Other News

COOU, BREDHUB UBTECH SIGN LANDMARK MOU TO ADVANCE AI/ROBOTICS

By Nwanodu Angela :

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) and BredHub UBTech have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics.

The signing ceremony, held on Tuesday, marked a significant step forward in fostering academic collaboration within the state.

The event which brought together key stakeholders from academia, the tech sector, and the government, highlighted commitment to advancing cutting-edge technology and research capabilities.

BredHub UBTech, a leading AI and robotics company, will work closely with COOU to establish state-of-the-art facilities and certificate programs aimed at enhancing research, development, and educational opportunities in AI and robotics in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Kate Omenugha, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of COOU, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “This collaboration with BredHub UBTech is a major milestone for our university and our dear state. It aligns perfectly with our mission to provide world-class education and to be at the forefront of technological advancement,” she said.

BredHub UBTech’s CEO, Michael Ahamefula, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the mutual benefits of the partnership. “By joining forces with COOU, we aim to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and equips the next generation of tech leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed,” he remarked.

Izuchukwu Mojekwu, the Executive Director of Africa Operations at BredHub UBTech, emphasized their commitment to providing a comprehensive learning experience that will propel students forward. “In four years, this school will be producing global leaders in AI and Robotics,” he added.

The MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, while congratulating the university management and partners, stated, “It is no coincidence that we are here to launch something phenomenal and revolutionary, where students will have access to real-time live robots and AI, and understand this disruptive technology.

He explained that throughout the revolutions in Silicon Valley and other top tech capitals worldwide, the university system has played and continues to play a crucial role. We hope that with this MOU ceremony, COOU will fulfill its role in synergizing the Anambra tech tribe that the governor envisions. As a government, we will continue to support the excellent work you are doing,” he concluded.

Under the visionary leadership of Governor Soludo, who continues to prioritize innovation and technological development, the COOU-BredHub UBTech partnership stands as a beacon of progress and a model for future collaborations.

Highlights of the event included a visit to COOU’s AI/Robotics Laboratory, where students and management experienced the robots and related materials firsthand (MOI).

Nwanodu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State “

EEDC TO COMMENCE MOBILE MAP METERING OF “BAND A” CUSTOMERS

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has concluded plans to commence the metering of customers served by “Band A” feeders across its network through its mobile MAP metering initiative.

The exercise which is expected to kick off in Enugu on Tuesday, June 11th, 2024, will focus on EEDC customers served by “Band A” feeders under its Ogui, Awkunanaw, and Abakpa districts.

The Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC. Mr. Emeka Ezeh, who made this known through a press statement, said the Mobile MAP metering approach is part of efforts by EEDC to ensure that customers under service “Band A” across its network are metered within 48 hours.

According to him, the company adopted this approach to ensure that the affected customers who enjoy minimum daily availability of 20 hours can begin to manage their energy consumption and pay for what they consume.

EEDC customers under Awkunanaw district, served by Topland 11KV, Gariki 11KV, Amaechi 33KV, and UNEC 11KV feeders are to visit the EEDC Service Center at Mayor Bus Stop, Agbani Road.

In the same vein, customers under Ogui District, served by New Haven 11KV, Abakaliki Road, 11KV, Power House 11KV, Chime Avenue 11KV, Onitsha Road 11KV, and Golf 11KV feeders, are to visit EEDC Ogui District office at Station Road, Enugu; while customers under Abakpa District served by Abakpa 3 11KV, Dhamija 11KV, Nowas 11KV, and Ugwuogo 33KV feeders are to visit Trans Ekulu Service Center.

Customers are expected to visit the mentioned locations with a valid form of identification (either Drivers License, Voters Card, NIN or International Passport) and a copy of their bills. Officials of EEDC will assist them with the MAP application process and installation of the meter will be made once payment is confirmed.

The MAP metering program allows customers to pay and get metered and reimbursed with the value of the cost of meter through energy over a period.

Ezeh affirmed that gradually, the exercise will be extended to other Band A feeders across EEDC franchise area.

Unmetered customers, especially those under service “Band A” are urged to take advantage of this program and get metered, bearing in mind that they will be reimbursed with the value of the cost of the meter through energy over a period.

This exercise is carried out by EEDC in conjunction with its MAPs (Meter Asset Providers) – MOJEC International Limited and Advanced Energy Management Services (AEMS).

MAP is a metering intervention designed and approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to close the existing metering gap in the power sector.

PROF OMENUGHA HARPS ON IMPORTANCE OF PEACE TO HUMANITY, DESCRIBES IT AS ACT OF EVANGELISM

By Chizoba Njaka :

The Acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Professor Kate Omenugha

has said that promoting peace and harmony is a form of evangelism, spreading love, kindness, and compassion.

Professor Omenugha stated this while delivering her paper, ‘Culture of Peace’, during the Annual Peace Advocate and Convention and the groundbreaking ceremony of the Peace and Leadership Centre’s multi-purpose building project, held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Awka.

According to Prof Omenugha, a culture of peace can only be achieved through the dedicated efforts of individuals. She emphasized that it requires a collective commitment, starting with one person and spreading to the entire society.

The former Commissioner for Basic Education stressed that conflict and lack of understanding would not bring peace but would only result to disorderliness in both families, society and the nation, adding that peace is paramount in everyone’s life.

She further noted that the absence of a culture of peace is a root cause of global crises. She emphasized that failing to cultivate peace has far-reaching consequences, particularly in Nigeria, where neglecting the law has led to more harm than good. This neglect, she stressed, has a profound impact on youth development, infrastructure, health, and the overall social wellbeing of young people, perpetuating cycles of suffering and hindering progress.

Professor Omenugha emphasized that children, the future leaders of tomorrow, deserve attention and investment for positive change. However, parents often prioritize exam success over genuine education, promoting malpractice and special centers.

She however, warned that a good citizen of the nation must endeavour to take part and be law abiding to make things work perfectly for the government and avoid any form of social vices.

She urged citizens to take responsibility, be law-abiding, and shun social vices to support the government. To embrace peace, she advocated for creating a society with justice and equity, where inter-ethnic dialogue, education, and responsible media promotion of peace are prioritized.

“For peace to exist we need to create a society where there is justice and equity.”

She stressed the importance of proactive justice, conscious language usage, and avoiding inflammatory words that can spark violence or problems. By working together, we can establish peace and foster a better future.

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

ANAMBRA SPORTS COMMISSION FLAGS OFF 2024 ANAMBRA SCHOOL SPORTS FESTIVAL

By Nonyelum Ezumezu :

The Anambra State Sports Development Commission in collaboration with Ministry of Education has flagged off 2024 Anambra School Sports Festival at the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) hall, Awka.

The Anambra Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo represented by the Anambra Chief of Staff, Chief Ernest Ezeajughi, enjoined students to participate actively in sports that will lead them to national and international sports competition.

“Anambra State Solution Initiative (ANSSI) is the vehicle with which Mr Governor is using to revolutionise sports in the State within two years of his administration, the glory of Anambra Sports is returning at an encouraging speed.”

In his speech, the Chairman, Anambra Sports Development Commission, Mr Patrick-Estate Onyedum stressed that in 2023, about 600 primary and secondary schools registered and participated in the sports festival which yielded fruitful results.

Mr Onyedum promised to support schools that performed excellently well with sports facilities, commending students on Karate, Taekwondo, beach volleyball champions.

Also, the Commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba congratulated the Governor for his determination, and passion toward sports development in the State.

He noted that Sports is the third pillar of Gov. Soludo’s administration, which involved human capital development, health and sports.

Eight Schools across Anambra attended the event.

*Nonyelum is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

FROM REFUSE DUMP TO WATER FOUNTAIN

Ochanja Roundabout, Onitsha:*

By Paul Nwosu :

For over 20 years, Ochanja Roundabout in Onitsha, Anambra State, known for hosting a mountain of refuse and animal carcasses, with deplorable roads like Ozomagala, Ochanja-Iweka, Menax and other adjoining roads abandoned for over 30 years have been a major source of worry and concern for residents, traders and commuters.

However, with the power of transformation which the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo often talks about, the area has been turned into an enchanting roundabout with a functional water fountain. That is transformation in practical term.

Governor Soludo has equally impacted the same Midas touch in many other areas of the state’s social infrastructure within the past two years.

Most significant are the labyrinth of solid roads, pipe-borne water with public taps and healthcare centres among others which he recently commissioned, mostly in parts of the State that have not seen such facilities since Nigeria became a sovereign country.

The transformation of Ochanja Roundabout has not only improved the aesthetics of the area, it has drastically revved up the quality of economic activities that go on in the environment and to a large extent guarantee good health for the residents, traders and passersby as against the previous nauseating stench that emanated from the mountain of refuse. The nerve-wracking traffic gridlock that was a regular nightmare for commuters has become a thing of the past. There is now a free and smooth flow of vehicular traffic conveying people and their goods, to and from the area.

“One good turn deserves another,” is a common refrain. It is therefore important that traders and residents of the area should take ownership of the transformation for it to be sustained.

Already, reports have it that some petty traders, particularly “ọkịrịka” sellers, immediately swooped on the just completed roundabout to display their wares while others, intrigued by the novelty have gone there to wash their limbs and different items.

This is unacceptable as the roundabout and water fountain is not meant for that. There is therefore need for residents and those trading around the area to ensure that no one, in whatever guise, should misuse or abuse the facility.

The roundabout and water fountain is meant to facilitate smooth traffic flow and beautify the place. It shouldn’t be used as public tap or extension of market stalls or to display wares.

OCHA Brigade has been directed to ensure compliance.

*PAUL NWOSU*

Commissioner for Information

FOUNDER, QUEEN-TOVAH CARES FOUNDATION INT’L RECIEVES PROFESSORSHIP AWARD, INSTALLED PATRONESS OF CROWN PRINCESS COLLEGE OF BISHOPS

By Regina Igwebuike :

The Founder and CEO Queen-Tovah Cares Foundation International, Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka-Menuba, nee Oliobi has received a Professorship Award from Crown Prince Ministerial College of Bishops Inc. Nigeria having satisfactorily completed the approval course of studies in Mission Development.

The Princess is married to Rtd Air commodore Ify Udoka Menuba from Oguluwa kindred, Adabebe village, Amawbia, and is the only sister of HRM, Igwe Maximus Ikechukwu Oliobi, Owelle of Nimo (Ezeoranyelu I).

She was also installed as the Crown Matron of the great College in recognition of her selfless and humanitarian services in her ministerial call/service on earth, having distinguished herself in the service to the nation and mankind.

The event, which took place during the Conference at the Divine Salvation Solution Ministry, Amawbia near Kabe junction on March 30, was well attended by friends and lovers of the Princess including the Nze na Ozo title holders, Eziokwubundu Women group, Oguluwa kindred Adabebe, Precious Widows Association Anambra (PWAA) and her sisters from Nimo (Umuada Nimo) married into Amawbia.

Speaking on the theme of the conference “Behold The Lord Comes”, the Founder, Crown Prince College of Bishops/Apostles, Archbishop Moses Chinedum Ezeh (JPH), said that the open statement stands tall over demonic vices against humanities.

He urged the present generation to return to their Master and Creator of all the living, saying that the choice is in their hands to choose whom to worship, knowing that the end is at hand.

Archbishop Ezeh, while advocating the Lord’s immenient returns to this earth with our true rewards, enjoined all to celebrate the Lord Almighty whose power/wisdom is in total control of our existence through Jesus Christ, Master of human salvation.

According to him, the Church’s Motto: Jesus Christ is our Savior, has the mission to rise to correct, direct, supervise and to empower the churches along with our sacrifices at large.

“The church whose aim is to save the lost soul in this end time is non-denominational and inter denominational and as such, needs men who are saints to the very calling of God to enable the very Gospel to be preached without fear in this generation.

As the son of the soil, he admonished Ndi Amawbia and christians at large to settle matters amicably through the elders than dragging their own to court.

Celebrating Princess Udoka-Menuba, the Archbishop described her as a hardworking and great woman with a difference, whom they love so dearly with passion and everything.

Commending her good works, he said that she merited the awards. She is helpful, caring, being there for men, women, children, youth, communities, cities and countries.

“I lack adjective to qualify her, no one can disqualify her not even the power of lucifer because her good generous works are not ordinary and I pray God to give her long healthy life to reap the rewards for her labour.

“With our hearts full of gratitude for all the gestures and good works, the College of Bishops are offering her two Awards: Mother of our great College and Professorship Award for her good works to continue, to motivate her to continue doing good so that others will learn to be good.

“She is not the only one, but very outstanding.”

Receiving the Awards on behalf of the Princess, Mrs Uju Izuakor, Founder and President, Precious Widows Association Anambra, thanked the College and all present for the honour, noting that the honours are well deserved.

She described the Princess as a woman filled with human kindness, an action, visionary woman cum Evangelist, touching humanity with her Foundation – Queen-Tovah Cares International.

Mrs Izuakor prayed that God will use the potentials deposited in the Princess to carry the College along, noting that God raised the Princess to help humanity especially the less privileged, downtrodden, widows/widowers, indigents and the homeless.

In an interview shortly after the Service, Barr. Mike Okoye, member Board of Trustees and the Southeast Coordinator said,”Actually, the event shows the connection between giving and spirituality because you can actually have but you cannot give.

“We’ve seen people like that but the Princess is someone who gives from the heart. When you check her qualifications and accolades, you find out that she is equally an Evangelist, showing that her purpose is driven with spirituality.

“So, this College of Bishops, having accorded her with these recognitions, is in line with what she has been doing and we actually thank the church, the body of Christ for according her that recognitions, praying that she continues to do more”.

Also in an interview, Nze Emeka Onuorah extolled the Princess for her magnanimity which won her many awards and recognitions.

He said that the Princess is a great woman achiever, an icon and epitome of excellence. Her philanthropy and legacies resonate across the globe, infact, she deserved more feathers and accolades.

Others expressed joy and wished the Princess long healthy life, more grace and wisdom to continue doing good.

*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVATES PARTNERSHIP WITH FEDERAL MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT IN ANAMBRA STATE

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

Today marks a significant milestone in the quest to transform the lives of youths positively as the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, commenced the activation of a crucial partnership arrangement in upskilling the youths with a working visit to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Anambra State.

The visit stems from a Memorandum of Agreement earlier reached on 24th May 2023 between the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, under former Honorable Minister, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, and the Anambra State Government under the leadership of Executive Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

This agreement was geared toward the implementation of the Skills Upgrading and Vocational Training (SUVT) Program, in order to intensify efforts on human capital development within Anambra State.

In his remarks, Commissioner Patrick Agha Mba said that the visit was in furtherance of an earlier agreement and to finalize arrangements for the activation of a Vocational Skill Training Centre , Alor in Idemili South and Ifitedunu in Dunukofia LGAs of Anambra State.

He said that these centres are poised to serve as hubs for the next batch of the 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution, which is targeting the training of over 10,000 youths across 55 vocational skills areas of their choice.

The Commissioner emphasized the timely nature of the visit, especially now that the preparation for the upcoming training is in top gear.

He explained that 5,000 youths successfully graduated from the first phase of 1 Youth 2 Skills and got empowered financially for business start-ups/expansion with a total sum of ₦2 billion, the first of its kind in Nigeria.

The Commissioner while highlighting the strides of the Anambra State Government in youth and all aspects of human capital development, commended the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for his great vision and initiatives like the Anambra Business Summit, Solution Innovation District (SID), and Solution Sports, which had contributed significantly to addressing unemployment challenges in the state.

He emphasized the importance of these programs in societal harmony and development, as the youths constitute about 65% of the state’s population.

Mr. Agha Mba called for continuous collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Employment through the National Labour and Employment in order to open up doors of opportunities for the youths of Anambra State.

He used the medium to inform the State Controller that the Ministry of Youth Development Anambra State has over 200,000 registered unemployed youth in its Data Bank and expressed the readiness of the Ministry to provide such information to FMLE for policy and program implementation.

Responding, the State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) Anambra State, Mrs. B. U. Oji-Ogbuehi, expressed her delight at the commissioner’s visit, saying that it was the first of its kind since her years in service.

The Controller, while promising that FMLE will offer all that is required to ensure that the youths of the state are effectively developed, commended Gov. Soludo’s administration for being proactive with the kind of his workforce and approach to governance.

The meeting was attended by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Chito Osili, Executive Assistant to Governor on Youth Development, Mr. Chibuzor Udeh, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Admin) FMLE Awka, Ndubuisi Nwamaka, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Admin) FMLE, Awka, Ifeoma Ndibe, and the Media Team of the Ministry of Youth Development.

*Ifeoma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ONITSHA DIVISIONAL LIBRARY TO UNDERGO TRANSFORMATION UNDER SOLUDO’S INITIATIVE

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The Onitsha Divisional Library is set to undergo a significant transformation, as it has been earmarked for renovation and upgrade to a smart library by the administration of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.

This was made known during an impromptu visit to the library by the Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, who urged the librarian and staff to collaborate in generating ideas to facilitate the transformation process.

Gov. Soludo’s commitment to the project was further demonstrated through the donation of 10, 000 books to the library.

Accompanied by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Mr Nnaemeka Egwuonwu, and her Special Assistant, Mr Azubike Egotanwa, Commissioner Chuma-Udeh also paid a courtesy visit to the Divisional Police Officer of Onitsha, CSP Garuba Rabiu, who joined the delegation during the visit.

During the tour of the facilities, led by the librarian, Mrs Juliet Enemuo, Commissioner Chuma-Udeh was briefed on the library’s current state and challenges. Mrs Enemuo appealed for assistance in addressing waste collection issues within the library vicinity, which she identified as a nuisance.

*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

MONDAY SIT AT HOME: ASMATA ASSURES ANAMBRA PLAZA TRADERS OF SECURITY, COOPERATION

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has urged traders who transact business in various Shopping Plazas in the State to defy the purported fear of the unknown gunmen or hoodlums and resume their normal businesses on Mondays.

Speaking during a meeting with Shopping plaza Chairmen and Secretaries at Onitsha on February 19, the President General (PG), ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna reminded the plaza executives on the huge losses being incurred by both individuals and government because of no full business activities every Monday in Anambra and entire South East.

He said that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo who has the interest of Ndi Anambra has been using the tax payers money judiciously having almost completed about 400km roads among other interventions and projects.

“Soludo is working. Last time when Soludo empowered youths, many traders in the market benefited but people from the plaza could not submit any names because you were secluding yourselves.

“Let us unite together, sit up and support Soludo’s government because he is a good and very intelligent man that has the interest of the masses.

“His Excellency hosted a meeting for market leaders and joint task force comprising the Military, Police and AVS and they promised to be patrolling every Monday near the markets and plazas in case of any eventuality.

“So, you leaders should organize yourselves under one umbrella and select a 7 -man committee that will be part of ASMATA leadership meetings so that traders doing business in plazas all over the state can enjoy other privileges which include defending yourselves against multiple taxation from illegal revenue contractors.

“Plazas are Incorporated in ASMATA constitution and nobody will take you serious if you put up any official document without ASMATA letter headed paper.

“Also, remember never to remit any revenue to even I or anyone in cash because all payments are done through the bank with the ANSSID number generated for your own plaza,” Anuna said.

Moreover, Chief Anuna with the support of plazas executives appointed the duo of Engr. Samuel Nwankwo, Manager of Emeka Offor plaza and Mr Chris Nwadilibe of the Young Shall Grow plaza to organize a meeting for all the plazas from major cities in Anambra as soon as possible for further information.

Earlier during the interactive session, Mr Chinedu Udemba of Atlantic plaza Nkpor, Simon Onwe of Ike Dunukofia plaza, Afam Nwagu of Collymart plaza after expressing the fear of endangering the lives of the traders said that plaza owners were also afraid of their plaza being burnt down by hoodlums.

They thanked the ASMATA PG for extending the opportunity for plaza traders to participate in ASMATA affairs and to defend the plazas from intimidation and exploitation, saying that this was the first of its kind.

According to Engr. Nwankwo of Emeka Offor plaza, 50 percent of plaza traders are ready to open for businesses on Mondays but they need to be convinced that government will provide adequate security both at the markets, plazas and roads leading from residential buildings to the plazas.

Nwankwo further requested for the ASMATA constitution and guidelines to enable the plaza traders to participate fully in the ASMATA affairs, urging the PG to ensure that plaza traders have enabling environment for business without interference from touts with many so called authorization form both LG Secretariat and State Government.

Moreso, Ochiagha Chukwunonso of Bethel plaza Niger Street, Onitsha eulogized Soludo for channeling the tax payers money into visible projects like the newly constructed road network within Fegge Onitsha.

He further suggested that South Eastern Governors should go to Aso Rock, Abuja and demand for the unconditional release of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu instead of increasing the number of security agents in the state which may scare citizens from going about their normal businesses.

*Uzo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SOLUDO BACKS SUPER EAGLES TO WIN AFCON SEMI-FINAL

By Christian ABURIME :

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed his full support for the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they face off today against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the highly anticipated semi-final match of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

With echoes of victory already building up in the air as millions of expectant Nigerians across the nation throw their renewed support behind our gallant Super Eagles, Governor Soludo declares that the journey of Nigeria’s team in this AFCON tournament has been nothing short of inspiring, showcasing resilience, tactical brilliance, and the unbeatable Nigerian spirit.

The governor and indeed entire Anambra State stand united behind our brave Super Eagles, confident in their abilities, dedication, and hunger for victory.

“Let the soaring Eagles go out there, unleash their dazzling skills, and beat Bafana Bafana to the finals!” Governor declares

Governor Soludo further emphasizes the unifying power of football and its ability to transcend differences, noting that this match presents a unique opportunity for Nigerians to come together, irrespective of current challenges, and celebrate our shared passion for the beautiful game with patriotic zeal.

“As the boys carry the hopes and dreams of millions on their shoulders, fighting for every tackle and winning every battle on the pitch, we will all celebrate another heroic triumph tonight on the road to the AFCON finals”.

It will be recalled that Governor Soludo has persistently supported the Super Eagles in all their matches leading up to today’s epic semi-final with South Africa with a great zeal of national patriotism!