State News
News from all over Anambra State
SOLUDO DOESN’T HATE JOURNALISTS; RESOURCES ARE SCARCE – Nwosu
Rose Oranye :
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu has advised journalists to see themselves as partners with government and play their roles responsibly, even as he stated that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR does not hate journalists but is constrained by available resources.
Reacting to the social media reports where the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu claimed that Governor Soludo is an enemy of journalists, Nwosu said he was taken aback by the report given that there was no provocation for the outburst.
“I have been a member of NUJ for over 35 years and more importantly, Dr Emeka Odogwu is my friend. So, if there were issues, I expect we would have discussed it but to the best of my knowledge, there was none. I am surprised he talked about subvention; that they applied for subvention to the government and it was rejected. Who does not know that we are living in austere times? The national economy is heavily reliant on the federal allocation that gets it’s own revenue through oil sales. Look at what has been happening to the oil market. The revenue has dropped and we are struggling here to see if we can ramp up our internally generated revenue. And for this reason, Mr Governor has decided to rationalize on everything we are doing so that he will be able to deliver on his mandate to ndị Anambra. I expect that an erudite colleague of mine like Emeka Odogwu would have understood this because this is something that the governor has continued to harp on; that for him to be able to deliver quality roads, provide employment and other social amenities, there has to be prudent financial managemement. Most leakages have to be blocked. Some people have to do with less of what they used to get. And I expect that members of the fourth estate of the realm who are partners of government should understand this. So, how come all of a sudden, subvention or no subvention has become an issue. Is it only their subvention that has been affected? There are other areas where government has to rationalize,” he said.
While expressing happiness that the NUJ Chairman acknowledged the fact that the Ministry of Health provided free medical care to journalists during their last press week, the Commissioner wondered why they didn’t see the Ministry of Health as part of Soludo’s Government. The Ministry of Health couldn’t have provided the free medical care without Governor Soludo’s approval.
According to Nwosu, the issue of invitation to the Governor’s two years in office is simply looking for an excuse to vent in this manner because everybody was invited. “The invitation was given to everybody including journalists. Otherwise, how was the event covered such that people all over the world got to know about it and the good works that Mr Governor has done? How come people knew about the second anniversary and the beautiful roads and other amenities, clean water supply and the rest of them that the governor has done if journalists didn’t cover it?” he asked.
On the issue of National Light, the Commissioner said that in view of the prevalent scarce resources government had to prioritize in order to be better cost efficient. That National Light was shut down does not mean that the staff were sent home empty handed. Yes, National Light was shut down for reasons that were given then. But the entire staff were absorbed into the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including my own Ministry of Information.
“Sometimes when people talk, I wonder whether they live with us in this Anambra State or they’re in the diaspora. What I’m trying to do is to correct the wrong impression. If he’s saying that the governor is not as forthcoming as those before him, he should also be able to see why it is not happening the way it used to happen before because the bread and butter or the manna does not fall the way it used to fall before. Resources are actually scarce and for any reasonable government, the right thing to do is to begin to rationalize and curb wastages in order to channel available resources to key areas that will benefit greater number of Ndi Anambra. Does this now mean that Soludo hates journalists? Mbanu! I think my Chairman over reacted.
“I can also tell you that between myself and the Press Secretary, Chris Aburime, we have attended a number of NUJ events since the inception of this administration two years ago. In fact, at one of the events, I delivered a paper. Those I couldn’t attend, the Press Secretary attended. Does Dr Odogwu think that we attended those events without the tacit approval of the Governor? “As a matter fact, it’s actually the Governor that delegates us to represent him at those events because they write to him directly and he minutes the letters to either myself, the Commissioner for Information, or the Press Secretary to go and represent him. So, where have we gone wrong? Where has Mr Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, gone wrong? Does that show a man who hates journalists?”
The Commissioner said that Soludo is not just a friend of the profession, he’s also been an active participant as newpapers’ guest columnist in the recent past and a social media commentator when the pressure of state assignments permit him.
ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT DENOUNCES STORY OF ABDUCTION AND RAPE IN UKWULU
The Anambra State Government has debunked a recent, trending story of abduction and rape that allegedly occurred in Ukwulu, a town in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state.
In recent times, the state government has observed that certain individuals, motivated by political agendas, have persisted in spreading false and baseless stories in an attempt to undermine the peace and security enjoyed by Ndi Anambra and residents of our state.
The trending story, which surfaced on various online platforms demanding the attention of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR, was found to be another concocted narrative, void of credibility and substance and mischievously circulated to paint a scenario of insecurity within our peaceful state.
The supposed female victim of the abduction, in her unsigned and poorly articulated tale, claimed to have been kidnapped alongside her husband and housemaid by Fulani herders near Abba Junction in Ukwulu community, where they were purportedly taken into the bush and endured days of heinous acts before being released upon payment of ransom.
However, the traditional ruler of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Anukwu Uyanwa, has unequivocally denounced the story of abduction and rape as patently false. He said that nothing of such happened in his community.
Also, the Anambra State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, has confirmed that no such incident of abduction and rape has been reported or verified.
Thus, the absence of a credible source and the denial from the traditional ruler of Ukwulu and state police command strongly indicate the malicious intent behind this fabricated story. It is evident that faceless individuals, driven by ulterior motives, have engaged in a false alarm to tarnish the image of our state and create unwarranted fear among our people.
Anambra State, under the vigilant leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Ndi Anambra, residents and visitors alike.
The Governor urges the public to disregard the rampant fake news and baseless allegations by remaining vigilant against attempts to sow fear of insecurity within the state.
The government also encourages the public to rely on verified sources of information and refrain from spreading unverified claims that may destabilise our society.
To report security related matters and convey security information at any time, the public is encouraged to reach security agencies in the state through any of the following lines: 07039194332, 08039334002 and 07039896429.
All organs of the state government remain resolute in the commitment to uphold the rule of law and foster a peaceful, secure and prosperous environment for Ndi Anambra and all residents of the state.
Signed:
*Christian Aburime*
Press Secretary to the Governor
April 23, 2024
ANAMBRA WOMEN TECH MAKERS ONITSHA CELEBRATES WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY
By Chikaodili Obinwa :
The Anambra State Government in conjunction with Women Tech Makers Onitsha has organized a programme aimed at celebrating the accomplishments of women in technology and advocating for increased female participation in the tech sector.
The event was sponsored by Google Developer Group at Nicholla Hotel and Suites, Onitsha.
The Women Techmakers Onitsha event served as a platform to celebrate women’s contributions to technology, foster collaboration, and inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in the tech industry.
Ms. Chinwe Okoli, the Special Adviser (SA) to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the theme “Impact the Future.”
She emphasized that International Women’s Day is not merely a celebration of women who have already made significant strides in various sectors, especially in technology, but a call to action for women to actively shape the world.
Ms. Okoli spoke about the rapid advancement of technology and the disruptive force of AI, urging women to play a pivotal role in leveraging these innovations to create impactful solutions, stressing that technology is too crucial to be monopolized by one gender and highlighted the unique perspectives and contributions that women bring to the design and development of technologies.
She also highlighted the tech vision of Mr. Governor, Prof. Soludo, for Anambra State, emphasizing his commitment to digital empowerment and innovation.
She lauded the establishment of the Solution Innovation District (SID) in Awka as a significant step toward providing free tech training, equipping participants with globally relevant skills, and fostering economic opportunities for thousands of Ndi Anambra.
The SA commended the governor’s proactive approach to digital transformation, envisioning a digitally self-sufficient Anambra that is globally competitive.
In recognition of her efforts and contributions to women’s digital development in the state, she was awarded the Anambra State Tech Woman of the Year Award, a testament of all her amazing works and efforts to push the vision of Mr. Governor, in ensuring that Anambra State becomes the next Silicon Valley of the East.
Engr. Happiness Akabuike, the event’s host, reiterated the core mission of the Women Techmakers Onitsha event; recognizing women’s achievements in the tech industry and promoting greater female participation.
She emphasized the transformative power of technology in transcending geographical barriers through remote work.
Notable dignitaries present in the event includes Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Ify Obinabo, and Mrs. Chinwe Achugbu, Permanent Secretary of Anambra State.
*Chikaodili is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
ANAMBRA GOVT HANDS OVER SITE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROAD INTO AWKA WASTE DUMP SITE
By Sunday Okoli :
The Anambra State Government has handed over site for the construction of access road into the Awka Waste Dump Site.
Performing the handover ceremony at Agu Awka, Awka South LGA, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma said that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo has graciously awarded the contract for the construction of access road into the Awka dump site to IIC Construction Ltd with a completion period of five months.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Highways Department Engr. Noel Okoye said that the handover event signified the commencement of construction works.
He charged the contractor to take full ownership of the project by ensuring that the works is done within the time frame and according to specifications.
Responding, the Director of IIC Construction Ltd, Engr. Chukwudi Chikeluba thanked the State Governor, Prof. Soludo for entrusting them with such huge responsibility, saying that the company would deliver as scheduled and according to specifications.
*Sunday is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Anambra State Government Health Workers Recruitment – Successful Candidates
The Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Awka, is delighted to announce the successful candidates selected for employment into the Anambra State Public Service. This official communication aims to notify the candidates of their selection and provide comprehensive details regarding the upcoming documentation process.
Candidates are advised to verify their names through the following accessible platforms:
- ASPHCDA Notice Board
- ASPHCDA Facebook page
- Anambra State Ministry of Health Notice Board
- Online: Anambra State Government official website. Click on this link: Shortlisted Candidates Link
The dates for documentation are as follows:
| S/N | |||
| 1 | Nurses (Nurses, Midwives, and Registered Nurses) & Pharmacists | Wednesday, April 3 – Friday, April 5, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| 2 | SCHEW and JCHEW | Monday, April 8, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| 3 | Community Health Officers | Tuesday, April 9, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| 4 | Senior Medical Officers | Wednesday, April 10, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Successful candidates should come along with the following:
i. All their Original Credentials
ii. Valid Practicing license
iii. Two Passport-sized photographs
iv. Original Birth Certificate and
v. A white file jacket with photocopies of all the requested documents enclosed.
Your cooperation in presenting the necessary documents is highly valued, ensuring a streamlined process.
Thank you.
ALLEGATIONS OF FLOOD DAMAGE TO ROAD PROJECT IN ONITSHA FALSE – RESIDENTS, OTHERS
By Juliana Nwachukwu/Ogochukwu Mokwugwo/Onyinye Okechukwu :
The residents of Onitsha, Anambra State, have dismissed as false and unfounded, the allegation making the round in some quarters and social media that the second rain has washed off the Menax/Upper Iweka road Project.
It was alleged that the project being constructed by Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is sub-standard and as such that the governor has failed in his pledge to provide quality roads to the masses.
Denying the allegation, the residents and the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okeoma contended that the video allegation was an affront to throw spanners into the good works of the state government, adding that nothing of the sort ever happened.
“Everyone of us is here on this road and you can see that nothing happened at all. We actually saw the video last night and first thing this morning, we came here to find out that nothing like that happened as you can see for yourself.
“The contractor worked on Sunday and closed for the day and he stopped at a small portion that is about one foot and there was a heavy down pour and the base was blocked and that point is about one foot that got washed off.
“As you can see that we are all standing on the stone base material that was primed so we are shocked at that mischievous video sponsored by the opposition to throw spanners into the good works of the state government and as you can see work is in progress,” he said.
The Manager of Zodic Construction Company, Mr Mark Chu contended, “We only have about one foot left of the entire Moore- Upper Iweka Road Project Ochanja and we are still working and we have continued from where we stopped.
“We want to reiterate that our company is providing Anambra State good quality and durable road infrastructure and we cannot be distracted by mischief makers and the public should disregard those false stories”.
The Caretaker Committee Chairman, Fegge Landlords Association, Mr Okwudili Obinwanne described the viral video as capital lie, adding that they are residents of the area and witnessed the heavy down pour yesterday insisting that nothing happened.
“We find it difficult to believe that someone in his right frame of mind would go to the extent of blackmailing the governor with such falsehood.
“You the Journalists are here to see for yourself and make on the spot investigation into what happened and from what you have seen so far you can attest that this is the handwork of mischief makers and we the residents of this area wish to warn that we will not tolerate such misinformation of the general public by renegades,” he said.
The Moore – Upper Iweka Road Project is 2.3 km and so far according to the contractor, up to 1. 7 km of the project has been done.
Mr. Chu further noted that the Ochanja road project is currently having a water fountain at the roundabout which used to be a mountain of refuse dump in the past before contract was awarded to them .
“The project apart from the water fountain would also have street lights with wide water drainage system which empties at a larger canal in order to protect the road and the market from flooding and protecting the goods being owned by traders.
He urged the traders and residents in the area not to block the drains with waste, adding that provisions are being made for the dumping of waste which would be cleared as quickly as possible.
*Juliana, Ogochukwu and Onyinye are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
BE ROLE MODEL TO YOUR CHILDREN THROUGH YOUR CHARACTER, MRS SOLUDO CHARGES WOMEN
By Chidimma Okoye :
The wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has charged women to be role models to their children through their character at all times.
This she said during the women’s day celebration at Ojoto, the Idemili South local government Secretariat.
She said that women have a lot of work to do in their homes to ensure a better society as charity begins at home.
Mrs. Soludo said that the number one responsibility of a woman is to make her home peaceful and a haven for her, her family and the society to thrive.
She enjoined women to take out quality time to raise and nuture their children so that they do not end up in drugs and be problems to their neighbourhood and the society at large.
“Look down carefully to see if there are early warning signs that your child may be into drugs, check their rooms, bags, association, behaviours and intervene before things get out of hand,” she said.
Mrs Soludo called on women to endeavor to get basic education amid their multi task as it is a need for everything they will do in life and a preparation toward tomorrow.
The Anambra first lady also encouraged women to also take care of themselves while taking care of others.
She enjoined women to always support fellow women at all levels especially the ones holding public positions with the government so that they will be encouraged and do better at their respective positions.
Mrs. Soludo urged husbands to always love and appreciate their wives in all their endeavors so that they will do more.
“His Excellency, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo does not play with issues concerning women because they are trustworthy and committed at any given responsibility which is his reason for entrusting key positions in the state into the hands of women.
“Continue supporting Soludo’s administration as he marked two years in office to move Anambra to greater heights,” She said.
The Transitional Chairman of Idemmili South, Mrs Amaka Obi said that Mrs. Soludo has so much recognised women at the grassroots.
She said that Idemmili South Local Government has greatly felt the impact of the government undeniably, ranging from road construction to youth empowerment through 1youth 2skills, free ante-natal care and free delivery, as well as free education.
The Anambra State coordinator of Reproductive Health, Dr. Uju Okoye said earlier that healthy living with Nonye Soludo is a pet project of the wife of the governor aimed at improving the health of the people through eating alright.
She said that the project encouraged women to cook organic food and use natural ingredients as well in cooking.
Dr. Okoye discouraged women from cooking carsinogenic foods and foods made of gelatin like noodles, tinned food to reduce the high rate of cancer and kidney disease in the society.
She called on women to endeavor to eat fruits, plantain, others harvested in their compounds and sell only the excess produce from the harvest.
“Eat right sweat dirty,” Dr. Okoye said as she enjoined women to add exercise to their daily activities to keep fit as exercise helps the heart to beat aright.
The Anambra State House member for Anaocha 1, Mrs. Nkechi Ogbuefi described Mrs. Soludo as a woman of substance, worth emulating and an epitome of support for fellow women.
She said that Gov. Soludo is a gender sensitive governor and has shown physical investment in women by appointing women into key positions in Anambra State with over four of the positions going to Idemili South Local Government alone.
Ogbuefi said that Anambra State House members are always on ground to assist the governor to develop Anambra State irrespective of political party differences as a clarion call by the governor.
The Commissioner of Special Duties, Mrs Nkemdiche Ikpeazu said that the governor has taken care of the stomach infastructure of the people by the free education, free ante-natal care and delivery, he has given.
She said that the governor did so to remove the burden off the shoulder of the people so that they can use the supposed money to buy food and invest in their businesses.
Ikpeazu, however, enjoined women to stand up for themselves and do something to make some earnings which will increase by the day so as to support themselves and their families.
She encouraged women to have a farm at least for vegetables to eat and to sell.
The Anambra State All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) woman leader, Esther Onyekesi, urged women to always come out en-masse with their families to cast their votes during election.
She described the Transitional Chairman of Idemmili South as hardworking and industrious, doing exceptionally well in the midst of 20 men.
Onyekesi said, “Idemmili South leads in ideas and development while others emulate”.
She enjoined the women of Idemmili South to spread the news of the good works of the present administration of Anambra State and support the government.
Mr. Don Onyenji, Commissioner for Entertainment, Culture and Tourism said that programmes like this bring women out from their inside villages to the lime light to learn and to see the beauty of the day.
He said that Mrs. Soludo practices healthy living with organic food and recipe as she teaches which is reflective “I’m her life and the life of the governor as they are always healthy, strong and young”.
Onyenji enjoined women to emulate her and quit using artificial seasonings that is all over the market to cook.
However, he said that his department will start going around to palm wine bars to ensure that they sell natural palm wine and not artificial ones fabricated with saccarine for the health of the public.
Side attractions were various dance steps from women of the communities in Idemmili South
*Chidimma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Anambra Unveiled: Two Years of Transformative Excellence
The Anambra State Government is delighted to share a pivotal document that encapsulates the transformative journey and significant achievements of Anambra State over the past two years. “100 Foundational Footprints: Two Years of Excellence” is a comprehensive presentation that meticulously outlines the strides made in various sectors, including security, infrastructure development, economic transformation, human capital enrichment, and governance reforms, under the astute leadership of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, our esteemed Governor.
The document is a testament to Anambra State’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development, enhancing the quality of life for our citizens, and laying a robust foundation for the future prosperity of Anambra State. It highlights the accomplishments to date and delineates the strategic roadmap for our ongoing and future initiatives aimed at realizing the vision of transforming Anambra into a livable and prosperous international smart megacity.
We cordially invite policymakers, stakeholders, residents, and well-wishers of Anambra State to delve into this insightful presentation. It serves as an opportunity to engage with the developmental narrative of Anambra State, understand the depth of work undertaken, and join us in the collective journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future.
Your engagement and feedback are invaluable as we strive for excellence and inclusive growth. We encourage you to access and share this document, as it reflects our achievements and our unwavering dedication to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance.
Click Here to Download the Presentation
Together, let us embrace this transformation journey and contribute to Anambra State’s ongoing success story.
GOVERNOR SOLUDO’S HUGE FOOTPRINTS IN 2 YEARS
_THE 5-SOLUTION AGENDA_
March 17, 2024 marks exactly two years Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, and his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, were sworn into office.
Governor Soludo’s pitch for the job was crafted in his manifesto document, *THE SOLUDO SOLUTION – A PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO FOR A GREATER ANAMBRA*, which aims to transform the state into a liveable and prosperous smart mega city – a preferred destination to live, invest , learn, work, relax and enjoy.
To effectively realize these objectives, governance was strategically structured into five compartments or the famous *5 Solution Agenda* , namely: _Security, Law and Order; Economic Transformation and Infrastructure; Human Capital and Social Agenda; Governance, Rule of Law and Value System; and Environment_.
Guided by this agenda, Governor Soludo and his team have significantly created a humongous impact on Ndi Anambra and the landscape in just two years. Even the naysayers cannot but acquiesce that Odenigbo has done Very Well.
From tomorrow, Sunday, the 17th of March, I will, on daily basis, walk you through the journey so far in a 5-series Second Anniversary exposé.
Please watch out!
*PAUL NWOSU*
Commissioner for Information.
Anambra State