State News
News from all over Anambra State
ANAMBRA INFORMATION MINISTRY TO RESTRATEGISE FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION OF GOVT POLICIES
By Rose Oranye :
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor has stressed the need for the Ministry of Information to make strategic plans towards effective communication of government programs and policies.
Addressing heads of agencies under the ministry in a meeting, held today, September 19, 2024, in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka, the commissioner, who assumed office on Monday, called on the agencies to work towards developing appropriate messages that will communicate the numerous achievements of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration to all the nooks and crannies of the state and beyond.
According to him, “there’s need for town hall meetings with critical stakeholders of all the communities in the 21 local government areas of the state; which will help to get first hand information on the needs of the people apart from communicating government policies directly to them.
Dr Mefor further disclosed that he’s planning to organize a Strategic Communication Committee that will help develop appropriate messages with which they will reach out to Ndị Anambra by getting people outside the state.
“If people outside government talk about government policies, it will go a long way,” he said.
In their separate remarks, the Managing Director, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Chris Molokwu, Managing Director, Anambra State Library Board, Mrs Obioma Cordelia Obalum and Managing Director, Anambra State Signage Advertising Agency(ANSAA), Tony Ujubuonu, ably represented by the General Manager of the agency, Mr Chijioke Agbai assured they would align with the commissioner’s vision by doing whatever is required of them.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Barr. Ndirika Onyekwelu commended the commissioner for running an open door policy, and observed that with the synergy spirit witnessed in the meeting, the ministry will definitely achieve better.
ANAMBRA’S NEW INFORMATION COMMISSIONER, MEFOR ASSURES COLLABORATION WITH JOURNALISTS
Rose Oranye :
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, today, September 19, 2024, received the leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.
Addressing the delegation, led by the Anambra State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu phD, Dr Mefor, who assured of his commitment and transparency in the discharge of his duties, urged journalists to help showcase the good works of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
According to him, it’s a fact that Governor Soludo has achieved so much, with awarding and execution of over 400km of roads in different parts of the state, with over 200 already completed and in use, among other developmental projects without borrowing a penny.
“I understand Governor Soludo’s vision and it’s expansive nature. He’s working for total transformation of the state – socially, economically and culturally and he has achieved so much.
” For the governor, politics is not business unlike other politicians. Development is his primary concern.l want you to join me in giving a fair assessment of what he’s done.
” I want to arrange a project inspection tour for journalists. After that, you will be the judge. You will see everything he has done without borrowing a penny. No government has ever done that. He is doing so much with so little and should be given credit for that.
“Journalists need to give him fair reportage. His government’s achievements are under reported. Report what you see; report fairly,” the commissioner said.
In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu phD thanked the commissioner for meeting with them, lamenting that journalists have been disenfranchised and abandoned in the past but assured the commissioner of the union’s full support.
Odogwu further called for re-stablishment of a newspaper outfit in the state and more interactive sessions with government, among others.
Odogwu was accompanied on the visit by the vice chairman of NUJ, Comrade Ngozi Obileri
ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY CONFIRMS MEFOR AS COMMISSIONER-DESIGNATE FOR INFORMATION
By Chizoba Okeke, Anastasia Agunwa and Gloria Abugu :
Anambra State House of Assembly has confirmed Dr. Law Mefor as the Commissioner-designate for Information following his nomination by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to replace Sir Paul Nwosu.
Dr. Mefor’s confirmation came after a thorough screening during a plenary session, where he was found suitably qualified to serve in the Anambra State Government.
Following the screening, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Chukwuma Okoye who presided over the plenary announced Dr. Mefor’s confirmation where lawmakers unanimously supported the appointment through a voice vote.
In his remarks, he urged Dr. Mefor to remain dedicated to serving the people of Anambra and to align with the governor’s agenda to achieve great progress for the state.
In response, Dr. Mefor expressed his commitment to advancing information management in Anambra through political and strategic communication, pledging to enhance the Ministry of Information and diligently work towards realizing the governor’s vision for the state.
* Okeke, Agunwa and Abugu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN WARNS OPPOSITION TO STEER CLEAR AS ONITSHA SOUTH FLAGS OFF CAMPAIGN
By Juliana Nwachukwu :
Barely two weeks to the conduct of local government election in Anambra State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), led by Mr Sylvester Ezeokenwa, weekend flagged off election campaign and inauguration of the team for Onitsha South Council area at the secretariat.
Flagging off the campaign, Ezeokenwa warned Chief Edozie Njoku, opposition national chairman, not to hold any parallel meeting in any part of the state.
Ezeokenwa, directed Chief Emeka Orji, the Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha South and the candidate of the party in the September 28, 2024 local government election, not to allow such illegality in the local government.
He alleged that Chief Edozie Njoku is afraid of meeting him in Court insisting that Njoku has many things to explain to the Court.
Sounding the note of warning during the flag off of the local government election campaign for Chairmanship candidate, Chief Emeka Joseph Orji and the Councillorship candidates, he said: “You are all aware of one Edozie Njoku who has been parading himself as Acting National Chairman of the party with a certain Court Order which he claimed affirmed his position.
“We have initiated legal proceedings to contest Edozie Njoku’s claim, but he has consistently objected and evaded appearing in court. This prompts us to ask: what is Mr. Njoku hiding? Why is he reluctant to present in court the specific pronouncement that allegedly appointed him Acting National Chairman? His persistent avoidance of the legal process suggests there may be more to this issue than initially apparent, raising questions about his transparency and integrity.
“Onitsha South is my local government area and I am a son of Fegge and Mr Chairman please do not allow them to hold any meeting of any kind , shape and form to hold in this area. I know that they have been moving around in Onitsha South Local Government Area.
Earlier in his speech, Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Orji, vowed that upon his election he will ensure dividends of democracy would be spread across the area, it is aimed at providing better welfare to the people.
In her speech, Commissioner for Special Duties. Mrs Beverly Nkemdiche, urged the Vice Chairmanship candidate and all the 17 Ward Councillorship candidates to remain loyal to the chairman, adding that the party will not take lightly any acts of insubordination as the party would take care of the culprits in line with the party constitution.
Contributing, the deputy chairmanship candidate, Mr Onyebuchi Obi, told newsmen that he would synergize with Orji for better welfare to the people and urged the people to vote for them during the conduct of the local government election.
He expressed optimism that APGA will emerge victorious going by the achievements of Governor Chukwuma Soludo who he said has changed the race of the state for the betterment of all and sundry.
A chieftain of APGA and former Transition committee member in Onitsha South council area, Mr Chidi Azunna, expressed satisfaction with the successful inauguration/flag off of Onitsha South Local Government election campaign for both chairman and councilors of APGA in the area.
His words, “We are here for the inauguration and flag off of both chairman and councilors’ election campaign. APGA did good work through Governor Chukwuma Soludo in Onitsha South Local Government Area,” he revealed.
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT HANDS OVER CONSTRUCTION SITES TO CONTRACTORS
By Okoli Sunday :
Anambra State government has handed over sites for the construction of projects across the state.
The projects handed over included,
Construction of fences at Fun City Lot 2 by Arcon Global Engineering Ltd, construction of Additional Internal road in Solution Fun City, Awka by Ferotex Const. Ltd, the reclamation and control of flood and gully erosion projects at Upper Iweka along the Onitsha -Owerri Road by Strasbourg Investment Nig. Ltd.
Others were; construction of Nwokedi Street in Okpoko, Ogbaru LGA by Akaeze Multi Services Nig. Ltd, reconstruction of Oraifite Road to Onitsha -Owerri Expressway, Ekwusigo LGA.
Performing the hand over ceremony at the various construction sites, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ifeanyi Okoma said that the projects is part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s urban regeneration initiatives.
The commissioner who was represented by the Director of Maintenance Department, Mr Anthony Amobi said that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has an agenda with a timeline, and so the contractors should not joke with the completion period as well as the specifications in the contract.
At Oraifite, Ekwusigo LGA, the Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Highways and Engineering Services, Mr Nuel Okoye said that Governor Soludo is opening up every part of the state simultaneously.
He highlighted the significance of the road to Oraifite residents and environs and charged them to take full ownership of the road by giving the contractor a maximum cooperation so that they can achieve.
In their separate remarks, the MD, Arcon Global Engineering Ltd, Mr. Chidi Anuligo, the Project Manager, Ferotex Const. Ltd, mrt Olaolu Kings, the CEO Strasbourg Investment Nig. Ltd., Mr. Chijioke Afamefuna, and the MD of Akaeze Multi Services Nig Ltd, Mr Chinedu Okoye and the Managing Director, IDC Ltd, Maher Dib expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for awarding the contracts to their companies, they promised not to disappoint the confidence by working according to specifications and delivering on time.
* Okoli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
BRIDGING DIGITAL DIVIDE: GOVERNOR SOLUDO EMPOWERS DISABILITY RIGHTS COMMISSION
By Nwanodu Angela :
In line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s pioneering vision of “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere,” the Disability Rights Commission has been equipped with cutting-edge digital tools to revolutionize its advocacy and support for persons with disabilities.
These innovative tools will significantly enhance communication channels, streamline access to vital services, and promote inclusivity in decision-making processes,
With innovative software to boost accessibility, the Commission is now better equipped to fulfill its mandate and ensure that no one is left behind in the state’s digital transformation drive.
This integration of technology is a game-changer, empowering ‘those who need it most’.
This significant advancement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Anambra State ICT Agency, which played a crucial role in facilitating the digital transformation.
As part of its mission to drive e-government initiatives and support technology integration across state institutions, the agency provided the technical expertise and resources necessary to implement these tools effectively.
Receiving the digital tools, the Chairman of the Commission, Chuks Ezeawuzie (Esq), described it as a welcome development, highlighting the rapid pace of technological adoption and its potential to enhance productivity.
“Anyone without technology is still living in the stone age, the analog stage. But with these tools, our office is now digitalized,” he stated.
He noted that the pre-digital era involved strenuous work, particularly for those physically challenged.
However, with the provision of these tools by the Solution Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, these challenges are now being successfully addressed.
Reflecting on his past, Ezeawuzie reminisced, ‘My experiences at the school for the blind, where every task required manual effort and perseverance, come flooding back. However, during my postgraduate studies in the United States, I discovered the transformative power of technology in enhancing the lives of the visually impaired.
“Unfortunately, upon my return years before the Solution Government took office, I found a stark contrast – a lack of technological tools to implement the knowledge I had acquired, leaving a significant gap between vision and reality.
“With these tools, not only will our productivity be enhanced, but they will also enable even more persons living with disabilities to receive training at our Access to Technology Training Center within the Commission.”
In addition to the digital tools, the Commission has also been provided with Cable TV, Air conditioners, water dispensers, stabilizers, refrigerators, cameras, tripod stands, and others too numerous to mention, creating a more inclusive and functional work environment.
As the Disability Rights Commission steps into this new era of digital empowerment, it not only strengthens its capability to serve but also exemplifies Governor Soludo’s commitment to integrating technology into every facet of governance.
This initiative, supported by the Anambra State ICT Agency, underscores a broader vision where technology bridges gaps and fosters a more inclusive society, reflecting a promising future for all stakeholders involved.
* Nwanodu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT CLARIFIES CHIDO OBIDIEGWU, EX-MD OF ANAMBRA BROADCASTING SERVICE (ABS) IS REDEPLOYED, NOT SACKED
Press Release :
The Anambra State Government has made a clarification that the exit of Mr. Chido Obidiegwu as the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) is just a routine redeployment and not a sack as being insinuated by some sections of the media.
It would be recalled that the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, recently approved the appointment of a new Managing Director for ABS as part of ongoing reshuffling and rejigging of government operations.
Therefore, this clarification becomes necessary to correct wrong impressions being created in the minds of the public that Mr. Obidiegwu was sacked. He has only been redeployed and not sacked as being erroneously reported.
Signed,
*Christian Aburime*
Press Secretary to the Governor
September 6, 2024
GOVERNOR NWIFURU CALLS FOR LEGISLATIVE PROTECTION OF BUILDING PROFESSION AT NIOB CONFERENCE IN AWKA
By Ukpa Ewa :
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has expressed concerns over the challenges facing the building profession in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for legislative action to protect the integrity of the field.
Speaking at the 54th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) in Awka, Anambra State via a telephone call, Governor Ogbonaya noted that the encroachment of other professions into building practices has contributed to frequent building collapses.
He urged the leadership of the institute to lobby the National Assembly to criminalize non-builders undertaking building projects.
Builder Nwifuru highlighted the importance of builders in ensuring safe and sustainable construction, arguing that the profession should not be overshadowed by others.
He also called for better urban planning and the establishment of building codes in all states, urging builders to engage with state governments to ensure their expertise is fully recognized and utilized.
In his remarks, Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Ministry of Housing, Mr. Pauly Onyeka, praised the NIOB for its efforts to professionalize the building industry.
He recounted steps taken by his administration to elevate the role of builders within the state, including the creation of a dedicated department for building construction and maintenance within the Ministry of Housing.
In his address, the NIOB National President, Builder Alderton Ewa Ewa, emphasized the conference’s theme: “Building Profession Practices and Sustainable National Development,” underscoring the institute’s commitment to addressing the critical challenges in Nigeria’s building environment.
He called on the government and citizens to prioritize the engagement of certified professional builders to ensure the delivery of safe and sustainable housing.
The conference, which included the investiture of new fellows and members, attracted over 5,000 delegates and notable dignitaries. It provided a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and discussions on the future of the building profession in Nigeria.
In attendance were, Past Presidents of the Institute, Board of Directors including the representative of Ebonyi State Governor, Prof Grace Umezurike Secretary to the State Government (SSG), His Royal Majesty Igwe Ralph Obumnemeh Ekpe, Obu Enugwu- Ukwu na Umunri, Builder Samson Opaluwah, Chairman Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and other dignitaries.
Governor Soludo was given an award of excellence alongside Governor of Ebonyi State.
* Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *