State News

News from all over Anambra State

THE BIG CATCH UP: ASPHCDA TO VACCINATE MISSED CHILDREN FROM COVID-19 ERA

By Nnedinma Okeke :

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 and 2021 significantly impacted global immunization coverage, resulting in setback with decline in coverage leading to an almost 40 percent rise in the number of zero-dose/unvaccinated children globally.

This signifies a significant setback for immunization efforts and poses a global emergency for child survival.

In view of this, the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners are set to commence the Big Catch Up (BCU) campaign in Anambra State.

The Big Catch Up campaign, a global initiative launched by Immunization Agenda 2030 partners in April 2023 was to close immunity gaps caused by backsliding of immunization coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, while supporting recovery and acceleration of progress.

It is needed to protect children from morbidity, disability and mortality caused by Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs), to interrupt ongoing protracted VPD outbreaks, and to build population immunity.

Also, to realize goal/vision for Vaccine preventable disease control, elimination/eradication, to ensure the right of the child to get vaccine, and to save costs of household from medical treatment.

The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem in the BCU planning meeting held at ASPHCDA office complex noted that the campaign aligns with the global mandate of leaving no child behind from accessing life-saving interventions including immunization and other PHC services.

Pharm Uchem represented by the Director Disease Control and Immunization, ASPHCDA, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi, explained that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted immunization program, resulting in multiple outbreaks of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs) thereby exacerbating the prevalence of Zero Dose children.

“It is therefore essential for the State and Nigeria at large to take proactive measures to reach zero dose and underimmunized children by intensifying current strategies and implementing catch-up initiatives.

“The Big Catch Up utilizes scientifically validated, programmatically suitable and globally recognized methods to prioritize zero dose and under-immunized children in nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State.

“These LGAs are: Aguata, Ihiala, Orumba south, Orumba North, Idemili North, Idemili south, Anaocha, Ayamelum, and Nnewi south LGAs respectively,” She said.

The State Immunization Officer, ASPHCDA, Mrs Edith Onwuka coordinating the meeting noted objectives of the BCU to include: catching up with at least 65% of children missed during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2019 to 2022 through dedicated outreach, mobile services, and other interventions.

Also, to restore full range of immunization services whilst developing and implementing immunization programmes that prioritizes coverage and equity by addressing identified gender barriers and social determinants.

Mrs Onwuka retirates that with the Big Catch Up campaign, Anambra aims to reduce the zero dose tendency in the nine LGAs according to the national mandate.

She noted that parents/caregivers of children aged one to five years who missed out on vaccination during or after the COVID-19 pandemic has the opportunity to vaccinate their children which is free of charge.

“For this exercise which will last for six days, teams would be visiting houses, schools, churches, health facilities and everywhere children are found to vaccinate with Penta, PCV, and Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV),” the Immunization Officer explained.

The meeting had in attendance State Team, State Technical Facilitators and Partners to include: NPHCDA, UNICEF and WHO.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA STATE JOINS GLOBAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

By Chizoba Njaka :

The Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) recently joined the global campaign against gender-based violence, particularly violence against women and girls. The campaign, which ran from November 25 to December 10, aimed to raise awareness and promote action against this pervasive issue.

The campaign was launched by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Anambra State Police Command and other stakeholders. NAWOJ also participated in the campaign, emphasizing the need to address gender-based violence in the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, led the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence exercise in Awka. As part of the campaign, the ministry organized various programs, including conferences, press briefings, and sensitization visits to markets across the state. These efforts aimed to educate women about gender-based violence, which disproportionately affects them.

Mrs. Obinabo noted that many women in Anambra State have joined the campaign, believing it will restore hope and reduce abuse against women. Emphasizing the importance of unity, she encouraged women to come together, echoing this year’s theme, “Coming Together.”

In his contribution, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam noted that the command has a longstanding commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence, sexual violence, harassment, and other associated crimes.

A statement issued to journalists by the Police Public Relation Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga highlighted that the commitment is reflected in the formation of specialized units within the Force, including the Juvenile, Women and Child (JWC) unit, the Anti-Human Trafficking unit, and the Anti-Child Labour unit, among others, which are dedicated to addressing these sensitive issues.

Addressing women, the Managing Director, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr. Christopher Muorokwu emphasized the importance of treating women with respect, care, and love. He noted that despite being created to complement men, women are often subjected to abuse and neglect.

Mr. Muorokwu described women as nation-builders, stressing that their roles in society are invaluable and should never be underestimated. He commended the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) for their collective efforts in combating gender-based violence and promoting women’s rights.

A Senior Lecturer at the Faulty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka,

Dr. Helen Obiageli Obi defined violence against women as the intentional use of physical force to harm them. According to her, “this violence can take various forms, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Examples include intimate partner violence, sexual violence and harassment, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, and child marriage. These acts of violence can affect women at all stages of their lives, both within their homes and in society at large.”

Dr. Obi noted that gender-based violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, and serves as a significant obstacle to achieving equality, development, peace, and human rights for women and girls. However, she acknowledged that Nigeria has made significant strides in addressing domestic violence through legislative measures and legal remedies, such as the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. These laws provide a framework for prosecuting perpetrators of violence against women.

A broadcast journalist and gender rights activist, Comrade Ify Unachukwu in her lecture titled “The Role of the Media in Combating Gender-Based Violence”, noted that cultural norms often perpetuate gender-based violence, and that journalists sometimes struggle to report on these issues due to harsh economic conditions.

Comrade Unachukwu also highlighted the challenges facing journalists in Nigeria, particularly the influence of corruption. She urged journalists to maintain ethical standards, emphasizing the importance of intentional and empathetic reporting, objectivity, confidentiality, and refusing bribes from victims.

Chairperson of the Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika urged women to speak out against any form of violence they may face. She encouraged women to break their silence and seek justice whether at home, work, in their marriages, or on the streets, assuring them that NAWOJ would do everything in its power to support them in their quest for justice.

A Media Consultant, Comrade Kasie Abone emphasized the importance of self-esteem and active listening for women journalists to excel in their reportage.

The event featured a road walk from the police command to ABS, Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center Awka, Aroma, and NUJ Secretariat. The walk aimed to raise awareness about the need to eradicate gender-based violence against women and girls.

ANSEC PICKS OKECHUKWU AKANEME’S MEDICAL EXPENSES, AWARDS MORE CRITICAL ROAD PROJECTS

The 37th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) Meeting received the report of the fact-finding team sent by the Soludo government to the victim of brutality by some contractors of ASWAMA, Mr. Okechukwu Akaneme, who is hospitalised in Enugu. In response to the report, the Council resolved to pick up the medical expenses of Mr Okechukwu Akaneme while sympathising with his family and praying for his quick recovery.

The Council applauded the addition of yet another accolade to the expanding list of honours previously obtained during the 32 months of the Governor Soludo administration during the 37th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) Meeting. The National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), which took place in Abuja from November 22 to 30, 2024, recognised Anambra State as the most creative cultural troupe. The Abuja-based National Council for Arts and Culture organised the event.

The council thanked His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR for appointing Mr. Mark Okoye, as the Managing Director/CEO of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC), and commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR for facilitating the appointment. Until his appointment, Mr Okoye was the Managing Director of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA).

In preparation for Yuletide, the Council instructed the relevant MDAs to make sure that all roads are not only passable by cars but also decked out in hospitable decorations.

As the dry season (harmattan) exacerbates the rise in airborne illnesses, the Council also urged its members and the people of the state to be more health-conscious.

Award of Road Contracts

The 37th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) also considered and awarded the following Road contracts aimed at ensuring a memorable Christmas for Ndi Anambra:

1. The Council noted that many roads awarded at the last EXCO meeting, such as New Tarzan Road and the three roads whose contracts were revoked and re-awarded, have not been reported.

2. The 3.75 km Igwe Orizu Road Nnewi construction was awarded at the sum of N2.86 billion to New Idea Construction Company Ltd, and 30% mobilisation is to be paid immediately with the completion timeline of six months.

3. The 10.8 km Nkwor Nnewi to Nkwor Oraifite was awarded to Infratech Construction Ltd at the sum of N7.2 billion, with a 12 months completion timeline.

5. The Oraukwu-Abatete-Nimo bypass in Idemili North measuring 4.922km was awarded to GMG Global Construction and Development Company Ltd. At the sum of N4.7 billion, the delivery date is six months from the date of mobilization.

Law Mefor, PhD

Commissioner for Information

AGHA MBA ASSURES OBISEP TRAINERS OF RECRUITMENT INTO ANAMBRA 1YOUTH 2SKILLS PROGRAMMME

By Chiedu Uche Okoye :

Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, the Anambra State Commissioner For Youth Development, has assured the Obosi Innovative Skills and Empowerment(OBISEP) trainers that he would draft them into the Anambra State I Youth 2 Skills programme.

Agha Mba made the promise after doing the rounds at the trainers’ stands at Obosi town hall during the graduation ceremony of the OBISEP apprentices and trainees.

Overwhelmed with joy and impressed by the splendid and qualitative exhibitions by the trainers, he extemporaneously inducted himself into the Obosi Development Union Committee on Skills Acquisition, Empowerment and Palliatives so as to guarantee the continued existence and sustainability of the OBISEP scheme.

More so, Aghamba, who is a native of Onitsha, dismissed the insinuation that Obosi and Onitsha are at enmity, saying that Obosi is his second home, as Onitsha people and Umu-Ezechime people of Obosi share consanguineous ties.

He described OBISEP, which is tagged Obosi I household 2 Skills project, as a great initiative, urging town leaders in other towns to toe the line of Obosi people.

“This is a great initiative; Obosi is doing the right thing at the right time.”

He thanked Igwe Chidubem Iweka(Eze Iweka III) and Obosi Development Union(ODU) for joining hands to provide better life and future for our youths.

*Chiedu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

UDEZE CONGRATULATES MARK OKOYE ON APPOINTMENT AS MD/CEO OF SOUTHEAST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Right Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze has extended warm congratulations to Mark Okoye on his appointment as the Managing Director/CEO of the Southeast Development Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a heartfelt message, Speaker Udeze commended Mr. Okoye for his exceptional contributions to Anambra State and the Southeast region, noting his visible impact during his tenure at the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA).

Highlighting Mr. Okoye’s memorable role during the Ogbaru Economic Summit, where his insights into the region’s potential and his commitment to development inspired many, he described the appointment as a “well-deserved recognition. He expressed confidence in Mr. Okoye’s ability to bring transformative progress to the Southeast.

“You are truly a round peg in a round hole,” the Speaker remarked, adding that the people of Anambra and the entire Southeast are proud of this milestone achievement.

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

ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT PLEDGES TO SUPPORT AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AGENDA PROGRAM

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

Anambra State Government has given assurance that it would offer the needed support services to facilitate successful implementation of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program (ATAPS) phase 1 projects.

The State Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from African Development Bank (AFDB), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Federal Ministry of Finance as well as ATAPS who paid him a Courtesy Call.

The delegation had visited the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project, Pumping Station, at Ifite Ogwari, the ongoing concrete lining of long canal as well as completed access roads at Omor, where they interacted with beneficiaries in the areas.

Dr Ihejiofor assured the team of state government’s commitment to addressing identified challenges of power supply and counterpart funds, adding that a public private sector partnership arrangement was being worked out to tackle the issue of energy.

“If that place is put into use, it has very positive implications for our GDP and for of course the food security of the country.

“The challenge of running it, running the pumps, energy requirements clearly has to be backed up with solid arrangements where you have private sector participating very actively.

“We already have an understanding with a company that is in partnership between some Nigerians and Chinese who want to come in and do massive rice production and sesame production in that region.

“Hopefully they will be coming into the country to commence something in January 2025. So their involvement will to a large extent ensure that we have funds to run those pumps.”

According to him, the state government has also approached the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) for an investment of N100 billion land development in the area in furtherance to the PPP arrangement.

The Commissioner emphasized that government is poised to drive significant progress to guarantee food security of the state.

In a remark, the Zonal Program Coordinator, ATAPS phase 1 Adani-Omor, Dr Romanus Egba, said that they considered it proper to brief the state government the outcome of their tour.

The National Program Coordinator, ATAPS 1, Dr Ibrahim Arabi and the African Development Bank Task Manager, Dr Tobi Kari Kari, discussed issues bothering on utilisation and sustainability of the projects with the Commissioner.

While expressing satisfaction with achievements recorded, they specifically called on the state government to provide payment of outstanding counterpart funding for the Projects and transformers to ensure power supply.

*Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA STATE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION ALERTS NDI ANAMBRA ON FAKE EMPLOYMENT EXERCISE

By Ernestina Udeh :

The Anambra State Civil Service Commission has refuted claims of a recruitment exercise by the Commission currently circulating in some media platforms.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Tony Ezenwaka to the general public.

The Chairman stated emphatically that the State Civil Service Commission and the Anambra State Government are not carrying out any recruitment exercise for now.

According to him, the recently reconstituted Anambra State Civil Service Commission is neither aware of any recruitment arrangement nor involved in job advertisement currently circulating in the social Media credited to a faceless group.

He further said that the Commission is currently engaged in preparations that will make any intended recruitment exercise seamless and successful.

The Chairman, Mr. Ezenwaka advised the public to disregard this fake publication in its entirety.

*Ernestina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

FOUR EXECUTIVE BILLS PASS FIRST READING AT THE STATE ASSEMBLY

By Chizoba Okeke :

Anambra State House of Assembly on Tuesday completed the first reading of four bills sent by Governor Soludo to the state Assembly.

The deputy speaker, Hon. Chukwuma Okoye who presided the plenary, read out the bills and the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice vote.

Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme presented the four bills at the floor of the House.

The four executive bills presented by Governor Soludo were; a bill for law to establish the Anambra State Electricity Market and the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission to regulate electricity in the state in the areas of electricity generation, transmission, system operation, destruction and supply to promote access to electricity in the state and for connected purposes.

Others included; a bill for a law to further amend the traditional rulers law 2007, a bill for a law to establish the Anambra State Development And Investment Corporation to drive the development of projects through development finance and private sector funding and participation in infrastructural development and for the protection, promotion, monitoring, coordinating and assisting of current and potential investors within the state and to provide for related matters and a bill for a law to establish and regulate the Anambra State Correctional Service, ensure human and effective management of offenders, to provide for the administration of Custodial and non-costodial services in the state and for connected purposes.

The House adjurned and to reconvene on Tuesday December 10th, 2024.

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

APGA LEADERS, ONITSHA NORTH OFFICIALS CELEBRATE ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE

By Claribel Udah, Chika Obi and Chioma Nwankwo :

The 2024 Annual Thanksgiving Service of Our Saviour’s Church, Umuosuma Lane, Inland Town, Onitsha, witnessed the presence of prominent leaders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Onitsha North LGA officials on Sunday.

The General Overseer of Our Savior’s Church, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN emphasised the significance of gratitude. He maintained that thanksgiving is not about material contributions but a heartfelt expression of appreciation to God for His blessings.

The Mayor of Onitsha North LGA, Nweze Tony Nwora highlighted the importance of being thankful for life and extolled Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his transformative leadership in Anambra State.

The event featured prominent APGA members such as the national chairman, Mr. Sly Okenwa represented by his Chief of Staff, Ugochukwu Obiefuna, Secretary to the state government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, among others. It served as a unifying platform for APGA members, with leaders and faithful coming together to express their collective gratitude.