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News from all over Anambra State

SOLUDO VISITS CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY, ULI CAMPUS, PROMISES TO END 21 YEARS WITHOUT ELECTRICITY

By Christian ABURIME :

After twenty-one years of being without electricity, students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Campus are set to start enjoying power supply, courtesy of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

This formed part of the commitments of the Governor during his one-day working visit to the campus in Ihiala Local Government Area.

Even Uli as a community will equally benefit from the intervention when completed.

The Governor said that even though the campus environment is orderly, it needs serious infrastructure upgrade.

“We have to work out plan to connect power back to Uli and the campus.

“Uli campus is not forgotten.

“Our party mantra and governing ideology is leave no one behind.

“Education is the future and the foundation of Anambra. 

“That is why we are investing in human capital that is productive at home and exportable abroad. We must deliberately invest in qualitative education. Yes! We are paying serious attention to quality.

“To do this, we also have the PPCP framework”; the Governor reiterated.

While stressing the importance of having access to internet, the Governor also promised to provide access to internet and WiFi in public places within the campus, expressing optimism that it will further deepen their access to the digital world.

“Today’s world is about what you can do, not just the certificate you possess.

“Digitalisation will give this campus an advantage,” the Governor assured.

“We will also begin the gradual construction of the internal roads in the campus.

He called on the community to make efforts to protect the institution.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, gave assurance of their unalloyed prayer and support for the Governor who she described as education-friendly.

The Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Kate Omenugha thanked the Governor for visiting as well as the support he has given to them, including their accreditation.

“We are developing our strategic vision.

“There are so many abandoned projects in the campus. If we propel this Uli campus, it’ll translate to the Japan of Africa, “she added.

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief Protocol officer, Hon Chinedu Nwoye (Glamour), member representing Ihiala Constituency One at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Barr. Jude Ngobili and his Ihiala Two counterpart, Hon. Chukwuebuka Iloh, Mayor, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anayo Orjiakor, among others, were present at the event.

ANSEC INVITES FRESH TENDER FOR AWKA METROPOLIS STREETLIGHT PROJECT, AWARDS CONTRACTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF 22 SMART SCHOOLS IN 21 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TRAN-NKISI BOULEVARD 1 ROAD, GRA ONITSHA, NEW MARKET ROAD, ONITSHA, AND AGULERI UNO – AGULERI OTU ROADS 

PRESS RELEASE

The Supreme Court victory, which ended the party’s leadership dispute by confirming Barr Sly Ezeokenwa as the legitimate national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was celebrated at the 36th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) meeting.

The State Executive Council approved N2.1 billion for the construction of Trans-Nkisi Boulevard 1 road, GRA Onitsha, in favour of Paul-B Nig Ltd. This is part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s ongoing infrastructure revolution, which is based on the strategic road selection intended to increase connectivity between communities and the 21 Local Governments in Anambra State and strengthen the state’s foundation as a livable and prosperous mega-city. The project is to be delivered Six months from the date the mobilisation fee is paid.

ANSEC also approved the release of the sum of N7.5 billion for the construction of the flood-prone and erosion-threatened Nanka-Aguluzigbo-Umuona road measuring 8.906 km. The contract was awarded to IDC Construction Company with a completion period of 12 months from the date of the payment of the mobilisation fee.

To provide more alternate routes for travelers, the memo for the construction of the Mbaukwu-Awgbu-Amaetiti-Okpaeze road, measuring about 16.37 km with a 22-meter, 1-span bridge, was approved. The contract was awarded to Cossel Construction Ltd at the sum of N10.95 billion. The completion date is 18 months from the date of mobilisation.

Akaeze Multiservices Nig Ltd won the contract for the construction of the 4.56 km Azigbo-Awka Etiti-Amichi-Onuselogu road with a spur to Diocesan Hospital Amichi, traversing three local governments of Nnewi South, Idemili South, and Nnewi North at the sum of N2.6 billion, to be completed in 8 months from the date of mobilisation to the site.

The construction of the 3.57 km Igboukwu-Amichi-Ekwulummili road, covering two local governments of Aguata and Nnewi South, was awarded to Nevclinton Nig Ltd at the cost of N2.355 billion and will be completed within 6 months from the date of mobilisation.

Nteje-Otuocha Road was awarded for construction by ANSEC at the sum of N668,666,001.11. The contract was awarded to MacDamanox Construction Company.

The rehabilitation of the 19.1 km Awkuzu-Igbariam-Anaku Link Road was awarded to Retro Construction Company Ltd. at the sum of N6,175,493,245.73 to be completed in 18 months.

The strategic Seven roads in Omagba, Onitsha, measuring 2 km, were awarded to Bekks International Company at the sum of N1,228,531,603.80. The road will be completed in 6 months from the date of mobilisation.

ANSEC also awarded the contract for the reconstruction of the 1.6 km New Market Road, Onitsha, to Boorman Engineering Company Ltd, to be completed in 3 months from the date of mobilization. The project was awarded at the sum of N1.3 billion.

The construction of Aguleri Uno to Aguleri Otu Road to ensure pleasurable movement of people and goods that have remained impassable since its creation, especially during the rainy season, was also awarded to Tamad Construction at the sum of N8.3 billion, to be completed in 18 months from the date of mobilisation.

For the supply and installation of equipment and items of furniture at the Anambra State College of Health Technology, Obosi, the contract was awarded to Harriet Estate Millennium Nig Ltd at the cost of N197.5 million.

The Government of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR is sparing no resources to equip the future generations of Ndi Anambra not only to compete but to dominate the marketplace in the 4th Industrial Revolution locally and globally. It is on the above premises that the memo brought by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget for the development of 22 Smart Schools across the 21 LGAs was approved by the 36th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) Meeting. These schools will signpost the model of secondary schools in Anambra State. The contract was awarded on Lot 1, Lot 2, Lot 3, and Lot 4 at the sum of N13,514,682,397.8.

NAMES OF PROJECTS AND LOCATIONS

LOT 1:

BONITAS TECHNOLOGIES AND MARKETING LTD

SUPPLY & INSTALLATION OF ICT EQUIPMENT,

N1,298,958,990.88.

4 months for delivery.

LOT 2:

LOG-ELECTRIK LTD

SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR POWER ELECTRICITY,

N775,558,456.00,

4 months for delivery.

LOT 3:

ALIEN CORE EDGE LTD,

SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF OTHER SCHOOL EQUIPMENT

N4,464,432,000.00.

4 months for delivery.

LOT 4:

CONSORTIUM OF 22 VENDORS

RECONSTRUCTIVE CIVIL WORKS AND PROVISION OF WATER FACILITIES IN 22 SCHOOLS 

N6,975,732,951.00 

2 months for delivery.

Finally, the Council invited fresh tenders for the  INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS ACROSS AWKA METROPOLIS. Interested vendors should contact the State’s Ministry of Power and Water Resources for specifications and timelines.

Signed

Law Mefor, PhD

Commissioner for Information

December 3, 2024.

EMPOWERING INCLUSION: ANAMBRA INTRODUCES DIGITAL TOOLS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 

By Angela Nwanodu :

Anambra State joined the global community in celebrating the International Day for Persons Living with Disability on Tuesday, December 3rd. The day honours the strength, resilience and leadership of persons with disability, recognising their vital role in building a sustainable future.

Governor  Chukwuma Soludo has made a groundbreaking move by providing cutting-edge digital tools to the Disability Rights Commission. This empowering initiative enables the Commission to enhance accessibility, streamline services, and promote inclusivity in decision-making processes, ultimately breaking down barriers for persons with disabilities.

 The Chairman of the Disability Rights Commission, Mr. Chuks Ezeawuzie (Esq), highlighted the significance of empowering persons with disabilities through digital tools. He noted that the tools will not only boost productivity but also provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to acquire training and thrive in today’s digital landscape.

ANAMBRA LAWMAKERS PAY TRIBUTE TO IDU AS HE BURIES MOTHER, DESCRIBED INSECURITY AS A NATIONAL PROBLEM 

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Lawmakers representing Onitsha South I, II and Onitsha North I in the State House of Assembly Hon. Fred Ezenwa, Jude Umennajiego and Justus Azuka respectively have paid tributes to the Member representing Onitsha North/South in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Iduu, as he buried his mother, late Iyom C.Chinelo Emeka, aged 83, in Mgbago Umueri community, Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Describing the life and time of Late Mrs Idu, Hon. Ezenwa described her as a virtuous woman that contributed immensely to the upliftment of both the family and womanhood.

He urged the Rep’s member to take heart as God in His infinite mercy will grant the family the heart with which to bear the loss.

Ezenwa described longitivity as what is mainly in the hands of God and have to do with ones attitude in life which one has to do everything possible to preserve, noting that it is God, the giver of life that helps one to live long.

According to him, there is much crime everywhere not just in Anambra State, and Nigeria but the whole world, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is trying but all we are saying is that he should do more.

“The way out is for the governor to provide more sophisticated weapons to the security agents so as to curtail the menace of those hoodlums.”

On his achievements, Ezenwa said, “We have concluded a holiday programme for our children and we gave them scholarship to further the education, that holiday lesson is inclusive, we organized it for Junior Secondary 3 and Senior Secondary 3.

“When we assume office, we organized Town Hall meeting where the constituents were very particular on fumigation, which we have done repeatedly and the constituents are very happy today.

“We have finished construction of a culvert since after road construction, we have just finished it, and would be commissioned and lot of other things to be done.”

Also the lawmaker for Onitsha South II, Umennajiego, commended Idu for giving his mother a befitting burial ceremony, adding that his mother lived a fulfilled life.

“Longevity is the attribute of what God decides, however, how we lived matter, sometimes you see yourself upholding the truth and justice, God always has a way of rewarding you.”

On insecurity he said “It is a worrisome situation and painful too,  what I will say is that security is for everybody, everybody has to do whatever he has to do to ensure security in the state.

“Most importantly, the issue of Nnamdi Kalu, the leader of  Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), would be resolved, if it is effectively resolved and the young man released, we will now know  who and who are the insurgents.

Contributing, Hon Azuka said, “Idu is our leader in Onitsha North/South and that is why we are here to mourn with him over the death of his beloved mother. We pray that God in His infinite mercy will grant Idu and his family the heart with which to bear the loss.

On insecurity, Hon. Azuka said, “Security is everybody’s business. I assure my constituents of watertight security especially this festive period. If everybody can protect his constituency there will be less crime in the state and entire country.

“Even in provision of dividends of democracy I have been very active in the State House of Assembly. To curtail the hunger in my constituency I provided big yam tubers to the people. 50 people in each ward received one big yam each,” he further said.

A former lawmaker in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Aniebonam, who said he was the first to fumigate Onitsha against mosquitoes before others keyed in, pleaded to Idu and his family to take heart even as he described late Iyom Emeka as a good mother.

He said that late Iyom enjoyed longevity, pointing out that one can also approach longevity through what he eats and exercises to keep a healthy body.

Speaking on insecurity he said, “Crime is everywhere not just in Anambra. Soludo should beef up security, he has done well in the area of infrastructure”.

The former lawmaker said that he was a pioneer member of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) party, hinting that he will soon stage a come back into politics but was not specific whether to remain in APGA.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

UDEZE CELEBRATES 2024 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze has called on government and well meaning individuals to join hands together, map out measures to improve the living standard of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in line with the International best practices relating to provision of opportunities for persons with various disabilities.

Felicitating persons with PWDs as they mark their day, the speaker commended the 6th Anambra State House of Assembly for enacting a law for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in the State on Sept. 13, 2018, which he said, gave rise to the establishment of the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission on Dec. 3, 2021.

Udeze called on the National Assembly and State legislatures in the country to emulate the Anambra State House of Assembly by coming up with policies and legislation aimed at providing a better life for persons with disabilities.

He lauded Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for all his assistance to the Disability Rights Commission in the State, especially his recent equipping of the Commission with cutting edge digital tools to revolutionalize the Commission’s advocacy and support for persons with disabilities.

The lawmaker urged persons with disabilities to live above all forms of discrimination and stigmatization, and strive to improve their living conditions.

He enjoined public and private organizations to integrate PWDs in their schemes and provide an enabling environment for them to enable them to showcase their talents and also coexist harmoniously among their able-bodied counterparts.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA STATE REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO NET ZERO EMISSIONS 

By Lilian Ezejiegu and Onyebuchi Aniedozie  :

 Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a green and just transition to net zero emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. This was reiterated during a 2-day event held in Awka, supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu emphasized the state’s resolve to create a sustainable future. 

He highlighted the existing initiatives, including the Anambra State Environmental Protection and Administrative Law 2024, which establishes a robust framework for climate adaptation, pollution control, and waste management.

According to him, Anambra State in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the European Union aims to strengthen its legal and regulatory frameworks, promote renewable energy and resource efficiency, and build resilient partnerships to drive sustainable development.

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Chinyere Nwabachili  expressed gratitude to the UNIDO team for initiating the circular economy concept.  

According to her, the concept of a circular economy where resources are continually reused, recycled and regenerated is one that holds immerse potential for creating a more sustainable and reputable future. It aligns with the global drive to mitigate climate change while fostering economic development.

Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Mr. Julius Chukwuemeka, 

stated that the ministry is promoting the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power to light up streets across Anambra State. He noted that streetlights initiative is expected to improve safety and security in the state, particularly at night.

The MD/CEO, Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency, Prof.Philip phil-Eze, noted that by adopting circular economy principles, Anambra State can reduce green house gas emissions, promote sustainable land use, and mitigate soil erosion, while protecting watersheds and reducing the risk of flooding, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable, climate resilient and environmentally conscious future.

UNIDO delegation lead, Mr Oluyomi Banjo said that the organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that promotes industrial development and sustainable development globally. He explained that  Anambra State is one of the selected core beneficiaries under component 2 of the project. The aim is to work with state government institutions to strengthen their capacity to develop legal and regulatory framework.

The meeting was attended by stakeholders from the state Ministry of Environment ,private institutions, private sectors, NGOs, PRO, Association, Educational institutions among others.

* Ezejiegu and Aniedozie are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS ACROSS AWKA METROPOLIS, NOT AMONG MEMOS APPROVED AT THE LAST ANAMBRA STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING 

PRESS STATEMENT

INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS ACROSS AWKA METROPOLIS, NOT AMONG MEMOS APPROVED AT THE LAST ANAMBRA STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING 

At the 35th Anambra State Executive Council Meeting, held at the Council chambers in Awka, the council debated extensively the memo on the installation of solar-powered street lights in Awka metropolis and resolved as follows:  

— That the unit cost was on the high side and should be reviewed downward. 

The memo was thus stepped down and was rescheduled for re-presentation at the next ANSEC meeting where all specifications would be available. 

The slip in the last release, which reported the street light project as having been awarded is therefore regretted and should be treated as such. The public will be updated when a decision is eventually taken on the matter.

Law Mefor, PhD

Commissioner for Information

Anambra State

DR MEFOR VISITS ANAMBRA AIRPORT, SAYS SOLUDO’S UPLIFTING AIRPORT FOR ECONOMIC UNRAVELLING OF ANAMBRA

By Rose Oranye  :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, paid a working visit to the Chinụa Achebe International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri. 

The Commissioner, who was received and conducted around the airport by the Managing Director of the airport, Martins Nwafor, lauded the efforts of the MD in the operations of the facility, adding that Ndị Anambra are lucky to have a diplomat and international aviator of repute to be in charge of the airport. 

Mefor noted that 400,000 passengers in 7000 flights in 2-3 years without night flights is quite impressive and assured of the Soludo Government’s continued support of the facility, even as he announced Mr Governor’s plan to construct a VIP Lounge in the airport in a matter of weeks.

According to Mefor: “You are doing quite well. Of course, the support of the Soludo government is obvious. Naturally, you would expect more. I’m aware that more is coming. For example, the governor wants to construct a VIP lounge in a matter of weeks from now. Mr. Governor wants it so the VIPs using the Anambra Airport can have that VIP treatment in the real sense. And of course, you also mentioned the night landing facility. I know a contract has been awarded so that the flights can land at night here. Once that is done, it becomes possible for you to expand the volume of your operations. What you have done so far—400,000 passengers in 2-3 years without night flights—is quite impressive. By the time you can land flights at night, you could double your passengers. 

“You hit the bull’s eye when you talked about an airport being an enabler in economic development. The Soludo administration recognises that fact. That is why the governor is giving this level of attention to the airport. I believe that between now and next year, so much will be done beyond the things I have said. It’s because he recognises that the airport is pivotal to his plan for major economic unravelling and transformation of Anambra State. Soludo wants to reverse the trend—Anambra as a departure point to Anambra as a destination for investors and tourists.”

Mefor maintained that the Anambra Mixed Use Industrial City, or simply Anambra Industrial Park, was all about economic and industrial unravelling and transformation of the state, and the airport was crucial to the actualisation of the industrial, rebranding, and tourism objectives of the government.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the airport, Martins Nwafor, said that only two commercial airlines were currently using the airport and that plans are underway to bring in more airlines. 

He said the airport has the best runway in Nigeria with a total distance of 3.7 kilometres, the second longest in Nigeria with 45 meters of width, which is the capacity for Boeing 748-800 series aircraft. 

“And we have a well-calibrated instrument landing system, including a localiser and glide slope, and a very high-frequency omnidirectional radio range. These give the direction and bearing to flights.

“Our departure hall can take about 400 passengers, our arrival hall can take about 600 passengers at a time with ICAO facilitation standard, while our car park can take about 750 cars even though we don’t see the cars,” he said. 

He disclosed that the Chinua Achebe Airport was planning an airport trade fair between Dec. 1st and 7th, which would be the third anniversary of commercial operations at the airport. 

According to him, the fair would be an opportunity for flight operators, passengers, and the general public to showcase their products and interact for economic and social benefits, even as the anniversary would mark the unveiling of the airport name and also the unveiling of the statue of Chinua Achebe.

ANAMBRA GOVT IN COLLABORATION WITH EUROLAC REVIEWS ANTI- CORRUPTION PRACTICES IN THE STATE

By MaryAnn Chukwuma :

The Anambra State Government in collaboration with the European Union Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme has organised meetings to review the operation and achievements of the Anti-Corruption Committee in the first phase.

The Anti-Corruption one week long meeting held at Finotel hotel, Awka is geared toward appraising the functionality and modalities with which the Anti-Corruption Committee members performed, their achievements and ways to better serve so as to have a more transparent and government devoid of corrupt practices.

In her opening remark, the Anambra State Head of Service (HOS), Barr. Okwy Igwegbe, called on the participants and members of the anti-corruption committee in the various MDAs to take note of the gaps in the first phase which spanned for four years.

The HOS, who was ably represented by the Administrator-General/Public Prosecutor Anambra State, Thessy Obuekwe, advised the ACC to ensure that the aim for the collaboration is not defeated bearing in mind that they were the hub of this synergy against corruption, highlighting the need for proactiveness in identifying loopholes and impending misnomer which appears as a misconduct or corrupt practice.

The Civil Service boss, however, urged that they ensure to work with the Anti-Corruption Secretariat which is the provided way to call erring parties to order and sanction if need be. She further told the Anti-Corruption Committee whom she described as the foot soldiers to ensure that they are not seen witch hunting and confrontational but to always maintain due process and the rule of law.

The State Project Coordinator, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption programme, Mrs. Josephine Onah in her welcome address thanked the members of the government, the Anti-Corruption Committee and other members of RoLAC for participating in the second phase of the Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC 2).

She noted that this second phase is captured by a document, the Anambra State Anti-Corruption Strategy, which was designed to better implement the activities and functions of Anti-Corruption Committee in the state.

Onah noted that the document gives live to strategies designed to better bridge the gaps experienced in the first phase while ensuring that better results are achieved in this second phase.

The State Coordinator highlighted that the RoLAC is operational in 36 countries with the aim of helping governments achieve good governance which will benefit the masses.

On her part, the Lead Consultant for RoLAC and Anti Corruption Strategy, Dr. Ada Igboekwe called on participants to put in their best so as to achieve the aim of the course which will translate into accountability, transparency and equity in government for better governance.

Igboekwe, then, commended the government for showing sufficient will power and openness in curbing corrupt practices among its workers for better governance.

*Mary Ann is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

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