URGES PARLIAMENTARY STAFF TO EMBRACE SPIRIT OF SERVICE, UNITY

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, has urged the state parliamentary staff to imbibe the spirit of service, unity, and hope as they reflect on the lessons of Christmas.

Speaking during the 2024 Carol and Nine Lessons organized by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, held at state legislative complex, the Speaker emphasized the significance of the occasion in strengthening bonds and renewing commitment to service.

Udeze expressed gratitude to the parliamentary staff for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices throughout the year. “Your commitment and sacrifices have been nothing short of exemplary. You embody the lesson of service, echoing the angels’ proclamation: Thank you for being the unseen hands and hearts behind our collective successes,” he said.

He also commended the lawmakers in the Assembly for their steadfastness in fulfilling their legislative responsibilities, likening them to the shepherds who kept watch by night, ready to respond when called.

In his remarks, the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Anthony Ughenu, described the event as a time for reflection and renewal, noting that such gatherings offer an opportunity for the parliamentary staff to rekindle their dedication to duty and strengthen their bonds as a team working toward the progress of the state.

Earlier in his address, the PASAN Chairman, Mr. Abraham Okoye highlighted the importance of the Carol and Nine Lessons event as an opportunity to foster unity and shared purpose among the parliamentary staff and expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Assembly for their continued support, encouraging his colleagues to remain steadfast in their duties.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

The Nigeria Army hereby inform the general public, particularly Ndi Anambra only who applied for the 88 Regular Recruitment Intake exercise into the Nigeria Army to report at 302 Artellery Regiment Onitsha before 19th of December, 2024. Both those shortlisted and not shortlisted are to report immediately as the recruitment is still on-going.

For further information please call ‪ 0803 452 2655 .

Dr Law Mefor

Commissioner for Information

Announcer

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMENDS TRADERS AS 2024 ANAMBRA TRADERS SPORTS COMPETITION ENDS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Anambra State Government has expressed satisfaction with the successful conclusion of the 2024 Traders Sports Competition, applauding its organization and goal of uniting traders.

Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, commended the competition’s progression from preliminary to final stages, culminating in the final soccer tournament between Bridgehead market and Oraeri FC at the City Sports Stadium, Awka.

Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi extolled the competitive final match between Bridgehead and Oraeri FC, emphasizing that unity is key. He highlighted Governor Soludo’s achievements in security, road networks, human capital development, and governance. Ezeajughi also commended the state’s recreational facilities, urging Ndi Anambra to support the governor’s agenda of unity and progress.

The ASMATA PG, Chief Humphrey Anuna, while expressing satisfaction with the successful end of the tournament, urged the traders to continue to support the governor for his infrastructural development of the state.

The Chairman of Iron Rod Dealers Atani, Ogbaru Local Government, Mr Evaristus Ejezie, commended Governor Soludo for bringing the traders together through the sports competition and commended the Special Adviser on Trade and Market, Chief Evaristus Uba and ASMATA PG, Chief Humphrey Anuna for their efforts towards the good of the traders in the State.

The Chairman of New Auto Spare Parts market, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Obiora Stephen Oforle appreciated the governor for being the best so far, stating that there is a lot of improvement on the side of the Sports commission based on the arrangements, prices which were doubled.

Mr Onyedika Chjioke , Staff of Anambra State Sports Development Commission, who is also the Chairman of the Security, Venue, Facility Sub Committee thanked the governor for bringing out this wonderful initiative, integrating traders and telling them that it is not only “Izu Ahia, that all work and no play make Jack a dull boy”

Highlight of the occasion was presentation of prizes to winners of both the indoor and outdoor games and Bridge head market lifted the soccer trophy having defeated Oraeri Football club 4-0, Oraeri took 2nd position while Ogbunike Building Materials market won 3rd position.

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

ANAMBRA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PASSES TRADITIONAL RULERS’ AMENDMENT BILL NO. 2, 2024

By Chizoba Okeke :

A bill for a law to further amend the Traditional Rulers’ Law, 2007, has been passed into law by the Anambra State House of Assembly. This came into effect, following a motion moved by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Jude Akpua during a plenary session.

The Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze who presided the plenary read out the bill second and third time before it’s passage and it will come into force by December 20, 2024 after being accented to by the governor. The amended law establishes the State’s Traditional Rulers Council, which will be constituted through government recognition and selection by the Governor. The council will ensure equal representation from the state’s three senatorial zones.

It also reveals that the governor shall appoint a chairman from among the council members on a rotational basis, serving a three-year term, with a possible one-year extension under exceptional circumstances. Additionally, there will be three vice-chairmen, one from each senatorial zone, serving as zonal council chairmen for a single three-year term.

In his submissions, the Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Njikoka Constituency Two, Dr Jude Akpua, said the bill will strengthen the traditional rulers council of the state thereby working effectively and efficiently with the state government.

Supporting the bill, the member representing Anaocha Constituency Two, Sir Ejike Okechukwu says it centres on re-establishing, widening and broadening Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.

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