News

STATE GOVERNMENT INSPECTS ONGOING WORK ON THE RECOVERED RIVERBANK, COMMENDS COUNCIL BOSS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has inspected the ongoing work at Niger Street, Fegge, Onitsha, a proposed site for an entertainment, leisure and fun center.

The governor who was ably represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi commended the Local Government Boss, Mr Emeka Orji for the recovery of the land, saying that it would be put to good use for the people of Onitsha and Anambra State in general.

“I will tell the governor the extent of work done already and the regeneration to do because we must put it for the good use of the community, Onitsha community and anambra in general.

”We look at environmental impact, what it was before and what it is today, I remember about 2 months ago, Mr Governor came here, the number of batcher and makeshifts here was disturbing.

“We’re working to revitalize Onitsha, and one of Governor Soludo’s top priorities is to breathe new life into the city. Instead of our brothers and sisters living on the other side of the bridge and commuting to Onitsha for work, we want to create a thriving hub where people can live, work, and play. Our goal is to reclaim and transform the area into a vibrant and attractive space, making Onitsha a desirable destination once again.

He emphasized that a major milestone for business owners and travelers crossing the Niger River would be the creation of leisure and entertainment opportunities. This will be achieved through the reclamation of a significant amount of land (though the exact number of plots or acres is unknown). The goal is to drive meaningful urban regeneration and local government development, ultimately making Onitsha a thriving, livable, and prosperous homeland for all.”

Regarding the recent viral video negatively portraying the Ochanja water fountain, Ezeajughi clarified that it is misleading the public. He recalled accompanying the Governor to the site in May 2022, when it was a massive dumpsite with refuse piled high enough for the governor to stand on and change a traffic light bulb. Moreover, there were even dead bodies buried amidst the trash.

“But today we have achieved water fountain, quality roads, instead of people commending the governor for the great job, for reviving Ochanja, the water fountain is still under construction and not yet commissioned .

The Council boss Mr Emeka Orji in his response commended Mr Governor, assuring him of always queuing into his policy in bringing back the lost glories of Onitsha and making the state a liveable and prosperous place.

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

ANAMBRA STATE, A DESTINATION POINT — INDUSTRY COMMISSIONER

By Amaka Isikala :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu has described the state under Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, as a steadily rising economic destination point in Africa and an increasingly preferred location where numerous developmental and industrial enterprises are being encouraged to establish and flourish.

The Commissioner made the remark during an interactive session with some officials of United Nations Development Program (UNDP) from Lagos State who visited him in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.

Mr. Udechukwu declared that Anambra State is steadily planning, organizing, strategizing, and executing to launch an ambitious agenda in Anambra Industrial City with a view to move Anambra State toward becoming one of the global centers of excellence for Industries with the capacity to absorb and process a vast variety of raw materials to finished manufactured products, in automotive industry park, pharmaceutical industry park, agro – processing industry park, leisure – entertainment centres, financial services centres and more.

“Some of the made in Anambra products would be exported back into the global market to earn foreign exchange and to grow our share of global trade.

“In order to achieve this goal of establishing an emerging manufacturing hub, Mr. Governor, Prof Soludo will soon unveil the Masterplan for the new Anambra Industrial City, the new Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, the Solution Fun City and more.

“In the Ministry, we are looking to grow our export program, we are also aiming to reach out to the world as a rising trading and industrial centre.”

According to him, We are hopeful to partner with UNDP for industrial investment promotion, export development, talent enhancements, global placement of highly skilled talents, capacity building for export focused industries, setting up trading houses in overseas markets and working to attain all compliance with international trades and to access new markets.”

Commissioner Udechukwu also pointed out that, beyond industrial development that Gov. Soludo is poised to grow a population that is productive at home and exportable abroad as well as ensuring that the next generation is more literate than the current one. This is why the Governor is investing free education in public schools and human capacity development through innovation and vocational skills acquisition for youths.

Earlier, the leader of the team Mrs. Joyce Oburu, thanked Commissioner Udechukwu for availing them the opportunity to interface with him and expressed their happiness to be in Anambra state to consolidate their historical partnership.

Mrs. Oburu said that the aim of their visit was for new program development and data verification for their Small to Medium Enterprise project grant support program that the UNDP are implementing in Anambra State.

She added that the SME Grant Support Scheme project was designed to supporting and enhancing the growth capacity of SME’s using cluster approach that is comprised of two layers which include a grant of 100,000 to 3,000 SME’s in the state and staged capacity building for SME’s through trainings, mentorship and coaching of the entrepreneurs.

“The purpose is to enhance and intensify their capacity to do business in a standardized form and to help them with the grant to bounce back from the shocks of the recent global economic turbulence that had affected Nigeria after the COVID-19 era because according to survey, Anambra State were also severely affected.

“We are not giving them the grant for short term purpose, we also have long term purpose to ensure that all these businesses strive,” she said.

The team leader said that the project has six states as the pilot states, pointing out that Anambra has always been home for UNDP over many decades with a State UNDP Resident Officer in Nigeria, Ms Chinwetal.

She also stressed that UNDP have some additional programs they are about to roll out in the Anambra State, ranging from African Young Innovators Program and UNDP Jubilee Fellow programs that will be of benefit to Ndi Anambra.

“To propagate this SME Grant Scheme program, we have a structure where we reach out to people in the LGA’s through ASATU with Traditional Rulers and President Generals of various towns taking the sensitization to the grassroots and they have already selected people that will help in local mobilization, reported Mr Okwudili Obiefuna, Director of SME at the State Ministry of Industry.

“We are at the stage of sensitization, awareness and also mobilizing our youths for their participation in communities and markets. Very soon, people will start online registration for these UNDP programs,” he said.

Present at the meeting were the Director SME Mr. Okwudili Obiefuna, the SA on Commerce and Industry Mr. Eloka Mmaduekwe and the SA to the Commissioner and UNDP desk officer in the Industry Ministry, Ms Jennifer Okoye.

*Amaka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

FORMER ANAMBRA HOS BURIES MUM AMID EULOGIES

By Regina Igwebuike :

The former Anambra State Head of Service (HOS), Barr. Harry Udu has buried their mother, Mrs Theresa Oguguo Udu, aged 88 amid eulogies.

The burial Mass, which took place at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Amawbia, Awka South LGA on May 10 was well attended by priests and religious, top government officials, different Church groups, friends and well-wishers.

Commiserating with the family over the loss of their Matriarch, the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo noted that his administration has a great good working relationship with Barr. Udu as the former Head of Service, who worked hard in building Anambra State.

He commended the deceased family and the parishes in Amawbia for adhering to the Anambra Burial Law, noting that the Law was passed far behind before he came on board, which Barr. Udu was instrumental.

“It is very good and I commend that, this effort the government is making to make Anambra a liveable and prosperous homeland is now sinking to the community and that is the journey of Mama Theresa.

“She shared her salary to the people. We must emulate her life, legacy and other virtues.”

The governor said that his administration has given free antenatal and free delivery even with caeserean section. Some of our dreams are being fulfilled by this present administration.

“Mama was a bookworm and produced her likes of Barr. Udu. She would be happy to hear that basic education from Nursery to JSS 3 is absolutely free in public schools in Anambra State because we are preparing our children to be like Mama. We have our libraries equipped with good books, digitalized too.

“The little you can do like Mama will change a lot of things in your family, community, parish and the society.”

The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, then, urged Ndi Anambra to uphold the Burial Law as it saves cost and the money can be diverted to paying school fees for someone in tertiary institution.

Earlier in a homily, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ifesinachi Udu said that the deceased was a compendium and he cannot exhaust saying good things about her; an inspirer, urging the family not to forget her.

“Her father’s efforts were rewarded by naming St. Matthew’s Parish after him.”

Fr. Udu explained that the story of the Beatitudes summarized the life of this great woman.

“She was a unifier. At 88 years, she knew her time was up. She was a bookworm, patron saint of readers, reading for pleasure and being at peace with herself.

“Looking at the story of Beatitudes, she had her fair share of sorrow but she did not allow it to show on her face, always yearning for knowledge, desired to know God, translated it to a piece of her life, always a jolly fellow, smiling and going for visitation anytime she came home from Enugu.”

The cleric expressed concern that the generation of givers are fast leaving this world.

“Mama was a great disciplinarian. A mother indeed who enjoyed every bit of her life and do not joke with her health. Her children are always available for her and I urge the family to immortalize her.

He further said, “the dead are dead when their virtues die in their children, that is when they truly die but when their virtues are copied whole and entire, he or she lives on.

“She touched everyone of us. You can never encounter her without loving her. She enjoyed and still enjoys the love of her children and her grandchildren because she was a unifier when she was alive.

“She remained a woman with sense of God and strong bond with our Mother Mary, which she handed over to her children”.

Fr. Udu emphasized that loneliness, aloneness awaits everyone, urging all to prepare for old age, learn to be alone and at peace with yourself, clinging to God and Mother Mary, even as he advised catholic men and women not to joke with their Bible and Rosary.

He enjoined mothers not to joke with their relationship with God, saying, “the strength of motherhood draws from God. A woman’s womb is a ciborium that helped God bring creatures into the world that is why it is said that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”.

The deceased son, Barr. Udu thanked God for the successful burial, commending the priests and religious who came to pray for the repose of his mother’s soul even as he thanked the Parish Priest of St. Matthew, Rev. Fr. Michael Onwukike, for making the arrangement seamless.

He in a special way thanked the governor of Anambra State and government protocols that came to commiserate with them, wishing all journey mercies back to their respective destinations.

*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

NEWLY APPOINTED PERMANENT SECRETARIES UNDERGO LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP IN ANAMBRA

By MaryAnn Chukwuma :

The Anambra State Government has commenced a two-day capacity building program for newly appointed permanent secretaries in the state’s civil service, aimed at enhancing their leadership skills and equipping them for effective service delivery.

The work shop with the theme ‘Strategic Leadership: Thriving Through Challenges and Opportunities in Governance’ started at Peackastel Hotel, Awka.

Declaring the event open, the Anambra State Head of Service, Lady Theodora Okwy Igwegbe thanked Gov. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for the appointment of the new permanent secretaries, noting that the decision was apt at this time for the implementation of the robust government plans.

Lady Igwegbe, congratulated the appointees again while highlighting how lucky they were to be selected out of the over thirty thousand staff of the service. She urged them to align their efforts with the plans and purposes of the leadership of the state government.

The civil service boss while presenting her lecture titled “The Leaders Road Map spoke on the ”Anambra State Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan” 2022-2025, hinging the discussion on its five pillars which includes capacity building, performance management, service delivery, anti corruption and staff welfare as the focal points for achieving efficiency in service.

Lady Igwegbe gave monitoring and evaluation as the accepted way to measure growth. She emphasized the need for reward for positive behaviour and punishment for negative conduct as the more effective ways of achieving results.

She advised the newly appointed leaders to foster a collaborative work environment by engaging with their staff, recognizing that no individual has a monopoly on knowledge. Additionally, they were tasked with ensuring their respective ministries excel in alignment with the five pillars of the Anambra State Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan, which has been endorsed and adopted by the State Executive Council.

The foremost Civil Servant equally thanked them for their arduous efforts at making the service great again.

In an interview, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Mr. Jerome Chukwuma Ilokwu promised that the permanent secretaries would work for the good of ndi Anambra in line with the efforts of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.

Mr. Ilokwu noted that the induction seminar would better prepare them for the task ahead while thanking the Head of Service for being a strong mentor and great team player.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Agbaizu Ifeoma, thanked the organizers of the event while promising to discharge her duties diligently and ensuring that the set goals of the governor were met in her ministry.

She also expressed her delight with the Head of Service and the entire team of the executive council for steering the Anambra wheel of development in the right direction.

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

GOVERNOR SOLUDO ADVISES NYSC CORP MEMBERS TO EMBRACE HOST COMMUNITIES

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

The Governor of Anambra State,Prof Chukwuma Soludo has enjoined the 2024 NYSC Batch ‘A’ (Stream II) Corp members to integrate themselves into their host communities where they would be deployed for primary assignment.

Addressing the Corp members during the closing ceremony of the 2024 orientation course held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South LGA on 7th May 2024, Governor Soludo praised them for good conduct and humility during the course.

Gov Soludo who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba encouraged the Corps Members to utilize the skills and knowledge acquired to serve their host communities with diligence and respect for the traditions of the state.

He listed some of the transformational initiatives and youth empowerment programs of his administration to include, Solution Innovation District where 20,000 youths were empowered with digital skills, Solution Sports Initiative and 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution where 5,000 youths were empowered through vocational and entrepreneurship skills as well as N2 billion grant for start up business and expansion.

Prof Soludo appreciated the team spirit, dedication and hard work of the camp officials which culminated in the huge success recorded and promised the Corps Members of their safety throughout their assignment and thereby declared the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation course closed.

In his address, Commissioner for Youth Development and Chairman NYSC Governing Board Mr. Patrick Agha Mba stated that the state government policy is geared towards developing the youth in all ramifications especially sports waxes, adding that his ministry is hunting for talented youths in sports for encouragement and support.

He further stated that the visionary and youth friendly Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo has created a conducive environment for the corp members to serve and enjoy Anambra State – The Light of the Nation, adding that they would lack nothing in the state.

He enjoined the Corps members to deploy the acquired skills during their orientation to the place of primary assignment as the lessons learnt would be of immense benefit both during their service year and beyond.

In her vote of thanks,the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Blessing Ekene Iruma,expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo and Mr. Patrick Agha Mba for their unwavering support, which has greatly contributed to the success of the NYSC program in the state.

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

UNDP PARTNERS ANAMBRA MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TO EMPOWER YOUTHS

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

The United Nations Development Program ( UNDP), is to partner the state Ministry of Youth Development to empower thousands of young people from Anambra State through the UNDP sponsored SME start-up/expansion project.

Speaking on the programme, the UNDP Team Lead, Mrs. Joycee Oburu stated that the ultimate goal of the project is to enhance the youths with Business Startup/expansion plans not just to compete in the state but in the country and globally.

According to her, the business financing programme will involve disbursement of a grant of ₦100,000 to 10,000 SMEs and will also incorporate mentorship and coaching of the SMEs for higher productivity.

She also stated that apart from undergoing training and mentorship to ensure that they maximize the grants for business growth, they will also be exposed to the international market.

Mrs.Oburu who noted that they decided to identify with the Ministry of Youth Development because 65% of the SMEs are associated with the youths, requested for the support of the ministry for the success of the project.

Responding, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba welcomed the UNDP Team and also thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for creating the right environment that is conducive for reputable agencies like UNDP to work in Anambra State through his integrity and credibility in management of resources.

He said that the target of Mr. Governor as captured in his manifesto is raising 1000 youth millionaires and creating 130 private sector jobs annually in Anambra State, stressing that the governor is very intentional in attracting investors in the state by building of massive roads infrastructure and creating enabling environment to ensure that the private sector thrives in the state.

He further stated that this is the first time in the history of the state, a youth was appointed to lead the Ministry of Youth Development, which is an indication that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is determined to change the narratives and move youth development to the next level.

The commissioner also explained that since assumption of office, the Ministry of Youth Development has set the motion for strategic partnership with relevant agencies like UNICEF, NASME, SMEDAN and ITF in order to ensure that policy formulation and implementation for youth development is properly articulated and executed.

He enumerated the key programmes of the ministry as 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution, Solution Job-KikstartInitiative and the soon to commence skill training programme for those at the primary and secondary school levels, describing the 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution as a total deviation from the usual youth empowerment programmes of the government to more impactful and sustainable programmes.

Mr Agha Mba emphasised that the 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution is purely a community base programme designed to incorporate five very important stages– Apprenticeship/Vocational Skills Training Scheme, Entrepreneurship Scheme, Cooperative Formation, Business Financing Scheme and One Year Mentorship Scheme.

He also explained that in the second phase of 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution, 10,000 youths will be empowered, which is an improvement on the 5000 youths who were empowered in the Pilot Phase with vocational and entrepreneurship skills in addition to a sum of N2 billion spent in business financing scheme for start-up/expansion.

The commissioner maintained that 75% of the businesses funded under the Pilot Phase of the programmes are already showing signs of success based on impact assessment conducted by the ministry and other programme evaluation agencies.

He also stated that 1 Youth 2 Skills had been adopted the federal government as a result of the successes recorded and that preliminary discussions had been held between the state and the federal government for possible partnership.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Martin Agbili, while appreciating the UNDP team for coming, stated that the major programme of Mr. Governor in the Ministry of Youth Development is to see how the ministry can develop the youths and enhance their potentials.

He assured UNDP that the ministry will accord them 100% support since its programmes and that of the ministry are targeted at achieving common goals for the youths of the state.

Also present during the meeting were the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Mr Emeka Tony Omatah, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development Mr. Chibuzor Udeh, UNDP State Focal Persons, Wetalu Okosi, Jennifer Odunukwe among others.

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

QORBAN GROUP PARTNERS ASMATA ON FREE MEDICARE TO TRADERS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

To ensure the well-being of traders,the Anambra State Government through the leaders of Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association(ASMATA) has organised free medicare for traders.

The free medical treatment program kicked off on April 16th, covering the 7 zones of the state. The program began with Aguata zone, followed by Awka and Idemili zones, and is currently ongoing in Ogbaru zone.

According to Amb.Ezeilo Franklin, the CEO of the Qoran group, the project is going to end next week Tuesday with Onitsha zone.

“Qoban is a Jewish name which means Dedicated Unto God, an international enforcement that is into education and health consultancy.

“Following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent emphasis on the importance of health, we recognized that a healthy trader is not only wealthy but also productive. Given that Anambra State generates significant revenue from markets, it’s alarming to see many traders struggling with illness or succumbing to death. This realization prompted us to take action,” he emphasised.

The Qoran boss explained that they launched this project with ASMATA to improve traders’ health at the grassroots level, enabling them to pay taxes and contribute to the state’s social development.

“So far, I am impressed by the turn up of traders, but the highest was Idemili zone with over 300 attendees. We are expecting that Ogbaru zone will top by 10 in number.

He noted that they concentrated on vital signs, prostrate, temperature, blood pressure, sugar and added malaria because of working space but cannot do other necessary parameter laboratories,

advised traders to always go for such tests.

Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, Chairman of Ogbaru Main Market (Relief Market), expressed his satisfaction with the project, stating that ‘it’s commendable to entrust leadership to those who seek it, as they are more likely to excel and outperform others since they have taken the initiative to ask for it’.

“Traders are responding well, and everyone’s getting involved. We announced the free medical treatment last week, and I’m delighted it’s happening in my market and benefiting the entire Ogbaru zone,” he noted

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

EMPOWERING TECH SKILLS: 3MTT NETWORKING MEETUP IN ANAMBRA SETS NEW STANDARDS

By Angela Nwanodu :

Anambra State has witnessed a groundbreaking event as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, a federal government program aimed at empowering Nigerian youths with tech skills recently hosted a Networking Meetup at the IDK Learning Centre in Awka.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including the 3MTT Community Manager for Anambra State, Somto Akujuruobi, who expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda and to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for his efforts in making Anambra a digital tribe.

Mr Akujuruobi also lauded the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani for spearheading the 3MTT initiative along with IHS Tower and NITDA for their significant support in fostering the initiative’s goals in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the spiritual father of the day, Bishop Alex Okedo, emphasized the importance of integrity in the tech industry, setting the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions and reflections.

A highlight of the event was the keynote speech delivered by the MD/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on MDAs Support, Mr. Castro Ideke.

Agbata emphasized the transformative power of technology and the need for continuous learning and adaptability in the dynamic field of tech.

“The path may not be easy but I assure you it will be a success.

“Let us seek knowledge relentlessly and believe in our ability to make a difference. This future is not just happening, it is ours to create”. Agbata concluded.

Attendees were inspired by success stories shared by members of the 3MTT community, including Oghene Kome, a success story from cohort one, who emphasized the importance of goal-setting and continuous learning in achieving success.

The event concluded with a sense of optimism and anticipation for future collaborations and shared successes. With a commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation, the 3MTT Networking Meetup in Anambra set new standards for empowering tech skills and driving positive change in Nigeria’s digital landscape.

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

MAY DAY CELEBRATION- GOVERNOR SOLUDO PROMISED TO ACCELERATE MORE DEVELOPMENTS IN ANAMBRA STATE

By Gab Alokwe :

The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has promised to continue working toward the development of the state.

Gov. Soludo made the promise during the May Day Celebration in honour of the workers in the state.

The Governor represented by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim emphasized that he has turned the state into a construction site and informed them of the state Government House he is building which according to him is a legacy project.

He said that he has worked with the security agencies of the state to secure the state from criminal elements in addition to the Amansea Awba Ofemili road project he has completed among other projects.

The governor promised to inaugurate Anambra State Civil Service Commission to help address promotion issues of the state workforce.

He, then, appealed to workers in the state to support his administration to enable him to do more for the state.

On his part, the state Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji congratulated the workers in the state as they marked their day.

He commended Gov. Soludo for his developmental projects in the state and his employment of more workers into the state’s workforce.

Commissioner Onyenji, then, appealed to workers to continue supporting the state government and to improve themselves to guarantee improved service delivery.

In a joint address by Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress read by the state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Humphrey Nwafor with it’s theme “People First”, he appealed to Gov. Soludo to exemplify the Solution mantra to the workers to help reduce economic and environmental challenges they face.

The organized labour also urged Gov. Soludo to reintroduce the removed wage award till the new minimum wage is signed.

They commended the governor for the numerous developmental projects going on in the state in areas of Road infrastructure, Security, Education and Health delivery, urging him to continue.

The event attracted top Government functionaries, Federal and Anambra State workers while the high point at the event was the march past and salute to Gov. Soludo by workers.

*Gab is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

MARKET CHAIRMAN, TRADERS LAUD SOLUDO, ASMATA LEADERS ON FREE MEDICARE TO TRADERS

By Juliana Nwachukwu/ Ngozi Okoli :

The Chairman of New Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Chief Stephen Oforle and traders, have lauded Governor Charles Soludo and ASMATA leaders on the free medical treatment to traders.

Chief Oforle made the commendation while fielding questions from newsmen in his office stating that, “It is a thing of joy that it is being done here in our market, I also provided a conducive environment for them. Traders trooped out en masse, like yesterday, they over stayed their time due to massive turn up.

“As we help to sensitize traders to make sure the free medical treatment yielded fruits, I as well plead to the state government for the continuation of this free medical treatment and provision of drugs to help in case of critical conditions.”

He however frowned at the inability of Africans especially Ndi Igbo to go for medical check ups, adding that instead they are more interested in their businesses than health, stressing that a healthy person enjoys wealth and they should check their health status at least two or three times in a year.

Director of the ASMATA free medical treatment program, Ambassador Ezeilo Flanklin (who is also a medical biochemist), informed the crowd the event was the final stop in Idemili zone after previously visiting Ekwulobia, Aguata, and Awka zones. He remarked that the medical outreach is part of ASMATA’s commitment to serve the seven zones of its region.

He explained that they have treated over 300 patients in these zones and records so far showed that the most pronounced medical cases were BP and sugar.

The director noted that although ASMATA has adequately provided for the outreach, attendance has been low in some zones. Mobilization efforts need to be improved to ensure more traders take advantage of the free health check-ups.

He advised that one should go for routine check and know the parameters of his body system, vital signs and know if you are healthy or not before you pursue money.

” It is very important to do this continuously, I even said that I will personally reach out to the commissioner for Health, Dr Obidike, he is doing well in primary health in the state but will ask him to find a way to collaborate with ASMATA.

” I urge the state government, governors’ wife, I love what she is doing in health status of Anambrarians, I ask all parastatals of health to come together to form a bond with ASMATA to do this often, because without the health of the traders, they will not trade well to pay tax and governor will have money for all the infrastructural development,” he stated.

Comrade Anayo Ibeabuchi, PRO New Auto Spare Parts stated that New Auto Spare Parts is the venue for about 12 markets under Idemili North and South.

He commended the organisers of the free medical treatment and the traders as well as those who participated in the free medical exercise.

* Nwachukwu and Okoli are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *