News from all over Anambra State
This is inside view of Solution Funcity; the “Wetland” area including a KONTRY CLUB!
This is the biggest Water Park and Entertainment Center in West Africa that is owned by a State Government.
Building without Borrowing!!
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By Rose Oranye :
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has described Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo as a statesman who is concerned about the future of Ndi Anambra, and the present condition of the state.
Speaking when he received the members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Angels News Network (ANN) Chapel, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Awka, Mefor maintained that the governor doesn’t make empty promises like the everyday politician but is more interested in what will become of the state in the next 10-50 years, just as he worries about the welfare of Ndi Anambra and the development of the state.
He says, “Mr. Governor is concerned about what will happen after us as much as he is worried about the present conditions of the people and state. The governor is looking at what our children inherit, and how we make Anambra inclusive enough to carry everyone along. For example, he believes that if we cannot change the state of the Anambra woman frying Akara today, we can do something to ensure that her children do not end up like her. That explains why he believes free and compulsory education is necessary, and he has introduced it from primary to senior secondary school in the state. It’s not just for Ndị Anambra but for whoever lives here in the state. There are other empowerment schemes to augment, like One Youth, Two Skills, digital skill training by the Solution Innovation District, and many others.
“You know that possibly up to 50 percent of Ndị Anambra do not live in Anambra. So what Soludo is doing will also benefit all others who live here because Anambra State is home for all. We are very hospitable people. We have to be accommodating because our people are outside also—in other states, Africa, and the world—and we expect them to be treated fairly wherever they may be. And there are many populist, inclusive policies that Soludo has introduced in the last 32 months. You can see many, ranging from basic programs and projects to infrastructure. No part of Anambra has not been touched deeply.”
The Commissioner commended journalists in the state for the fair reportage the state has received in the last couple of months and urged them to do more, even as he assured he would continue to run an open door policy to enable journalists to get firsthand and verified information.
In their separate speeches, the Chairman of Angels News Network Chapel of NUJ, Comrade Bonvera Onyebuchi Ndubuisi, and Dr. Ifeanyi Obiefuna said the visit was to identify with the Commissioner and the Information Ministry and assured of their readiness to promote the activities of the Ministry and the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Highlights of the visit were the presentation of gifts and the chapel’s cap to the Commissioner as an ambassador of the ANN Chapel.
By Chisom Okpala :
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has reassured commitment in improving the quality of education in the state, aimed at putting Anambra educational system among the world best.
The Governor stated this while receiving members of the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Tetfund and other services at the State Government House, Awka.
Gov. Soludo represented by his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezimpeaking, noted that Anambra over the years has been accessing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) and it is being prudently put into good use.
According to him, Anambra is good in management of resources, every kobo given to the state is well accounted and judiciously utilized.
As part of his developmental achievements, especially in the area of education, the governor listed the introduction of free education among pupils and students in the state schools, employment of over 8,000 teachers, reconstruction of numerous schools’ facilities and others.
He commended President Tinubu and the leadership of the Federal House of Representatives for their intervention, while seeking for more funding through the Tetfund agency.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the committee, Hon. Miriam Onuoha, explained that the team is on a working visit to ascertain the level of accessing the tetfund intervention fund for the years under review (2020-2023).
She promised that the committee will avail its expertise with the stakeholders to ensure timely release of any outstanding and that of 2025 intervention fund, stressing that delay in approval and allocation of the fund can cause reduction in value due to inflation surge in the economy.
Also, in their separate interviews, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma- Udeh and the Vice Chancellor Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Omenugha both described the visit as timely, saying that the education sector of the state is blooming with the recent introduction of free education that has brought education to the doorsteps of Ndi Anambra.
According to them, interventions such as Tetfund has contributed to development by providing conducive learning environment for pupils and students, as well as promoting research and development of staff at the tertiary level.
*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
By Chizoba Okeke :
A bill seeking to authorize the sum of ₦606,991,849,118.16 for the services of the Anambra State Government for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, has passed its second reading at the State House of Assembly.
The bill was debated extensively during today’s plenary session, following a motion moved by the Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme.
Speaking on the importance of the bill, the majority leader described it as a critical step toward achieving the goals of the state’s Gear 2.0 agenda.
He emphasized that the bill’s swift passage would enable the timely commencement of developmental projects and government programmes from January 1, 2025.
In their contributions, member representing Aguata Constituency 1, Hon. Anayo Okpaleke, member representing Orumba South Constituency, Engr Emma Nwafor and Barr. Obi Nweke representing Anambra East Constituency, commended the governor’s draft estimate and highlighted its alignment with the state’s vision and commitment to improving the welfare of Ndi Anambra.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, referred the bill to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for further scrutiny, and urged the committee to expedite its report to facilitate the bill’s timely passage.
The second reading was unanimously supported by the lawmakers through voice vote.
*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
By Uzoma Ekweaga :
The administration of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo since inception, two years ago, has been marked by an unwavering commitment towards providing infrastructural development like water, housing, hospitals and road networks across the state, with a vision to enhance governance and improve lives of the people.
Governor Soludo’s administration has also recorded some strategic landmark achievements through the Ministry of Housing, as some projects like the abandoned government house and lodge, in Awka, which has been neglected for long. The state lacked basic infrastructural edifices befitting its status, having produced in the past, leaders like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, among others.
Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on assumption of office, took a bold step by initiating and awarding numerous projects despite the lean resources. He has embarked on upgrading/remodeling of Anambra State Legislative Complex, Awka; renovation and furnishing of four offices for the Hon. Justice of the Court of Appeal in Awka; reconstruction of Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square into an international event center, and the fencing of the Ultra Modern Skill Acquisition Correctional Center at Onitsha . Others include renovation work and maintainance at Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, and reconstruction of Fire Service Station in Agulu, Anaocha LGA .
The governor has also completed the remodeling of roof structure at Nigeria Correctional Center , Ekwulobia, in Aguata LGA, with four security houses and fuel dump at Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, with renovation work at Post Primary Schools Service Commission, among others
Other projects still on-going include the construction of 17 unit duplex, boy’s quarter, fencing/ landscaping with ancillary facilities for proposed modernization of Commissioner’s Quarters in Awka.
Strategically, this administration has revitalized some hospitals and schools for improved service delivery at the three Senatorial Zones – Ekwulobia in the South , Enugwu Ukwu in the Central and Umueri in the North, to serve as referral centers in the South East region, with the construction of Security Based Camp at Isuofia, Aguata LGA, to beef up security in that zone. Others are the rehabilitation of Ugborimili Primary School,Fegge Onitsha , construction of 1&2 storey building for offices, exam halls and science laboratories at the Urban Boys Secondary School, Fegge Onitsha, which is a watershed achievement of the Solution Government.
The critical need for people to access quality healthcare has pushed the Soludo administration to quickly embark on construction of six new general hospitals in the state. These hospitals, located across the state at Okpoko in Ogbaru LGA, Oroma Etti in Anambra West LGA , Enugu Otu Aguleri General Hospital, in Anambra East LGA, with the Specialist Hospital, Fegge, in Onitsha South LGA, as well as Anaku General Hospital in Ayamelum LGA, when completed, will serve as key healthcare centers for the growing populace in the rural areas of the state.
Before now, these hospitals were with out adequate equipment, with some dilapidated structures and insufficient medical personnel. But today, Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has recruited over 300 medical doctors and nurses into the state government hospitals for improved medical services to the people.
Consequently, on entertainment, the Governor is upgrading the Igboukwu Museum in Aguata LGA, while work is at advanced level at the Fun City and Neighborhood Entertainment/Recreational Center in Awka, with the fencing of Safari Park in Anaocha LGA. Meanwhile, proposal has been sent for possible upgrading of Iyiagu and Real Housing Estate for civil servants and Anambra State Secretariat Annex in Awka.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has done more than just physical structures. He rather injected economic transformation, which definitely will attract both local and international investments that will boost the state’s economic potentials into becoming the Dubai and Taiwan of Africa.
In the long run, these initiatives will also enhance the quality of lives of the people of Anambra State, cementing Governor Soludo’s legacy as a leader who prioritise institutional development, health , entertainment and governance for the common good of all.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s infrastructural and institutional development reflect a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of good governance, with economic growth . These projects will undoubtedly, redefine the landscape of the state, positioning it as a beacon of progress and development in Nigeria, thereby making Anambra State the center of logistics and the Dubai, Taiwan of the country
Worthy of mention are the stallion efforts of the Solution Commissioner, Ministry of Housing, Hon Pauly Onyeka, and his Solution Team, whose expertise and architectural prowess facilitated the success witnessed in housing and infrastructure sector of the Soludo administration.
By Maureen Agbala :
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on Tuesday presented the state’s 2025 budget proposal of N606.99 billion to the State House of Assembly in Awka.
Themed “Changing Gears 2.0”, the budget signifies a 48% increase from the 2024 budget and emphasizes infrastructure, economic transformation, human capital development, and social welfare. Gov. Soludo described the budget as a bold step toward creating a modern, prosperous, and livable homeland.
“This is a budget of consolidation and transformation. With it, we aim to sustain the momentum of our developmental strides while navigating the turbulent economic waters that Nigeria currently faces.” The governor noted that inflationary pressures and the removal of fuel subsidies had presented challenges but emphasized his administration’s commitment to resilience.
The proposed budget dedicates 77% (N467.5 billion) to capital expenditure and 23% (N139.5 billion) to recurrent expenditure. Sectoral increases include education (101.4%), health (57.1%), social services (82.7%), infrastructure (38.9%), and the judiciary (51.3%). Addressing the N148.3 billion budget deficit, Soludo expressed confidence in funding through revenue growth and prudent borrowing, saying, “We remain focused on minimizing debt reliance while maximizing impact”.
Highlighting the achievements of the 2024 “Changing Gears” agenda, Soludo noted progress in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He pointed to the free education initiative for Senior Secondary 3 students, recruitment of 3,115 teachers and equipping 60 STEM schools. In healthcare, free antenatal care and deliveries supported 70,000 women, while 326 primary health centers and a trauma center at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital were established.
Infrastructure milestones included 540 kilometers of roads under construction, 310 kilometers completed, and progress on the Ekwulobia flyover. Over one million palm and coconut seedlings were distributed to 130,000 households under the agriculture initiative. Youth empowerment programs like One Youth, Two Skills trained 20,000 youths in technology and entrepreneurship.
For 2025, Soludo outlined ambitious plans, with over 70% of the budget earmarked for infrastructure and economic transformation. Key projects include dualization of the 34- Kilometres Amawbia-to-Imo State road, finalization of the Ekwulobia flyover and urban development under Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, and a new industrial city. “Our vision is to redefine Anambra’s urban and industrial landscape,” he emphasized.
Tourism will see a boost with N10 billion for leisure centers and the redevelopment of Agulu Lake. A 10-storey Marriott Hotel and Africa’s largest shopping mall will be constructed in Awka. In transport, the government plans to enhance mass transit systems and equip Chinua Achebe International Airport with night-landing facilities for 24-hour operations. “Connectivity is vital for economic growth,” Soludo said.
Education receives N11 billion for smart schools, N22 billion for institutional development, and N3 billion for student loans. Healthcare allocations include N5 billion for a cancer hospital, N7 billion for hospital expansion, and N1 billion for free antenatal care. Agricultural efforts continue with N2 billion for palm and coconut seedling distribution, aiming for 10 million seedlings over six years.
The Ministry of Works is allocated N200 billion for road projects, while homeland security receives N2 billion for armored vehicles and equipment. N500 million will fund special projects in riverine and oil-producing areas. The Solution Innovation District will expand operations with N2.24 billion, modeled after Silicon Valley to drive tech growth.
Gov. Soludo pledged focus amid the approaching 2025 election. “While others campaign, we will work relentlessly to deliver our agenda,” he assured. Anambra’s investor-friendly reputation remains intact, as evidenced by the recent ANinvest 2.0 summit, which secured partnerships with Afreximbank and the African Development Bank.
The “Changing Gears 2.0” budget, according to Soludo, represents a transformative leap toward making Anambra a beacon of governance, prosperity, and equity. With bold initiatives and a clear roadmap, the state is poised for sustained growth.
*Key MDA Deliverables in the 2025 Budget*
Ministry of Culture, Entertainment & Tourism–Development of leisure and entertainment centers across the state: ₦10 billion.
Ministry of Women Affairs–Micro Enterprises Support Scheme (MESS): ₦2 billion.
Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning–State Counterpart Fund: ₦5 billion
Ministry of Information–Media outreach, information, communication, and social orientation: ₦5 billion.
Ministry of Works–Completion of ongoing road projects and construction of new ones: ₦200 billion. New Cities Development–Awka, Onitsha, and Industrial City: ₦32 billion. Development Projects–Development of a 4-star hotel: ₦15 billion. Development of new markets: ₦10 billion
Fitting and equipping the new Government House, amphitheater, banquet hall, Governor’s Lodge, security houses, etc.: ₦5 billion. Completion of SID building: ₦3 billion.
Ministry of Transport–Purchase of buses for mass transit and marine infrastructure (buses, jetties, boats): ₦2.5 billion
Homeland Security–Sustaining security through the purchase of armored personnel carriers and other equipment: ₦2 billion
Ministry of Special Duties–Special intervention projects in riverine and oil-producing communities: ₦500 million.
Ministry of Agriculture–Oil palm and coconut seedling program: ₦2 billion.
Ministry of Power & Water Resources–Extension of power to underserved areas, solar streetlights, and solar for government offices: ₦7 billion
Revamping urban water schemes: ₦5 billion.
House of Assembly–Building of legislative quarters: ₦1.5 billion.
Solution Innovation District (SID)–Sustaining and expanding operations of SID: ₦2.24 billion.
Ministry of Youth Development–Youth innovation and empowerment program: ₦3 billion
Ministry of Education–Renovation, construction, and equipping of smart schools: ₦11 billion. Student loan/bursary scheme for students: ₦3 billion. Developing institutions: ₦22 billion. Supplementary funds to secondary schools: ₦1 billion. Transport support for schools: ₦250 million.
Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited–Development of solid minerals: ₦2.39 billion.
Anambra State Petroleum and Energy Resource Limited–Development of petroleum and energy resources: ₦1.78 billion
Ministry of Health–Construction and equipping of general hospitals: ₦3 billion Accreditation of general hospitals: ₦1 billion. Extension of free antenatal care and delivery: ₦1 billion. Construction and equipping of the College of Nursing and extension of Amaku Teaching Hospital in Aguata: ₦7 billion. Construction of a standalone trauma center: ₦1.5 billion. Upgrading of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital: ₦1 billion. Construction of a cancer hospital: ₦5 billion.
Anambra State Erosion, Watershed, and Climate Change Agency–Erosion control: ₦2 billion.
*Maureen is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Press Release
The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to some media reports that have excluded Anambra State from the states in Nigeria that have paid the new minimum wage of N70,000. Some media outlets merely managed to capture Anambra State only among the states whose governors have indicated interest in paying the new minimum wage.
To put the record straight, the promise by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR to pay the new minimum wage was made good since the month of October, when the new minimum wage payment commenced in Anambra State with the payment of October salaries.
To add to it, the state has also adjusted pensions upward to give pensioners in Anambra State higher take-home.
Professor Chukwuma Soludo remains a labour-friendly governor as the workers in Anambra State have not only received the new minimum wage but also continue to receive salary alerts on or before the 25th of every month.
Law Mefor, PhD
Commissioner for Information
Anambra state
By Chizoba Okeke :
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has on Tuesday presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Anambra State House of Assembly.
This event which was graced by lawmakers, state executives and dignitaries showed the importance of the legislative-executive collaboration in shaping the future of Anambra State.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze in his welcome address, emphasized the constitutional essence of the gathering under section 121 of the Nigerian Constitution. He highlighted the budget presentation as a foundational step in the state’s fiscal journey, reflecting the administration’s vision for sustainable development and growth.
Udeze who commended Governor Soludo’s commitment to e-governance and transformative leadership, noting that Anambra State now leads in fiscal prudence, ease of doing business, and low rates of out-of-school children in the country,
noted that this progress has been possible through collaborative legislative support and the diligent work of the 8th Assembly.
The speaker also reiterated the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to the core functions of representation, lawmaking, and oversight, with a focus on delivering legislation that aligns with the aspirations of Ndi Anambra.
Udeze highlighted legislative progress, including the approval of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) as a precursor to the detailed budget presentation. He further advocated for the establishment of the Legislative Budget and Research Office (LEBRO), a body that would enhance legislative analysis and oversight functions.
Furthermore, the 8th Assembly is pushing for infrastructural development within the legislative complex, including considerations for a Legislators’ Quarters, complementing the recent enhancements under Governor Soludo’s administration.
Recognizing the integral link between security and development, speaker Udeze called for collective action in addressing the security challenges facing the state. He urged all stakeholders and citizens to contribute to intelligence-sharing and communal efforts to combat insecurity, ensuring that Anambra remains a safe haven for its people and investors alike.
* Okeke is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
