State News

News from all over Anambra State

ANAMBRA SPEAKER, UDEZE CONGRATULATES AMB BIANCA OJUKWU ON MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENT

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze has described the appointment of Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs by President Bola Tinubu as meritorious, deserving and expected.

Congratulating Ambassador Ojukwu on her appointment on behalf of the state Legislature, Udeze noted that Ambassador Ojukwu is eminently qualified to serve as Minister, having worked as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain in addition to other exalted offices she has held.

The speaker who commended President Tinubu for engaging best brains from Anambra State to work with him irrespective of their party affiliations, revealed that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has continued to make meaningful contributions to President Tinubu’s administration with the appointments of Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a member of the Federal Government Economic Team and Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, an APGA Board of Trustees member as Minister.

While praying God to equip Ambassador Ojukwu accordingly to enable her discharge her duties optimally, Mr Udeze enjoined her to bring her wealth of experience to bear in carrying out her functions and strive to make Anambra State proud in her new appointment.

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

INFORMATION COMMISSIONER, MEFOR VISITS DR NONYE SOLUDO, PLEDGES MINISTRY’S COLLABORATION IN PROMOTION OF FIRST LADY’S HEALTHY LIVING PET PROJECT

By Rose Oranye :

Information Commissioner, Dr. Law Mefor has paid a courtesy visit to Anambra State’s First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, where he pledged the ministry’s readiness to promote the First Lady’s Healthy Living pet project.

Dr. Mefor used the visit to apprise the First Lady of the reforms he had embarked on to reposition the ministry for better information dissemination and management to achieve strategic communication for the government of Anambra State.

“Our main aim is the attainment of strategic communication, which will lead to better perception management for Governor Soludo and his government. The ministry is repositioning for this, and several programmes are also being introduced for the purpose. For example, the ministry just introduced The Solution Weekly Bulletin to fully report the activities and achievements of the Soludo government. We are targeting Ndi Anambra outside the state with the bulletin.

“To also ensure that Ndi Anambra at home are fully aware of the achievements and intentions of Governor Soludo’s government, the ministry has introduced a multi-radio station programme, “Ask the Commissioner”. Every week, the programme will feature at least one commissioner who will discuss the achievements and activities of his ministry, departments and agencies under the commissioner.

“The Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Matters have also planned a Town Hall meeting in the 21 local governments in the state, where Ndi Igwe, the presidents-general, market, women, youth leaders, and other critical stakeholders will interact and share views on the efforts of the government towards a prosperous and livable Anambra by the Soludo administration.

On “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo”, the pet project of the First Lady, Dr. Mefor described it as apt and noble: “Sound mind in a sound body is not possible unless one pays attention to lifestyle, which is a duty. I will join the Saturday workouts and get the Ministry of Information to begin sensitising Ndi Anambra on the benefits of healthy living, exercise, sports, and so on,” Dr Mefor said.

The First Lady, Mrs Nonye Soludo, thanked the Information Commissioner for visiting and for his promised collaboration. She expressed her happiness with the ministry’s achievements within the short period Dr Mefor had spent as commissioner and for his determination and commitment to a new information order in the state and better perception management for the Soludo administration. The First Lady gifted the Commissioner some literatures on the Healthy Living project.

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY CLERK UGHENU EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK, COMMITMENT

By Chizoba Okeke :

The new Clerk of Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Anthony Ughenu has urged staff of the institution to put in their best in order to achieve the aims and objectives.

Mr. Ughenu while addressing the House of Assembly staff, called for synergy, dedication and unity of purpose.

According to the Clerk, “this meeting is for us to introduce ourselves and to be mindful of protocols and the traditions because responsibilities are all intertwined to make our job better.

“There are things we must do to make this institution function optimally, and efficiency of service delivering is key.

“We are here to be a support staff to the lawmakers and we have been dispensing this responsibility credibly.

“I urge us to make it easier by doing our beat, no matter how inconsequential you think it is. When you do your beat, the House of Assembly will be better for us.

”We need to work together, build a synergy to achieve our goal and also abide by the principles

”Our attitude to work is very important, coming to work and on time too is a requirement for success. We have to show presence, commitment to move the State House forward.

”We will keep on meeting, synergizing and keep on recording success’. Ughenu stated.

In there separate remarks, the acting deputy clerk, Mrs Cynthia Idemobi, and the head of admin, Mrs Uzoh urged the staff to dress decent and modest to work.

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

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY TO HOLD VALEDICTORY SESSION IN HONOUR OF LATE OSEKE

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Anambra State House of Assembly will on Wednesday October 23, 2024, hold a valedictory session in honour of a former Deputy Speaker late Rt. Hon. Harford Oseke

The Anambra Assembly Speaker Rt Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze at plenary on Thursday made the announcement.

The speaker urged members of 8th Assembly to put on white and be punctual in order to pay their last respect to their former colleague.

Late Oseke who represented Awka South II constituency, was the Majority Leader at the 5th Assembly and the Deputy Speaker of the 6th Assembly.

The former lawmaker who was born August 1960, was from Umuawulu in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

BOUNDARY MATTERS: ANAMBRA DEPUTY GOVERNOR STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF PEACEFUL RESOLUTION

By Chisom Okpala :

The Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim has maintained that peaceful settlement should be adopted by communities in land dispute.

Ibezim who is the Chairman, Anambra State Boundary Committee gave the charge while addressing the leaders of Awa and Ufuma communities both in Orumba North Local Government Area on a lingering boundary dispute.

He admonished them to avoid taking laws into their hands, explaining that no life is worth losing over land, rather, “let us always pursue peace as a means to achieving peaceful resolution”, he advised.

Speaking, the Traditional Rulers of both communities, HRH Igwe I.O Ezue of Awa community and HRH Igwe S.C Uchime of Ufuma community called on the state boundary committee to establish a clear boundary demarcation, noting that there are still lingering unresolved issues despite court judgements.

Also, one of the community representatives, Chief Ernest Okafor in a vote of thanks appealed on government intervention toward achieving lasting peace among the two communities.

The meeting had the presence of the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Deputy Governor, Dr Florence Idigo-Ibenta, the Executive Secretary State Boundary Committee, Dr. Oliseloka Mba, SSA to Governor on Boundary (Office of the Deputy Governor), Hon. Ekenechukwu Okoye, others.

*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY SPEAKER COMMENDS SOLUDO’S BROADCAST ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Anambra State House of Assembly speaker, Mr Somotochukwu Udeze has commended Governor Soludo’s broadcast on local government autonomy and related matters, saying it’s agreeable with the constitutional provisions and legislative procedures.

Udeze also commended the governor for signing into law Economic Planning/Development, Local Government Administration Laws

The Speaker said that the explanations provided by Governor Chukwuma Soludo during his broadcast are quite explicit and in line with the mandate of the judiciary and legislature as well as the state and local government joint responsibilities.

Udeze revealed that Governor Soludo’s administration is mindful of constitutional provisions in all ramifications, adding that the signing of the Anambra State Economic Planning And Development Bill, 2024 and Anambra State Local Government Administration Bill, 2024 into law by the governor is in the best interest of the citizenry.

The speaker further commended the state lawmakers for being thorough and precise in the discharge of their legislative duties especially the recent enactment of the Local Government Administration Law and State Economic Planning And Development Law.

He explained that the law will enhance development at the council areas and also improve the living standard of the rural dwellers.

He assured Ndi Anambra that the state legislature will ensure that the people of Anambra reaps the benefits of the law.

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

GOVERNOR SOLUDO’S FREE MATERNAL HEALTHCARE, DELIVERY: KEY TO REDUCE MATERNAL MORTALITY

By Ginika Oguji :

The Comprehensive Medical Center (CMC) Akwuzu has recorded a zero maternal mortality since the introduction of the Anambra free antenatal care and delivery for expectant mothers in the hospital.

Speaking during the weekly antenatal work out and care at the hospital, Mrs Josephine Ajaegbo, Matron of CMC Akwuzu, said that the hospital for the past one year has recorded a significant increase in antenatal cases, with over 30 new cases being treated monthly and a zero maternal mortality.

She noted that the free antenatal care is a pointer to the decline in maternal mortality as expectant mothers not just register for antenatal care but register on time now, so care and monitoring starts at the early stage of pregnancy.

Speaking , Mrs Ajaegbo also highlighted that the free maternal healthcare initiative, launched by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, which included free registration, antenatal care, laboratory examinations, drugs and delivery in all government hospitals have encouraged most expectant mothers to register for antenatal care on time since it is free care for all pregnant mothers residing in Anambra, irrespective of the state of origin.

The significant effect of this timely registration according to her is a decline in maternal and infant mortality rates in the hospital and state.

“Before now, we have been experiencing cases of pregnant women visiting us almost at the point of delivery or a month to delivery in most cases having developed complications from a quake or traditional health attendant,” she noted.

Expressing their joy and chanting praises to Gov. Soludo, the mothers prayed God to bless and uphold the governor, recounting the benefits they are enjoying from the free antenatal care.

One of the expectant mothers, Mrs. Goodness Asazu from Edo State, residing in Akwuzu said that she has been receiving care and drugs for four months now and no bill has been given to her.

Mrs. Asazu thanking Gov. Soludo for the free antenatal care for pregnant mothers, said that ordinarily, she would not have been able to register in a hospital for care or delivery because of the economic condition of her family.

*Ginika is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SOLUDO’S AGENDA ON SOCIAL REFORMATION: COMMISSIONER MEFOR SEEKS ASUBEB’S COLLABORATION

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has called on the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) to collaborate on the campaign on social reformation to catch Anambra children young and stem the tide of moral degeneration, drug abuse, and get-rich syndrome now ravaging the youth population.

Speaking during his visit to the ASUBEB Chairman, Dr Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi, at her office in Awka, Mefor said he was seeking collaboration to help the newly created Anambra Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO) to take off and reorient the youths who have gone astray in terms of morals.

“We want your collaboration. We need to do something. Governor Chukwuma Soludo created the agency weeks before I came, which shows he is interested in getting Ndị Anambra, particularly the youths, to imbibe the core values for which Anambra and Ndi Igbo are known. Values like hard work, honesty, resilience, patience, integrity, and so on are vanishing. Strange things have taken over. We now hear things like Ibute ike, Oke ite, which is about ritual murders, or Yahoo Plus. Cultism has reached primary schools and is making its way into the general society.

“The Ministry of Information is keen on taking up the social reform agenda of Governor Soludo and committed to activating the Civic and Social Reformation Agency – ANCISRO. We need to get people who are concerned to join the mentoring team. We need to develop messages and form Anti Drug and Anti Cultism Clubs in orimary and secondary schools. We want to focus on schools, particularly primary and secondary schools so that we can catch them young deploying very vigorous enlightenment campaigns ,” he said.

In her remarks, Dr. Nwadinobi assured the commissioner of ASUBEB’s support and decried the level of moral decadence in the society, blaming parents, churches, and others for not living up to expectations.

Dr Vera Nwadinobi made a presentation of a handbook on counselling against the burden of drug abuse and other social vices, which she co-authored with the first lady, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, and Commissioner of Women Affairs, Hon. Ify Obinabo.

* Oranye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

GOVERNOR SOLUDO’S STANCE ON ANAMBRA NEW LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAWS

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

Anambra State Government has enacted two new laws aimed at reforming local governance: the Anambra State Economic Planning and Development Law, 2024, and the Anambra State Local Government Administration Law, 2024.

These laws, signed by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, are intended to increase transparency, enhance collaboration between state and local governments, and ensure the efficient management of local government resources.

The new legislation has stirred debate, particularly regarding their alignment with a recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy.

However, Gov. Soludo clarified that these laws are consistent with the Nigerian Constitution and that they seek to improve governance at the local level, stressing that the reforms are not about undermining local government autonomy but about ensuring proper management of public funds and services.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s Constitution do not treat local governments as completely autonomous units. He explained that, under Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, state governments have the power to establish and structure local governments. Therefore, Anambra’s new laws aimed to provide a structured approach to managing local government funds and services, ensuring they align with both the Constitution and the Supreme Court ruling.

Soludo emphasized that the debate over local government autonomy is still unsettled in Nigeria’s federal system, noting that the APC’s 2018 restructuring committee had proposed removing local governments from the Constitution, allowing states to decide how to manage them.

The recent Supreme Court ruling, which mandated the direct transfer of funds to local governments, has been viewed as a step toward more financial independence for local councils.

However, Gov. Soludo sees the recent ruling by the Supreme Court as an opportunity to introduce greater transparency in how these funds are managed. He argued that while local governments should have control over their finances, there must be oversight and collaboration with the state to ensure effective service delivery.

Soludo pointed out that the ruling provides a chance to restructure the Joint State-Local Government Accounts system to ensure better coordination. He emphasized that if local governments were left to manage their finances independently without proper oversight, it could lead to financial mismanagement and failure to provide critical services like primary education and healthcare.

According to him, One of the central elements of the new laws is the creation of the Anambra State Economic Planning Board, which will include all local government chairpersons. This board will be responsible for deciding how local government revenues are allocated for essential services such as salaries, education, healthcare, and pensions.

Gov. Soludo explained that this collaborative approach ensures consistency across local governments. Without it, some local governments might struggle to meet basic obligations like paying teachers or providing healthcare. By pooling resources, the state can ensure that all local governments have the necessary funds to fulfill their responsibilities.

Mr Governor also addressed concerns raised by local government workers and unions about potential issues with local government autonomy. The new laws aim to protect workers, including teachers and healthcare workers, by ensuring their salaries and pensions are consistently paid.

He highlighted that when he took office, he inherited four years of unpaid gratuities to local government workers.

His administration has since restructured the system and brought it back to financial stability. Anambra is now ranked first among Nigerian states for fiscal transparency, a testament to the government’s focus on accountability.

Gov. Soludo emphasized that these reforms are designed to build lasting institutions that will continue to function effectively after his administration. The laws are intended to safeguard the improvements made in education, healthcare, and local government workers welfare.

With these reforms, Anambra is leading the way in finding practical solutions to the challenges of local governance in Nigeria. Soludo called for similar reforms across other states, stressing that no tier of government can function effectively in isolation. Collaboration between state and local governments is essential for achieving sustainable development and improving the lives of citizens.

He posited that the new laws represent a progressive step in Nigeria’s evolving federalism, balancing local government autonomy with the need for collaboration and accountability, while stating that his administration aimed to ensure that local governments in Anambra are well-managed, transparent, and able to meet their obligations to the people.

*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

IWUANYANWU: WHEN A GREAT LEADER DEPARTS IN A BLAZE OF GLORY

By Law Mefor :

A great leader always leaves a big hole in the lives of those around them when they pass away. Considering the roles they played while still on the scene, this is obvious. Because they look up to the leader for crucial decisions affecting their collective, and because they fill in for them or hoist the flag of defence when the need arises, their lives and the lives of their people are intertwined.

Just like when Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was around as a model and premier Igbo-Nigerian leader, patriot, and Igboist, Ndi Igbo relied on him as their leader, spokesman, and defender. Being an Igboist and a Nigerian defender at the same time is a tough combination to maintain. He had affection for both of them, but Ndigbo was his priority for obvious reasons.

Given his role as an exemplary Igbo leader and nationalist par excellence, Chief Iwuanyanwu’s departure has undoubtedly left a void that will take time to fill. The celebration of life and times as Ndigbo, Nigerians, and beyond bid the great man goodbye has begun with the service of songs already held. As he journeys home to his maker, we can only bid him a heartfelt farewell.

I cannot forget in a hurry my encounters with Chief Iwuanyanwu. One stands out for me. The Igbo Leadership Development Foundation (ILDF), an organisation I served as spokesperson, started the campaign for the election of an Igbo (South East) as president for Nigeria.

Chief Iwuanyanwu gave his significant support and blessing to the campaign of the ILDF for the Igbo Nigerian president project. The group paid him visits to convey the guiding ideas and philosophy behind the main program we had in the works as well as the self-imposed effort to rescue Ndigbo from Nigeria’s political obscurity.

Under this, the Igbo Leadership Development Foundation (ILDF) organised a national dialogue in Abuja with Gregory University Uturu in 2021. Chief Iwuanyanwu gave us his whole support and participated in the event proper. Leaders from all over Nigeria as well as representatives of the country’s major cultural blocks attended the national discourse, which took place at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja. Chief Nnia Nwodo, the then president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, was present, as was Iwuanyanwu.

I provided this history to demonstrate that I had a close acquaintance with the great leader and therefore had the chance to form an opinion about his life and times. The fact that Chief Iwuanyanwu was an activist is one of his qualities that is most frequently downplayed. It matters so much to me, probably for the reason that I belong to the human rights community. It’s not easy being an activist in a ruthless country like Nigeria. Furthermore, Chief Iwuanyanwu—a University of Nigeria-trained civil engineer and a private practitioner—would have undoubtedly had his business ventures, some of which depended on government patronage, suffer as a result of his firm stance against the marginalisation of his Igbo people in Nigeria.

He was a true and unique leader, as they rarely come! He put the needs of his people before his own, even if doing so meant sacrificing his happiness, safety, and growth of his wide business concerns. Even as an activist myself, I was afraid for his life every time he fiercely talked about the condition of the Ndigbo in Nigeria. He took no prisoners.

Iwuanyanwu, like his compatriots and great Igbo leaders, Comrade Uche Chukwumerije and Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, did not give much thought to his safety or business when he championed the rights of Ndigbo, a practice that began with his participation in the Biafra war as an army captain.

The life of the Ikeduru Imo State-born Iwuanyanwu resembled an octopus. It spread and had an impact on nearly everything important, including politics, sociocultural issues, business, construction, sports, the media, and even banking. You dare call him a jack of all trades and master of all! For the younger ones’ sake, it is important to emphasise a few of his impacts. The areas where Iwuanyanwu made profound contributions include the following: sports (Iwuanyanwu Nationale), aviation (Oriental Airlines), media (Champion Newspapers), road construction (Hardel & Enic), health (Iwuanyanwu Ambulance), banking (ABC Merchant Bank), education (Iwuanyanwu Foundation), philanthropy, food security (Magil Bread, etc.). Housing (owned several estates across the country).

In politics and the nation’s quest for democracy, democratic rule, and purposeful national leadership, Iwuanyanwu was a leading member of the NNC, NRC, UNCP, APP, ANPP, PDP, etc. He was a statesman par excellence. He left his footprints on every one of these great endeavours. His legacy will live on for future generations, providing a clear pathway for those who genuinely want to succeed and make their life meaningful through perseverance, hard work, and self-belief, so they too can leave their mark on the sands of time.

Serving as the 11th president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, preceded by George Obiozor, was Chief Iwuanyanwu’s final act of service to the Ndigbo people, Nigeria, and mankind, where he inspired and repositioned the Igbo people in Nigeria and global context.

By the grace of God, he crossed both biblical rubicon for humans—three scores and ten and eighty for those who are still strong. He passed away a happy man at 82.

At eighty-two, Iwuanyanwu walked off this route to meet his maker—the final destination for all mortals. As renowned poet John Donne once said…

“Each man’s death diminishes me,

For I am involved in mankind.

Therefore, send not to know.

For whom the bell tolls,

It tolls for thee.”

Chief Dr. Eng. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has finished his earthly race and left his mark on history. How about you? The bell tolls for you too!

Good night, great Igboist, nationalist, and leader. In both the Igbo nation and Nigeria, you were undoubtedly the zenith and emblem of Igbo possibilities and Nigerian nationalism. You have left a void that will be difficult to fill, but there’s God, and in Him we trust.

Law Mefor is Information Commissioner, Anambra State; drlawmefor@gmail.com; Twitter: @Drlawsonmefor.