The second phase of the 1 Youth 2 Skills program themed, “Value Re-Orientation” has commenced in Ayamelum Local Government Area.
The Ayamelum LGA Chairman, Mr. Alphonsus Ofumelu, officially launched the program at the LGA Secretariat in Anaku.
The initiative, spearheaded by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, was supervised by the Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development, led by Commissioner Patrick Agha Mba.
The program aimed to empower youths after 4-6 months of training in their chosen skills, providing startup funds to establish their own businesses.
Ofumelu commended Gov. Soludo for his commitment to youth development, saying that the program will elevate Anambra State to new heights.
He encouraged participants to take the program seriously to transform their lives and positively impact on the society.
Osita Ozalagba, representing the Commissioner’s Office, cautioned trainees against misusing their attendance or missing classes, as this will lead to disqualification.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Mr Emma Ozuonye expressed heartfelt gratitude to the state government for the opportunity and promised that they will make the most of it, praying for God’s blessings on the Soludo-led administration.
Other people in attendance include the master trainers, Coordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria Ayamelum LGA Chapter, Peter Okwuobo, and Ohaneze Youth Coordinator, Mr Clement Nweke.
*Kelechi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Africa’s digital future took center stage at the Hyperscalers Convergence Africa Conference, held at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. Top experts in technology and infrastructure development gathered to explore and shape regulatory frameworks that will propel the growth of digital infrastructure across the continent.
Among the distinguished panelists were the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Lagos State, Olatubosun Alake, and the Managing Director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, who shared insights from their respective states on the journey so far.
In his remarks, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata highlighted Anambra’s success story through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), particularly in digital infrastructure development.
He noted that Governor Charles Soludo’s initiative to waive Right of Way (RoW) charges was pivotal in attracting investors and enhancing ease of business, following the examples set by Lagos and Kaduna.
“Governor Soludo’s decision to waive RoW charges significantly boosted connectivity and economic growth in the state.
“Government is financially burdened, so we have focused on collaborating with local partners to connect our services.
“For the first time, we now have a civil service with access to the internet – another successful example of PPP in action,”Agbata noted.
He explained that a major component of the state’s digital transformation strategy has been leveraging partnerships with local businesses to foster digital access across government institutions.
Agbata maintained that such collaborations were critical for states, not just Anambra, as efficient resource management is key to meeting diverse governance priorities.
He emphasized that partnerships like this are instrumental in driving progress in critical areas such as digital infrastructure, as they distribute the burden of development and maintenance, making them an essential component of effective modern governance.
Olatubosun Alake, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, highlighted the importance of stakeholder consultation and advocacy, particularly when engaging the private sector.
He urged companies to establish their own codes of conduct to ensure smooth interactions with the government and legislative bodies, which play a critical role in reforms aimed at fostering ease of doing business.
“Ease of doing business is pivotal because it determines whether an investor will engage,” Alake said.
He also emphasized the importance of qualified personnel in civil service sectors and advocated for competitive pay packages to ensure optimal service delivery.
Other distinguished panelists included Dr. Ayotunde Coker, Chairman, Africa Data Centres Association; Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria; and Douglas Njenga, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Special Projects, WIOCC Group. The session was moderated by Sade Dada, Public Policy Manager for Anglophone West Africa at Meta.
The discussions underscored the importance of regulatory frameworks, partnerships, and targeted reforms in driving digital infrastructure development across Nigeria and the African continent.
The Traditional Ruler of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Igwe Pharmacist Alex Onyido has urged the youths to go into agriculture especially farming as a major means of fighting hunger in the land as obtainable in those days which sustained our grandfathers.
He made the urge during his 2024 new yam festival celebration held in his palace, adding that not only will farming fight hunger but will also keep the youths busy instead of roaming the streets in search of white collar job that is nowhere to be found.
He described newyam festival (Alo Mmuo), as an inheritance from our forefathers, stating that it is the reason the people give the forefathers the yam to eat first during the celebration as mark of honour before the people will eat it.
“The ancestors are saints like you have saints in the church. In the Igbo culture we have saints, Nwankwo, Nworie, Nweke, Nwafor, among others as you have saints, Cyprian, Peter, John, Philip, among others,” he stated.
He lamented that with the high cost of food items now and pump price of fuel, the only way out of the socio-economic and political quagmire is to embrace agriculture.
“The pump price of fuel now is #1250, a tuber of yam is about #5000, not to talk of other food items, we have teeming youths and they should go to farm now. The economic hardship is an ill wind that blows nobody good,” he stated.
He deplored that excessive taxation on imported goods has exacerbated the situation, emphasizing that essential items like pharmaceuticals should be exempt from high taxes.
“We still pay old tariffs, multiple taxation on importation of wares. A lot of things are happening at the ports, government should help out importers of these essential commodities,” he pleaded.
Highlight on the occasion was paying of homage to the monarch by his cabinet members, dance groups, town union branches, in-laws, friends and well wishers.
In return each person smiled home with a tuber of yam and fowl as the case may be as the monarch’s appreciation to participants during the celebration.
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Nnewi North Chairmanship, Mr. Echezona Anazodo, visited the Nnewi North Secretariat, to congratulate trainees of the second phase of the 1 Youth 2 Skills empowerment program.
The program, launched by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, aimed to equip over 10,000 youths across the state with various skills and provide seed capital of N2 billion.
In his address, Anazodo commended the trainees on their selection and urged them to acquire the necessary skills to succeed in life, thanking Gov. Soludo for the opportunity and pledged to consolidate on the initiative when elected into office.
“I am committed to ensuring the steady empowerment of Anambra youths, as envisioned by Gov. Soludo’s administration. I will build on this program to create a prosperous homeland for all.”
*Enoch and Chidubem are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
In line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s pioneering vision of “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere,” the Disability Rights Commission has been equipped with cutting-edge digital tools to revolutionize its advocacy and support for persons with disabilities.
These innovative tools will significantly enhance communication channels, streamline access to vital services, and promote inclusivity in decision-making processes,
With innovative software to boost accessibility, the Commission is now better equipped to fulfill its mandate and ensure that no one is left behind in the state’s digital transformation drive.
This integration of technology is a game-changer, empowering ‘those who need it most’.
This significant advancement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Anambra State ICT Agency, which played a crucial role in facilitating the digital transformation.
As part of its mission to drive e-government initiatives and support technology integration across state institutions, the agency provided the technical expertise and resources necessary to implement these tools effectively.
Receiving the digital tools, the Chairman of the Commission, Chuks Ezeawuzie (Esq), described it as a welcome development, highlighting the rapid pace of technological adoption and its potential to enhance productivity.
“Anyone without technology is still living in the stone age, the analog stage. But with these tools, our office is now digitalized,” he stated.
He noted that the pre-digital era involved strenuous work, particularly for those physically challenged.
However, with the provision of these tools by the Solution Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, these challenges are now being successfully addressed.
Reflecting on his past, Ezeawuzie reminisced, ‘My experiences at the school for the blind, where every task required manual effort and perseverance, come flooding back. However, during my postgraduate studies in the United States, I discovered the transformative power of technology in enhancing the lives of the visually impaired.
“Unfortunately, upon my return years before the Solution Government took office, I found a stark contrast – a lack of technological tools to implement the knowledge I had acquired, leaving a significant gap between vision and reality.
“With these tools, not only will our productivity be enhanced, but they will also enable even more persons living with disabilities to receive training at our Access to Technology Training Center within the Commission.”
In addition to the digital tools, the Commission has also been provided with Cable TV, Air conditioners, water dispensers, stabilizers, refrigerators, cameras, tripod stands, and others too numerous to mention, creating a more inclusive and functional work environment.
As the Disability Rights Commission steps into this new era of digital empowerment, it not only strengthens its capability to serve but also exemplifies Governor Soludo’s commitment to integrating technology into every facet of governance.
This initiative, supported by the Anambra State ICT Agency, underscores a broader vision where technology bridges gaps and fosters a more inclusive society, reflecting a promising future for all stakeholders involved.
* Nwanodu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The APGA Chairmanship candidate of Orumba South Local Government Area, Mr Shedrack Azubuike has promised to ensure youth development in the council area.
Speaking during the 1 Youth 2 Skills reorientation exercise organized by the Ministry of Youth Development at the council headquarters, Umunze, Azubuike said that his major priority is to see that youths in the local government area thrives in their various areas of specialization.
He noted that the 1 Youth 2 Skills programme is one of the governor’s numerous ways of appreciating the values placed in the youths in his administration, urging the youths to take the programme seriously and promised to ensure they have swift training sessions with the various trainers.
* Akaogu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Anambra State Government has made a clarification that the exit of Mr. Chido Obidiegwu as the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) is just a routine redeployment and not a sack as being insinuated by some sections of the media.
It would be recalled that the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, recently approved the appointment of a new Managing Director for ABS as part of ongoing reshuffling and rejigging of government operations.
Therefore, this clarification becomes necessary to correct wrong impressions being created in the minds of the public that Mr. Obidiegwu was sacked. He has only been redeployed and not sacked as being erroneously reported.
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 *
Traditional Prime Minister of Abagana Community, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze,has described New Yam Festival as one of the cardinal means of safeguarding the rich cultural heritage of Ndigbo
Speaking with newsmen at his country home while celebrating the new yam festival, he described it as capable of uniting the Igbos.
While calling for its preservation, he urged Ndigbo to always engage in acts capable of projecting their rich cultural heritage before the international community.
He, then, reminded Ndigbo that culture as people’s way of life, should always be used in bringing peace and unity for enhanced development .
Dr Anakwenze, emphasized the need for Ndigbo to reinvent the true Igbo spirit by embracing agriculture to enable them survive the prevailing era of crisis food crisis and Food insecurity in the nation.
While affirming that yam is the king of all crops, he pointed out the importance of agriculture to the growth of the society and encouraged youths to take agriculture seriously.
The event attracted Community Leaders including the Traditional Ruler of the community,Igwe Mbamalu Okeke,friends and well wishers.
The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency(ASHIA), has sensitized the Desk Officers of its various accredited health facilities.
The ASHIA Managing Director, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi in a meeting with the desk officers at ASHIA headquarters in Awka, discussed the overview, dynamics and operations of the Scheme.
He advised the officers to familiarize themselves with the operations of the Scheme by studying the ASHIA operational guidelines given to them.
Dr Onyemaechi cautioned them on the administration of branded drugs to enrollees in the bid to extort money from them, educating them that unbranded drugs are the approved medicine by the health insurance policy and any branded drugs given to enrollees should be with proper explanation and their consent.
The MD expressed dissatisfaction at hospitals that render services that are not included in their accreditation by ASHIA, advising such hospitals to desist from such or face the consequences.
He pleaded with the desk officers to be open minded and attentive to the enrollees to ensure that they do not pay out-of-pocket for services that are covered by the scheme.
Speaking on pre authorization code, the MD advised the desk officers to always send the proper diagnosis when requesting for the pre authorization code to avoid denial.
*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
