State News

News from all over Anambra State

ANAMBRA STATE LAUNCHES AMBITIOUS TREE PLANTING AND URBAN FORESTATION INITIATIVE

By Lilian Akpunonu :

The Anambra State Ministry of Environment has launched a massive tree planting and urban forestation initiative on June 10 at the Orpet Filling Station (Ez Electronics and Furniture) Agu Awka, aimed at planting millions of trees across the state, revive eroded lands, and beautify the environment.

The wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has emphasized the importance of trees in the ecosystem, encouraging residents to support the state’s tree planting and urban forestation initiative.

She suggested a hotline for reporting tree cutting, highlighting the need for collective action in protecting the environment.

Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odimegwu, emphasized the importance of trees in maintaining ecological balance, producing oxygen, and supporting wildlife.

He noted that trees play a crucial role in climate regulation, soil erosion control, and noise pollution reduction.

According to him, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification reports that up to 40% of the planet’s land is degraded, affecting half of the world’s population.

He noted that since the inception of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s Administation, Anambra State has launched several green initiatives, including the “One House, Two Trees” campaign, 35% green spacing initiative, and cut-one-plant-three initiative.

The commissioner said that the state government distributed and planted over one million hybrid Malaysian coconut trees and oil palms seedlings annually.

He went further to highlight the Key reforestation projects which include the Unizik Forest Reserve, Enugwu Ukwu erosion site, Ekwueme Square, and the Anambra State House of Assembly.

The launch of greening projects at Amazon Estates and other sites aimed to enhance ecological and climate resilience.

The vision is to see Anambra’s streets, roads, and highways adorned with trees, creating a green canopy.

He stressed that 200 trees will be planted today, including Strep trees, Tujar, Queen Palms, and Asoka trees.

The planting will start from Revenue House to Book Foundation and extend to Onitsha and other towns over time.

The Commissioner urged citizens to join the greening journey, saying, “Trees are our lifelines, and without them, our world would become barren and lifeless. Let us act now for a greener tomorrow”.

He also said that the gift trees is also given as birthday souvenirs to important personalities to encourage personal involvement in nurturing the environment.

The initiative is part of the state’s efforts to enhance ecological and climate resilience, and create a green canopy across Anambra State.

Prof. Kate Omenugha, Acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), expressed support for the initiative and pledged to ensure its success.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr Obodogha Tochukwu, highlighted today’s planting as a step toward a Greener future, a continuous effort that shapes a better tomorrow. Let’s join forces to make a lasting impact for our Environment.

Dr. John obodo, The founding Director, Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development (SIBRED) was represented by Dr. Achugbu Adaeze who commended the commissioner’s effort and pledged to support the initiatives.

In their Goodwill message, Prof Ngozi Ezenwa-Ohaeto commended Gov. Soludo’s initiatives of planting trees in Anambra State.

Prof Philip Phil Eze, The Managing Director and chief Executive officer of Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency(ASEWCA) commended the Governor’s initiatives and pledged support for the initiative.

House of Assembly member, Mr Eze Golden Ilo, commended the Government Environmental initiatives.

Architect Mike Okonkwo, Chairman, Anambra Urban Regeneration Council (AURC), thanked the governor for his vision that was implemented today and emphasize the importance of securing a greener future for tomorrow.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment, Tourism and Culture, Bobmanuel Udokwu said, “by planting today, we are investing in a greener environment tomorrow no matter how we see it, it is a continuous process. Let’s sustain this vision of our Governor’s initiatives and create a sustainable Environment for generations to come.

*Lilian is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT SOLICITS DEEPER STRATEGIC INVESTMENT COOPERATION WITH CHINA

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

Anambra State Government and a Delegation from the Peoples Republic of China have opened discussions that will coordinate cooperation in strategic developmental areas of interests to advance relationship between them.

An eight man delegation from China had visited the state to explore investment opportunities and collaboration in key sectors under “Anambra-China Shenzhen Great Bay Cooperation”

Setting the tune for commencement of meeting at Golden Tulip Hotel, Agulu,the State Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, recalled that Gov had sought the possibility of China opening up production plants in the state.

While affirming the state government’s commitment to fostering lasting intercourse with China, he acknowledged that the footprint of the Chinese could be felt in almost everything.

He pointed out that China had contributed greatly to the successes recorded in the priority areas including agriculture, hence the need for an economic marriage for expansion and to add more value.

The Commissioner commended the relationship between China and Anambra State, expressing optimism that it would grow even better in the coming years.

Contributing,the State Commissioner For Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu,highlighted abundant multi sectoral opportunities existing in the for partnership to include Power generation, Airport concessioning,Orient petroleum and petro chemical plant as well as Food Security, poultry and egg project.

He also identified development of industrial parks and Silicon Valley Solution Innovation District as one of the existing areas of support and collaboration.

A Member of the delegation,Wang Bo,said the meeting was vital to build a stronger relationship with the state for a shared future especially in areas of real estate, construction, design, industrial and solar plants.

He added that they would work out synergy to advance relationship in ensuring projects design and feasibility reports, resource integration capability as well as project financing.

Some of the facilitators of the visit including Destiny Osili and Jude Okwudiba of the Earth wheel Works, said the State and China had witnessed substantial progress in mutually beneficial cooperation as China had become one of the State’s top trading partners.

They said the decision by the Chinese delegation to visit the state was a reflection of the importance which China attached to her relationship with the state.

Some of the Commissioners and dignitaries on the state delegation included,Bar Tony Ifeanya, Commissioner For Petroleum, Dom Onyenji, Commissioner For Culture and Entertainment, Special Adviser on Security, Rtd Air Vice Marshall Ben Chiobi, Managing Director, Housing Corporation, Chike Anyaonu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka among Others

DR. NONYE SOLUDO FLAGGED OFF 2024 HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS VACCINE

Ifeanyi C. Nwegbo/Nnedimma Okeke/Chukwudi Nwauba :

The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo has called on women and girls, aged 9-14 years to be allowed to embark on the important initiative of free human papilloma virus vaccine which promises to safeguard their health from cervical cancer for their well being.

Dr. Soludo made the called during flagging off ceremony of human papilloma virus vaccine at Micheal Tansi Memorial Secondary School, Aguleri.

She said that the vaccine will tackle a significant health challenge which might cause the death of our women in the country.

She also said that the vaccine is free as well as conducting free cervical screening in the health facilities in Anambra State to provide early detection to our women in the state at large.

Dr. Soludo commended the efforts of Anambra State Government through which the Ministry of Health and Anambra State Primary Health Centres and partnership with WHO, UNICEF, others as supporting the state government efforts by taken health campaign to the next level.

While speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo has done so well in the health sector of Ndi Anambra, mostly for picking interest in planning for children from the time they are conceived till they are grown.

Dr Obidike said, “In the first phase of papilloma virus vaccine, Anambra East Local Government Area participated very low and that is why they chose Anambra East.

He thanked Gov. Soludo for renovating Umueri General Hospital and the construction of Enugwu Otu General Hospital, Aguleri for the people living around that community.

The Executive Secretary Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Pharm. Chisom Uchem said that the essence of introducing this HPV vaccine is for a medical breakthrough that provides effective protection against the most harmful strains of virus.

She said that the decision to administer the HPV vaccine to girls 9 to14 years is guided by sound scientific evidence. At this age, the vaccine is most effective, providing a strong shield against the virus before any potential exposure.

According to her, this proactive approach will ensure that our girls have a better chance at a healthy future, free from the spectre of cervical cancer.

The Zonal Coordinator of South East World Health Organisation, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboeko thanked Gov. Soludo and his team for allowing the introduction of HPV vaccines in Anambra State in order to avoid cervical cancer.

He explained that the ravages of cervical cancer is real in our country at large, and urged parents to allow their children and women to take the vaccine.

Dr. Igboeko encouraged Anambra State Government to always support health because good health will yield a lot of potential dividend and political Capital for the government.

The Vice Chancellor of Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Prof. Kate Omenugha and Provost College of Education Nsugbe, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu congratulated Gov. Soludo for strategic changes he brought to Anambra State at large.

She thanked Mrs Soludo for her care toward women and children in the state and promised that they will partner and mobilize people to make sure that this HPV Vaccine get to the target audience.

The Chairman House Committee on Health, Mr. Tony Muobuike thanked Gov. Soludo for keeping to his promise of offering free HPV Vaccine to the children and women of Anambra State.

He promised that House of Assembly will do all in their reach to make sure that Soludo’s mission and vision to this will come to manifestation.

The event attracted lots of dignitaries including Ndi Igwe, former TC Chairman Anambra East, Dr. Anselm Onuorah , Female professors of Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam and staff of Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe.

*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*

PROF. OFOEGBU CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING IN ANAMBRA

By Adaobi Nsofor :

Citizens of Anambra State have been urged to desist from illegal mining that would endanger their lives and slow down the economic activities of the state.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State Solid Mineral Development Company Limited, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu stated this during an interview in his office at the Government House, Awka.

Prof. Ofoegbu noted that mining which is one of the oldest economic activities in the state is being tampered with on a daily basis, which is a serious issue that shouldn’t be neglected.

He maintained that illegal mining can lead to environmental degradation including deforestation, soil erosion and water pollution which will in turn affect the eco system and increase poverty level especially among peasant farmers who depend solely on environmental resources for a living.

Prof Ofoegbu further emphasised that Anambra State is strongly positioned to build a thriving, socially responsible mineral industry that drives broad-based economic growth.

He believes that Anambra’s Mineral sector if fully optimised, can contribute massively to the state’s GDP, enable widespread industrialization and provide employment opportunities for the youths in the state.

According to him, the Soludo-led administration is determined to establish workable synergies between miners and the host communities in order to curtail the activities of the illegal miners in the state.

Prof. Ofoegbu who recalled that Governor Soludo had earlier in the year banned sand excavation in Anambra State following the discovery that it is fuelling the gully erosion menace in most communities in the state, called on Ndi Anambra to participate actively and benefit from the state’s mining sector by developing relevant skills that will enable socio economic upliftment.

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

AWEF HONOURS GOV. SOLUDO FOR PROMOTING AKWETE FABRICS

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

African Weaving Festival (AWeF), has conferred an award of the “Pillar of Cultural Excellence in Promoting Akwete Heritage” to Governor Charles Soludo for his unwavering dedication to promoting the Akwete indigenous fabrics. The event took place at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Exhibition Pavilion, Abuja.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji expressed that Governor Soludo always demonstrates his avowed commitment to promoting the Nigerian economy through the patronage of made-in-Nigeria products and other local production which can ultimately salvage the economy and make Nigerians richer and happier.

He added that the Solution Governor approved the distribution of over N 2 billion to over five thousand youths across the state, who were trained under the “One-Youth-Two Skills” programme and another approval has been made to train and empower another batch of thousands of youths which will commence soon.

“Mr. Governor has always shown immense capacity for effective delivery in every office he handled both within and outside the country.”

The commissioner, who also wore his akwete outfits to the occasion, flipped online pictures of Mr. Governor’s various akwete outfits to the admiration of the excited audience.

The Coordinator of AWeF, Mrs. Lizi Ben-Iheanacho expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for his inspiring vision and leadership in reviving the akwete cultural treasure and also fostering the indigenous fashion values.

“Sir, your singular act of championing the akwete fabrics at every high-profile event has significantly elevated its contemporary value and as well instilled an immense pride in our indigenous akwete master-weavers, hence, leading to unprecedented prominence, patronage and a renewed sense of cultural patriotism.

“Also, your commitment to sustaining our African cultural identity while weaving a prosperous future for Anambra resonates deeply with our vision,” she said.

She further reiterated that Anambra is a truly shining beacon of hope in this cultural renaissance, earning its rightful place as the “Light of the Nation” in heritage revival.

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

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY HOLDS VALEDICTORY SESSION FOR LATE EX-LAWMAKER ‘EZECHINWOYE

By Chizoba Okeke Anastasia Agunwa Gloria Abugu :

The Anambra State House of Assembly has on Thursday held a valedictory session at the legislative complex in Awka to honor the late Anthony Chukwuemeka Ezechinwoye, who passed away at the age of 64.

Late Ezechinwoye who was a former President-General of Oraukwu community, represented Idemili North Constituency at the 4th Assembly between 2007-2011 and was the House Committee Chairman on Health.

Anambra Assembly Speaker Mr Somtochukwu Udeze in his tribute on behalf of the 8th Assembly, commiserated with the Ezechinwoye family, stating that the late former lawmaker was an accomplished parliamentarian who made significant impact in the lives of his constituents both within and outside the chambers.

Mr Udeze maintained that the late Ezechinwoye during his time as a lawmaker attracted dividends of democracy to ndi Idemili North constituency with massive empowerment programs.

“He was among the few members of the 4th assembly I have always look-out for because of his quiet disposition to life.

” He was a good family man, a philanthropist, community leader, a devoted Christian whose life and times were impressive.

“I urge the family members especially the wife and children to uphold the legacies of late Ezechinwoye.

The Speaker prayed God to give the immediate family the fortitude to bear the greatest lost.

The member representing Idemili North Mr Kingsley Udemezue, Mr Chukwuebuka Igwe (Idemili South), Mr Ejike Okechukwu (Anaocha two) and the Majority Leader, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme (Ekwusigo) in their separate tributes hailed the impact of the late former lawmaker in his constituency.

” Today calls for sober reflection because we all will pass through this journey and we will be remembered by our deeds while on earth.

“His representation cannot be forgotten. While living, lets make good impact. We encourage the family to be hopeful and courageous’. The lawmakers submitted.

Also the Deputy Speaker of the 4th Assembly, Mr Afam Obi, Mr Joseph Dimobi (Anaocha two 2003-2011), Mr Uche Ogbonna and Mr Emma Udegbunam who represented Njikoka one constituency, described the late former lawmaker as a good man, peace maker, an epitome of humility and tolerance who was cheerful, contented, passionate about his constituency, committed in serving humanity and bared their burden.

” His death is a big loss to humanity. He believed in team work and played his part as a legislature. We pray that the angels welcome him in paradise.”

The house adjourned to reconvene on Tuesday 28 May 2024.

* Okeke, Agunwa and Abugu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*

FORMER ANAMBRA HOS BURIES MUM AMID EULOGIES

By Regina Igwebuike :

The former Anambra State Head of Service (HOS), Barr. Harry Udu has buried their mother, Mrs Theresa Oguguo Udu, aged 88 amid eulogies.

The burial Mass, which took place at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Amawbia, Awka South LGA on May 10 was well attended by priests and religious, top government officials, different Church groups, friends and well-wishers.

Commiserating with the family over the loss of their Matriarch, the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo noted that his administration has a great good working relationship with Barr. Udu as the former Head of Service, who worked hard in building Anambra State.

He commended the deceased family and the parishes in Amawbia for adhering to the Anambra Burial Law, noting that the Law was passed far behind before he came on board, which Barr. Udu was instrumental.

“It is very good and I commend that, this effort the government is making to make Anambra a liveable and prosperous homeland is now sinking to the community and that is the journey of Mama Theresa.

“She shared her salary to the people. We must emulate her life, legacy and other virtues.”

The governor said that his administration has given free antenatal and free delivery even with caeserean section. Some of our dreams are being fulfilled by this present administration.

“Mama was a bookworm and produced her likes of Barr. Udu. She would be happy to hear that basic education from Nursery to JSS 3 is absolutely free in public schools in Anambra State because we are preparing our children to be like Mama. We have our libraries equipped with good books, digitalized too.

“The little you can do like Mama will change a lot of things in your family, community, parish and the society.”

The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, then, urged Ndi Anambra to uphold the Burial Law as it saves cost and the money can be diverted to paying school fees for someone in tertiary institution.

Earlier in a homily, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ifesinachi Udu said that the deceased was a compendium and he cannot exhaust saying good things about her; an inspirer, urging the family not to forget her.

“Her father’s efforts were rewarded by naming St. Matthew’s Parish after him.”

Fr. Udu explained that the story of the Beatitudes summarized the life of this great woman.

“She was a unifier. At 88 years, she knew her time was up. She was a bookworm, patron saint of readers, reading for pleasure and being at peace with herself.

“Looking at the story of Beatitudes, she had her fair share of sorrow but she did not allow it to show on her face, always yearning for knowledge, desired to know God, translated it to a piece of her life, always a jolly fellow, smiling and going for visitation anytime she came home from Enugu.”

The cleric expressed concern that the generation of givers are fast leaving this world.

“Mama was a great disciplinarian. A mother indeed who enjoyed every bit of her life and do not joke with her health. Her children are always available for her and I urge the family to immortalize her.

He further said, “the dead are dead when their virtues die in their children, that is when they truly die but when their virtues are copied whole and entire, he or she lives on.

“She touched everyone of us. You can never encounter her without loving her. She enjoyed and still enjoys the love of her children and her grandchildren because she was a unifier when she was alive.

“She remained a woman with sense of God and strong bond with our Mother Mary, which she handed over to her children”.

Fr. Udu emphasized that loneliness, aloneness awaits everyone, urging all to prepare for old age, learn to be alone and at peace with yourself, clinging to God and Mother Mary, even as he advised catholic men and women not to joke with their Bible and Rosary.

He enjoined mothers not to joke with their relationship with God, saying, “the strength of motherhood draws from God. A woman’s womb is a ciborium that helped God bring creatures into the world that is why it is said that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”.

The deceased son, Barr. Udu thanked God for the successful burial, commending the priests and religious who came to pray for the repose of his mother’s soul even as he thanked the Parish Priest of St. Matthew, Rev. Fr. Michael Onwukike, for making the arrangement seamless.

He in a special way thanked the governor of Anambra State and government protocols that came to commiserate with them, wishing all journey mercies back to their respective destinations.

*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

NEWLY APPOINTED PERMANENT SECRETARIES UNDERGO LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP IN ANAMBRA

By MaryAnn Chukwuma :

The Anambra State Government has commenced a two-day capacity building program for newly appointed permanent secretaries in the state’s civil service, aimed at enhancing their leadership skills and equipping them for effective service delivery.

The work shop with the theme ‘Strategic Leadership: Thriving Through Challenges and Opportunities in Governance’ started at Peackastel Hotel, Awka.

Declaring the event open, the Anambra State Head of Service, Lady Theodora Okwy Igwegbe thanked Gov. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for the appointment of the new permanent secretaries, noting that the decision was apt at this time for the implementation of the robust government plans.

Lady Igwegbe, congratulated the appointees again while highlighting how lucky they were to be selected out of the over thirty thousand staff of the service. She urged them to align their efforts with the plans and purposes of the leadership of the state government.

The civil service boss while presenting her lecture titled “The Leaders Road Map spoke on the ”Anambra State Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan” 2022-2025, hinging the discussion on its five pillars which includes capacity building, performance management, service delivery, anti corruption and staff welfare as the focal points for achieving efficiency in service.

Lady Igwegbe gave monitoring and evaluation as the accepted way to measure growth. She emphasized the need for reward for positive behaviour and punishment for negative conduct as the more effective ways of achieving results.

She advised the newly appointed leaders to foster a collaborative work environment by engaging with their staff, recognizing that no individual has a monopoly on knowledge. Additionally, they were tasked with ensuring their respective ministries excel in alignment with the five pillars of the Anambra State Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan, which has been endorsed and adopted by the State Executive Council.

The foremost Civil Servant equally thanked them for their arduous efforts at making the service great again.

In an interview, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Mr. Jerome Chukwuma Ilokwu promised that the permanent secretaries would work for the good of ndi Anambra in line with the efforts of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.

Mr. Ilokwu noted that the induction seminar would better prepare them for the task ahead while thanking the Head of Service for being a strong mentor and great team player.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Agbaizu Ifeoma, thanked the organizers of the event while promising to discharge her duties diligently and ensuring that the set goals of the governor were met in her ministry.

She also expressed her delight with the Head of Service and the entire team of the executive council for steering the Anambra wheel of development in the right direction.

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

GOVERNOR SOLUDO ADVISES NYSC CORP MEMBERS TO EMBRACE HOST COMMUNITIES

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

The Governor of Anambra State,Prof Chukwuma Soludo has enjoined the 2024 NYSC Batch ‘A’ (Stream II) Corp members to integrate themselves into their host communities where they would be deployed for primary assignment.

Addressing the Corp members during the closing ceremony of the 2024 orientation course held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South LGA on 7th May 2024, Governor Soludo praised them for good conduct and humility during the course.

Gov Soludo who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba encouraged the Corps Members to utilize the skills and knowledge acquired to serve their host communities with diligence and respect for the traditions of the state.

He listed some of the transformational initiatives and youth empowerment programs of his administration to include, Solution Innovation District where 20,000 youths were empowered with digital skills, Solution Sports Initiative and 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution where 5,000 youths were empowered through vocational and entrepreneurship skills as well as N2 billion grant for start up business and expansion.

Prof Soludo appreciated the team spirit, dedication and hard work of the camp officials which culminated in the huge success recorded and promised the Corps Members of their safety throughout their assignment and thereby declared the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation course closed.

In his address, Commissioner for Youth Development and Chairman NYSC Governing Board Mr. Patrick Agha Mba stated that the state government policy is geared towards developing the youth in all ramifications especially sports waxes, adding that his ministry is hunting for talented youths in sports for encouragement and support.

He further stated that the visionary and youth friendly Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo has created a conducive environment for the corp members to serve and enjoy Anambra State – The Light of the Nation, adding that they would lack nothing in the state.

He enjoined the Corps members to deploy the acquired skills during their orientation to the place of primary assignment as the lessons learnt would be of immense benefit both during their service year and beyond.

In her vote of thanks,the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Blessing Ekene Iruma,expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo and Mr. Patrick Agha Mba for their unwavering support, which has greatly contributed to the success of the NYSC program in the state.

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

MAY DAY CELEBRATION- GOVERNOR SOLUDO PROMISED TO ACCELERATE MORE DEVELOPMENTS IN ANAMBRA STATE

By Gab Alokwe :

The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has promised to continue working toward the development of the state.

Gov. Soludo made the promise during the May Day Celebration in honour of the workers in the state.

The Governor represented by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim emphasized that he has turned the state into a construction site and informed them of the state Government House he is building which according to him is a legacy project.

He said that he has worked with the security agencies of the state to secure the state from criminal elements in addition to the Amansea Awba Ofemili road project he has completed among other projects.

The governor promised to inaugurate Anambra State Civil Service Commission to help address promotion issues of the state workforce.

He, then, appealed to workers in the state to support his administration to enable him to do more for the state.

On his part, the state Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji congratulated the workers in the state as they marked their day.

He commended Gov. Soludo for his developmental projects in the state and his employment of more workers into the state’s workforce.

Commissioner Onyenji, then, appealed to workers to continue supporting the state government and to improve themselves to guarantee improved service delivery.

In a joint address by Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress read by the state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Humphrey Nwafor with it’s theme “People First”, he appealed to Gov. Soludo to exemplify the Solution mantra to the workers to help reduce economic and environmental challenges they face.

The organized labour also urged Gov. Soludo to reintroduce the removed wage award till the new minimum wage is signed.

They commended the governor for the numerous developmental projects going on in the state in areas of Road infrastructure, Security, Education and Health delivery, urging him to continue.

The event attracted top Government functionaries, Federal and Anambra State workers while the high point at the event was the march past and salute to Gov. Soludo by workers.

*Gab is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State