News

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.

LG ELECTION: ONITSHA SOUTH STAKEHOLDERS, MARKET CHAIRMAN, OTHERS ENDORSE ORJI FOR CONTINUITY

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Onitsha South Stakeholders, Industrialist, Market Chairmen, party faithfuls and well wishers on 12th Sept, endorsed the Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji for continuity.

Making the endorsement at the local government secretariat, Fegge during the flag off ceremony of morning campaign for the upcoming LG election.

They assessed Mr Orji’s performance over the past two years as Transition Committee (TC) Chairman and encouraged him to build on his achievements, identifying areas for further improvement if re-elected on September 28.

Okwudili Obinwanne, Chairman of the Fegge Landlords Association, noted that Mr. Orji has performed wonderfully well as Transition Committee Chairman. “He has done marvelously well on security and infrastructure. Onitsha was a den of robbers and dirt before now, but today it looks gorgeous.”

Regarding the opposition, he remarked, “In reality, there is no genuine opposition here. Those perceived as opposition are, in fact, well-wishers of Emeka, indirectly. While they may be misunderstood as opposition, they are not. Mr. Orji is a good market that sells itself”, he said.

An Industrialist, Chief Michael Okigbo described Orji as a civilized person who has spent many years abroad and his positive impact to the well-being of Onitsha residents and the environment is a welcome development.

He stated that Orji has done well both in security, assured that he would do better if elected and stated that he believes that onitsha would be more cleaner as it is.

The President of Onitsha Sports Club, Chief Olisa Okafor reiterated that Orji has done well which every residents of Onitsha and visitors can attest to.

“Emeka has been in London for years, he is a sportsman and we grew up together, somebody who has traveled a lot would like to attract some good things to his area to fit his lifestyle”.

He urged onitsha south constituents to vote for Chief Orji who has done marvelously as a transition committee chairman, wondering what would happen if duly elected.

The President General of Fegge Housing Estate, Chief Afam Udogalanya declared that Chief Orji acceptance by many people is as a result of his achievements as the TC chairman, who transformed fegge to what it is today.

The PG who is also the Onitsha South APGA Deputy Chairman noted that there is no fire service vehicle in Onitsha South, urged Chief Orji to make it his first priority if elected.

The Onitsha South Youth Leader who doubles as the Anambra North Senatorial Zone APGA Youth leader, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwanyanwu lauded Chief Orji for the development he has attracted in the area so far, stated that the youths are ready to garner more votes for him come Sept 28, LG election.

However, The Chairman, Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders, Association (ASMATA) Soludo Support Group, Chief Peter Okala lauded Governor Soludo for the massive developmental strides he has done in the state so far , urged the Igbos to follow him for his good leadership.

Speaking to Newsmen, the Market Chairman of Sokoto Road, Chief Emeka Mbachu stated that Chief Orji deserved the endorsement because of his good relationship with the traders.

He noted that the infrastructural developments Chief Orji has attracted so far in Onitsha South are enough for his continuity, stated that he would emerge winner for being tested and trusted.

In the same view, the Chairman of Haruna Market, Chief Emmanuel Idoko applauded Chief Orji for the project attracted so far in Onitsha South indicating that the area is the most benefitted LG in Governor Soludo’s led administration.

Others who assessed and endorsed Chief Orji were the President General of Bridge Head Market, Chief Chinedu Ezekweike, the Chairman of Ochanja Market, Chief Bonaventure Muo and other dignitaries.

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

ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT HANDS OVER CONSTRUCTION SITES TO CONTRACTORS

By Okoli Sunday :

Anambra State government has handed over sites for the construction of projects across the state.

The projects handed over included,

Construction of fences at Fun City Lot 2 by Arcon Global Engineering Ltd, construction of Additional Internal road in Solution Fun City, Awka by Ferotex Const. Ltd, the reclamation and control of flood and gully erosion projects at Upper Iweka along the Onitsha -Owerri Road by Strasbourg Investment Nig. Ltd.

Others were; construction of Nwokedi Street in Okpoko, Ogbaru LGA by Akaeze Multi Services Nig. Ltd, reconstruction of Oraifite Road to Onitsha -Owerri Expressway, Ekwusigo LGA.

Performing the hand over ceremony at the various construction sites, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ifeanyi Okoma said that the projects is part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s urban regeneration initiatives.

The commissioner who was represented by the Director of Maintenance Department, Mr Anthony Amobi said that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has an agenda with a timeline, and so the contractors should not joke with the completion period as well as the specifications in the contract.

At Oraifite, Ekwusigo LGA, the Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Highways and Engineering Services, Mr Nuel Okoye said that Governor Soludo is opening up every part of the state simultaneously.

He highlighted the significance of the road to Oraifite residents and environs and charged them to take full ownership of the road by giving the contractor a maximum cooperation so that they can achieve.

In their separate remarks, the MD, Arcon Global Engineering Ltd, Mr. Chidi Anuligo, the Project Manager, Ferotex Const. Ltd, mrt Olaolu Kings, the CEO Strasbourg Investment Nig. Ltd., Mr. Chijioke Afamefuna, and the MD of Akaeze Multi Services Nig Ltd, Mr Chinedu Okoye and the Managing Director, IDC Ltd, Maher Dib expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for awarding the contracts to their companies, they promised not to disappoint the confidence by working according to specifications and delivering on time.

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

SECOND PHASE OF 1 YOUTH 2 SKILLS PROGRAM KICKS OFF IN AYAMELUM

By Kelechi Achukwu-jide :

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

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: INSIGHTS FROM ANAMBRA AND LAGOS STATES

By Nwanodu Angela :

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.

ANAMBRA MONARCH URGES YOUTHS TO EMBRACE AGRICULTURE AS HE CELEBRATES NEW YAM FESTIVAL

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

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 *

NNEWI NORTH CHAIRMANSHIP CANDIDATE, ANAZODO FELICITATES WITH TRAINEES OF 1 YOUTH 2 SKILLS PROGRAMME

By Enoch Izuegbunem/Chidubem Okoye :

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

BRIDGING DIGITAL DIVIDE: GOVERNOR SOLUDO EMPOWERS DISABILITY RIGHTS COMMISSION

By Nwanodu Angela :

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 *

APGA CHAIRMANSHIP CANDIDATE AZUBUIKE PROMISES TO ENSURE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

By Akaogu Chioma :

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 *

ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT CLARIFIES CHIDO OBIDIEGWU, EX-MD OF ANAMBRA BROADCASTING SERVICE (ABS) IS REDEPLOYED, NOT SACKED

Press Release :

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.

Signed,

*Christian Aburime*

Press Secretary to the Governor

September 6, 2024