State News
News from all over Anambra State
SOLUDO LAUNCHES ONE YOUTH, TWO SKILLS SOLUTION 2, TARGETS TO TRANSFORM ANAMBRA INTO THE LARGEST SKILL HUB
By Christian ABURIME:
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has launched the second batch of the “One Youth, Two Skills” Solution.
Governor Soludo launched the initiative at the International Convention Centre, Awka.
Speaking at the event which witnessed about 8,620 participants that qualified for the second batch of the programme, Governor Soludo described the children and the youth as the bridge to the future saying that is why his administration prioritizes human capital development.
“Today, we are beginning the phase two of that big journey to ensure that our youths are empowered on a sustainable basis, to teach them how to fish and eliminate hunger.
“Phase one of the programme had 5000 youths, trained on a peculiar way of igba boi, mentorship, etc.
“Most of them have been empowered, and several of them now employers of labour.
“In this second batch, 183,000 applications were received, and over 8000 people were selected because of available limited spaces.
“As we launch this particular phase, ndị Anambra youths, I thank you for being responsible citizens. Thank you for deciding not to protest, not because you don’t feel the pain of the moment but because of our age long value system.
“Ndị Anambra celebrate nothing but hard work. I thank our youths for deciding to take their destinies in their hands.
“It is good to protest, but even better to do something. For decades, we’ve been singing songs of lamentations, but now, we are doing something to ensure that our youths are useful to the society, “he stated.
The governor stressed that the goal of his government is to transform Anambra to become the largest skill hub to give the youths employable and exportable skills.
“This is a unique training programme. Many of the artisans’ works and skills are now in short supply.
“As I look in your faces today, I can see the future millionaires and the youths that can take Anambra and Nigeria to the world,” the governor stressed.
He pointed out that there are five systematic pillars for the programme such as Apprenticeship scheme, Entrepreneurial skills training, Formation of cooperatives, Business financing scheme and Mentorship scheme, noting that two billion naira grant was disbursed to those who qualified in the last batch, adding that another 2.5 billion naira start-up capital was also set aside for beneficiaries that are willing to access it through the Anambra Small Business Agency.
“This is becoming an organic movement. We are expecting that in every kindred, there should be one person benefitting from the scheme, so that it permeates the whole Anambra.
“We are recommending this Anambra model to the world. We are upgrading digitizing the system to ensure that former applicants do not apply and participate.
“The number that applied shows that Anambra youths are hungry to take their destinies in their hands. We will continue to provide the enabling environment. I implore you to take it very seriously.
“This is not a programme for government to dish out free money, but for those who are ready to make decent living. It will benefit only qualified trainees. Make the most of it. “
The governor continued that Community Development has helped Anambra to scale up very quickly, saying that ndị Anambra believes in collaborative development as well as “leave no one behind” mantra.
Said the Governor, “I encourage friends of Anambra to join us. Public-Private-Community-Partnership, PPCP is the fastest way to scale up the development of Anambra.
“We are determined to give good value, but we need partners. To developmental partners who have funds, this is an opportunity. “
The Governor also called on the youths to take advantage of the initiative so that they could become a solution to themselves and the society.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba eulogized Governor Soludo for being supportive of the initiative, which is a model worthy of emulation.
“This is a historic event. 8620 youths qualified in various skills cut across the local government areas of the state. Mr. Governor, you have developed a model worthy of emulation that will live beyond you- emphasis on “quality.”
“You are determined to give the youths the best and nothing but the best. You believe in the youths, and you are changing the narrative, with a target of raising 1000 youth millionaires annually.
“We appreciate your interest in quality assurance. The ministry is determined to ensure that your model becomes the benchmark. “
The Commissioner assured that the learning curves encountered during the first phase will be further utilized to improve and modify the second phase, expressing optimism that it will be upscaled to 95 per cent in terms of achievement
He commended the beneficiaries for going through the rigorous processes.
The wife of the Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim accompanied the governor to the event, which was also attended by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barr. Joachin Anaeto, State Chairman of APGA, Barr. Ifeatu Obiokoye, Traditional Rulers, Transition Committee Chairmen, and members of Anambra State Excutive Council, among others.
ANAMBRA GOVT COMMENCES ROAD REPAIRS ON ESTHER OBIAKOR AVENUE
By Ukpa Ewa :
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has commenced thorough road maintenance on Esther Obiakor Avenue, Awka.
The Governor, through the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has taken a proactive measure in ensuring that the much dilapidated Esther Obiakor Avenue in Awka wears a new look, befitting road network found within the state capital.
The move was motivated by the governor’s choice in making Awka one of the best state capitals within the country.
While overseeing the level of work ongoing, the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko, said that his presence was to ensure that the work met the required standards prescribed by Gov. Soludo.
Mr Onuko reiterated the efforts of Gov. Soludo in giving Anambra State the best quality of leadership it deserved in all facets of development across all sectors in the state.
Mr Onuko, however, warned that the state government through his agency will not tolerate any activities targeted at destroying the quality road maintenance in place.
Also speaking to newsmen during the exercise, the Transition Committee Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, explained that the ongoing road maintenance was part of Gov. Soludo’s proactive efforts in preventing further dilapidation.
Prince Okafor who praised the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Soludo for his higher quality of infrastructural development across the state, thanked the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Onuko, for his proactive approach, which has significantly contributed to the successes recorded in the state capital.
Okafor while commending ACTDA for its efforts to address the portholes and upgrade the road to ensuring a smoother drive for the road users within Awka metropolis, called on Ndí Anambra to support Gov. Soludo’s administration beyond 2025.
Also speaking, the Deputy Commander of ACTDA Rapid Response, Mr. Henry Uchechukwu Nebolisa, emphasized the need of making the road motorable for the surrounding community.
He noted that good roads network among other infrastructural development gives facelift to state capital, acknowledging the residents’ pleas for road repairs and emphasized government’s intervention through ACTDA.
Mr Nebolisa urged residents to avoid activities that could damage the road, such as spilling engine oil, insists that government property is everybody’s business and should be taken as such.
*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
ANAMBRA GOVT RECEIVES RENOVATED FACILITIES FROM IG AGUOWU FOUNDATION UNDER PPCP SCHEME
By Obiageli Nwankwo :
In a significant development under the Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) Scheme, the IG Aguowu Health and Academic Foundation has handed over a fully renovated Principal House and Corpers’ Lodge valued at N12 million to Anambra State Government.
The once dilapidated structures at Ezike High School, Nibo, have been refurbished with new roofing, tiles, toilet facilities, doors and windows to accommodate the Principal, Vice Principal, and Corps members.
At the commissioning ceremony, the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, praised the PPCP model for its role in transforming educational facilities and commended High Chief Ignatius Onyeka Aguowu for his philanthropic efforts.
She highlighted the collaborative approach as a key element in the state’s development strategy.
Prof. Nkechi Ikedingwu, Chairman, Post Primary School Commission, assured that the Commission will deliver laboratory equipment to the school by state criteria.
High Chief Aguowu, the benefactor of the renovated building and Founder of IG Aguowu Health and Academic Foundation, emphasized his commitment to education and healthcare, noting that his foundation annually allocates N50 million for medical care and support for nearly 500 students through scholarships.
The President General, Nibo Town Union, Prof. Tony Nwokoye also acknowledged Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s dedication to education and the ongoing efforts of the Union to enhance the school’s infrastructure.
The IG Aguowu Health and Academic Foundation would further its commitment with a scholarship award ceremony scheduled for August 30 at the International Conference Centre, Awka.
Present at the occasion include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr Ifeoma Agbaizu.
*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, 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.