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IT IS WELL WITH ‘ODERA’: A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE DR. CHINWOKE MBADINUJU

*NEWS COMMENTARY:*

By Christian ABURIME :

Today, the Government and people of Anambra State begin the process of bidding a final farewell to a great son of Anambra State.

This is also a tribute to celebrate his life and achievements as a former Governor who left an indelible mark on the history of our beloved state.

This is in memory of no other than the Late Dr. Chinwoke Clement Mbadinuju, fondly known as Odera.

Dr. Mbadinuju was a man of many facets – an academic, a journalist, a politician, and above all, a compassionate leader.

Born in the serene town of Uli, Ihiala Local Government area of Anambra State in 1945, Odera’s life was one of profound destiny, marked by his uncommon belief in education and service to humanity.

He embarked on his educational journey at Mgbidi Primary School, where his brilliance and academic prowess shone through. His parents, recognizing his potential, encouraged him to pursue a career in teaching, sending him to Bishop Lasbrey College in Irete, Owerri.

Upon completing his studies, he returned to his alma mater as a teacher, inspiring countless young minds.

Odera’s thirst for knowledge led him to the United States, where he initially pursued a degree in Music at the State University of New York. However, his true calling lay in the realm of government and politics, and he subsequently switched his studies to Ohio University, where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Government and International Law.

His academic achievements opened doors to various teaching positions at esteemed institutions like State University of New York, Ohio State University, and Cornell University. But it was his love for his homeland that drew him back to Nigeria, where he embarked on a distinguished career in journalism.

Odera’s journalistic journey began as a correspondent for Times International, where his sharp intellect and incisive writing earned him recognition. He rose through the ranks, becoming the Editor of Times International and later the General Manager and Chief Executive of Daily Star, the then Enugu State government’s daily publication.

His foray into politics began with an appointment as Special Assistant (Political) to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under President Shehu Shagari. After the 1983 coup, Odera returned to his legal practice in Onitsha, all the while dedicating himself to his Christian faith and community service.

In 1998, Odera’s political aspirations led him to join the Peoples Democratic Party, where he emerged as the party’s governorship candidate in Anambra State.

His campaign focused on restoring stability and prosperity to Anambra State, a state grappling with numerous challenges at the time.

In 1999, Odera assumed office as the Governor of Anambra State, marking a pivotal moment in his life and the history of the state. Despite the daunting challenges he faced, Odera remained steadfast in his commitment to serving his people.

With his characteristic intelligence, equanimity in the face of extreme provocations, and Christian faith in God, Odera embarked on a mission to transform Anambra State.

Among his several achievements, he established the Anambra Vigilante Services, Dora Akunyili Centre, the Alex Ekwueme Square, the New House of Assembly, and the Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

He also implemented a scholarship scheme for secondary schools, constructed over 140 kilometers of roads, provided boreholes in secondary schools, and established the Orient Oil Ltd.

Odera’s legacy extends beyond his tangible achievements. He was a man of integrity, humility, and compassion, always putting the needs of his people first. He instilled hope and a sense of unity in a state yearning for stability.

Although Odera’s tenure as Governor came to an end without a secure term, his contributions to Anambra State remained profound. He continued to serve his country, joining the All Progressives Congress and serving on its Board of Trustees until his passing away in April 2023 at the National Hospital, Abuja.

A devoted family man, Odera was survived by his wife, Mrs. Nnene Mbadinuju, and five children. Today, as we bid farewell to Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, we remember not just a politician, but a leader who embodied the true spirit of service. He was a beacon of hope, a man of unwavering principles, and a true patriot.

No doubt, Odera’s legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of the good people of Anambra State. His steadfast commitment to our people, his intelligence, and his unwavering faith will continue to inspire generations to come.

As he would usually say, it shall be well with Anambra State.

May his soul find eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.

S.E. ANCOPSS EULOGIZES GOV. SOLUDO’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN EDUATION

The South East Zone of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools ANCOPSS, has praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the giant strides recorded by his administration in the education sector.

Speaking at the 2023 South East Mandatory Professional Training program holding at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center Awka, the South East President of ANCOPSS, Sir Mathew Ikechukwu Uzuegbu stated that Anambra State has always played a leading role in Education. He implored other Governors of the South East zone to prioritize infrastructure and human development in public schools.

Declaring open the 2023 South East ANCOPSS mandatory professional training, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh stated that Governor Soludo’s passion for education has remained unparalleled. This was demonstrated immediately on his assumption of office by the employment of five thousand teachers, while activities have commenced for employment of additional three thousand teachers.

Commissioner Chuma-Udeh who was represented by the Director of Schools, Mrs Ifeoma Agbaizu, further stated that Principals occupy highly placed position in Governor Soludo’s education agenda, as their roles in actualizing the education agenda of the State cannot be underestimated.

While assuring the South East Principals of enjoyable stay in Anambra State, the Education Commissioner charged them to maximize the benefits of the program for the progress of education.

Earlier, the Anambra State President of ANCOPSS, Mr Jovita Arazu had listed the achievements of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in his drive to make education an equalizer.

Nnaemeka Egwuonwu Public Relations Officer Anambra State Ministry of Education

President Tinubu Commiserates With Gov. Soludo Over Father’s Death

By Chukwudi Nwauba :

Nigeria President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo over the death of his father, Pa Simeon Soludo.

President Tinubu, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, described the late Mr. Soludo as a dignified and charitable family man.

He said that the deceased lived a fruitful life that was exemplified in the achievements, personal quality, and sterling records of his son, Prof. Soludo.

“I pray the Almighty God grant your beloved father eternal rest. He lives through you still, in your sincerity, good works and deeds.”

The president encouraged the governor and the good people of Anambra to take solace in the excellent legacy of the departed nonagenarian.

Late Mr Soludo was 92 at the time of his passage into glory.

He is survived by seven sons; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

5000 Youths Graduate from Anambra State Government ‘1Youth 2Skills’ Programme

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

5000 Youths trained under the Anambra State Government ‘1Youth 2Skills’ Programme have graduated .

Addressing the youths during the graduation ceremony organized by the Ministry of Youth Development, at the International Convention Centre, Awka the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo described the programme as a vital tool for human capital development.

He commended the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for partnering with the government for the programme and congratulated the graduating youths, urging them to take bold steps in putting what they learned into practice to guarantee their success.

The governor called for the support of business owners, captains of industries, donor agencies and public spirited individuals to take up youth empowerment inorder to change lives, “even if it is one person per skill”, he said.

Earlier, in his address, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba said that the programmee was designed to change employment module from consumption to production, through community based approach.

He added that his ministry targets to raise 1000 youth millionaires annually and make the state a skill hub of West Africa.

“The programme was designed to redefine youth employment from immediate consumption to more of productive, innovative and impactive programmes through community based approach.

“This programme is also an evolution to take the youth to next level massive economic revolution and I am appreciating the Director, Unizik Business School and the 1 Youth 2 Skills ANSEC Committee for their effort in making all this a success.”

The Deputy Director, UNIZIK Business School, Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, commended the State Government for approving the partnership arrangements and entrusting the driving of the skills entrepreneurship scheme with the school.

One of the participants from Awka South Local Government Area, Chioma Chukwueke thanked the government for the opportunities given to them to be part of the Pilot Phase and promised not to let Ndị Anambra down after the graduation.

Other beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the state government and commended the ministry for the privilege given to them to acquire more knowledge through the training.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, members of Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), traditional rulers, clergies, Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and Youth directors from different states.

Ifeoma writes for the Ministry of Informtion, Anambra State

Soludo Gives Lifeline to Onitsha Correctional Centre Inmates

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State Friday at Onitsha Correctional Center, gave #5,000 each to 1100 inmates as Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Valeria Okeke, celebrated his 70th birthday with the inmates

Soludo advised the inmates to be of good behaviour and repent of their sins to be able to mix up with the outside world when they complete their tenure adding that the State Government will take financial care of those of them who will sit for external examinations.

The governor also presented indomies, biscuits, toiletaries even as his wife, Nonye, presented cake to the inmates.

Earlier, the Archbishop thanked God for attaining 70 years stating that he always celebrated with the inmates for them to feel the fatherly love pointing out that the skill acquisition centre he built for the inmates which was commissioned during the occasion, was for them to be professionals on completion of their tenure.

He presented a life cow, killed one cow that was cooked with 10 bags of rice, biscuits, toiletaries, 100 mattresses, 50 bunk beds, cake, among others to the inmates.

In a remark, the Comptroller General, Mr. Haliru Nababa, on behalf of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, honoured the celebrant with the Grand Patron award in appreciation for what he has done at the Onitsha centre.

The Comptroller General who was ably represented by his Deputy, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, also commended the Archbishop for the building of the skill acquisition centre for the inmates.

He also commended Governor Soludo for his payment of external examination fees for inmates taking the examination and pleaded with other governors and good spirited individuals to emulate Soludo.

Former Governor Chris Nwabueze Ngige, while speaking said he built one cell and renovated a portion of the perimeter fence even as he commended the Archbishop for marking 70 years .

Earlier, the papal Nuncio of Czech, Amb. Archbishop Jude Okolo, recalled that the celebrant was his contemporary in the seminary school, disclosing that he was brilliant which earned him his present position.

Among those who graced the occasion included, Senators Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial zone, and all House of Assembly members in Onitsha constituency under the Labour Party, LP.

Highlight on the occasion was the celebrant with guests cutting the cake inside Onitsha Correctional center.

Anambra Airport Poised to Become the Hub of Cargo Exports

By Florence Okpeti :

The Anambra State Government has expressed readiness to position the Anambra Airport as the hub of Cargo exports.

The Governor of the State, Prof Charles Soludo said this during a courtesy visit by the AviaCargo RoadMap Committee at the Chinụa Achebe International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri.

The Governor who was represented by the State Commissioner for Transport, Mrs Patricia Igwebuike said that the government has embarked on distribution of oil palm seedlings and high breed coconut seedlings annually to households across the state.

He further explained that the cash crops would be processed for export, adding that it would boost the State’s revenue and create more jobs in the state.

The Governor commended the efforts of the Committee toward transforming the general export cargo business in Nigeria, noting that export is in line with the vision of his administration.

The committee, made up of aviation cargo professionals from various government and private agencies was constituted by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to improve Avio-Cargo Export from Nigeria.

The coordinator of the committee, Mr. Ikechi Uko said that the purpose of the visit was to encourage Nigerians to export their products.

Mr. Uko explained that Nigeria’s exports did not match its capacity as the most populous country and largest economy in Africa.

“Part of what we are trying to solve is to get Nigerians to begin to export what we produce because there are a lot of things we produce that people need.”

The Managing Director of the Anambra Airport, Mr. Martins Nwafor said that agro-allied products that could be exported from Anambra to other international and domestic markets were taken into consideration during the development of the Airport’s master plan.

Mr. Nwafor said that airports served a key role in the transportation of people and goods in the national, regional and international commerce, adding that a business plan was developed for the Anambra Airport.

In their separate remarks, the President General, Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Mr. Humphrey Anuna, Chairman Ochanja Central Market, Mr. Bonaventure Muo and the President, Building Int. Market Ogidi, Mr.Jude Nwankwo expressed their gratitude, even as they pledged their support for the government’s agenda.

The President, Anambra State Shippers Association, Mr. Emma Akpaka and representatives of Zenith Shipping Council, Mr Elochukwu Ebubechukwu, Mr. Muoghalu Christian and Mr. Alocha Jerry expressed their willingness to key into the State Government’s programme. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from Umueri

Anambra State Ranks among Top 5 Fiscal Performers in Nigeria

By Christian ABURIME :

In an impressive achievement reflecting astute management of resources and financial responsibility, Anambra State has clinched a coveted position among the top five states in Nigeria for its exceptional fiscal performance.

The latest BudgIT report on the overall evaluation of states’ fiscal policies places Anambra at an impressive 5th position, an affirmation of the remarkable strides made under the visionary leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.

Generally, states ascending the ranks on Index A exhibit a commendable level of self-reliance, displaying limited reliance on federally disbursed revenue for their day-to-day operations.

This enviable position signifies that these states possess greater financial viability, even in the hypothetical scenario of an independent existence.

Governor Soludo’s indomitable commitment to transforming the economic landscape of Anambra has ushered in an era of unprecedented growth and stability.

His dynamic approach to financial management has been instrumental in propelling the state to this remarkable achievement.

This milestone stands as a resounding endorsement of the Soludo-nomics model, a blueprint that has successfully steered Anambra State towards a trajectory of sustained progress so far.

It serves as an affirmation that under Governor Soludo’s stewardship, Anambra continues to flourish, creating a legacy of prosperity for generations to come.

The government of Anambra State, under Governor Soludo is resolute in its commitment to build on this accomplishment, ushering in an era of even greater economic prosperity, improved public services, and enhanced quality of life for every Ndi Anambra.

Indeed, Solution is here! And Anambra will continue to win!

Anambra among 5 Best Fiscal Performers – BudgIT

By Paul Nwosu :

Anambra State has just been ranked among the five best performing states in the country by BudgIT.

In the latest State of the States Report released by BudgIT, Anambra State was ranked among the five best performing states in the country in terms of fiscal performance.

The other top ranking states are Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna and Ogun.

The sterling performance is undoubtedly a reflection of the prudent financial management of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo (CFR) who from the onset of his administration has continued to harp on fiscal resourcefulness because the tap of federal allocation from Abuja is gradually becoming dry.

According to the 2023 BudgIT report, the five states in the A category where Anambra belongs have been able to significantly grow their internally generated revenue year-on-year and are progressively reducing their over-reliance on federal transfers.

The high-ranking states like Anambra have comparatively limited dependence on federally distributed revenue for their operations and thus have greater viability if they were to theoretically exist as an independent entity.

Director of BudgIT, Seun Onigbinde, while appearing on television, expressly stated that it takes strong leadership to drive the fiscal performance of the states in line with BudgIT appraisal.

Solution is here.

*Sir Paul Nwosu*

Commissioner for Information

Anambra State

Anambra Govt Distributes 120 Anti-shock Garments to Mission, General Hospitals

By Chukwudi Nwauba :

The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo has distributed 120 Anti-shock garments to Mission and General hospitals across the state to prevent maternal mortality.

Distributing the Anti-shock garments at the governor’s lodge, Amawbia, Dr. (Mrs.) Soludo said, “These garments will help to stop bleeding and ensure safe delivery in the state”.

She explained that the garment could keep a bleeding woman alive for 48 hours, and appealed to healthcare professionals to ensure that they use it judiciously so as to save lives.

“Records from the maternal mortality review meeting held in the state showed that 80 per cent of maternal deaths were as a result of bleeding also known as Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH).

“PPH is heavy bleeding of a woman during or shortly after delivery and it is causing death among women. This is why we are distributing the anti-shock garments which is a low technology first aid device.

“Once bleeding has been identified, many women die before receiving adequate treatment. Therefore, the garment can be used to keep such women alive for 48 hours, if not she can bleed to death within 30 minutes.

“These are preventable deaths and again I urge our health personnel to put the anti-shock garments to use in order to reduce maternal mortality and as well ensure safe delivery in Anambra,’’ she said.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said that the state government was sustaining efforts to ensure that Anambra remained the lowest in terms of maternal mortality in the country.

Dr. Obidike said that the next phase of the anti-shock garments distribution would be to all the Primary Healthcare Centres in the state.

According to him, the garment is used to stabilize women who are suffering from obstetric bleeding and shock. It helps such women survive delays in getting to a hospital and getting the treatment that they need.

“This brand of garments can be reused for at least 144 times. Our goal is that no woman in Anambra should die as a result of preventable causes,’’ he said.

The State Reproductive Health Coordinator, Dr. Obianuju Okoye said that there would be training to upgrade the clinical capacities of health workers on the use of the anti-shock garments.

“State Government has provided to us everything needed for the training, we are waiting for all the hospitals that received the anti-shock garments to send details of the healthcare personnel to be trained.

Commending the government and the wife of the Governor on behalf of the benefiting hospitals, Dr. Francis Ifeaneme, Secretary, Nigerian Medical Association, Anambra chapter, assured that the garments would be used to save lives. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from the State Ministry of Health, Awka.

Anambra Police Smashes Armed Robbery Gang, Recovers Two AK-47 Rifles

Men of Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu of Anambra State Police Command on Monday 16th October, 2023 foiled a planned robbery operation along Ebenebe-Achalla Road in Awka North LGA of the State.

The Operatives while on Anti Kidnapping Patrol were tipped off by a public spirited citizen who saw two gun men being conveyed on a motorcycle along the road.

The Operatives went in pursuit of the gang and encountered them where they had positioned to rob mororists. On sighting the approaching Operatives they tried to engage them in a shootout but the battle-ready Operatives quickly overwhelmed them forcing them to abandon their weapons and fled into the bushy environ.

Operatives combed the Bush and recovered two AK-47 Rifles loaded with several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and shells of expended rounds.

The Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye who commended the team for its gallantry has asked them to step up proactive operations in that part of the State until all criminal elements tormenting citizens in that part of the State are completely flushed out.

*DSP Tochukwu Ikenga*

Police Public Relations Officer,

Anambra State Police Command,

Awka.

17th October, 2023.