News

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.

Anambra Airport Poised to Become the Hub of Cargo Exports

By Florence Okpeti :

The Anambra State Government has expressed readiness to position the Anambra Airport as the hub of Cargo exports.

The Governor of the State, Prof Charles Soludo said this during a courtesy visit by the AviaCargo RoadMap Committee at the Chinụa Achebe International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri.

The Governor who was represented by the State Commissioner for Transport, Mrs Patricia Igwebuike said that the government has embarked on distribution of oil palm seedlings and high breed coconut seedlings annually to households across the state.

He further explained that the cash crops would be processed for export, adding that it would boost the State’s revenue and create more jobs in the state.

The Governor commended the efforts of the Committee toward transforming the general export cargo business in Nigeria, noting that export is in line with the vision of his administration.

The committee, made up of aviation cargo professionals from various government and private agencies was constituted by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to improve Avio-Cargo Export from Nigeria.

The coordinator of the committee, Mr. Ikechi Uko said that the purpose of the visit was to encourage Nigerians to export their products.

Mr. Uko explained that Nigeria’s exports did not match its capacity as the most populous country and largest economy in Africa.

“Part of what we are trying to solve is to get Nigerians to begin to export what we produce because there are a lot of things we produce that people need.”

The Managing Director of the Anambra Airport, Mr. Martins Nwafor said that agro-allied products that could be exported from Anambra to other international and domestic markets were taken into consideration during the development of the Airport’s master plan.

Mr. Nwafor said that airports served a key role in the transportation of people and goods in the national, regional and international commerce, adding that a business plan was developed for the Anambra Airport.

In their separate remarks, the President General, Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Mr. Humphrey Anuna, Chairman Ochanja Central Market, Mr. Bonaventure Muo and the President, Building Int. Market Ogidi, Mr.Jude Nwankwo expressed their gratitude, even as they pledged their support for the government’s agenda.

The President, Anambra State Shippers Association, Mr. Emma Akpaka and representatives of Zenith Shipping Council, Mr Elochukwu Ebubechukwu, Mr. Muoghalu Christian and Mr. Alocha Jerry expressed their willingness to key into the State Government’s programme. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from Umueri

Government Completes Rehabilitation of 33 KV Rural Electrification Project in Anambra West, Energized Ezi-Anam Axis amid Commendation

By Felix Igboanugo :

The completion of the long-awaited Anambra West rural electrification project has garnered immense commendation from the community, as residents lauds the government for its efforts in bringing electricity to their previously underserved rural area.

This significant accomplishment has brought about a wave of joy and optimism as the residents can now enjoy the benefits of reliable and sustainable electricity.

For decades, Anam and most communities in Anambra West had been one of the many rural areas in Nigeria grappling with the darkness and its associated challenges. Residents relied on expensive and unreliable generators, which not only strained their finances but also limited their access to vital services and opportunities for economic advancement.

Speaking to the press, the President General, Ezi- Anam community, Mr. Charles Igboanugo said that the project which was abandoned for over 10 years until Gov. Charles Soludo took over, was completed and energized on 25th September 2023 to the glory of God.

“This Project was abandoned by successive Government not until Gov. Soludo’s administration came to our rescue, as am speaking with you now, the project has been completed and energized.

“Our people are so happy to witness what was seen as mirage before now, our talk and do Governor has come to our rescue and may Almighty God continue to protect and give him more wisdom to pilot the affairs of our dear state,” he added.

He thanked Gov. Soludo for fulfilling his campaign promises, noting that the successful implementation of the project marked a turning point in the lives of Ndi Anambra West, as it opened up a multitude of opportunities and improvements across various sectors.

“The gains of this laudable project to my community is numerous to mention. it’s like given a life to someone who was sick. For example, Small scale businesses that needs light to survive will now thrive with maximum profits as the losses incurred by burning of fuel on generators would be drastically reduced.”

Mr. Igboanugo described Gov. Soludo as a silent archiver, who was bend on developing all sectors of the state simultaneously, noting that his administration have awarded over 300 km of roads and mobilized contractors to site in different towns and villages in the 21 local council of the state under 18 months.

On his part, Mr. Joseph Okechukwu who was overwhelmed with joy expressed gratitude to Gov. Soludo’s administration for bringing light into their lives.

He said that the project has not only illuminated their homes but also their hopes and aspirations, showing that the government cares about the well-being of rural communities like ours.

Mr. Nnaemeka Onyekwe described the project as a testament to what can be achieved when the government listens to the needs of its people, applauding Government dedication toward improving their lives.

Mr. Albert Okeke from Oroma Etiti Anam said that the project was a good omen and sign that Prof. Soludo led administration meant business of developing Anambra West as was promised during the electioneering campaign.

He enjoyed Ndi Anambra West to keep supporting Gov. Soludo in his quest toward making Anambra a prosperous and liveable homeland.(Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from Anambra West LGA

Anambra Assembly Calls for Construction of Pedestrian Bridge at Total Filing Station Junction Ihiala

By Anastasia Agunwa/Chizoba Okeke/Gloria Abugu :

Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Charles Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Works to facilitate the construction of pedestrian bridge at Total Filing station junction, Ihiala town.

The resolution was sequel to a motion sponsored by the member representing Ihiala 1 constiuency, Mr. Jude Ngobili and seconded by Mr. Golden Iloh representing Ihiala 11 constituency during plenary on October 17.

The Speaker of the House, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze who presided over the plenary had moved for the resolution of the House while the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes.

Dwelling on the motion, Mr. Jude Ngobili expressed worry about the alarming rate at which accident occur at the junction, which frequently results in fatalities and various degrees of accident casualties.

He was optimistic that a pedestrian bridge across the area would significantly lower the number of accident.

“Further convinced that if constructed, the pedestrian bridge will increase accessibility for everyone, including the disabled and provide safer crossing.

“Whereas the junction, one of the busiest bus stops on the Onitsha-Owerri road is located at the Total filing station junction, Ihiala town.

“Concerned that a large number of pedestrians, including children and the elderly, cross the road everyday.

“Cognizant that the rate of vehicle acceleration at the spot is quite high”, Ngobili stressed.

Speaking in favour of the motion, Mr. Noble Igwe representing Ogbaru 1 constiuency, Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme representing Ekwusigo constituency, Mr. Jude Umennajiego representing Onitsha South 11 constituency, Mr. John-Mark Ikwunne representing Awka North and Mr. Tony Muobike representing Aguata 11 constituency described the motion as apt.

The lawmakers added that the construction of the pedestrian bridge at the junction would save the lives of Ndi Anambra, explaining that the junction leads to different communities and states in the South East and some South South states. (MOI)

The Officers report from the State House of Assembly, Awka.