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News from all over Anambra State

BRIDGING DIGITAL DIVIDE: GOVERNOR SOLUDO EMPOWERS DISABILITY RIGHTS COMMISSION

By Nwanodu Angela  :

In line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s pioneering vision of “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere,” the Disability Rights Commission has been equipped with cutting-edge digital tools to revolutionize its advocacy and support for persons with disabilities. 

These innovative tools will significantly enhance communication channels, streamline access to vital services, and promote inclusivity in decision-making processes, 

With innovative software to boost accessibility, the Commission is now better equipped to fulfill its mandate and ensure that no one is left behind in the state’s digital transformation drive.

This integration of technology is a game-changer, empowering ‘those who need it most’.

This significant advancement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Anambra State ICT Agency, which played a crucial role in facilitating the digital transformation. 

As part of its mission to drive e-government initiatives and support technology integration across state institutions, the agency provided the technical expertise and resources necessary to implement these tools effectively.

Receiving the digital tools, the Chairman of the Commission, Chuks Ezeawuzie (Esq), described it as a welcome development, highlighting the rapid pace of technological adoption and its potential to enhance productivity. 

“Anyone without technology is still living in the stone age, the analog stage. But with these tools, our office is now digitalized,” he stated.

He noted that the pre-digital era involved strenuous work, particularly for those physically challenged.

However, with the provision of these tools by the Solution Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, these challenges are now being successfully addressed.

Reflecting on his past, Ezeawuzie reminisced, ‘My experiences at the school for the blind, where every task required manual effort and perseverance, come flooding back. However, during my postgraduate studies in the United States, I discovered the transformative power of technology in enhancing the lives of the visually impaired. 

“Unfortunately, upon my return years before the Solution Government took office, I found a stark contrast – a lack of technological tools to implement the knowledge I had acquired, leaving a significant gap between vision and reality.

“With these tools, not only will our productivity be enhanced, but they will also enable even more persons living with disabilities to receive training at our Access to Technology Training Center within the Commission.”

In addition to the digital tools, the Commission has also been provided with Cable TV, Air conditioners, water dispensers, stabilizers, refrigerators, cameras, tripod stands, and others too numerous to mention, creating a more inclusive and functional work environment.

As the Disability Rights Commission steps into this new era of digital empowerment, it not only strengthens its capability to serve but also exemplifies Governor Soludo’s commitment to integrating technology into every facet of governance. 

This initiative, supported by the Anambra State ICT Agency, underscores a broader vision where technology bridges gaps and fosters a more inclusive society, reflecting a promising future for all stakeholders involved.

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

ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT CLARIFIES CHIDO OBIDIEGWU, EX-MD OF ANAMBRA BROADCASTING SERVICE (ABS) IS REDEPLOYED, NOT SACKED

Press Release :

The Anambra State Government has made a clarification that the exit of Mr. Chido Obidiegwu as the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) is just a routine redeployment and not a sack as being insinuated by some sections of the media. 

It would be recalled that the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, recently approved the appointment of a new Managing Director for ABS as part of ongoing reshuffling and rejigging of government operations. 

Therefore, this clarification becomes necessary to correct wrong impressions being created in the minds of the public that Mr. Obidiegwu was sacked. He has only been redeployed and not sacked as being erroneously reported.

Signed,

*Christian Aburime*

Press Secretary to the Governor

September 6, 2024

GOVERNOR NWIFURU CALLS FOR LEGISLATIVE PROTECTION OF BUILDING PROFESSION AT NIOB CONFERENCE IN AWKA

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has expressed concerns over the challenges facing the building profession in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for legislative action to protect the integrity of the field.

Speaking at the 54th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) in Awka, Anambra State via a telephone call, Governor Ogbonaya noted that the encroachment of other professions into building practices has contributed to frequent building collapses.

 He urged the leadership of the institute to lobby the National Assembly to criminalize non-builders undertaking building projects.

Builder Nwifuru highlighted the importance of builders in ensuring safe and sustainable construction, arguing that the profession should not be overshadowed by others. 

He also called for better urban planning and the establishment of building codes in all states, urging builders to engage with state governments to ensure their expertise is fully recognized and utilized.

In his remarks, Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Ministry of Housing, Mr. Pauly Onyeka, praised the NIOB for its efforts to professionalize the building industry. 

He recounted steps taken by his administration to elevate the role of builders within the state, including the creation of a dedicated department for building construction and maintenance within the Ministry of Housing.

In his address, the NIOB National President, Builder Alderton Ewa Ewa, emphasized the conference’s theme: “Building Profession Practices and Sustainable National Development,” underscoring the institute’s commitment to addressing the critical challenges in Nigeria’s building environment. 

He called on the government and citizens to prioritize the engagement of certified professional builders to ensure the delivery of safe and sustainable housing.

The conference, which included the investiture of new fellows and members, attracted over 5,000 delegates and notable dignitaries. It provided a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and discussions on the future of the building profession in Nigeria.

In attendance were, Past Presidents of the Institute, Board of Directors including the representative of Ebonyi State Governor, Prof Grace Umezurike Secretary to the State Government (SSG),  His Royal Majesty Igwe Ralph Obumnemeh Ekpe, Obu Enugwu- Ukwu na Umunri, Builder Samson Opaluwah, Chairman Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and other dignitaries.

 Governor Soludo was given an award of excellence alongside Governor of Ebonyi State.

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

SOLUDO LAUNCHES ONE YOUTH, TWO SKILLS SOLUTION 2, TARGETS TO TRANSFORM ANAMBRA INTO THE LARGEST SKILL HUB

By Christian ABURIME:


Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has launched the second batch of the “One Youth, Two Skills” Solution.
Governor Soludo launched the initiative at the International Convention Centre, Awka.
Speaking at the event which witnessed about 8,620 participants that qualified for the second batch of the programme, Governor Soludo described the children and the youth as the bridge to the future saying that is why his administration prioritizes human capital development.
“Today, we are beginning the phase two of that big journey to ensure that our youths are empowered on a sustainable basis, to teach them how to fish and eliminate hunger.
“Phase one of the programme had 5000 youths, trained on a peculiar way of igba boi, mentorship, etc.
“Most of them have been empowered, and several of them now employers of labour.
“In this second batch, 183,000 applications were received, and over 8000 people were selected because of available limited spaces.
“As we launch this particular phase, ndị Anambra youths, I thank you for being responsible citizens. Thank you for deciding not to protest, not because you don’t feel the pain of the moment but because of our age long value system.
“Ndị Anambra celebrate nothing but hard work. I thank our youths for deciding to take their destinies in their hands.
“It is good to protest, but even better to do something. For decades, we’ve been singing songs of lamentations, but now, we are doing something to ensure that our youths are useful to the society, “he stated.
The governor stressed that the goal of his government is to transform Anambra to become the largest skill hub to give the youths employable and exportable skills.
“This is a unique training programme. Many of the artisans’ works and skills are now in short supply.
“As I look in your faces today, I can see the future millionaires and the youths that can take Anambra and Nigeria to the world,” the governor stressed.
He pointed out that there are five systematic pillars for the programme such as Apprenticeship scheme, Entrepreneurial skills training, Formation of cooperatives, Business financing scheme and Mentorship scheme, noting that two billion naira grant was disbursed to those who qualified in the last batch, adding that another 2.5 billion naira start-up capital was also set aside for beneficiaries that are willing to access it through the Anambra Small Business Agency.
“This is becoming an organic movement. We are expecting that in every kindred, there should be one person benefitting from the scheme, so that it permeates the whole Anambra.
“We are recommending this Anambra model to the world. We are upgrading digitizing the system to ensure that former applicants do not apply and participate.
“The number that applied shows that Anambra youths are hungry to take their destinies in their hands. We will continue to provide the enabling environment. I implore you to take it very seriously.
“This is not a programme for government to dish out free money, but for those who are ready to make decent living. It will benefit only qualified trainees. Make the most of it. “


The governor continued that Community Development has helped Anambra to scale up very quickly, saying that ndị Anambra believes in collaborative development as well as “leave no one behind” mantra.
Said the Governor, “I encourage friends of Anambra to join us. Public-Private-Community-Partnership, PPCP is the fastest way to scale up the development of Anambra.
“We are determined to give good value, but we need partners. To developmental partners who have funds, this is an opportunity. “
The Governor also called on the youths to take advantage of the initiative so that they could become a solution to themselves and the society.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba eulogized Governor Soludo for being supportive of the initiative, which is a model worthy of emulation.
“This is a historic event. 8620 youths qualified in various skills cut across the local government areas of the state. Mr. Governor, you have developed a model worthy of emulation that will live beyond you- emphasis on “quality.”
“You are determined to give the youths the best and nothing but the best. You believe in the youths, and you are changing the narrative, with a target of raising 1000 youth millionaires annually.
“We appreciate your interest in quality assurance. The ministry is determined to ensure that your model becomes the benchmark. “
The Commissioner assured that the learning curves encountered during the first phase will be further utilized to improve and modify the second phase, expressing optimism that it will be upscaled to 95 per cent in terms of achievement
He commended the beneficiaries for going through the rigorous processes.
The wife of the Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim accompanied the governor to the event, which was also attended by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barr. Joachin Anaeto, State Chairman of APGA, Barr. Ifeatu Obiokoye, Traditional Rulers, Transition Committee Chairmen, and members of Anambra State Excutive Council, among others.

ANAMBRA GOVT COMMENCES ROAD REPAIRS ON ESTHER OBIAKOR AVENUE

By  Ukpa Ewa :

The Anambra State Governor,  Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has commenced thorough road maintenance on Esther Obiakor Avenue, Awka.

The Governor, through the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has taken a proactive measure in ensuring that the much dilapidated Esther Obiakor Avenue  in Awka wears a new look, befitting road network found within the state capital.

The move was motivated by the governor’s choice in making Awka one of the best state capitals within the country.

While overseeing the level of work ongoing, the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko,  said that his presence was to ensure that the work met the required standards prescribed by Gov. Soludo.

Mr Onuko reiterated the efforts of Gov. Soludo in giving  Anambra State the best quality of leadership it deserved in all facets of development across all sectors in the state.

Mr Onuko, however, warned that the state government through his agency will not tolerate any activities targeted at destroying the quality road maintenance in place.

Also speaking to newsmen during the exercise, the Transition Committee Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor,  explained that the ongoing road maintenance was part of Gov. Soludo’s proactive efforts in preventing further dilapidation. 

Prince Okafor who praised  the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Soludo for his higher quality of infrastructural development across the state, thanked the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Onuko, for his proactive approach, which has significantly contributed to the successes recorded in the state capital.

Okafor while commending ACTDA for its efforts to address the portholes and upgrade the road to ensuring a smoother drive for the road users within Awka metropolis, called on Ndí Anambra to support Gov. Soludo’s administration beyond 2025.

Also speaking, the Deputy Commander of ACTDA Rapid Response, Mr. Henry Uchechukwu Nebolisa, emphasized the need of making the road motorable for the surrounding community. 

He noted that good roads network among other infrastructural development gives facelift to state capital,  acknowledging the residents’ pleas for road repairs and emphasized government’s intervention through ACTDA.

Mr Nebolisa urged residents to avoid activities that could damage the road, such as spilling engine oil, insists that government property is everybody’s business and should be taken as such.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA GOVT RECEIVES RENOVATED FACILITIES FROM IG AGUOWU FOUNDATION UNDER PPCP SCHEME

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

In a significant development under the Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) Scheme, the IG Aguowu Health and Academic Foundation has handed over a fully renovated Principal House and Corpers’ Lodge valued at N12 million  to Anambra State Government. 

The once dilapidated structures at Ezike High School, Nibo, have been refurbished with new roofing, tiles, toilet facilities, doors and windows to accommodate the Principal, Vice Principal, and Corps members. 

At the commissioning ceremony, the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, praised the PPCP model for its role in transforming educational facilities and commended High Chief Ignatius Onyeka Aguowu for his philanthropic efforts. 

She highlighted the collaborative approach as a key element in the state’s development strategy.

Prof. Nkechi Ikedingwu, Chairman, Post Primary School Commission, assured that the Commission will deliver laboratory equipment to the school by state criteria. 

High Chief Aguowu, the benefactor of the renovated building and Founder of IG Aguowu Health and Academic Foundation, emphasized his commitment to education and healthcare, noting that his foundation annually allocates N50 million for medical care and support for nearly 500 students through scholarships. 

The President General, Nibo Town Union, Prof. Tony Nwokoye also acknowledged Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s dedication to education and the ongoing efforts of the Union to enhance the school’s infrastructure. 

The IG Aguowu Health and Academic Foundation would further its commitment with a scholarship award ceremony scheduled for August 30 at the International Conference Centre, Awka.

Present at the occasion include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr Ifeoma Agbaizu. 

*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

NEMA SENSITIZES ANAMBRA WEST RESIDENTS ON FLOOD PREPAREDNESS

By Felix Igboanugo  :

To mitigate the devastating effects of flooding in Anambra West, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has embarked on a sensitization campaign to educate residents on essential flood preparedness measures. 

The  sensitisation campaign was in response to the recent flooding incidents that affected almost all community in the local council. It was held in collaboration with the Anambra West Local Government Council, aimed at educating residents on the importance of being prepared for potential flooding.

Speaking at the event held at the local council headquarters, Nzam, the leader of the team, and South East Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu highlighted the need for residents to be proactive and prepared for any flood disaster that may arise. 

She emphasized the role of community involvement in flood management and urged residents to work together to identify safe evacuation routes and establish early warning systems.  

Mrs Echeazu advised residents to clear drainages and water channels to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of flooding, assuring residents that NEMA would work closely with the local government to ensure a prompt response in the event of a flood disaster. 

She also appealed to residents to take the sensitization seriously and apply the knowledge gained to protect themselves.

Earlier in his remarks, the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra West LGA, Mr. Fidelis Nnazor, commended NEMA and SEMA for their efforts in sensitizing the residents and providing them with necessary guidelines on flood preparedness. 

He narrated how flood has adversely affected ndi Anambra West, with properties and farm produce worth millions lost in it almost every year, saying that with the sensitisation, ndi Anambra West would be more prepared and more equipped to face the looming danger. 

Mr Nnazor therefore appealed to various stakeholders and residents to take the campaign seriously and implement the measures therein. 

Some of residents who spoke to information officer promised to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety in the event of a flood. They also pledged to work together with relevant agencies to ensure a prompt and effective response to any emergency.

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

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