State News
News from all over Anambra State
ANAMBRA INVESTMENT SUMMIT GEARED AT ACCELERATING PARTNERSHIP FOR TRANSFORMATION OF ANAMBRA—GOV. SOLUDO
By Amaka Isikala/Ebele Iyke Odili :
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo has described the Anambra State Investment Summit as a strategic event which is geared towards accelerating partnerships for the state’s transformation.
The Summit was put together by the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) at the International Civic Centre (ICC), Awka which was themed, ‘Changing Gears: Accelerating Anambra Economic Transformation’.
The governor while thanking the attendees for the sacrifice they made to grace the occasion said that the event is like non-other as Anambra State is ready for investment.
“The fundamentals are strong and we are doing everything to actualize a livable and sustainable Anambra in terms of infrastructure, industrialization and a huge dive into security matters which we are not relenting to keep in check.
“That we are asking the people to invest in Anambra is not to do us a favour but it is in their own interests; those who invested now in the mixed used industrial city, the Awka 2.0 and Onitsha 2.0 would tell the story in years to come.
“We are looking for partners and I commend and urge you all to come home and invest.”
The Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu while participating in a panel of discussion at the summit, described the state as a strong and thriving hub for trade, commerce and industry.
He said that the people’s entrepreneurial prowess and the government’s groundbreaking development of the state makes it a business friendly environment and a destination for investment deals.
The commissioner noted that historically the state is a significant producer of farm produce like rice, cassava, vegetables, yams and sundry agro production.
“We have 12 clusters of industrial capacity across Anambra and Mr. Governor felt the need to have a structure that is industrial driven; that is the reason this administration has given birth to the concept of enabling an industrial development which include automotive and pharmaceutical hub.”
Mr. Udechukwu affirmed that the Gov. Soludo’s administration is working at ensuring that the state becomes the industrial hub for Africa as a whole.
The Managing Director, ANSIPPA, Mr. Mark Okoye emphasized that the progress that Gov. Soludo has made is a testament to the commitment he has towards making the state a proud investment destination.
“We are taking a next step into our journey by changing gears which required not just momentum acceleration but a strategic focus on the future despite the challenges we face.
“It is clear that the role of the policy makers in the state is to come up with actions and solutions that commands a tangible difference in the lives of our residents”.
The MD noted that Gov. Soludo and his team has shown an unwavering dedication to transforming the state from a place of opportunity to a destination for investment and prosperity.
“Our goal is to make Anambra a beacon for sustainable growth and economic development. This summit is part of our vision, which leads to a collective duty to focus on long term planning and creation of a frame work that would ensure the sustainable growth of our economy not just for today but for generations to come.”
Climax of the event was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between some Organizations and the government to lay credence to the Private Public Partnership (PPP) policies of the state government.
SOLUDO UNFOLDS BLUEPRINT TO MAKE ANAMBRA CHOICE DESTINATION FOR INVESTORS
Michael Ezenwata. :
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has unleashed tangible policies aimed at making Anambra the epicenter of industrial activities for investors.
To actualize the vision,the governor announced plans to rejig the security apparati of the state to make it conducive for investment purposes.
He gave the indication at the second edition of the Anambra summit 2024 at the international convention centre Awka.
Speaking on the theme of the summit,”Changing Gears: Accelerating Anambra’s Economic Transformation’, governor Soludo noted that his cardinal policy thrust is to build a state he will be proud to live in and invest in after serving out his term as governor.
Given the rich endowment of human and material resources in the state, he urged investors to make haste to invest in the state which has attractive prospects for growth and rapid industrialization.
He listed some vital projects such as the ongoing ten storied five star hotel located beside the international convention centre which is being piled, the Awka Shopping Mall Complex in Awka, the nearing completion of the new government house and governor’s lodge complex, and the up grading of the Chinua Achebe international airport with night landing light facilities to be installed, among other projects scattered in all the 3 senatorial zones of the state in their various levels of completion.
Governor Soludo solicited the support of the citizenry to actualize his vision for the state.
In a speech, the state Chairman of the Anambra State Investment, Promotion and Protection Agency(ANSIPPA) Mr. Mark Okoye junior expressed delight in the policy thrust of governor Soludo which occasioned the signings of some memorandum of understanding between the state and its foreign and local partners.
In a press statement on the launching of the second edition of the summit, a community leader in Umuawulu, Chike Oranye (ESQ) commended governor Soludo on his good policy thrust and urged that Umuawulu which has a wide expanse of land and located within the Awka Capital territory be enlisted as communities where Agricultural industry or a Manufacturing industry should be sited.
Highpoints on the occasion were the signings of memorandum of understanding between the Anambra State government and some of its foreign and local partners, and conveying of goodwill messages by the state’s development partners.
Some dignitaries that graced the occasion include the Secretary to the state government Prof. Solomon Chukwulobelu, some members of the state executive council, captains of industries, the traditional ruler of Ihiala Igwe Thomas Obidiegwu and other traditional rulers, the Chairman of Njikoka LGA Godwin Ononiba (ESQ), among others.
GOV SOLUDO EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO CHURCH FOR SUPPORT TO FLOOD VICTIMS
By Chisom Okpala :
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has expressed his gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of Later -Day Saints for bringing succour to those affected by flood in the state.
“I want to thank the Church immensely on behalf of the state government and the great people of the state for this kind gesture,” Soludo noted.
The Governor explained that flooding in the state is an annual reoccurring disaster and should be treated as a permanent emergency.
While calling on other Religious bodies, private sectors, NGOs, International Organizations, Communities, Individuals, others to emulate the example shown by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in extending partnership to the state, Gov. Soludo reiterated that the Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) model is widely adopted in every sector of development in the state, pointing out that the church fall into the community context of the model.
He, thereby, promised that the government team will ensure efficient distribution of the items, making sure that the items were given to those in most need of them.
Speaking, the State Deputy Governor, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim who is the Chairman Anambra State Flood Management Team said that no mortality has been recorded in this year’s flooding, which is as a result of the proactive measures adopted by the government in mitigating flooding in the state.
He, then, thanked the Governor for ensuring that various holding centers in the state are liveable, for improving the sanitary condition of these camps, securing the camps and its environment, as well as provision of food and other amenities.
Presenting the items to Anambra State Government at the SEMA office in Awka, the Regional Manager, Welfare and Self-reliance, Charles Adebayo and Area Seventy member, Dr. Justice Otuonye both of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in their various speeches explained that it is the obligatory concern of the church to render service to humanity.
“All our care is what Jesus Christ would have done if he was to be here, to see to the welfare of his friends, children and people.”
The duo commended the developmental strides of Gov. Soludo. According to them, the church understands the situation of those affected by the flood, thus have found it necessary through the church emergency response programme to cater for its members as well as non-members.
Highlight of the event featured the presentation of these donated items; Rice, Beans, Garri, Red oil, Cartons of Milk, Bournvita, Sugar, Noodles, Soaps, Detergents, Sanitary Pads, Mosquito Nets, others worth N250,000,000 to the state government.
*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
ANAMBRA INVESTMENT SUMMIT: GOV SOLUDO CHARGES INVESTORS ON VALUE PROPOSITION
By Adaobi Nsofor :
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has charged investors willing to invest in the state to see themselves as partners in development.
Governor Soludo made the charge during the second edition of Anambra Investment Summit organised by Anambra State Investment, Promotion and Protection Agency(ANSIPPA) at the International Conference Center, Awka.
The summit, whose theme centered on Changing Gears: Accelerating Anambra’s Economic Transformation is geared towards turning Anambra from being a departure land to a destination hub.
Governor Soludo noted that the state is much more than ready for investment and the fundamentals are very strong.
“It’s an investment like no other, we are asking people to invest in Anambra not to do us a favour but in their own self interest.
It is not by accident that Anambra is rated no1 in the ease of doing business as we are presenting you with bankable projects that comes with value proposition”, he said.
Governor Soludo mentioned that the state has a 23 hectares of land where the new government house is being built and is 90 percent completion.
According to him, his administration is breaking the 33 year old jinx by giving ndi Anambra a befitting government house and governor’s lodge which would be completed in few weeks to come.
In the solid mineral sector, Governor Soludo stated that a kaolin processing plant is being built and that would be commissioned, together with others in the next few months. He encouraged other partners to come and invest to create room for prosperity and development, as he tackles the security sector of the state seriously.
The Managing Director of ANSIPPA, Dr Mark Okoye in his speech noted that this year’s theme speaks to the collective resolve that we share to shift Anambra’s dream to high gear, moving from potential to performance and from aspiration to action. He emphasised that changing gears requires not just a momentum but a strategic focus on the future despite the challenges we face.
Dr Okoye highlighted that Governor Soludo and his team has shown an unwavering dedication to transform Anambra into a place of opportunity to a destination for investment, while the goal is to make Anambra a beacon of sustainable growth and economic development. He said that it is our collective duty to focus on long term planning and creation of a few more, that will ensure the sustainable growth of our economy, one that guarantees prosperity and transformation.
According to him, the Soludo administration is leading the charge in ensuring that projects are not made conceptualised but are investment ready, assuring that the foundation Governor Soludo laid today would be fully and deeply appreciated in future when the positive impact of his work would be felt by generations unborn.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Vitalis Obi who represented the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria stated that the summit is a vital part of our national pursuit of transformative and inductive economic growth across our states and regions.
President Tinubu emphasised that Anambra State stands out with outstanding example on what is achievable when vision, strategy and collective actions align to attain developments and growths. He said that the state has a rich history as a commercial hub in the center of technology and innovation in Nigeria.
While commending Governor Soludo for conceptualising and developing several groundbreaking projects in Anambra State, President Tinubu agrees that through this investment summit, the state will reaffirm its commitment to becoming a driving force in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Panel of discussions, Goodwill messages from Kenyan High Commission, UNDP, ADB, AFEX Bank, Fidelity Bank, Minister, Regional Development among others and Signing and Sealing of MoUs from different companies with the state government formed the high point of the event.
- Nsofor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
2ND ANAMBRA INVESTMENT SUMMIT: ASSEMBLY SPEAKER, UDEZE LAUDS GOVERNOR SOLUDO’s DEVELOPMENTAL STRIDES
By Chizoba Okeke :
The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Right.Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze has said that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s training as a renowned Economist has benefited Anambra State greatly especially his prudent utilization of the state’s limited resources to achieve maximum result, evident in the overall development of the state as well as well-being of the people.
The speaker said this during the 2nd edition of the Anambra Investment Summit held at the International Conference Centre, Awka, describing the summit as presentation of Governor Soludo’s score card in two and half years in office, which he said, showcased giant strides in all sectors of the state economy.
He recounted massive road construction, employment of teachers and medical personnel, construction of key projects like the Ekwulobia flyover, new government house and lodge.
He went further noting the transformation of Okpoko into a mega city with roads and hospitals, prompt payment of worker’s salary with payment of minimum wage to workers and pensioners, as well as empowerment of over 13,000 (thirteen thousand) youths among others.
The speaker called on well meaning citizens especially industrialists to reflect on the theme of the summit “Changing Gear: Accelerating Anambra’s Economic Transformation” by partnering the state government in different ways through home investment in order to boost the state’s economic potentials.
Udeze enjoined the citizenry mainly business executives, manufacturers as well as all taxable adults to ensure prompt and appropriate payment of taxes and rates to improve the revenue profile of the state government to match Governor Soludo’s investment, economic and development drive in the state.
- Okeke is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
ANAMBRA NUJ PRESS WEEK 2024/AWARDS DAY: HOS FELICITATES WITH NONYE SOLUDO AS SHE BAGS AWARD
By MaryAnn Chukwuma :
The Head of Service, Lady Okwy Igwegbe has felicitated with the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo on the award she received as the ‘Most supportive governor’s wife and the voice of the voiceless’ during the 2024 Press Week and Man of the Year Awards of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council at Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center, Awka
This felicitation came shortly after receiving the award on behalf of the governor’s wife at the event themed ‘The Media, And Trajectories For Anambra State’s Future In A Dwindling Economy’.
She noted that the award was properly considered and a pointer to the fact that Anambra people appreciate the selfless services the wife of the governor renders to people in the state and beyond,
describing the awardee as a person with a large heart, humane, humble and someone you could rely on.
Lady Igwegbe highlighted programs of the wife of the governor such as Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo as one of the platforms through which she has touched the lives of many in the state while calling for all and sundry to subscribe and follow the Healthy Living program with Nonye Soludo.
She further said that Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo has touched the lives of many women and the vulnerable through her empowerment programmes and providing for the less privileged particularly those in the different homes for the less privileged in the state. She praised the organizers of the event for recognizing the efforts of Dr. Nonye Soludo in supporting the governor and for her role in caring for the down trodden in the society.
She also congratulated other award recipients and
encouraged well meaning ndi Anambra to emulate the humanitarian activities performed by these awardees as service to humanity remained one of the few keys to eternal gratification.
The HOS thanked the host, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu (PhD) and other members of the NUJ for organizing such an intriguing event with a theme in sync with the realities on ground while advising them as media experts to make demands on news censoring, insisting on factual reportage as the social media news proliferation is almost causing more harm than good to the image of the nation and it’s people.
- Chukwuma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
NDI IGBO UNITE TO PRESERVE IGBO LANGUAGE, SAYS INFORMATION COMMISSIONER MEFOR
By Obianuju Umeh :
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor has called on ndi Igbo to promote and sustain Igbo language
Dr Mefor gave this charge at the 2024 celebration of Asusu Igbo ga- adigide organised by Anambra State Library board,
He revealed that Igbo language is amongst the listed world endangered languages.
The information boss frowned at parents who rebuke their children that speak Igbo , urging them to be at the forefront in making sure that their children speak their mother tongue.
He mentioned Igbo audio visual tapes as one of the gadgets to help children learn Igbo language.
Dr Mefor advised state government to be intentional about promoting Igbo Language by giving scholarship to Igbo language scholars
He pledged the support of Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Information to help promote and preach the importance of sustaining Igbo language to a wider audience.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Director, Anambra State Library, Mrs Obioma Obalum said that the annual programme was aimed at promoting Igbo language and culture , noting that language is one’s identity.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof L.O Ezenweke of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, commended the efforts of the library for hosting such programme and advised the students to know their native mother tongue as well as central Igbo.
Speaking on the theme , ‘Umu ntorobia Igbo: Agwa bụ nma’ , Prof Nkechinyere Nwokoye of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka urged the youths to imbibe good behavioural traits. She listed truthfulness, kind heartdness, forgiveness amongst others as traits of good behaviour.
Prof Nwokoye advised the youths to shun drug abuse and avoid any form of misbehaviour
In his remark, the traditional ruler of Umuawulu, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, frowned at parents who do not speak Igbo language to their children, charging them to retrace their steps.
Competition on essay writing and spelling in Igbo language, cultural dances and presentation of gifts formed high point of the event.
- Umeh is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
ANAMBRA BOOSTS CONNECTIVITY WITH EXPANDED SOLUTION WIFI
By Nwanodu Angela.N :
In alignment with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of “Everything Technology and Technology Everywhere,” the Anambra State Government has made significant progress in providing free, high-speed internet access across the state through the Solution Wi-Fi Initiative.
This project is part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model that the Soludo administration adopted to drive Anambra’s digital revolution, ensuring that technological advancement benefits every resident.
Launched as a pilot with three strategic locations—Aroma Junction, Book Foundation, and School Gate Ifite—the Solution Wi-Fi Initiative has rapidly expanded, now connecting 14 additional locations across Anambra.
This growth reflects the administration’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, giving students, businesses, and residents greater access to the online resources essential for learning, development, and economic empowerment.
The Solution Wi-Fi Initiative is driven by the Anambra State ICT Agency in collaboration with Pine Heights Systems Limited (PHSWEB).
Through this partnership, the PPP model accelerates digital infrastructure development, empowering Anambra to lead in technology inclusion while optimizing resources and expertise.
As Solution Wi-Fi reaches more locations, connectivity is now available to a broader population.
Governor Soludo’s administration envisions a state where internet access supports innovation, education, and economic growth, reinforcing the belief that digital inclusion is fundamental for social progress.
With each new location connected, the Solution Wi-Fi Initiative brings Anambra closer to a fully connected digital ecosystem. The state government remains committed to extending this network to even more areas, underscoring Governor Soludo’s vision for a tech-savvy state, that provides equitable access to technology and positions its citizens for success in the digital economy.
Together, the Anambra State Government and Pine Heights Systems Limited (PHSWEB) are setting the stage for a future where technology fosters growth, learning, and opportunity, making Anambra a beacon of digital transformation in Nigeria.
- Nwanodu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *