Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, on Monday, September 30, 2024, met with the Head of Service (HOS) and Permanent Secretaries in Anambra State Civil Service.
Addressing the meeting at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka, Dr Mefor commended them for their excellent performances and implored them to prepare for a weekly radio programme, ‘Ask the Commissioner’, where Commissioners of various Ministries and Heads of Agencies will take turns to tell Ndi Anambra about their achievements, ongoing projects, completed projects, policies and programmes and their benefits, as well as field questions and receive feedbacks.
According to him: “In politics, perception is more important than reality and for this reason, waiting for one’s achievements to speak for him or her is not just enough. We in Government have to blow our trumpets and set the media agenda and that way, shape public perception.
“That’s why the focus should be strategic communication which is moving information to strategic communication through praxis. Otherwise, the opposition will take the initiative and force the government to be playing catch-up.”
The Head of Service and the Permanent Secretaries welcomed the new commissioner and wished him success in his new assignment.
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor has urged Nigerians not to lose hope of achieving a better and stronger Nigeria despite the current economic hardships.
Dr Mefor, who spoke to journalists at the special interdenominational church service, held on Sunday, at the Cathedral Church of St Faith, Awka, to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, stressed the need for all Nigerians to be committed to salvaging the country.
“There is still something to celebrate. If not anything, Nigeria is still one country, and the nation’s democracy is still kicking.
“There are challenges, no doubt. The economy is not smiling and security challenges unabating despite the efforts of the federal government. Despite all these challenges, I remain an incurable optimist – the situation is not unsalvageable if we remain steadfast in resolving all the challenges of nationhood,” he said
The Commissioner further opined that protection of lives and property and prioritizing the welfare and happiness of Nigerians are very essential to make Nigeria a better country.
He observed that the present Nigerian Government has been trying to reset the country economically and otherwise, although many of its policies are not sitting well with Nigerians and called on the Federal Government to review some of the policies or make some interventions that will make the policies more tolerable.
*Oranye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) party’s victory in the local government council election today, Sept. 28, generally has been attributed to the confidence of APGA supporters in Gov. Soludo’s Administration and Development Initiatives.
Chief Victor Oye, the immediate past National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), speaking to the press shortly after voting in his polling unit at Ebeakpu Square, Ngene village, Amawbia Ward III, emphasized the significance of grassroots elections, saying that “government belongs to the people” and this election allows them to choose their representatives.
He expressed satisfaction with the peaceful voting process and the people’s enthusiasm, attributing it to APGA’s impressive performance in Anambra, explaining that under road infrastructure, that over 585km of roads completed in just two years, with notable projects like Amansea to Ufuma, dualization of Amawbia to Ekwuluobia, and Ekwuluobia flyover.
“The New Haven in Anambra, formerly Okpoko, has been revitalized, and Gov. Soludo plans to dualize the road from Neni to Nnewi, reducing travel time from Amawbia to Nnewi to 25 minutes, thereby transforming communities.”
According to him, the Fun City in Awka will be the largest in West Africa, providing local entertainment options and boosting productivity and economic growth of Anambra State.
Chief Oye noted that APGA has no competitor in Anambra due to its exceptional governance, citing the trajectory of progress under Peter Obi, Willie Obiano, and Soludo, emphasizing APGA’s focus on serving the people, ensuring council chairmen and councilors complement Gov. Soludo’s state-level initiatives.
Speaking to the press, Chief Celestin Afam Anere, Managing Director of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful voting exercise in Amawbia Ward III, attributing it to the dominant presence of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), noting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had minimal presence, and no other parties were visible.
Chief Anere emphasized that Amawbia is an APGA stronghold, citing the party’s grassroots campaign efforts and dialogue with voters, noting that the former National Chairman of APGA, Chief Oye, also hails from Ward III, which further solidified APGA’s presence.
He praised Gov. Soludo’s development initiatives in Amawbia, including road construction, explaining that multiple roads have been built, with more projects underway.
According to him, Education is now free for primary and secondary schools, expectant mothers receive free healthcare, empowered youth through 1Youth 2Skills development, and ensured fair compensation for OCHA employees by promising Minimum Wage for OCHA staff members.
The OCHA boss stressed that council chairmen and councilors are expected to deliver results, aligning with Gov. Soludo’s results-oriented approach even as he promised to collaborate with the chairman-elect to maintain Awka South’s cleanliness.
Mrs. Chinyere Anagor, the Amawbia Community Woman Leader from Ward III, during interview, praised the peaceful and transparent voting process in her community, known for its peaceful nature. She believed that the local government election will bring democracy dividends to the grassroots level, enabling elected officials to drive infrastructure development in their wards.
This positive outlook according to her, aligns with the broader goals of promoting women’s participation in politics and decision-making processes, explaining that women’s representation in government can lead to more inclusive policies and better outcomes for communities.
Also in an interview, Mr. Uchenna Nwankwo, Chairman of Amawbia Ward III, praised the peaceful election process and expressed optimism that the newly elected officials will align with Gov. Soludo’s vision. He acknowledged Gov. Soludo’s impressive performance, particularly in infrastructure development, and credited past governors like Willie Obiano for their legacy projects.
“Gov. Soludo has indeed been proactive in transforming Anambra State. His administration has approved numerous capital projects to boost infrastructure development and transformation.”
According to him, these initiatives demonstrate Gov. Soludo’s commitment to improving the lives of Anambra residents. With the newly elected officials on board, Mr. Nwankwo believes they will help expand infrastructure development at the grassroots level, further enhancing the state’s progress.
Nwamaka Favour Onwuzuligbo, the newly elected Councilor for Amawbia Ward III, is thrilled to have won the election and is grateful to the voters for trusting her with this responsibility, promising to deliver credible, accountable, equitable, fair, and transparent services to her community.
She also pledged to work harmoniously with Awka South Chairman elect to bring economic facilities to Amawbia Ward III to boost growth and development as well as work tirelessly to promote women’s development and empowerment in the community.
It is worth knowing that Prince Chinedu Okafor, APGA Chairmanship candidate for Awka South also won in in Ward III.
*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
A university don and Professor of Tax Law, Prof. Meshach Nnama Umenweke has stated that under Personal Income Tax (PIT) every citizen should pay Tax irrespective of the person’s profession, vocation or business to enable government generate enough revenue and to enable citizens hold the government accountable for the statutory provision of basic social amenities and infrastructure.
Prof. Umenweke stated that under Personal Income Tax as citizens of the country even alleged fraudsters popularly called ‘Yahoo Boys’, Drug Barons, Prostitutes should pay taxes from the proceeds of their business, saying that it does not stop the government from prosecuting the actions that brought about the proceeds if they violated any provision of the law.
Umenweke made the statement during the 104th Inaugural lecture of Nnamdi Azikiwe University(NAU) Awka held on 26th September, 2024 at the University Auditorium.
Delivering his inaugural lecturer titled , “Nigerian taxation and the social contract: a legal analysis of the benefit and breaches” Umenweke said that Section 3 of the PIT Act imposes taxes on individuals and unincorporated bodies resident in Nigeria.
“Section 3 did not specify whether legal or illegal, once the fund come into your pockets, it is taxable. The offence you committed is a different kettle of fish. As investigation is ongoing, you are supposed to pay tax on the Income pending when you are found guilty or not guilty”, said Umenweke.
He said that although citizens have been avoiding and evading taxes, government had also not lived up to their responsibilities by judiciously translating the generated taxes to provision of basic amenities for her citizens.
Umenweke, a Professor of Tax law, identified challenges of taxation in Nigeria as lack of statical data, multiplicity of taxes, poor tax administration, lack of incentive for tax collection efforts, tax avoidance and evasion, corruption, lack of public enlightenment and awareness, adding that Nigerian governments breach the social contract, Professor Umenweke said they included non provision of social amenities, corruption, illegal and multiple tax imposition and collection.
However, Professor Umenweke further called for the amendment of chapter 2 of the 1999 constitution to make provisions thereto justiciable and the components enforceable in order to enable citizens hold government accountable.
He also recommended strengthening of the powers, functions and compositions of the Joint Tax Board, social reorientation on the importance of taxation, use of judicial review of executive actions by tax payers, among others.
According to,” Dean faculty of Law, NAU, Prof V. Ogugua Ikpeze, Since we are known as Yahoo country, it is a new technology that has come up. The international money coming into the country, if you can track by their phone numbers and addresses, it is a source of good money to the country not only jailing the culprits.
“For instance, when people traffic in person, after jailing them, you still want them to compensate the victim. Let the government be compensated by such income coming into the country by taxation”, said Prof Ogugua Ikpeze.
Earlier in her opening remark, the Acting Vice Chancellor of NAU, Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi, represented by former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, of the institution, Professor Frederick Odibo, described the inaugural lecturer as a dynamic and hardworking academic staff who is experienced in the law guiding taxation.
The event attracted the presence of members of the academic community, legal profession, Umuchu people led by the Palace Secretary, Umuchu Improvement Union and Old Boys Association of Dennis Memorial Grammar School, DMGS, Onitsha
Former DPP Anambra State and Chairman, Umuchu Improvement Union, Awka branch, Godwin Emenike (Esq), thanked God for a successful inaugural lecture, saying that he has confidence in Prof. Umenweke reforms and contributions to both humanity and the economic development of the country viz a viz his wealth of experience in taxation.
* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Anambra state Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor has lauded ndị Anambra over the peaceful conduct of the local government elections held today, September 28, 2024.
Dr Mefor, who spoke to newsmen in an interview at Ǹkwọ Agbaja Hall, Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area, after monitoring various polling units in various communities of the state, expressed satisfaction over the impressive turnout of people to cast their votes.
“You can see for yourselves that there is impressive turnout of voters. From the reports we got all over the state; because we have our people on ground. The reports we are getting from them are confirming that the turnout was fair enough because we didn’t expect any less.
“But let me quickly add that I am glad to be part of this history. History is made today. For 11 years and counting, there was no local government election in Anambra State. And Governor Soludo promised in his manifesto that one of the things he will do on assumption of office is to conduct local government election and that he has done.
“For me, that is a major promise kept and I think also that this tier of government is very fundamental if you want to talk about good governance, delivery of democracy dividends at the grassroots, we should have a viral, active, performing local government system. That is what professor Soludo is working on. I’m happy that this has happened at last,” he said.
Anambra State Government has announced that there will be restriction of movement on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 8:00am to 4:00pm to allow for a smooth running of the State Local Government Election.
In a release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor and made public on Friday, September 27 the people of the state were informed that the restriction of movement is all around the state.
Acording to the release, this is as requested by the election umpire, the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC).
“The restriction order is to ensure a peaceful and seamless exercise during the Anambra State Local Government Council Election, except for those on election duties and essential services such as ANSIEC officials, electoral observers, accredited Journalists, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc.
“Full compliance is strongly advised to avoid the wrath of the law”.
The government thanked the people for their anticipated positive response to the circular.
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has flagged off the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) campaign for Local Government Elections holding on Sept. 28 across the 21 LGAs.
Flagging off the campaign at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Gov. Soludo said that the opposition parties were afraid of APGA defeat and could not field candidates in many LGAs as a sign of already conceding defeat.
The governor charged the candidates to campaign harder in order to win the election with wide margin.
Dignitaries in attendance are the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Iyom Bianca Ojukwu, wife of the Late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, members of the state executive council including the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba .
Other groups include master trainers of the 1 youth 2 skills program numbering over 3000, party stakeholders and supporters from the 21 LGAs.
During the flag off, the APGA candidates were presented with party flags as flag bearers in their various LGAs.
*Ifeoma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
By Chizoba Okeke, Anastasia Agunwa and Gloria Abugu :
Anambra State House of Assembly has expressed dissatisfaction with Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) for its failure to employ even a single indigene of Anambra State in its multi-million-dollar oil exploration activities running in the state.
The concern was raised during an interrogation by the House Committee on Petroleum and Mineral Resources, led by the Chairman, Mr Chidiebele Ibemeka, who criticized the company’s disregard for local workforce.
Ibemeka emphasized that despite SEEPCO’s operations in Anambra since 2006, and active exploration in the Ogwuaniocha and Ogwuikpele communities in Ogbaru Council Area beginning in 2018, the company has not provided any meaningful employment opportunities to Anambra indigenes.
According to the lawmaker, when asked to present documentation detailing the local hiring efforts, SEEPCO failed to include any names from the state.
Apart from the employment issue, Ibemeka highlighted environmental concerns, including frequent oil spills and gas flaring caused by the company’s operations, stating that their operations have had detrimental effects on the livelihood and health of the communities.
The lawmaker lamented the company’s disregard for the people, stating that it is unacceptable for a business operating within the state’s borders to neglect the welfare and employment needs of Anambra’s citizens.
He noted that as representatives of the people, it is the duty of the lawmakers to safeguard the interests of Ndi Anambra and will not rest until all entitlements due to ndi Anambra are properly allocated and delivered.
Mr Ibemeka pledged that the house will continue to intensify efforts to hold SEEPCO accountable and to ensure that the company fulfills its corporate social responsibility with regards to Petroleum Industry Act, to the host communities, particularly in employment and environmental protections.
Recall that the Assembly directed SEEPCO to provide evidence that they have established a Host Communities’ Development Trust in compliance with Section 235(3) of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA (2021); show proof that three percent of their annual budget has been paid for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 and also submit documents detailing the projects executed as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.
Further documentations requested included a NEEDs assessment of the host communities in line with Section 251 of the PIA, a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment, and a plan for natural gas flare elimination and monetization, in accordance with Section 108 of the PIA.
The Assembly also demanded that the company present its decommissioning and abandonment plans, evidence of output metering for daily oil and gas production, a list of Ndi Anambra employed by the company, and proof of tax payments to the state since the company’s inception.
However, the company represented by General Manager of Community Relations and Security at SEEPCO, Mr. Austin Atuonah, presented other documents, excluding a list of Ndi Anambra employed by the company, partial proof of tax payments to the state and a plan for natural gas flare elimination and monetization.
* Okeke, Agunwa and Abugu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has visited Borno State to sympathize with the government and people of the State over the rampaging flood that devastated the State.
Gov. Soludo, in his address, expressed deep sympathy for the people of Borno State.
He said, “In times of adversity, we must stand united as one Nigeria. The resilience of the Borno people in the face of numerous challenges is truly inspiring. This natural disaster tests our collective strength, but I am confident that with support from all quarters, Borno will not only recover but emerge stronger.
“Our hearts go out to every family affected by this calamity, and we pledge our continued support in whatever capacity we can offer”.
The visit coincided with the visit by the delegation of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) led by AIG. Chris Ezike (rtd).
The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), in a powerful demonstration of solidarity and humanitarian support, made a significant contribution to alleviate the suffering of flood victims in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Following the devastating collapse of the Alau Dam along the Ngadda River, SEOF has stepped forward with a generous donation of N200 Million, 2000 units of Mama Kits, and 20 units of Midwifery kits valued at N38million.
In his remark, the delegation from SEOF led by AIG Ezike said that the Foundation is known for its dedication to empowering the vulnerable and less privileged in the society.
He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment saying;
“The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation stands firmly with the people of Borno State during this challenging period. Our donation is more than just material support; it is a message of hope and solidarity. We are committed to working closely with the Borno State Government to ensure that these resources reach those who need them most.
“Our Foundation believes in the resilience of the human spirit, and we are confident that together, we can overcome this adversity and build a stronger, more resilient community”.
On the sympathy visit also was the SEOF Partners, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare led by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. K. S. Daju and her team which included the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, the Chief of Health at UNICEF, Mr. Eduardo Celades and the Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster Lead of the World Health Organization, Dr. Ann Fortin.
The delegation’s visit extended beyond official meetings, encompassing visits to key locations including the Palace of the Shehu of Borno and the Bakasi camp; one of the largest IDP camps in the state. These visits provided firsthand insights into the scale of the disaster and the immediate needs of the affected population.
The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation’s swift and substantial response to this crisis set a commendable example of corporate social responsibility and humanitarian aid. As Maiduguri begins its journey toward recovery, the support from SEOF and other organizations will play a crucial role in rebuilding lives and restoring hope to the affected communities.
*Sunday is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The newly appointed Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has described the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as a Statesman who craves for development and legacies, not a politician.
Commissioner Mefor said this today Sept. 20, during a courtesy visit by the Odenigbo FM media team in his office at the Jerome Udorji Secretariat complex, Awka.
Addressing the group, Dr. Mefor expressed his gratitude, saying that Gov. Soludo’s achievements have been under reported which gave rise to skepticism but with the help of journalists, the government achievements will be given a wide coverage.
He promised to take the journalists on a project tour for fact findings and a balanced reportage while stating that Gov. Soludo remains the only governor with a rage blueprint to transform Anambra State with the hallmark of intervention in terms of fiscal infrastructure which is doable and requires time.
He also promised to get the governor on their side and carry the journalists along to make sure that Gov.Soludo achievements comes to light so that Ndi-Anambra can queue in this romantic journey.
The leader of Odenigbo media team, Mr. Ogemdi Ozoemenam said that their visit was to familiarise with the new commissioner and as well, pledge their support to make his work easy.
Mr. Ozoemena commended the commissioner for his passion and support in making sure that Gov. Soludo’s vision comes to reality, noting that the media is ready to give a factual and a balanced reportage to bring Ndi-Anambra into government.
*Henrietta is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
