News

SOLUDO’S LEADERSHIP QUALITIES, WORTHY OF EMULATION—EZEAJUGHI

By Rose Oranye :

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has been extolled for his exemplary and positive leadership qualities, through which development is being brought to rural communities and all parts of the state.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Ernest Ezeajughi, made this known while speaking on the ‘Impact of Positive Leadership in the Dynamics of Development’ at the Annual Lecture Series in honour of the late Chief Joseph Ndubuisi Nwokedi, to mark the 3rd Ofala Festival of Igwe Sunny Ositadinma Nwokedi, Uthoko VI of Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area.

Ezeajughi, who represented the governor at the event, urged the people of the area to continue supporting Soludo’s vision and aspirations for a second term in office to enable him to complete what he started.

“Since his inauguration as Governor of Anambra State, the state is wearing a new look. Things are happening in the state. If this is how the government is in Nigeria and other states, things would have been better. He’s an exemplary leader whose leadership qualities should be emulated by others,” he said.

The Chief of Staff further stated that the Governor has demonstrated that he came prepared to govern the state through his infrastructural and other development projects, including the 10 km road that leads to Achalla through Isuanaocha, which will reduce travel time from Awka to Achalla when completed, as well as the employment of over 8000 teachers, free primary and secondary education, free antenatal and delivery services, the building of new general hospitals, and the new Government House complex, among others.

The Chief of Staff was accompanied to the event by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor

SENATOR NWOYE INSPECTS 3.3-NSUGBE-UMUERI ROAD

By Ifeanyi Nwegbo :

Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North senatorial zone has emphasised that Anambra North serves as the nation’s food basket. To boost the transportation of agricultural products from farms to markets and enhance economic activities, he prioritized the rehabilitation of road projects in the area.

Sen. Nwoye said this while inspecting rehabilitated federal road linking the major communities in the area, which are; Nsugbe, Umueri,Aguleri and Omambala communities.

He noted that the road rehabilitation which was facilitated by him was sequel to his intervention in fulfilment of his promise to his constituents who brought his attention to the deplorable state of the road

Sen Nwoye promised to install street lights along 3.3-college road. And also thanked the Federal Ministry of Works through it’s agency, Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for handling the road rehabilitation.

Mr Ifeanyi Ogbaji thanked Sen Nwoye for fulfilling his promise and also pleaded him to do more in the north senatorial district, mostly 33-Umueri road down to Adani for easy transportation.

Appreciating Sen Tony Nwoye, all Keke and bus drivers and road users thanked the Senator for the intervention of which helped in reducing hardship they faced on the road.

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

GOVERNOR SOLUDO CLEARS EDUCATION FUND BACKLOG, PAVES WAY FOR ANAMBRA’S UNDER-12 SPORTS COMPETITION

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo has cleared a significant backlog of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) grant for the years 2019, 2020, and 2022, a financial obligation he inherited upon taking office.

Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Vera Nwadibobi made the announcement during the 2024 Under-12 sports competition held at Fun City Stadium in Awka.

Dr. Nwadinobi highlighted that this long-awaited payment enabled Anambra’s participation in the annual sports event organized in collaboration with UBEC, Abuja, underscoring the essential role of funding in fostering educational and extracurricular opportunities.

Representing the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, commended the initiative, stressing that sports is a vital part of education and promotes students’ holistic development. She encouraged students to embrace the spirit of competition, noting that success lies in participation.

The event showcased talent from primary schools across Anambra’s 21 local government areas, featuring track events and other sports activities aiming to identify and nurture young talent as they advance toward the national stage.

ANAMBRA GOVT RECOGNIZES CREATIVE INDUSTRY’S POTENTIALS, SAYS CULTURE COMMISSIONER

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

The Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, says the Solution government acknowledges the potential of the creative industry, which encompasses arts, tourism, entertainment, and culture, by repositioning, developing and transforming the state into a tourism destination hub through the ongoing construction of projects such as the Solution Fun City, Agulu Lake Resorts, others.

The Commissioner made these remarks during a courtesy visit from the executive of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Anambra State Chapter, in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat in Awka.

He emphasized that the creative industry is a leading source of global employment, highlighting that the filmmakers have a significant role to play in promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people and nation’s growth.

“The message we pass through films is very critical. We must always use film to market our state, promote our core values and cultures to the world. Again, this government recognizes your guild by appointing a known face to be part of the government,” he added.

He congratulated the new executive, encouraging them to use their films to highlight the developmental progress occurring in various sectors of the state.

The State Chairman of AGN, Anambra Chapter, Mrs. Anyaegbunam Chinyelu expressed gratitude to the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for the massive development going on in the state and to the Commissioner for the warm reception accorded to them.

She expressed that their visit was to felicitate and present the new executive of the AGN to him as well as declare their interest in promoting the Ministry’s projects when beckoned.

She said, “We need government recognition and support in accommodation and logistics just like our counterparts in other states enjoy from their government, to enable us to function effectively and have a strong filmmaking hub”.

*Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

DR. MEFOR VISITS ANAMBRA POLICE COMMISSIONER —CALLS FOR ADEQUATE TRAINING AND PROFILING OF VIGILANTE OPERATIVES

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, on Monday, October 28, 2024, paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, to familiarise and share ideas on better ways to improve on the current security situation in the state.

Addressing the Police Commissioner at his office in Amawbia, Mefor opined that profiling and adequate training of vigilante operatives by the police will not only enable prompt and proper flow of information but will help build their general orientation to effectively discharge their duties.

“I felt the need to see you. I speak for the government, and that means I have to comment on security issues whenever the need arises. We really need to be in touch so that we will be on the same page in matters of security.

“I want to commend the police for their efforts in combating crime. I am also worried about the issue of profiling of vigilante operatives in the state. Security challenges in Anambra State are becoming more and more asymmetric, meaning that a lot of the enemies are embedded. We need to know who the vigilante security operatives are. They need to be trained psychologically apart from weapon handling and otherwise.

“Undergoing training by the police will help build their capacity for the job. Most of them are barely trained in gun handling. If the vigilante security operatives are properly constituted, they will be an extension of the police and supply basic information that will help your work as expected in community policing. There’s a need to fully recover the state from criminals,” Mefor said.

Responding, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam expressed happiness over the Commissioner’s visit and expressed commitment to improving the security situation of the state and urged Ndị Anambra to always cooperate with the police to enable the Force to serve them better.

While appreciating the Information Commissioner’s suggestion about vigilante security operatives’ profiling, CP Itam assured that the police have plans to restructure operations regarding the vigilante operations and other levels of security operations in the state.

The Police Commissioner further disclosed his plans to commence a radio program ‘Ask the Police,” with Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), where DPOs and other senior police officers will interact with the people in the weekly radio programme.

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

ANAMBRA STATE TAKES BOLD STEPS TO TACKLE INSECURITY… AWARDS DUALISATION OF NWAGU AGULU-NNOBI-NNEWI AND NNEWI-OZUBULU-OKIJA ROADS CONTRACTS

In a decisive move to address the growing security concerns in the state, the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) held its 33rd meeting on October 29, 2024, and resolved to confront the issues head-on ¹. The council identified kidnapping, cult killing, armed robbery, and other crimes as priority areas to be rooted out in the coming weeks.

*New Special Adviser on Community Security Sworn In*

As part of the reorganization in the security sector, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo swore in Kenneth Okwuchukwu Emeakayi as the new Special Adviser on Community Security.

*Major Infrastructure Projects Approved*

The council also approved several key infrastructure projects, including:

– *Dualization and Construction of Nwagu Agulu to Nnobi to Nnewi Road*: 18.6 km, awarded to Lebtech Constructions Ltd at ₦33.557 billion, with a 12-month project timeline.

– *Dualization and Construction of Nnewi-Ozubulu-Okija Road*: 16.51 km, awarded to Ferotex Construction Company at ₦30.918 billion, with an 18-month project timeline.

– *Light of the Nation Tower and Fountain*: Construction of the iconic tower at Ekwulobia, Aguata LGA, awarded to IDC Construction Ltd at ₦980 million, with a 4-month project timeline.

– *Supply and Installation of Medical Equipment*: For the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, awarded to De Jotlims Medical Ltd at ₦236.371 million, with a 2-month project timeline.

These projects are expected to significantly boost infrastructure development and improve the quality of life for residents in Anambra State.

UNLOCKING IDEAS: SID KICKS OFF ANAMBRA MAIDEN INNOVATION WEEK

By Henrietta Madichie/Uche Igboeli/ Azuka Nnabuife :

In alignment with Governor Charles Soludo’s vision to transform Anambra State into a digital and creative capital, the Solution Innovation District (SID) has officially announced the inaugural Anambra Innovation Week 2024 (AIW2024).

This initiative is dedicated to fostering a robust ecosystem for digital talent, startups, and innovative businesses across the state.

Chinwe Okoli, the Special Adviser to the governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, shared details about the event during a press briefing in her Awka office.

She emphasized that the primary goal of AIW2024 is to nurture and support the startup ecosystem by incubating promising ventures, promoting research and commercialization and enabling businesses to leverage technology for scalable growth.

Okoli highlighted that Anambra Innovation Week is poised to become an annual flagship event, showcasing Nigeria and Africa’s rapidly growing and vibrant technology and innovation landscape.

“The event will convene innovators, policymakers, top technology CEOs, industry entrepreneurs, investors, digital experts, and academics from Africa and beyond.

“AIW2024 will feature a variety of activities, including exhibitions, showcases, and competitions, notably the “Battle 4 Solution.”

“This competition will reward the brightest startups in Nigeria with a total cash prize pool of 100 million naira for solutions addressing critical societal challenges across various sectors.

“Innovators from Anambra and across Nigeria are encouraged to apply and participate in the Battle 4 Solution, with applications now open at [www.innovationweek.anambrastate.gov.ng]

“This year’s theme is ‘Creating the Future of Africa Now”.”

The Anambra Innovation Week is scheduled to take place from November 25 to 29, 2024, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Agu Awka, Anambra State.

OGWUIKPELE, OGWUANIOCHA COMMUNITIES APPEAL FOR GOVT INTERVENTION AMIDST CRISIS, HARDSHIPS

By Adaobi Nsofor :

A joint delegation from Ogwuikpele and Ogwuaniocha communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area recently paid a courtesy visit to Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, Chairman/CEO of Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company and Anambra Petroleum and Energy Resources. The delegation sought to find lasting solutions to the persistent crisis and hardships plaguing their communities.

One of the delegates, Mr Olisa Onwuma stated that they work for SEEPCO, the Company that produces oil in Ogbaru but promises made to them in the past have not been fulfilled, as they are not being paid as and when due by SEEPCO and have not been benefiting from the oil wells since time immemorial.

He regretted that there’s no good and functional schools and hospitals in their communities as their children usually get drowned in the river while going to school on boats.

Mr Onwuma maintained that not a single indigenous resident is employed in the service of the Company as a full time staff and most of the Government’s intervention palliatives meted out to communities affected by flood has not gotten to them for the past two years. He urged the state governor to look into their plight as they are suffering in their various communities and in the discharge of their duties as CLOs.

Responding, the Chairman, Prof.Ofoegbu lamented that despite his interventions, the two communties are still faced with various crisis ranging from bunkering and badging of crude oils, poor infrastructures and lack of social amenities.

“Ogbaru is now in the map of the world, following the oil wells in these two communties, and through my intervention, Anambra State was made an oil producing state. My concern now is, how to rescue the people because they’re suffering, we agreed to set up a committee to monitor badging and the number of times the badges crosses the river,the size of the badge and the timing.

“Some people are tampering with the proceeds of our oil and you must not keep quiet, you people are working for the good of the community and you must earn your salaries to survive

“We also agreed that there should be a Fish Processing Plant in Ogbaru, one in Ogwuikpele and one in Ogwuaniocha, in the form of a Fish farming Coperative where they will harvest, process, package and export fishes”, Prof.Ofoegbu added.

He further advised them to put all their needs in writing so he can relay them to the state government.

Nsofor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

WORK AS A TEAM- IDEMILI NORTH LGA CHAIRMAN CHARGES COUNCILLORS

By Chiedu Uche Okoye :

The Idemili North LGA Chairman, Mr. Stanley Nkwoka, inaugurated newly elected councillors representing the towns in Idemili North LGA into office.

The swearing-in ceremony for the councillors took place at the Idemili North LGA Headquarters, Ogidi.

Mr. Nkwoka charged the councillors to work as a team and abide by the local government bye-laws and rules so as to achieve the lofty goals of the Gov. Soludo led government.

He further advised them to carry out the functions of their offices in line with Gov. Soludo’s policies in order to deliver the dividends of democracy to the Anambra people.

The councillors, who were sworn into office, were Mr Samuel Anikpe, who represents Nkpor 1; Mr Mathew Obi, who represents Abacha ward 1; Mr Obidike Nwabunwanne, who represents Ogidi ward 1; Mr Shedrach Emelumgini, who represents Eziowelle ward; and Mr Obiora Chukwunulum, represents Ogidi ward 2.

Other councillors, who took the oath of office were Mr Obichukwu Anyafulu from Obosi; Mr Okonkwo Nelis Ebuka from Ideani ward; Mr Nnaegbo Innocent from Umuoji ward; Mr Christian Okechukwu, who represents Oraukwu ward; Mr Anthony Chukwuemeka, who represents Abatete ward; and Mr Enendu Felix Ikenna, who represents Uke ward.

The climax of the event was the election of Mr Samuel Anikpe from Nkpor ward 1 as the leader of Idemili North; and Mr Mathew Obi, councillor representing Abacha, as the deputy leader of Idemili North.

The leader of Idemili North LGA, Mr Anikpe, thanked the people, who made the inauguration ceremony a success, and promised to offer qualitative leadership to the people.

Okoye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

15 ELECTED COUNCILLORS SWORN IN AT ONITSHA NORTH LGA

By Mbuna I Nkiru, Amaechina Anthonia, Uche Azuka Claribel Udah, Chioma Nwankwo and
Chika Obi :

A significant event was witnessed in Onitsha North Local Government Area as 15 councillors, all elected on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), were officially inaugurated by the Clerk of the House.

During the ceremony, the newly inaugurated councillors also nominated principal officers to lead the house,and Mr Nnamdi Okwuayanga was nominated as the leader, with Obiora Obi as Deputy Leader, Chijoke Okpalaugo- Majority Leader.

Others were; Mrs. Nkiru Vivian Okagbue –Deputy Majority Leader, Anthony Oseloka Asolo- Chief Whip and Mr. Samuel Noyelu as Deputy Chief Whip.

The Mayor of the LGA, Mr Nweze Tony Nwora while congratulating the councilors urged them to approach their responsibilities with integrity and a commitment to the development and welfare of Onitsha North residents.

He emphasized the importance of aligning their efforts with the “Solution is Here Agenda” for Ndi Anambra spearheaded by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

The event, which took place at the Onitsha North LGA Secretariat Hall, was attended by APGA chieftains and friends of the councillors, including notable dignitaries such as Mayor Nwora; Mr Patrick Agha Mba, Commissioner for Youth Development; Deputy Mayor, Mrs. Ijeoma Ejiagwa; Special Advisor on Political Matters to Governor Soludo, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu; among others

The nominated leader, Mr Nnamdi Okwuayanga thanked the populace for the support during the election, pledging their readiness to work as a team to achieve the goal of the Agenda of the Governor .