News

18,000 Out of 25,000 Formerly Diesel Powered Street Lights Converted to Solar Lights–Commissioner

By Azuka Offor :

The Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Anambra State, Engr Julius Mmelikam Chukwuemeka has said that out of about 25,000 street lights being previously powered by diesel by the previous administration,18,000 have been converted to solar lights so far by the solution government.

Engr Chukwuemeka made this known while addressing the management of Chukwuemeka Odunmegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) during the inspection of installed solar street lights at the Igbariam Campus of the University.

Mr commissioner said that the conversion from diesel powered to solar powered was in line with Gov. Soludo’s campaign promise to achieve more with less.

He maintained that solar system is not only cost effective but also environment friendly to achieve the solution government’s vision of clean, green and sustainable Anambra State.

He added that aside converting to solar system, new ones are being installed across the state and tasked the university community to take ownership of the street lights as well as other government utilities to prevent vandalisation.

*Azuka Offor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

Anambra Education Ministry Unveils Groundbreaking ‘Solution Theatrical Course’ Initiative

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The Anambra State Ministry of Education proudly inaugurated the Solution Theatrical Team, a pioneering effort aimed at fostering the artistic talents of Junior and Senior Secondary School students throughout the state.

During the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry of Education Board Room, the Commissioner of Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, expressed appreciation for the approval of the Solution Theatrical course by Gov. Charles Soludo, emphasizing its potential to meaningfully engage Anambra youths and reduce restiveness.

She urged every child in Anambra to embrace this initiative, highlighting its role in reshaping consciousness and instilling positive social values, noting that every work of art carries a message and that theatre serves as a medium for learning from others experiences.

Mr. Leo Ewuziem, Chairman of the Nigerian Guild of Actors, Anambra State Chapter, hailed the Solution Theatrical Course as a first-of-its-kind in the nation and the Nollywood industry.

“By introducing it as an extracurricular activity in secondary schools, students will develop public speaking and interpersonal skills while nurturing their acting abilities.”

Nollywood actress and former Secretary, Nigeria Guild of Actors, Anambra State Chapter, Chinweoke Mbah, underlined the team’s commitment to educating students on societal issues, emphasizing discipline and security through the theatrical stage.

She also mentioned their efforts to train teachers in theatre arts, aligning with the vision of engaging and nurturing youth.

Mr. Jovita Arazu, Principal of Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka, and President of ANCOPPS, Anambra State, lauded Gov. Soludo’s approval of the theatrical course, foreseeing academic improvement and well-rounded development in students.

Master Prince Anagor, a student of Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka, expressed gratitude for the unprecedented opportunity, pledging to make the best of it by honing their acting skills and preparing for a brighter future in the industry.

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

Onitsha South Council Chairman Empowers 110 Skill Acquisition Graduates

By Juliana Nwachukwu/Patricia Osegbue :

No fewer than 110 skill acquisition graduates were empowered by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Mr..Emeka Orji, with #200,000 and #500,000 each after graduating from their various skills’ training.

The benefitting youths who were trained for months, were empowered to commence their journey towards becoming self reliant and wealth creators.

Commending them for the completion of their training, Mr. Orji advised them to focus on the areas which they were trained, especially those of the apprenticeship who received higher sum, even as he stressed the need for judicious use of the money giving to them, stating that to whom much is given, much is expected.

“Small business is the engine room of the state economy and the state is willing to support those that did well by giving them more”.

“Empowering the youths is a critical aspect of sustainable economic development that requires the provision of resources such as funds and education to aid in the establishment of sustainable businesses.

Recall that last Friday the State Government empowered five thousand persons who graduated from the first batch of the “One youth, two skills” Solution Initiative with start-up grants to the tune of two billion naira to launch their businesses.

This is another commendable step in the right direction towards achieving this objective as entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for stimulating economic growth and it provides opportunities for job creation, wealth generation, innovation, and sustainable economic development.

However, starting up a new business requires resources, and access to funds is often a significant barrier faced by potential entrepreneurs and so, the decision by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to help over five thousand youths in the state to acquire skills in different key areas and also empower them with grants as launch pads is not just timely but strategic.

The Governor’s initiative sheds light on the importance of providing financial support and training programme to entrepreneurs, particularly young entrepreneurs, to build and sustain their businesses.

The five thousand beneficiaries of the grant were chosen after a rigorous selection process, which involved a thorough assessment of the feasibility, and potential for growth of their proposed businesses and this process ensured that only those with viable, innovative, and sustainable business ideas were selected.

Juliana Nwachukwu and Patricia Osegbue are Staff members of the Ministry Of Information

Anambra Assembly Committee on Works Visit Amansea Road Project

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Anambra State House Committee on Works has commended the contractor in charge of Amensea-Ifite—Amaenyi road awarded by the State Government, some days ago.

The honourable member representing Orumba South, Mr. Emmanuel Nwafor who is the chairman of the committee expressed satisfaction with the level of progress already achieved by the construction limited.

‘I commend your dedication to work while urging you to continue in that light. Drainages are ongoing with the right specification and good equipments.

We have seen the reinforce concrete and is above normal.”

The project manager, Mr. M. Swali laid more emphasis on the progress of the work.

”We are at the drainage stage, also removing bad materials and putting stone base. The duration of the project is eighteen months’, He said.

The committee also paid a visit to the on-going project at Isiagu linking Ukwu Orji road with a bypass to Nibo.

The chairman of the committee, Mr Emmanuel Nwafor said, “though work is on going on the road but it is slow.

“We don’t want anything that will derail Mr. Governor’s intention to deliver the road at the appropriate time so I urge you to work faster to meet up with the agreed time”

“We have checked the size of the road, the width of the drainage though it is an existing drainage; we have marked some areas that needs to be removed to avoid structural collapse”.

The project manager, Mr. Olumide Temilaye explained that the weather condition has been a huge set back to the progress of the work.

“We don’t want a future collapse of the road so we waited for the rain to stop. We have five dry months and we promise the road will be ready within the period.”

Other members of the committee present are; Mr. Ejike Okechukwu (Anaocha 2), Mr. Patrick Uoba (Anambra West) and Mr. Golden Chukwuebuka Iloh (Ihiala 2).

*Chizoba writes for the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*

5000 Youths Graduate from Anambra State Government ‘1Youth 2Skills’ Programme

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

5000 Youths trained under the Anambra State Government ‘1Youth 2Skills’ Programme have graduated .

Addressing the youths during the graduation ceremony organized by the Ministry of Youth Development, at the International Convention Centre, Awka the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo described the programme as a vital tool for human capital development.

He commended the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for partnering with the government for the programme and congratulated the graduating youths, urging them to take bold steps in putting what they learned into practice to guarantee their success.

The governor called for the support of business owners, captains of industries, donor agencies and public spirited individuals to take up youth empowerment inorder to change lives, “even if it is one person per skill”, he said.

Earlier, in his address, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba said that the programmee was designed to change employment module from consumption to production, through community based approach.

He added that his ministry targets to raise 1000 youth millionaires annually and make the state a skill hub of West Africa.

“The programme was designed to redefine youth employment from immediate consumption to more of productive, innovative and impactive programmes through community based approach.

“This programme is also an evolution to take the youth to next level massive economic revolution and I am appreciating the Director, Unizik Business School and the 1 Youth 2 Skills ANSEC Committee for their effort in making all this a success.”

The Deputy Director, UNIZIK Business School, Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, commended the State Government for approving the partnership arrangements and entrusting the driving of the skills entrepreneurship scheme with the school.

One of the participants from Awka South Local Government Area, Chioma Chukwueke thanked the government for the opportunities given to them to be part of the Pilot Phase and promised not to let Ndị Anambra down after the graduation.

Other beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the state government and commended the ministry for the privilege given to them to acquire more knowledge through the training.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, members of Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), traditional rulers, clergies, Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and Youth directors from different states.

Ifeoma writes for the Ministry of Informtion, Anambra State

Market Leaders Pledge to Partner with Soludo’s Anti-Touting Squad

By Uzo Ugwunze :

Sequel to the inauguration of the Special Anti-touting Squad in Anambra (SASA) last Monday by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo with the mandate to eradicate touts from Anambra markets and roads, the market leaders under the auspices of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has pledged to partner with SASA to actualize the task.

Speaking during the general Congress of all the major markets in Anambra State at the ASMATA Secretariat, Modebe Avenue, Onitsha, the President General, ASMATA , Chief Humphrey Anuna tasked market leaders to discontinue issuing any form of unauthorized tolls especially to hawkers, barrow pushers and customers.

“God knows I have been trying my best for the interests and welfare of the traders on one hand and on the other hand ensuring that government’s revenues are remitted as and when due and that peace is maintained in the markets.

“Let us all co-operate with Prof. Soludo’s fight against touting. He is well educated and knows what is best for Ndi Anambra because he has the interest of the masses at heart. This is a welcome development.

“Today, we have invited SASA and the various Revenue collection agents authorized by the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) to educate us on how to identify touts or fake revenue collectors.

“As they drop their contacts do not fail to ensure the arrest of any tout operating within any market under your care. Before governor will indict me, I will indict any market leader found culpable,” Anuna warned.

Moreover, the Managing Director, Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra State (OCHA) brigade, Celestine Anere said that Gov. Soludo was very serious about removing any market leadership aiding or abetting touting by March 2024, adding that markets should also intensify environmental sanitation and desilting of the drainages around their markets or risk being closed down.

The Deputy Director SASA Operations, Mr Monday Nwokoye who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner for Homeland security, Mr Chukwudi Anara and Director of Operations Anambra Vigilante Services, Chief Chineye Ihenko said that anti-touting squad has arrested over 64 suspected touts within 24 hours of inauguration and was determined to fish out any single tout and smash their syndicates operating anywhere within the state.

In their respective speeches, the Chairman, Bigly Oil and Gas, Chief Ken Nwankwo, Unified Hybrid Enforcement Team(UHBET) AIRS Central Coordinator, Hon Obiora Offor and North Coordinator/SSA to Governor on Security, Hon Chiejina Obieze outlined the only approved IGR to be collected in the markets.

According to them, their staff are always on uniform with identity cards and POS as directed by the Governor, any of their staff who cannot identify himself properly or fights in the public should be treated as a tout.

ASMATA Patron, Chief Jude Nwankwo (Ochendo Umuawulu) the PG Building Materials International Market, Ogidi stressed that the state government was actually against extorting from the less privileged petty traders, barrow pushers, hawkers to further impoverish them and ripping off customers who come to patronize the traders from within and outside the state, thereby scaring them away.

He said, “the state government cannot be against any consensus resolution made by traders’ association for their upkeep, welfare or intra market road maintenance from fellow members urging Market leaders to synergize with SASA to identify touts operating outside the market soroundings which had been tarnishing the image of most markets.

Meanwhile, several market leaders including PG Relief Market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, Chairman Nkpor Main market, Mr Paul Okafor, PG Onitsha Main Market, chief Innocent Ikechukwu Ezeoha, and Mr Charles Ikeli, the chairman Amalgamated Tyre Dealers Association, ATDA, Nkpor, after commending the fight against touting revealed that those touts which engaged in illegal revenue collection oftentimes operate outside the markets where the market leaders lack powers to stop their activities but promised touting activities will soon be eradicated.

“In some cases market leaders are threatened for trying to stop them from enjoying revenue as market host communities,” Okafor noted.”

According to Ochiogu, truly touts are not inside the market but around the market. Before, market leaders had powers to arrest touts outside the market but when you accost some of them at Ogbaru, Upper Iweka or Nkpor flyover, they will tell you that they have authorization from their town union or traditional ruler to collect revenue.

“Empower market leaders and those touts will no longer come around to misbehave.”

The ASMATA Secretary, Mr. Macaulay Ekwe, Assistant Secretary, Chief Charles Okoye, ASMATA Idemili Zonal Chairman, Chief Emma Obiagwu and ASMATA Chairman Onitsha zone, Chief Eric Uwaoma said that ASMATA had earlier floated a 5-man MakeWay taskforce in each market to checkmate activities of touts assuring that they will synergize with SASA which includes providing every useful information that would help eradicate touting which is majorly perpetrated by indigenes with some non-indegenes. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from Onitsha

Commercial Tricycle Operators Tasked to Obey Traffic Rules, Make Use of Parks

By Uzo Ugwunze :

In the bid to maintain road sanity and curb the incessant gridlock often experienced at Afor Nnobi Market roundabout and Eke Awkaetiti Market road axis, the Chairman, Idemili South Local Government Area (ISLGA), Anambra State, Mrs. Amaka Obi, has tasked commercial tricycle operators popularly called ‘keke riders’ to stop indiscriminate ‘lifting’ and ‘dropping’ of passengers outside designated bus stops or parks on the roads.

Speaking to the executive of the Keke Riders Association at Nnobi, Mrs Obi noted that the activities of the commercial tricycle operators plying Nnewi/ Nnobi/Agulu road and Nnobi/Awkaetiti/Ekwulobia roads have been constituting nuisance and causing traffic jam as they scamper for passengers.

According to her, in line with Prof. Charles Soludo, our Solution Governor’s vision to achieve a prosperous, livable, beautiful and smart homeland in Anambra State, the ISLGA embarked on barricading and beautification of the Nnobi market to ensure that traders who display their wares on the roadside are protected from road accident and the frequent traffic congestion checkmated.

“Also we want to ensure that commercial bus drivers and keke riders plying on these roads will start making use of the loading spot and motor parks and as well, adhere strictly to those designated bus stops/terminals marked by Anambra Transport Management Agency (ATMA) for passengers to get in or get off the commuter vehicles.

She warned that henceforth, defaulters of ATMA traffic rules would have themselves to blame.

However, the Spokesman of the Keke riders, Mr Ikenna Okeke said that the Keke riders in the council area are peace loving people and assured the Council boss of their maximum compliance and co-operation toward ensuring that their colleagues obey traffic rules and use the designated bus stops and parks. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from Idemili South LGA

Soludo Gives Lifeline to Onitsha Correctional Centre Inmates

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State Friday at Onitsha Correctional Center, gave #5,000 each to 1100 inmates as Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Valeria Okeke, celebrated his 70th birthday with the inmates

Soludo advised the inmates to be of good behaviour and repent of their sins to be able to mix up with the outside world when they complete their tenure adding that the State Government will take financial care of those of them who will sit for external examinations.

The governor also presented indomies, biscuits, toiletaries even as his wife, Nonye, presented cake to the inmates.

Earlier, the Archbishop thanked God for attaining 70 years stating that he always celebrated with the inmates for them to feel the fatherly love pointing out that the skill acquisition centre he built for the inmates which was commissioned during the occasion, was for them to be professionals on completion of their tenure.

He presented a life cow, killed one cow that was cooked with 10 bags of rice, biscuits, toiletaries, 100 mattresses, 50 bunk beds, cake, among others to the inmates.

In a remark, the Comptroller General, Mr. Haliru Nababa, on behalf of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, honoured the celebrant with the Grand Patron award in appreciation for what he has done at the Onitsha centre.

The Comptroller General who was ably represented by his Deputy, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, also commended the Archbishop for the building of the skill acquisition centre for the inmates.

He also commended Governor Soludo for his payment of external examination fees for inmates taking the examination and pleaded with other governors and good spirited individuals to emulate Soludo.

Former Governor Chris Nwabueze Ngige, while speaking said he built one cell and renovated a portion of the perimeter fence even as he commended the Archbishop for marking 70 years .

Earlier, the papal Nuncio of Czech, Amb. Archbishop Jude Okolo, recalled that the celebrant was his contemporary in the seminary school, disclosing that he was brilliant which earned him his present position.

Among those who graced the occasion included, Senators Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial zone, and all House of Assembly members in Onitsha constituency under the Labour Party, LP.

Highlight on the occasion was the celebrant with guests cutting the cake inside Onitsha Correctional center.

UNIZIK Blockchain Lab, CBC Unveil Tech Conference to Empower Anambra Youth

By Angela Nwanodu :

As part of plans to get youths in Anambra State to fully explore the benefits that abound with the 21st Century’s emerging technologies, the UNIZIK Blockchain Lab and the Crypto Bootcamp Community (CBC), is organizing the UNIZIK Blockchain Conference.

The conference with the theme, “Opportunities in Blockchain and the Future of Web3”, is to be held on the 21st of October, 2023, at Chike Okoli Centre, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

The event, sponsored by Yellow Card and CBC, has Anambra State ICT Agency, SiBAN, and Digital Nigeria under the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy as its ecosystem partners

According to Obinna Iwuno, President, Stakeholders in Blockchain Association of Nigeria – SIBAN and Founder, Crypto Bootcamp Community, CBC, the event aimed at bringing emerging technologies to Anambra youths through Blockchain Technology and Web3.

These he noted, include a variety of technologies such as educational technology, information technology, nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

“We want to raise innovators and service providers in the tech sector through this event; people who will be self-employed, create jobs, and in turn, contribute to economic development.

“This is in line with the vision of the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to raise three Million Technical Talents.

“We are also delighted that this aligns with what the Governor of Anambra State is doing already through the Anambra State ICT Agency, to leverage aspects of technology to not just transform the state but also empower the youths.

“We are particular about the young people because of their imaginative and innovative capabilities and due to the fact that the future belongs to them. In a world where technology rules, our young people cannot afford to be left behind,” Iwuno posited.

Guest speakers at the conference comprise carefully selected industry professionals who have achieved remarkable successes in the blockchain industry, including Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr., CFA, the MD/CEO of the Anambra ICT Agency; Ugochukwu Aronu, First Principles Engineer and CEO Xend Finance & Wicrypt, Chris Ani, CEO Digital Abundance Ltd. Evans Okoli, Lead, Blockchain Sub-Community
Anambra Techies and Blockchain Dev. Core Contributor on Starknet Protocol; Talle Davidson, Founder, Cryptoelites and Co-Founder, Nurika and Charles Okafor-Mba, CTO at Convexity.

Others are Chike Okonkwo, Co-Founder and Business Development Director at GAMIC; Emeka Ezike, VP Media and Publicity, SIBAN and Community Manager, Emurgo Africa; Ifeanyichukwu John,
GDSC Lead, Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Ifeanyi Reuben, Founder GIBChain Academy; Olubunmi Fabanwo, Blockchain Evangelist; Ubah Nnamdi, CEO HouseAfrica; Prof Ngwuoke Kenneth, SA to NAU VC on ICT and Tracy Andrews, Promotions and Events Coordinator.

Other speakers are Christopher Eniaiyemo, Co-Founder Sahara ICP Hub; Osawaru David, Programs Lead at CBC; Umeh MaryJane Chinenye, Brand Strategist; Karla Obakpolor, Founder Crypto Smart; Sonia Christopher Blockchain and Crypto Tutor; Victor Dennis Idongesit, Community Manager; Kester Ejikeme Project Manager at CBC; Paolo Abamwa Marketing Manager, Nigeria at Yellow Card; Uzoma James regional Operations Manager West Africa, Yellow Card and Anthony Nduka, Lead, Blockchain UNN and Founder, Alphablocks Community.

The event was hosted by Queen Azubuike Helen, The Crypto Doyen, Founder, Doyen CV.

Among special offers during the event will be the N100,000 giveaway prize, Scholarships, Access to 10 high-demanding Web 3.0 Skills, Merches, and lots more.

To register for the event, please visit, https://bit.ly/UBLConference2023. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from State ICT Agency, Awka

Health Ministry Will Continue to Map Out Good Health Policy for Public to Benefit — Commissioner

By Chukwudi Nwauba/Nnedinma Okeke :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike says his ministry will continue to map out good health policy for the public to benefit from across the state.

Dr. Obidike said that Gov. Charles Soludo’s mandate in the healthcare sector of the state is such that every health policy must be designed for the benefits of the people.

“Our governor is so much interested in the health policy that is impactful to Ndi Anambra both in urban and rural areas, especially hard to reach communities in the state.’’

The Commissioner said this while addressing Programme Coordinators and Programme Managers at the conclusion of a 2 day Annual Operational Plan (AOP), in Awka.

The donor Resilience and Sustainable System for Health (RSSH), through the National Agency for the Control of AIDS supported the state to organize the 2 day partner’s forum meeting.

He urged participants to ensure that they always come up with benefiting health programmes.

“One good reason for this type of meeting is that it will help us to work in one direction, our health partners will as well know the critical area they will support us.

The State Ministry of Health, Head Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Edith Nwachukwu said that the state has done her own AOP few months ago, that the essence is for them to look at the 2024 work plan.

“Our partners have been presenting to us the activities for those that have their work plan available and what they intend to achieve in 2024.

“So, with this, what the partners have for the state will be harmonized in 2024 budget.’’ (Ministry of Information)

The information officers report from, Awka.