State News

News from all over 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 *

GOVERNOR SOLUDO CALLS FOR COLLABORATION TO UPSCALE ANSPOLY MGBAKWU

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo says joint efforts are needed to make Anambra State Polythenic Mgbakwu (ANSPOLY), Centre of Academic Excellence.

Mr. Governor gave this assessment while addressing the Mgbakwu community, Anspoly staff, and students who welcomed him to the Institution at Mgbakwu.

Gov. Soludo ,who was on a personal on-the-spot assessment visit to the Polythenic emphasized that the quest to lift the Institution to a high-grade Polytechnic is not the sole responsibility of the government, but the concerted efforts through Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP).

“The task ahead is enormous, it needs the efforts of educational stakeholders, the Mgbakwu community, and all lovers of academic excellence to upscale Anspoly. A committee has been constituted to evaluate all state-owned Institutions, their challenges, areas of assistance, and government intervention.”

He charged the Mgbakwu community leaders to work with the Institution in safeguarding government properties domiciled in the Institution while expressing displeasure at incessant raids of government properties by nefarious individuals.

The governor also charged the institution to crave a niche that would differentiate it from others. A niche that will distinguish its certificate from others and give its graduate an edge over others.

Addressing the staff of the school, Gov. Soludo emphasised that a school is defined by the quality of teachers and the quality of teaching, noting that without qualified teachers who are constantly upscaling and upgrading knowledge and skills, there is no education.

According to him, students should always define their ‘whys’ for being in school. He charged them to strive for knowledge and skills rather than brandishing certificates without corresponding knowledge or skills.

The governor while lauding the Institution’s great natural ambiance hinted that Anambra North, Anambra West, and Ogbaru Local Government Areas were among the reasons that piqued his quest to run for Gubernatorial election as he wanted a new lease of life and a sense of belonging for them through the provision of good road network.

Earlier, in her address, the Rector of ANSPOLY, Mgbakwu, Dr Njideka Chiekezie called on state government assistance in ensuring the school meets the requirements for full accreditation.

She said that the Institution has been running with an interim accreditation since it was upgraded to a polyphonic and this has drastically affected their enrollment status and student population.

The highlight of the event was a facility inspection of the institution and technical artifacts by Gov. Soludo.

*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN COMMISSIONS ALMA MATER WATER BOREHOLE PROJECT IN ONITSHA, AS OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION PLEDGES MORE PROJECTS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr Sly Ezeokenwa has commissioned a water borehole dug by the old students of Agai Primary School, Fegge Onitsha, his alma mater.

Ezeokenwa, prior to the commissioning of the project at the school premises during the graduation of the primary six pupils, expressed his deepest appreciation to the management of the school for restoring the lost glory of the school. He lamented that the school, due to years of negligence, had been turned into a soccer pitch.

According to him, “I started my afternoon primary school here with my mother who was one of the teachers then, I read classes one, two and three here and as a child of a teacher, she goes to any school she was transfered with me.

“I later followed her when she was transfered to Niger City Primary School Fegge, so I still have the memories of Agai Primary School, the fact is that Agai Primary School is the foundation of my primary education, if I didn’t get that foundation, I wouldn’t have been where I am today.

“And God through the instrumentality of the Old Boys/Girls Association, the greatest thing we can do to the next generation is to give our modest contribution, to make sure that the institution that moulded us continues to mould the future generation.

“We are going to make sure that our Alma Mater is the best. My being here today reminds me of how I used to play around during the breaktime,” he recalled.

He lauded Governor Charles Soludo for his resolve to take education to the next level with the aid of free education in the state.

He appreciated his fellow Old Students for the borehole, stating that, “in recognition of the fact that this is our foundation, it is the reason the borehole was dug, we will make sure it runs 24 hours water supply”.

He further said that “One of the basic tenets of education is the ICT, “we are going to put innovation district in the school so that children in Fegge will acquire the ICT training”

“You all know that anybody that was bred in Fegge was never given a chance because people looked at Fegge brought ups as a cursed person, but it is our duty and responsibility to change the narratives.

“We are going to institute scholarship for the first, second and third positions from the outgoing pupils to secondary school level and to provide the school with all their needs”, even as he directed the Headmistress to compile and forward to him.

The School Headmistress, Agai Primary 11, Mrs Nkiruka Ezenwamma, in her vote of thanks appreciated the Old Boys/Girls of the school for the borehole, lamenting however that it has been one of their challenges.

She lauded Governor Charles Soludo for his cordial relationship with the teachers and pupils of all the schools in the state.

On her part, lady Olivia Ezeokenwa, mother to Sly Ezeokenwa, appreciated the Old/Boys of the school, saying that they are the reason she attended the occasion and advised other primary schools’ old boys/girls association to emulate the kind gesture of the old boys/girls of this school .

The president of the old boys/girls association, Mr Victor Onyeka, appreciated Governor Soludo who took education to the next level, stating that the borehole they dug is to support the governor’s infrastructural development in the state.

He also advised the pupils of the school to respect the teachers, elders and their parents as there are blessings attached to it and to also be dedicated in their studies, noting that they found themselves in their present condition because they adhere to what their teachers, and parents impacted in them.

The vice president of the old boys/girls, Mr Onyeka Anyacho, noted that it is very rare for Old Boys/Girls of primary schools to come together and carry out projects in their Alma mater as they are doing, as people are more concerned only on secondary and tertial institutions thereby neglecting primary schools.

The Secretary, Mrs Nkiru Odina stated that they have done a lot in the school which included, repairing of their staircase, refilling the school compound with stones, digging of borehole, culvert at the entrance road, building of security house, among others.

Highlights of the event included, the commissioning of the borehole project by Mr Ezeokenwa, presentation of cash gifts to the senior citizens who were teachers in the school,( the headmistresses of Agai 1& 11 ), and display by the pupils of the school.

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

GOVERNOR SOLUDO TO PLANT 10M SEEDLING IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS—LG BOSS VOWS TO BRING MORE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVP

By Patricia Osegbue/Juliana Nwachukwu :

In a bid to drive the society to a zero poverty sustainable empowerment through distribution of economic tree seedlings to Ndi Anambra and also to fight erosion which have eaten deep in various communities in Anambra, Governor Charles Soludo has launched a programme designed to plant at least 10 million seedlings in Anambra State in the next few years.

Speaking at the event held at Godwin Achebe Stadium, Onitsha South LGA, Governor Soludo explained that environment is the number one existential trait which everything must be done especially in the light of the climate change to recover Anambra land and make it the greenest in Africa.

According to him, “part of our future lies in our past” and so we must celebrate our founding fathers who help to create first prosperity in the first republic such as Dr M.I Okpala with palm revolutions in the Eastern region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo with cocoa in the Western region and Ahmadu Bello with groundnut pyramid in the Northern region.

“Let us exploit and learn from our past to build a sustainable prosperity, let us empower Ndi Anambra sustainably, and give them something to fish on for life, ” the governor emphasised.

Governor Soludo who noted that Malaysia was built largely at the back of palm revolution, China rebuilt poverty significantly at the back of Agro allied industrialization, stressed that South Eastern Nigeria was the fastest Sub region in the world in the late 50’s and early 60’s on the basis of palm revolution.

He further said that, “Our agenda is to create a new industrial sustainable echo system for life in Anambra.

“1.1m seedlings have already been distributed between 2022 and 2023. Today we are officially launching the distribution of 1040,000 seedlings.

“7000 palm seedlings, 200,000 breadfruit(ukwa) which have become extremely expensive, we will bring it back to become a staple food, 50,000 Orji Igbo, 50,000 bitter kola, 40,000 pawpaw.

“All these are currently been distributed in the 320 wards in the state, down to the families and today everyone goes home with at least one seedling”

Reacting, the Chairman of Onitsha South LG, Chief Emeka Orji advised the beneficiaries of the seedlings who are tenants in the city to go home and plant the seedlings in the villages and harvest it when the time comes instead of wasting them.

He lauded the governor for the love he has for the people of Onitsha South and vows to facilitate the construction of Bida Road, Modebe Avenue, Uga Street, Nkrumah, Orlu Street, behind Top Rank, behind Stadium etc.

Onitsha South Chairman after the event hosted some government officials like Managing Director, Anambra Capital Territory Development Authority, (ACTDA), Chief Ossy Onuko, Ocha Brigade Boss, Chief Celestine Anara, SSA to the Governor on Security, Mr Obiechine Obieze, among others at Notion Hotel and Suit, Woliwo.

* Osegbue and Nwachukwu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMITTED TO HEALTH SECTOR TRANSFORMATION – HEALTH MINISTER

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

The Federal government has reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to transforming the nation’s health sector so as to improve the healthcare services of every Nigerian.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Pate stated this during the commissioning ceremony of some projects at the permanent site of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi.

He said the hospital represented part of government efforts to ensure President Bola Tinubu-led administration delivered on its mandate of providing safe and affordable healthcare for the populace.

He commended the Chief Medical Director of the facility and his team for the giant feats and foundation fathers honoured, just as he acknowledged efforts of the private sector in investing in the health sector.

He said, “The health sector is undergoing transformation under the able leadership of President Tinubu-led administration who is focused to improve health of every Nigerian.

“Such transformation is evident in the area of infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment and quality health services to save lives and prevent diseases.

“Health is wealth. Without health, you can’t work, go to school, market. This is the reason Mr. President is investing heavily in the health sector in collaboration with all segments of the society.

“Amidst difficulties we’re passing through as a nation, we’re grateful to God who in his wisdom has placed on the saddle President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assist us navigate through.

“We assure the hospital community and indeed the government and good people of the state of continued support to improving health of the citizens.”

Governor Chukwuma Soludo thanked the Federal Government for supporting the hospital’s management towards achieving the feat, just as he thanked the minister for being physically present to commission the projects and test-run the equipment.

Speaking through his Deputy, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim also appreciated the Chief Medical Director, Prof Joseph Ugboaja for recognizing and honouring the founding fathers who laboured to raise the institution to its present level.

“We also commend private individuals that contributed immensely towards the various projects that dotted the hospital which is in line with the state government’s Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) model,” he added.

The governor listed some of the supports the hospital has received from his government to include completion of roads leading to the hospital, recruitment of 300 health workers and upgraded of 45 general hospitals in the state.

Earlier,the CMD,Prof Ugboaja called on Federal Government to assist the hospital realise its vision of 10-year strategic development plan designed in line to lifting the institution compete globally with others.

He restated that the vision was to rank among the top three health facilities in Nigeria by the year 2030.

“The 10-year Strategic action plan anchored on 9 pillars which include: a strong governance structure, aggressive infrastructure, acquisition of equipment, robust financial management etc, have greatly helped to transform the hospital, enhance healthcare value chain and ensuring health security,” he said.

Ugboaja enumerated the challenges at NAUTH hospital to include: inadequate number of staff, adding, “Our schools are still located at our old site, even as most of our clinical units have been relocated.

“While management has completed well over 4 km of roads, there’s need for more internal roads, security cameras to cover the estate, solar lights, just as he appealed to the Minister to facilitate approval for a waiver to recruit workers.

“Also, there’s need to construct more classrooms and hostels for the college of nursing and school of health information management.

“We are calling for more of Federal Government’s intervention to construct staff quarters to provide accommodation to house those who live far away from our facilities, and thus affects patients care,” he added.

Personalities honoured during the event were the hospital’s major benefactors, Dr. Cletus Ibeto, Sir Emeka Offor and Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah.

Foundational members honoured were late Emeritus Prof. O.O Mbonu, late Dr T O.K Osuafor, Prof Ifeoma Egbuonu, Prof O. C Okpala, Prof Okay Ikpeze, among others.

MBAUKWU: ANAMBRA DEPUTY GOVERNOR BURIES ELDER BROTHER

By Chisom Okpala :

The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the entire Ibezim family, friends and well wishers have paid their last respect to their late father, brother, uncle and friend, Sir Nnamdi Clifford Ibezim who died at the age of 65.

Sir Nnamdi Ibezim was a brother to the Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim and the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim PhD.

In a sermon during the funeral service at St Lawrence Church Parish, Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area, the Bishop on the Lake, Rt. Rev. Chijioke Oti, reminded Christians that they are mortals and shall one day depart from the earth to a place of eternity.

He noted that there is time for everything on earth, a time to be born and a time to die, charging them to use their lives to make positive impact while on earth.

Rev. Oti, then, encouraged the family of the deceased to hold God firmly and to trust him at all times as he will not leave nor forsake them.

Speaking at the funeral service, the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, commiserated with the Ibezim family for their loss.

The governor commended the family for adhering to the state burial law, stressing that it is essential to give people a befitting living rather than celebrating and giving them a befitting burial.

On the recent development of Local Government autonomy, Gov. Soludo still maintained his stand in conducting a local government election in the state, as this was part of his inaugural speech and clearly captured in his campaign manifesto.

The Archbishop and Deputy Governor Ibezim thanked those that came to commiserate with them, saying that their consolation was that their late brother lived a good life and that his legacy would be uphold.

In attendance were members of the State Executive Council including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Ugochukwu Obiefuna, Bishops from Anglican and Catholic churches, former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, and Traditional Rulers.

*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

DMGS BUILDING COLLAPSE: PANEL SWINGS INTO ACTION, CONSULTANTS TESTIFY

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

Anambra State Panel on the collapsed Centenary Building of the Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha has commenced hearing over the incident.

During the proceeding, four key persons involved in the construction of the building were called to testify before the Panel.

Consultant Structural Engineer, Engr Dr Chris Oyeka said that a detailed, difficult, technical assessment with a clear plan would be required to determine the cause of the collapse.

He described the incident as aberation, saying he was professionally inquisitive to know the actual cause of the collapse.

While testifying on the approval documents, Oyeka confirmed that he was a member of the DMGS Centenary team that submitted the approval application at the Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB).

On the comment that the approval document was labelled “provisional approval”, the consultant stated, “that has been a longstanding and verifiable custom and practice of the planning approval bodies, and consequently invited the panel to contact the ANSPPB on the issue.

He explained issues raised by the panel on Expansion Joint and Base Size of the Columns.

Responding on questions regarding supervision of the construction, Onyeka confirmed that he usually visited the site twice a week and in the course, carried out regular inspections with Engr Nweke whose professional competence he said he respected.

The Contractor, Engr Chinedu Ibeabuchi, the Director of Optimum Works Ltd explained to the panel that he was both a registered engineer with COREN and a registered builder.

He also testified that he had worked professionally and effectively with the technical team and had always cross checked details with the supervising engineer, saying that he had always implemented with scrupulous diligence the engineering and architectural drawings.

Also speaking, former Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Onitsha Chapter, Engr Davidson Nweke provided detailed professional answers to all the technical questions put to him by the panel.

Nweke, a retired seasoned engineer who had worked for the State Government, however confirmed he had not yet renewed his COREN registration.

Project Architect, Arc Chidubem Olisa while explaining his drawings and on the issue of the placement of columns, said the architect positioned the columns and the structural engineer had the authority on the size of the columns.

Chairman of the panel, Engr Sir Victor Meju who is also Chairman, Anambra State Chapter of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), while adjourning the proceeding for the day, thanked all for coming and told the technical team that they would be re-invited if needed.

Ugokwe is of the State Ministry of Information

ANAMBRA PHILANTHROPIST PICKS AFRICA’S ILLUSTRIOUS AWARD —- SENEGAL’S PRESIDENT, GOV OTTI ALSO

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

A Philontropist, Dr Paul Chukwuma has picked the prestigious African Illustrious Award 2024, alongside the President of Senegal, Bassirou Doamaye Faye and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

The honour was for their respective numerous community development efforts in their chosen areas.

This rare gesture was bestowed on only few very distinguished community development driven African leaders by the African Media Group.

It was particularly for Dr Chukwuma’s profound impact on citizens of his Umueri community in Anambra East Council of Anambra State, and environs

In his citation, Dr Chukwuma received a thunderous standing ovation for his transformative community development initiatives, especially the construction of access roads and support for the underprivileged.

It was disclosed that he had undertaken the cost of Senior

School Certificate Examination(SSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination(UTME) fees for One thousand(1,000) and Five hundred(500) students respectively, in Anambra State.

This gesture according to records from the state has been on for years through his Sir Paul Chukwuma Foundation. It was revealed also, has continued showcasing his steadfast commitment to education, youth and human resource development.

The African Illustrious Award aims to honor outstanding Africans who have made substantial contributions to the development of African societies.

Chukwuma who was represented at the award ceremony by Chief Hillary Udanoh dedicated the honour to citizens of Anambra State.

He admitted that Dr Chukwuma’s efforts to enhance lives and address economic disparities through impactful philanthropy, was already being recognized and appreciated by those that matters in the world.

That he has consistently reaffirmed his dedication to improving access to quality education and living standards of the people through strategic investments.

Udanoh who received the award on his behalf commended the African Media Group, other recipients, friends and well wishers who thronged the main hall of the Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island Lagos for the event for their love and support.

GOVERNOR SOLUDO INAUGURATES MEMBERS OF GOVERNING COUNCIL CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY

By Okoli Sunday :

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has inaugurated the governing council for Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, with the following members:

Prof. Chidi Odinkalu as Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, AIG Chris Ezike (rtd), Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu,

HRH Igwe Chris Chidume Oranu and Chief Christopher Ndubuisi

Also inaugurated were the members of the Senate Representative to the Council

Performing the ceremony at the Council Hall, Government House, Awka, Governor Chukwuma Soludo expressed his gratitude to the council members for accepting to serve the state, describing it as an honour. He charged them to make a meaningful impact by transforming the university into a world-class institution renowned for excellence in character and learning. The Governor also outlined the council’s terms of reference, emphasizing their critical role in shaping the university’s future.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of others, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu (Pro-Chancellor/Chairman) thanked Mr. Governor for the opportunity to serve Ndi Anambra, pledging to do their best to deliver on their new assignment.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioners among others witnessed the ceremony.

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

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY PASSES ENVIRONMENTAL BILL

By Chizoba Okeke, Anastasia Agunwa, Gloria Abugu :

The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed the Environmental Management, Protection, and Administration Bill, 2024.

This follows Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s assent to 11 bills passed by the Assembly earlier today.

The bill, passed during today’s plenary session, seeks to provide a legal framework for the management, protection, and sustainability of the environment in Anambra State.

The bill successfully passed its third reading after deliberations and consideration at the Committee of the Whole. The Majority Leader, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme, moved a motion for the third reading and passage, which was seconded by the member representing Nnewi North Constituency, Honourable Augustine Ike.

The Speaker, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, read the bill for the third time and announced its passage after it garnered wide support from the lawmakers.

He appreciated the legislators for their efforts throughout the stages of the bill, stating that it truly reflects their commitment towards making Anambra a better place.