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ANAMBRA GOVT KICKS OFF ICONIC LIGHT OF NATION TOWER AND WATER FOUNTAIN PROJECT

By Sunday Okoli :

In a bid to transform the environment to the admiration of all, the Anambra State Government has handed over site for the construction of Light of Nation Tower and Water Fountain at Ekwulobia, Aguata LGA.

Performing the handing over ceremony at Ekwulobia roundabout, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ifeanyi Okoma said that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is creating a smart mega city to enhance the environment.

The commissioner who was represented by the Director of Maintenance Department in the Ministry, Mr Amobi Anthony, charged the contractor to adhere strictly to the four months completion period.

The Managing Director of the Constructing firm, IDC Construction Ltd, Mr Maher Dib, thanked the state government for awarding the contract to their company, promising to deliver on schedule and according to specifications.

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

WORKS ONGOING ON THE RECONSTRUCTION OF ATANI ROAD

By Okoli Sunday :

Rehabilitation works is ongoing on the project, the reconstruction of Atani Road in Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State.

The 10km road which was awarded in June this year has a 14-month completion timeframe which is in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision to make the state the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.

The contract was awarded to a competent contractor Mideast Construction Company Ltd.

The road when completed, will not only ease traffic along the ever busy Enugu -Onitsha Expressway, it would drastically reduce accidents and criminality on the road and also help to evacuate farm produce as the people of Ogbaru are agrarian communities.

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

NNEWI NORTH CHAIRMAN INSPECTS DAMAGED ROADS

By Enoch Uzuegbunam/Chidubem Okoye :

The Executive Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Mr Echezona Anazodo, took a significant step towards improving the region’s infrastructure by touring damaged roads in Nnewi with representatives from the Anambra State Ministry of Works on October 29, 2024. This move followed his recognition of the dire state of the road network in Nnewi North since assuming office.

The chairman’s efforts to revitalize Nnewi’s infrastructure paid off as Governor Charles Soludo swiftly responded to his call for action by sending his team to assess, cost, and prioritize the reconstruction of these roads. The roads included;
Owerri Road, Igwe Orizu Road as well as Nkwo to Nkwo Road.

He reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the overall well-being of Nnewi, demonstrating his dedication to the community’s growth and development.

“The collaborative effort between the local government and the state ministry of works marks a significant milestone in Nnewi North’s journey towards improved infrastructure and a better quality of life for its residents.This move aligns with Governor Soludo’s development agenda, which prioritize road infrastructure.”

The event had the Deputy Mayor Nnewi North, Mrs Ijeoma Okoli, Speaker of the council, Hon. Chijioke Nwizugbe and Ifebi Uloma, amongst others

  • Uzuegbunam and Okoye are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ANAMBRA POLICE LAUNCH SCHOOLS PROTECTION SQUAD

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

Anambra State Government has praised the federal government for launching the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) to tackle school insecurity. This commendation came after the State Police Command inaugurated the squad, making Anambra the first state in the Southeast and fourth in Nigeria to implement this initiative ¹.

The inauguration event, held at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center in Awka, brought together key stakeholders in education and security.

Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, representing Governor Chukwuma Soludo, expressed gratitude to the federal government for prioritizing school safety. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with Governor Soludo’s commitment to enhancing security in educational institutions.

According to Dr. Ibezim, Anambra State appreciates the federal government’s response to protect schools and students, particularly as the state undertakes large-scale educational infrastructure projects. He noted that Governor Soludo’s free education policy has increased public school enrollment, making school security even more crucial.

Commissioner for Education Prof. Ngozi Chuma Udeh commended Commissioner of Police CP Obono Nnaghe Itam for his dedication to bringing this initiative to Anambra, stressing the importance of community collaboration for school safety.

The Schools Protection Squad aims to ensure the safety of schools and surrounding communities, addressing rising attacks and kidnappings by bandits. This proactive measure protects young learners and strengthens educational sector security. With Anambra leading the way, this initiative may set a precedent for other states to follow suit.

  • Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ANAMBRA GOVT VOWS TO BOOST SECURITY MEASURES

By Chisom Okpala :

Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment towards ensuring security of lives and property in the state.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim made the pledge at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Center Awka during the training of Schools Protection Squad, that will help strengthen security resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education.

According to him, a lot has been done in the education sector of the state and we are glad that the federal government through the Nigerian Police has awaken to the clarion call for the protection of these efforts made so far in schools.

Explaining on the need to protect the future generation, the governor stated that the state is making efforts to promote a safe and conducive learning environment, stressing that with the provision of infrastructures and adequate manpower, there is a paradigm shift in education in the state and people are now moving from private and mission schools to public schools.

He disclosed that more public schools will be built in state, as every community must have a public school, and called for community partnership that involves Traditional Rulers, President Generals and other structured organizations in ensuring safety in schools.

Speaking on behalf of Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Godwin Aghaulor stated that the SPS programme offers promising steps and measures geared towards prioritizing and improving security in and around schools and learning institutions in Anambra State.

He commended Governor Soludo’s unwavering support and commitment to the course of school protection in the state, stating that the safety and security of the educational institutions are paramount and it is imperative that all work together to protect and safeguard the students and educators.

The IG called for collaboration and integration between host communities and security agencies, stressing that it plays a significant role in fostering a secure and harmonious co-existence.

Also, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Obono Nnaghe Itam noted that education holds the future for development and growth of Anambra State and the entire country.

He pointed the need to strengthen the security architecture of the state in order to provide safer communities and to ensure that schools, staff, students and pupils are protected, maintaining that the SPS programme will help to boost the confidence of the Nigerian Police, as well as foster the required partnership with other informal security agencies in the state.

The event was organized by the Nigerian Police Force Strategic Stakeholders Forum on the training of Schools Protection Squad (SPS)

  • Okpala is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ANAMBRA SPEAKER, UDEZE EULOGIZES CARDINAL ARINZE ON HIS 92ND BIRTHDAY

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze said Anambra State has produced a renowned priest in Africa in the person of Francis Cardinal Arinze.

Felicitating Cardinal Arinze, the Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on his 92nd birthday, Udeze described him as an outstanding religious leader.

The Speaker who called on other religious leaders to emulate Francis Cardinal Arinze’s humility, uprightness, good nature and devotion, noted that he has done the state, Ndi Igbo, Nigeria and Africa proud in his religious career.

He revealed that Francis Cardinal Arinze has in the course of his priestly mandate and duties, received an unprecedented Gold Medallion from the International Council of Christians and Jews for his outstanding achievements in inter-faith relations.

The speaker while praying God to continue to strengthen Francis Cardinal Arinze in all goodness, wished him more eventful years ahead as he continues his service to God and humanity.

  • Okeke is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ANAMBRA FIRST LADY LAUNCHES WEEKLY EXERCISE, GARDENING PROGRAMS

By Chiedu Uche Okoye and Uzo Ugwunze :

The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has launched two innovative initiatives under her “Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo” project.
The Weekly Exercise Regime and Gardening programs kicked off at the Idemili North LGA Headquarters in Ogidi and are set to expand to other local government areas across the state.

Mrs Soludo advised the people of Idemili North LGA to start weekly physical exercise regime as their participation in physical exercises would bring countless and immense health benefits to them.

” Doing physical exercise improves our hearts’ condition; and it helps us to check and maintain our body weight, Not only does our participation in physical exercises improve our moods, but also it offers us the opportunity to congregate and socialize with one another, ” Mrs Soludo said.

She noted that volunteers, who are physical fitness experts, are needed to train those who would participate in the newly introduced weekly physical exercises.

More so, she introduced gardening to the Idemili North people, the aim of which is to cultivate vegetables like water leaves, water melon, okro, hot pepper, fluted pumpkin, garden egg, lettuce, green pepper, carrot, cabbage, and maize.

She promised to give the farmers organic seeds which would mature for harvest within three months of planting them.

While saying that the garden produce would be sold in the farmers’ market, she stated that soil fertility would be maintained over the years, by using organic fertilizers.

The Chairman of Idemili North LGA, Mr. Stanley Nkwoka, thanked Mrs. Soludo for starting the physical exercise and gardening initiatives at Idemili North LGA, and promised to support them, wholeheartedly.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, highlighted Gov. Soludo’s lofty achievements in health care which included; provision of free antenatal care services for pregnant women in the state.

Dr. Obidike emphasized that pregnant women who deliver their babies through either normal and safe delivery or cesarean section won’t pay any money, provided they’ve registered with the designated hospitals.

He assured the people that Gov. Soludo would not discontinue the implementation of his people-oriented policies, especially the Anambra free education policy and the construction of roads.

The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, pledged his unalloyed support for the things, which Mrs. Soludo are doing in the state.

Hundreds of people, including APGA faithful, attended the event and cheered Mrs. Soludo as she unveiled the weekly exercise regime and gardening initiative.

Among those who attended the event were the Chairman of APGA in Anambra State, Ifeatu Obi-Okoye; Mrs Amaka Obi, Chairperson of Idemili South LGA; the Commissioner for Special Duties, Beverly Nkemdichie; Deputy Chairman of Idemili North LGA, Lady Phina Onwuachu; among others.

  • Okoye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

TAX PAYMENT NECESSARY FOR REALISATION OF SOLUDO’S ANAMBRA AMBITIOUS PLAN – DR. MEFOR 

By Rose Oranye :

The Commissioner for Information, Anambra State, Dr. Law Mefor, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Executive Officer, Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Dr. Greg Ezeilo, at his office in Awka.

While addressing the AIRS Chairman, Mefor said he was there to familiarise himself with the institution and its management and see what could be done to sensitise Ndị Anambra on tax payment, which is necessary for the quick realisation of Soludo’s ambitious plan for Anambra and the state’s development.

According to him, Governor Soludo has a lot of mega projects ongoing in various parts of the state, which will be realised fully and in good time if the internally generated revenue is improved.

“When the Governor is crying about revenue, we can understand because he has a lot of mega multi-billion naira projects across the state, which is a testimony that he is putting the taxpayers’ money to good use.

“It’s a lot of pressure on you, and we are there in the Ministry of Information to help. We want to work with you, and we are ready to do whatever can be done to sensitise our people to understand that payment of tax is necessary, especially as the state does not get much from the centre, so we have to survive from inside.

Dr. Mefor commended Ndị Anambra for their support so far to the Soludo-led administration through the payment of taxes and urged them to do more.

“I’m sure that if Ndị Anambra are well mobilised and sensitised that their money is being put to use, they will be happy to pay their tax regularly. That’s why I keep saying that Governor Soludo’s achievements are underreported. Our people need to know about the achievements of the Soludo government and the projects and programmes in the works. Information ministry will therefore join hands with AIRS for a massive public enlightenment on tax compliance by our people,” he said.

In his remarks, the AIRS Chairman, Dr. Ezeilo, stated that Anambra is making much progress under Governor Soludo through internally generated revenue from his office. He added that he is convinced that other states will soon come to study Anambra’s revenue generation management.

Ezeilo, who used the opportunity to conduct the commissioner round the office, presented various awards won by AIRS as the best-performing government institution in the South-East, among others.

* Oranye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

DR. MEFOR DECRIES JOURNALISTS’ WELFARE, PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR 2025 ANAMBRA NUJ ELECTION

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has advised the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to work towards prioritising the welfare of members.

Addressing members of the NUJ, Anambra State Credentials Committee, who visited him at his office in Awka, Mefor decried the plight of journalists in Nigeria, pointing out that they are not only underappreciated but are sometimes maligned by those in other professions, particularly politicians who obstruct their jobs and put them in harm’s way.

“Every news media platform should work out some life assurance for journalists. I would want the NUJ to think in terms of basic welfare packages for members, particularly their family members when they go prematurely in the line of duty.

“As for your program, you need to seek more support outside because you have been working for society. The job is a thankless job. Journalists are underappreciated and maligned by others who obstruct their jobs and put them in harm’s way. The job is very risky. Society should appreciate your work by supporting your programs. I noticed it’s only the press that is called out and given the responsibility to hold the government accountable in the Nigerian Constitution. This is a tool media practitioners have to leverage to make the profession much more potent and relevant,” he said.

The commissioner further assured that he will study their requests regarding the forthcoming NUJ Anambra Election and make a case to the appropriate quarters as the ministry can’t do much.

Earlier, the chairman of the Credentials Committee, Dr. Stanley Ikem Onunkwo, informed the Commissioner of the NUJ Anambra Election coming up in January 2025 and asked for the government’s assistance to ensure a successful election.

In a vote of thanks, a member of the group, Comrade Ebele Ézè, lauded Dr. Mefor’s numerous contributions in the field of journalism and urged him to assist them in reaching out to people.

Other members of the committee present during the visit were Mr. Chris Obileri of Radio Nigeria Purity FM and the Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika.

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