Other News

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY: GOVERNMENT EXPANDS CAMPAIGN

By Chukwudi Nwauba :

The Anambra State Government, through the State Ministry of Health, has expanded its efforts in promoting mental health awareness as the state joins the global community in marking World Mental Health Day.

In observance of the 2024 World Mental Health Day, the state is launching awareness campaigns focused on tackling the growing challenges of depression and drug abuse.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, announced that initiatives are being implemented across all 179 communities in the state.

Dr. Obidike emphasized that World Mental Health Day aims to elevate global awareness of mental health issues. This year’s theme, Mental Health at Work, highlights the importance of fostering a supportive workplace to improve mental well-being.

He shared this information during a press briefing at his office in the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.

“A recent mental health survey revealed that nearly 10.6% of adults suffer from mental health disorders, affecting 1 in 8 people worldwide.”

He called on relevant bodies to take immediate action to address mental health risks in workplaces and urged collaboration between government, employers, and health organizations.

“Our goal in Anambra is to increase awareness of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, especially given the current economic challenges.”

“To support these efforts, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has approved the introduction of a new minimum wage and the hiring of health workers trained in managing mental health disorders. Additionally, a specialized mental health unit has been established to coordinate care in accordance with national policy.”

Dr. Obidike encouraged the public to adopt mental health strategies, including open communication, prioritizing sleep and nutrition, regular exercise, and seeking help when necessary.

Dr. Uchenna Okeke, the State Mental Health Programme Coordinator, urged communities to actively participate in the state’s mental health campaign.

Present at the briefing were the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mrs. Obiageli Uchebo; Acting Director of Public Health, Dr. Afam Anaeme; and representatives from partner organizations, including the World Health Organization, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Achieving Health Nigeria, and RED AID Nigeria.

Nwauba is with the State Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

GOVERNMENT DISSOLVES CARETAKER COMMITTEE OF OLD MERCEDES SPARE PARTS DEALERS ASSOCIATION AMAFOR-NKPOR-AGU

By Amaka Isikala :

The Government of Anambra State through the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Market (SPAD), Chief Evarist Ude has dissolved the caretaker committee of the Old Mercedes Spare Parts Dealers Association Amafor-Nkpor-Agu, Idemili North LGA under the Chairmanship of Mr Okonkwo Sunday at the expiration of their tenure since August 2022.

Chief Ude commended their effort towards promotion of peace and harmony that existed in the market over the years.

He then directed the former Chairman to handover the affairs of the market to the newly instituted Committee Chairman within seven days from September,2nd 2024.

The Special Adviser therefore charged the new Chairman to ensure a viable administration and effective collection of government’s accrued revenue.

The twelve man committee include;

1.Mr. Martin Ezeokeke- Chairman

2.Nnamdi Ikwuazom- Vice Chairman

3.Afah Byron Chigozie-Secretary

4.Daniel Nwaokeke-Assistant Secretary

5.Mmaduka Egolum-Financial Secretary

6.Christian Okoye-Treasurer

7.Hyacinth Nnaji -PRO

8.Cosmas Umenze- Provost 1

9.Emeka Omekantinu- Provost 11

10.James Okoli-Member

11.Sunday Muobike- Member

12.Oluchukwu Okoli-Member

*Amaka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT, TOURISM VOLUNTEERS NETWORK SET TO HOST GRAND PICNIC, FUNFAIR 1.0 IN AWKA

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

Anambra Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism in collaboration with the Tourism Volunteers Network, Anambra Chapter, is planning to host a grand Picnic and Funfair 1.0 on Sunday, 13th October, 2024.

The groundbreaking event will take place at the Anambra Film Village, located behind the Kenneth Dike Library in Awka. The event will feature cultural kids’ ballad dancers, exciting games such as ludo, Ncho, tug of war, and more, as well as cultural musical entertainers. Attendees can also enjoy local cuisine including roasted plantain/yam and sauce, African salad (abacha), palm wine and a variety of other side attractions.

The Commissioner, Mr. Don Onyenji, while addressing members of the Anambra Tourism Volunteers Network Planning Committee in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, stated that the program aligns with Governor Charles Soludo’s manifesto to develop the state into a prosperous mega smart-city, attracting people for business, living, and leisure.

“The Solution government is transforming Anambra into a place of leisure and relaxation through the ongoing construction of the Solution Fun City, Solution Neighborhood Leisure Park, and other notable projects aimed at enhancing relaxation. These developments will brighten up the state and increase the number of tourists visiting the area.”

He then invites every parent to come with their children and enjoy the cultural fiesta.

The Executive State Coordinator and Chairman of the Planning Committee of Anambra Tourism Volunteers Network, Ms. Chinazom Okey-Umeh, mentioned that the upcoming event will be the first of its kind in the state, featuring a variety of exciting activities, including old-school cultural games, cultural kids’ ballad dancers, cultural musical entertainers, local cuisine, and more.

“We utilize our network to promote tourism and showcase it to the world to attract investors and tourists to the state, create job opportunities and boost the state’s internal revenue generation.”

She urged all parents to bring their kids and swimming trunks to the picnic and funfair on Sunday, as there are children’s swimming pools, a kiddie section, and more for relaxation and entertainment.

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

REDUCE STUPIDITY IN NIGERIA BY HOLDING POLITICIANS ACCOUNTABLE – UTOMI—AS NIPR, COOU HOSTS HRM OBI ALFRED ACHEBE 2ND LECTURE SERIES

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The renown political economist, Prof Pat Utomi has tasked Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to reduce the stupidity and idiocy in the country by holding political office holders accountable as a means to achieving peace and reconciliation among tribalized Nigerians.

Pat Utomi made the statement during the HRM Obi Alfred N. Achebe 2nd Lecture series organized by the NIPR in collaboration with Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), at ETF Auditorium Igbariam, Anambra East LGA. Anambra State.

Utomi while delivering his Lecture themed ” Archiving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: The Public Relations Approach” said that many self centered Nigerians say and do things out of selfishness or along tribal lines thereby seeing other people who are not their relatives, ethnicity or religion as enemies even when they were not enemies.

According to him “Politicians have a way of looking for people to blame and ordinarily people especially in this part of the world are gullible. When people hear things especially in this era of social media they do not bother to verify before forming their opinion about others.

“Berkeley an Economic historian and another Public policy scholar in US, Carlo M Cipolla just as the Greeks, categorized man in society into four types of people. The Intelligent or citizens, the bandits, the unfortunate and the stupid or idiots.

“Stupid people are counterproductive to both theirs and others’ interests.The stupid seek to harm others without benefiting from it. Idiots only know themselves, relatives, religious group, tribesmen/ethnic group, anybody outside their tribe is an enemy and should be silenced.

“Bandits are those who benefit themselves by harming others. The Unfortunate are those who do harm while trying to benefit others. The Intelligent are those who aim to benefit themselves and others.

“Anytime you see a person cheering passionately for a politician whose conduct does not make sense or who harm the common good, you are looking at a stupid person no matter their characteristics of education, wealth or social status. When idiots become stupid the society is in grave crisis.

“Stupidity comes dressed as journalists, academics, and even men of God. Silence in the the face of evil is itself evil, and not to speak is to speak as not to act is actually to act.

“Part of the calling of the Public Relations work is to hold politicians accountable; to reduce influence of stupid people in Nigeria.

“Our goal had been to show we can effectively execute the creation of good will derived from plans and programs aligned to national strategy and vision of a future Nigeria devoid of the dysfunctions of ethnic, religious and other cleavages; seek cooperation between peoples with a communication plan to sustain desired goodwill to enable achievement of national goals and citizen commitment to the common good”, said Utomi.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Co-host, Acting Vice Chancellor of COOU, Prof Kate Omenuhga after eulogizing Igwe Obi Alfred Achebe as a noble man and late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu whom he described as a man known for his resilience counted herself honored to feel in the shoes of Prof Greg Nwakoby who was VC when the lecture series was initiated.

She stated: “this resonates with the 3Vs of our administration – Values, Viability and Visibility. We have a dream in setting up the Alfred Achebe lecture series. May this dream not die.

“Our distinguished guests, gentlemen of the press, the theme of today, “Achieving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: The Public Relations Approach” is both timely and critical. Nigeria is a land of extraordinary diversity, a tapestry woven from a multitude of ethnicities, languages, and cultures. While diversity enriches our national identity, it also presents challenges that if left unaddressed, can lead to discord and ultimate disunity.

“At Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, we are alive to these diversities and thus equipping our students with skills needed to deal with it.

“This year’s HRM Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe’s Lecture presents a platform not just for learning, but for inspiration and action. As a community of scholars, practitioners, and advocates, it is our responsibility to harness our knowledge to influence public sentiment and encourage collaborative action towards peace”, said Omenuhga.

In his remarks, HRM Obi Alfred N Achebe said, “we have a body that meets every Friday night by 9pm via zoom to discuss our burden for Nigeria, how Nigeria can become a good and better country which it is designed to be.

” I started my career as a Human Resources and ended in Corporate Affairs in Shell Company. I later became the conscience of Ogoni people by telling Shell Company the truth where they did not get it right. I had sessions with Gen. Sani Abacha where I gave verifiable and objective reports. Your biggest asset is your image.

“Leadership is critical in family, companies and the country. It does not come by chance, you work for it just like Bill Clinton told John F Kennedy as a chap that he would be like him and worked it out and eventually became a United States President.The country must create an environment to nurture leadership. We need a change for the better.

“At Onitsha, in 2002, I told my people my leadership would be based on truth and transparency. We have programs on leadership and entrepreneurship, we told ourselves that every 5 years 1 Onitsha person can become a digital millionaire.

“Onitsha Development Trust Fund which is just 1 month old has attracted N30 million. We need to reestablish and reorient our values. Value of honesty, hardwork, etc”, said Igwe Achebe.

The Occasion Chairman, Sen. Ben Ndi Obi eulogized NIPR and COOU under the leadership of Dr Ike Neliaku and Prof Kate Omenuhga respectively for hosting the HRM Prof Alfred Achebe Lecture series as a platform for promotion peace and transparency, saying that the county is in dire need of peace,reconciliation and fairness.

“Peace remains one of the foundations of stable and sustainable development. Without peace, justice and equity,we can achieve nothing as an individual, organization and as a country”, he said.

Contributing, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor welcomed the August visitors to the state, saying that Anambra State was being rebranded with many ongoing and completed projects.

“Move around and see Onitsha is being remodeled, brand new govt house and so on. Prof Utomi tasked the NIPR to reduce the stupid people especially amongst politicians. Soludo is reducing illiteracy by free education to break generational poverty transfer, reducing unemployment through 1 youth 2 skills training and empowerment of about 10,000 youths.

“I thank you for choosing Anambra and may this lecture outlive all of us”, said Mefor.

Highlights of the event included decorations of Prof. Pat Utomi as a Fellow of NIPR and award presentation to deserving members and associate members of NIPR.

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

ASMATA PG, UDECHUKWU URGE STAKEHOLDERS TO EXPOSE ILLEGALITIES

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The President General (PG), Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association (ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anuna, and the ASMATA counsel, Humphrey Udechukwu (Esq), had while counselling about 200 ASMATA stakeholders at the ASMATA Secretariat Onitsha , on the way forward, urged them to expose any illegalities found in their various markets.

The PG in his address titled “Harvest of Highly Resourceful Men and Women as Critical Stakeholders from All the Markets Across Anambra State,” emphasized the importance of the newly appointed stakeholders.

The address, read by ASMATA Secretary General, Mr Macaulay Ekwe, highlighted that the ASMATA leadership, in collaboration with the state executives, had selected resourceful traders from markets across Anambra State to serve as the eyes and ears of the association in their respective markets.

He described the stakeholders as experienced, tested, and trusted individuals, chosen based on their positive track records and contributions to their markets, which have impacted the development of ASMATA.

According to Chief Anuna, their elevation as critical stakeholders was a way to appreciate their efforts and motivate them to continue promoting development, not only in their respective markets but also by supporting government programs and policies in the state.

The PG listed the functions of the stakeholders to include reporting undesirable elements and illegal activities in their markets to ASMATA office.

He reminded them that ASMATA may summon them anytime individually or as a group, alongside their market leaders, to address critical issues concerning the well-being of their markets.

Chief Anuna added that the nominated traders would also serve as ASMATA ambassadors in their respective markets, cautioning them not to challenge their market leaders even as he advised them to avoid selfish interest even when faced with challenges.

As a symbolic gesture, he presented the market leaders with traditional wrapper clothes, urging them to adopt these as the official uniform for traders.

Contributing, the ASMATA legal adviser, Udechukwu praised Chief Anuna’s leadership role and initiative in coordinating traders, noting his deep knowledge of market leadership.

He urged the newly appointed ambassadors to respect their market leaders and cooperate with the ASMATA President General, adding that lack of respect to leaders has been the bane of the market and Igbo crises

“We have zero tolerance for crisis in the markets. Governor Soludo is working especially on roads and other infrastructures and we need to support him. If there is crisis we have to settle it,”, he counseled them.

Also speaking, the Secretary General of Onitsha Main Market, Mr Emeka Boniface Okoli, described Chief Anuna as a man of wisdom and a core APGA member, and lauded his efforts in consolidating Anambra traders.

Mr Evaristus Ejezie, the Chairman Iron Dealers Association, Atani Road Ogbaru LG commended Chief Anuna on his effort alongside with the Special Adviser on Market,Chief Evarist Uba.

He also noted that the traders are with them and advised them to shun all critics from whom ever because it shows they are doing very well, noting that ‘for you to be on top, you must be a topic.’

Some other market leaders and secretaries who praised Chief Anuna during the event included Chief Samuel Efurunwa, Chairman of Mgbuka Obosi Old Motor Spare Parts; Mr. Wisdom Obasi, Secretary of Ogbaru Main Market; and Chidiebere Ibe, Chairman of New Parts, Owerri Road.

Chief Ibe who was a former caretaker committee chairman and his vice, Chief Felix Muoghalu, disclosed that because they did not embezzle market fund and refused to share it, they were attacked by opposition, adding that they handed over cash of over N200000 which no regime has done, aside solar lights, wash hand basins, among others they provided in the market.

“It is based on these achievements that ASMATA PG found my vice and I worthy to be honoured as stakeholders and we commend him for remembering us to be honoured.

Among those inaugurated stakeholders who expressed their gratitude included, Sunday Ezemuo, Comrade Sam Njoku, Mr. Leonard Ume, and Sunday Nwaofor.

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

PRIMARY HEALTHCARE BOSS URGES MEDIA STAKEHOLDERS ON EFFECTIVE REPORTAGE

By Nnedinma Okeke :

The Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ESPHCDA), Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, has urged media Stakeholders in the health sector on effective reportage with facts devoid of disinformation.

She noted that the print and electronic mass media tools in all forms such as: radio, television, newspapers and social media has the power to shape a section, influence behaviour and drive action in the fight against preventable diseases.

Dr Ani-Osheku said this during a one-day zonal media orientation for states within the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Enugu Field Office implementing the forthcoming Intergrated Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs).

The event held with support from UNICEF and implemented by National Orientation Agency (NOA) had in attendance media Stakeholders, State Health Educators (SHEs) and State Immunization Officers (SIOs) from Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Enugu and Kogi States respectively.

The Executive Secretary explained that during Immunization campaigns, the media is a powerful tool as it could be used to dispense fear, rumours backed with scientific facts, and encourage people to seek decisions capable of saving lives.

“Globally about 2.5 million children die annually from vaccine preventable diseases and this is not just tragedy for the families, it is a failure of our collective system to communicate effectively to those that needs these information the most.

“This is why the media is real, and in this age of information, every platform which can be accessed is a battle field for truth,” Dr Ani-Osheku said.

She, further, emphasized that immunization was the smartest way to go, as it was the most cost effective means to prevent children dying from vaccine preventable diseases.

“The media is an important tool to promote positive behavioural change toward Immunization uptake in the society.

“As we stand on the precipes of the Measles Immunization, we must all recognise the urgency of the task ahead, as in a couple of days most states will embark on the vaccination exercise.

“The campaign is not just geared toward ensuring 95 percent coverage, it is geared toward ensuring that no eligible child of nine to 59 months must be left unimmunized.

“We must actively engage, inform, and inspire as the media is not just a tool of information dissemination, but it is a means by which lives could be saved,” the Executive Secretary said.

She, then, employed the media stakeholders being champion of truth, warriors against misinformation, and advocate for children’s health working together, they can create a world where no child dies from a preventable disease.

Dr Ani-Osheku also expressed gratitude to State Governments of the Intergrated Measles campaign implementing States for their support to health programmes, and being health champions in safeguarding the lives of children.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

LG ELECTIONS: SECURITY, EDUCATION AND AGRICULTURE OUR TOP PRIORITY, SAYS CAPT. NWAFOR

By Chioma Ezeiru/Charity Okechukwu :

Capt. Casmir Nwafor, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) party candidate for Orumba North Local Government Chairmanship election, has outlined his top priorities if elected into office on Sept. 28. Alongside his deputy, Sir Ifesinachi Onwurah, Capt. Nwafor aims to focus on Security, Education and Agriculture.

Capt. Nwafor and his deputy said this at Alex Ekwueme Civic Center Oko, where APGA celebrated and marked the end of a successful ward tour and campaign period on Sept. 26.

He emphasized the importance of grassroots governance, urging the people of Orumba North to vote for him and promising that they will enjoy the dividends of democracy.

According to him, Education and Security will be our top priority in Orumba North. Security of lives and property has become a major challenge and concern in the area as well as the dilapidated primary school buildings.

“Primary school education is the responsibility of the local government council. Some primary schools we visited during my tenure as the transition committee chairman were in a very bad state and lack the necessary amenities for a conducive learning environment and proper training of the pupils.

“In Agriculture, we want to transform Orumba North into the state’s food basket by supporting and intervening in agricultural communities like Ndiokpaleke, Ndiukwuenu Ndiokolo, Ndiokpaleze, Okpeze, and Amaetiti.”

The Orumba North APGA Chairman, Mr. Cyril Nwobu, also expressed support for Capt. Nwafor, citing the party’s successful campaign and endorsement from the 16 communities in the local government area.

“Through the efforts of the councilors and ward chairmen, we have campaigned in the different communities of Orumba North and without doubt, the candidacy of Casmir Nwafor and his deputy is fully endorsed by the sixteen communities that make up Orumba North local government area.”

“Orumba North is part of the Soludo government and we have benefitted immensely from his administration. Capt. Nwafor is a party man and man of the people. We are giving him our support and vote because we that he will do well,” he said.

*Chioma and Charity are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

MORE SCHOOLS IN ANAMBRA REPORT PROGRESS AS 2024/2025 ACADEMIC SESSION UNFOLDS

Michael Ezenwata :

Following the resumption of Primary and Post Primary Schools in the state for the 2024/2025 academic session,the press visited some schools to monitor the resumption exercise.

A visit to St.Patrick’s College Awka a mission institution, speaks volumes of order,discipline and commitment to duty by the school management.

The Manager/Principal of the College, Reverend Father Paschal Udo announced that the institution met all requirements in terms of their pre resumption meeting for teachers, orientation exercises for the new intakes in the school, and their parents,and resumption tests for the students.

In terms of challenges facing the College,Father Udo listed the economic challenges facing the country and grappling with stabilizing the new intakes.

He announced that the College took the 1st position in the state this year in the German/Chinese languages competition organized by the Stelated-Bilateral Educational Consultancy, a foreign Firm based in Nigeria.

The Manager charged the teachers to aim at more academic excellence and moral probity to advance the academic and intellectual property of the students and the standard of the College.

At the Kenneth Dike Memorial Secondary School Awka, the Principal of the college Mrs. Catherine Onwurah reported an impressive turnout of teachers and students on the day of resumption and and the conduction of resumption tests for the students.

She mentioned some of the needs of the college to include provision of functional laboratories,security, dilapidated Sumo for water reticulation etc.

The principal commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for posting 15 teachers to the school.

A visit to the Hez- Dike Secondary School Awka was fruitful as the Principal Mr.Mishael Okoye told the press that all teachers and over 85% of the students were present during the resumption of the school.

Mr. Okoye described the school as an institution that produces quality education but needs adequate funds to run its affairs.

He described governor Soludo as an educational friendly governor.

The press also visited the National Secondary school Awka where students were seen in their traditional attire portraying the Igbo cultural heritage.

The Principal of the College Mr.Christian Ebe told the press that teachers and students resumption presence on the school’s resumption day was appreciable and resumption tests held.

He called for the proper funding of the college.

NIGER DIOCESE FLOATS POLYTECHNIC COLLATES 16 ARCHDEACONS, CANONS

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, Anambra State has again made a groundbreaking stride in the annals of higher education in Nigeria, floating another tertiary institution in less than one year she founded the University on the Niger, (UNINIGER), Umunya.

The latest institution, Gozie Anyachebelu Polytechnic (GOZPOLY), with its permanent site at Oraukwu in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state has its take-off campus in Onitsha.

The Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo, broke the news of the new institution at the All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, today, Sunday, September 15, 2024 during the collation and installation of archdeacons and canons of the diocese.

According to the bishop, the polytechnic has commenced offer of admission to legibly qualified candidates, adding that the school would start academic activities in a few weeks time.

He described the institution as a citadel of learning where innovation, excellence and character were guiding principle.

“We are committed to empowering you with the knowledge, skills and values necessary for you to succeed in your chosen career, and which will ultimately enable you to make a positive impact in society”, he assured

While encouraging parents and guardians to avail themselves the opportunity of enrolling their children and wards into the institution, Bishop Nwokolo quipped, “We sincerely urge you to encourage your children and wards to embrace the opportunities that now lie ahead.

Rector of the polytechnic, Mrs Hellen Abonye, while clarifying issues concerning the institution, appealled to parents and guardians to help their children and wards explore their passions, develop their skills, and become part of the vibrant polytechnic community.

She listed the following accredited Ordinary National Diploma (OND) as offered by the institution:

* Computer Engineering,

* Computer Science and

* Library and information Science, assuring that with time more courses would be added.

Earier in his sermon during the preceding church service, a guest preacher, the Rector, Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit, Bronx, New York, Ven Dave Nwanekpe advised the new archdeacons and canons to always show love and unity in their ministries.

He reminded them of what he called the enormity of their responsibility, encouraging them to continuously strive to live out their christian life and objectively express their ministerial callings.

“You must fear God not man. You are called for a higher responsibility for which you should not allow the challenges of the 21st century Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology detract you from your ministerial focus,” he stated.

Nwanekpe who was the retreatant to the collated admonished them that among other things they should love God and take love, unity and humility as their watchwords.

Bishop Nwokolo had while collating the ministers subjected them to various oaths of allegiance during which rites they pledged to be obedient to Christ and to the Church, confessing not being members of secret cults nor being of questionable moral character.

The twelve new Canons include: Rev Canon Emmanuel Eze, Rev Barr Oscar Akabuogu, Rev. Canon Chukwudi Okafor, Rev.Canon Onyeka Onuzulike, Rev Canon Onyebuchi Emefo, Rev Canon Chidi Okonkwu and Rev Canon Maxwell Njoku.

Others are: Rev Canon Robinson Oputa, Rev Canon Innocent Ohaeri, Rev Canon Ananyochukwu Igweaka, Rev Canon Achebe and Rev Canon Johnson Iwuamaeze.

The six newly collated Archdeacons are: Ven. Dr Sunday Achebe, Ven Dr Ebelechukwu Okonkwo, and Ven Benson Okafor.

Others include; Ven Dr Chukwudi Amasiatu, Ven Chukwudi J. B. Okafor and Ven Onyeka Onuzuruike.

ANAMBRA PARTNERS NATESA CONSULTING LTD TO HOST A MAIDEN PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION IN AWKA

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

The Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, in partnership with NATESA Consulting Ltd, hosted a stunning maiden Photography exhibition with the theme “The Forgotten Country” at the International Convention Center (ICC) in Awka.

The groundbreaking event showcased various photographs captured by talented photographers from the Southeastern region and a short documentary about the economic impact of the Nigeria-Biafra civil war on the southeastern region before and after the conflict.

While declaring the event open, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji highlighted that photography serves as a creative economic platform that offers connectivity and revenue. He emphasized that a single photo can tell numerous stories about an event.

Mr. Onyenji stated that the state governor, Prof Charles Soludo, has created a supportive environment for people to showcase their talents, conduct business, and relax and the ministry is open to partnerships that will enhance the state’s reputation.

He said; “This government is youth-friendly and has initiated a program for the youth to learn skills under the ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ program. Additionally, He has approved free training for Anambra youths in film production under the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism which will offer a lot of opportunities for our youths in the film industry.

“The governor is constructing a state-of-the-art Solution Fun City, which will be a mega entertainment hub in the state and the Solution Neighbourhood Leisure Park is being built at the defunct National Light Complex for relaxation and recreational purposes.

“Furthermore, the Igboukwu Museum, currently undergoing refurbishment, is expected to be ready before Christmas. It will be available for historians and archaeologists to utilize for research purposes,” he stated.

The commissioner appealed to the state comedians and content creators to positively market the state to attract investors.

In his lecture on “Exploring Diverse Revenue Streams Beyond Print Sales: Licensing and Stock Photography,” the keynote speaker, Mr. Kelechi Amadi-Obi, emphasized the challenges of excelling as an artist, particularly in the field of photography. He highlighted the need for patience and hard work to succeed.

Mr. Amadi-Obi also emphasized the significant role of photographers in capturing and sharing events and places. He noted that photographers provide the first impression of a location which helps to influence its patronage.

“For instance, when I googled Lagos on the internet, I saw a picture of a man carrying a child on his neck in a flood. This kind of impression doesn’t give Lagos a good image out there. However, when I searched for Dubai, I saw beautiful pictures that would prompt you to visit the place.

“So, the images you create of your state matter a lot. Make sure to present your state in a positive light to attract attention and make progress for you,”

He advised the photographers to improve their work by studying other notable photographers’ works, staying focused, comparing their work with the best in the world, and believing in themselves.

In her welcoming address, Augusta Nnadi, the co-founder of NATESA Consulting Ltd, expressed gratitude to everyone for attending the event. She emphasized that their firm is a Public Relations and Strategic Communication firm aimed at rebranding the entire Southeast as the powerhouse of Nigeria in photography. She highlighted that the Southeast possesses all the potential it needs to succeed.

“We chose the theme “The Forgotten Country” not to depict the strife, pain, tears, and hunger that affected the southeastern region during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War of 1967-1970, but to showcase a country that thrived and endured despite the painful war.

“This is our first open photography exhibition, featuring photographs by talented young individuals from the Southeast region. We encourage more people to get involved in this trade and showcase the beauty of the Southeast, which we believe can be the economic powerhouse of Nigeria,” she stated.

The Executive Director of the Center for Memories, Mazi Iheanyi Igboko, who was represented by the Program Officer, Nnamani Ifeoma, commended the organizers for initiating such valuable projects. He mentioned that their organization is located in Enugu State and focuses on recording, preserving, and presenting the significant memories, narratives, and history of the Igbo people.

“We are open to collaborating with individuals or organizations interested in portraying Igbo stories through photography. Photography is an art that holds the ability to capture moments and document the stories of each generation.”

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