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HPV VACCINE INTRODUCED TO TACKLE HPV INFECTION SAYS CHAI TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

By Nnedinma Okeke :

The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Technical Assistant in Anambra, Mr Patrick Akpan says due to high burden of Cervical cancer disease, the Federal Government with support from Gavi and other supporting Partners introduced the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine inorder to tackle HPV infection.

This according to him was done using the Phase one and Phase two approaches.

The Phase one carried out in October 2023 had 15 States plus FCT introducing the vaccine, while Phase two was carried out in May 2024 with 21 States including Anambra introducing the HPV vaccine.

Mr Akpan who said this during an interview at the CHAI sponsored HPV Stakeholders engagement meeting held in Awka noted that while over 12 million girls had been vaccinated with HPV vaccine in the Country, over five million girls were yet to be vaccinated.

“In Anambra State, we vaccinated about 380,671 girls and we hope for more girls to be vaccinated. This is the reason the HPV vaccination has been Intergrated into the Routine Immunization (RI) schedule to make it accessible and available for girls.

“So far, we are still working hard to ensure that we align with our concept of protecting girls; a future generation while ensuring improved health outcomes,” he said.

Speaking on the HPV Stakeholders engagement meeting, the Technical Assistant noted that the essence was to enlighten key Stakeholders in the State with insight of progress made in regards to HPV vaccination in the State and Country at large.

“CHAI is an organisation committed to health systems strengthening and been part of the new vaccine introduction, supporting with technical and other support is working on how more girls could be vaccinated as over five million girls are yet to be vaccinated in the County.

“The vaccine was introduced for girls nine to 14 years of age, but from 2025 it would be for girls aged nine. This is the reason CHAI is working to have more girls vaccinated before 2025.

“We are also working to ensure that information about HPV vaccine stands the test of time, as it is all about protecting the girl child from Cervical cancer in the future.

“We are ensuring that people are properly sensitized on the HPV vaccine with advocacy to key Stakeholders so as to ensure the message gets to everyone,” Mr Akpan explained.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA SPEAKER, CONGRATULATES APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, BARR. EZEOKENWA ON HIS SUPREME COURT VICTORY

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze congratulates All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) party National Chairman, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa on his supreme court victory while commending the Governor for protecting the soul of the party.

The speaker described the Supreme Court judgement which returned Barr. Ezeokenwa as the authentic National Chairman of the APGA party as a true confirmation that APGA is a peaceful family with progressive identity and ideology, commending the supreme court for upholding justice.

Congratulating Barr. Ezeokenwa on his landmark victory on behalf of the State Legislature, Udeze commended the APGA National Leader, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and other notable Stakeholders in the party for their dogged efforts in ensuring that truth prevailed in the Court at last.

The Speaker noted that APGA under the leadership of Barr.Ezeokenwa has recorded meaningful development so far, adding that the National Chairman has introduced a lot of reforms which have continued to reposition the party, evident in the successful conduct of the September, 28, 2024 Local Government Election in the State.

He called on APGA Chieftains and faithful to intensify support to the party especially now that the diversionary leadership tussle within the party has been permanently resolved by the Apex Court of Nigeria.

Udeze urged the APGA National Chairman, Barr.Ezeokenwa to continue his purposeful leadership of the party, calling on Ndi Anambra South Senatorial Zone to ensure that APGA wins the forthcoming Senatorial By-election in the area.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ONITSHA NORTH MAYOR CONGRATULATES APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN BARR. SLY EZEOKENWA ON SUPREME COURT VICTORY

By Claribel Udah/Chioma Nwankwo/Chika Obi :

The Mayor of Onitsha North LGA, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, has congratulated Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa on his Supreme Court victory, which affirmed his position as the duly elected National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) party.

In his congratulatory message, Mayor Nwora described Ezeokenwa as a visionary leader whose stewardship will strengthen the party and propel it toward greater success.

He commended Ezeokenwa’s dedication and resilience in leading APGA through challenging times, noting that the Supreme Court’s verdict is a testament to justice and fairness.

“This is a victory for democracy, justice, and our great party, APGA,” Mayor Nwora noted.

“Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa’s leadership has already begun to inspire unity and progress within the party, and I am confident he will lead APGA to even greater heights.”

The Mayor further extended his congratulations to all National Working Committee (NWC) members, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in building a stronger APGA.

He expressed optimism that the party’s renewed focus under Ezeokenwa’s leadership would position it as a formidable force in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Mayor Nwora ended his message by saying, “Ifesimba! Congratulations once again to you and all the NWC members of our great party on this meritorious victory.

This milestone reaffirms our faith in the judiciary and our collective resolve to build a better future for APGA and Nigeria.”

The Supreme Court’s decision has been widely celebrated by APGA stakeholders and supporters, who see it as a significant step toward unity and stability within the party.

According to him, with Ezeokenwa at the helm, party members are optimistic about a brighter and more prosperous future.

*Chioma, Claribel and Chika are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ALHASSAN YAHAYA EMERGES NUJ PRESIDENT AS CHRIS ISIGUZO BOWS OUT AT 8TH TRIENNIAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

By Ukpa Ewa :

Alhassan Yahaya has been elected as the new President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), succeeding Chris Isiguzo, who completed his tenure at the Union’s 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference in Owerri, Imo State, on Nov. 27, 2024.

Yahaya, the immediate past National Deputy President of the NUJ and member of the Gombe State Council, won the election securing 436 votes, defeating Bamidele Atunbi, former Treasurer of the FCT Council who scored 97 votes while Muhammed Garba polled 39 votes.

In a historic move, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde was elected unopposed as the Deputy National President, making her the first female to hold such office. Oyetunde, who is the General Manager of Radio Nigeria Bronze FM in Edo State, also served as a former member of the NUJ Board of Trustees.

Other unopposed officers include Comrade Victor Ndukwe, who was elected as National Treasurer. Ndukwe, the former Chairman of the Abia State Council.

The election, conducted amidst tight security, was overseen by the Electoral Committee led by Comrade Mike Ikeogwu. A total of 602 delegates from across the nation participated in the conference, marking a significant moment in the NUJ’s leadership transition.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA MINISTRY OF INDUSTRIES DEFENDS BUDGET BEFORE STATE HOUSE Of ASSEMBLY

By Ebele Iyke Odili/Amaka Isikala :

The Commissioner for Industries, Hon. Christian Udechukwu announced that total of 46 hectares of land will be mapped out for the industrial city project.

According to him, the mapped area contain pharmaceutical parks, financial centers, and high-Tech industrial facilities.

The Commissioner announced this during defence of the ministry’s budget for the fiscal year before the Anambra State House of Assembly.

According to Udechukwu, the ministry focused on land acquisitions, surveying, and consultations in 2024.

The commissioner explained that the ministry’s budget is designed to promote economic growth and development in the state through industrialization.

He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for industries to thrive in the state.

The lawmakers commended Udechukwu for his clear and detailed presentation. They asked questions on various aspects of the budget and expressed satisfaction with the ministry’s plans and projections.

The Chairman, House Committee on Industries praised Udechukwu’s presentation, saying that the ministry’s budget is a step in the right direction.

The budget defense presentation is part of the state’s budget approval process. The lawmakers are expected to deliberate on the budget before its approval.

*Ebele and Amaka are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

WE ARE READY TO FIGHT FIRE THIS SEASON–CHIKETA

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Director, Anambra State Fire Service, Engr Chiketa Chukwudi Emmanuel has expressed the readiness of his office to fight fire outbreak this harmattan season which is one of the agenda of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to ensure that fire outbreak is minimized in the state this period.

Enlightening/Sensitizing the traders of the New Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, today, Engr Chiketa made this known shortly after the weekly prayer of the market.

He said that the state government has equipped them with water, trucks, chemical compounds, explaining that they are working round the clock to ensure safety of lives and property.

While sensitizing the traders, he urged them to always off all the electrical appliances in their houses, shops, like generator, TV, Fans before closing for the day or leaving the house.

“Do not overload switches, and extension boxes to avoid melting of wires which resulted to smoke and then fire.

“Hudding of fuel in our shops, houses are dangerous, the market chairmen should monitor the cooks in the market through their security men to ensure that they off the fire well after cooking.

He also advised the market chairmen to monitor their security men to check if there is any saboteur among them because they sometimes cause the fire outbreak to rob people’s money and goods, adding that some people pay them atimes to do that against their enemies.

The Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent, Mr Kingsley Nwabueze said that his office oversees the teaching, enlightening and training of people on the prevention of fire and how to use fire extinguisher, saying that some have to buy but are ignorant of the usage.

He emphasized that we should not fight the smoke of the fire or flame but to target the fire extinguisher at the root of the fire or on the particular object that is on fire.

The Market Chairman, Oforleh Stephen Obiora, said, “they are here based on the agenda of the Governor to make sure that state is safe especially this period the market have put in place some measures before now to ensure there is no fire outbreak in the market.

He reiterated that the market has a functional overhead tank, that fire extinguisher are mounted at all the blocks in the market likewise control switches at every block which are handled by blocks chairmen, and they off it every day at the end of the day before leaving.

Oforleh also said that the market structure is superb in terms of fighting fire outbreak because it is decked, if it happens at all, it must be that particular place, no extension.

According to him, every trader in the market fills his/her tank with not more than 5 litres of fuel each day which would last for the hours of businesses, and nobody stores fuel in his tank for anything.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SCHOOLS IN IDEMILI NORTH LGA MARK AIW; WINNERS OF ICT QUIZ EMERGE

By Chiedu Uche Okoye/Bridget Nwoye :

Winners of the quiz competition based on Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Idemili North LGA had emerged during the marking of the Anambra Innovation Week (AIW) in the council area by secondary school students.

The Anambra Innovation Week (AIW) is designed to encourage and foster technological innovation among secondary school students in the state given the centrality of ICT in the development of a country.

During the two-day event, which took place at Idemili North LGA headquarters, innumerable students from over 30 schools participated in the presentation of technological innovations and ICT quiz competition.

At the end of the keenly contested quiz competition, Nwosu Kenneth Anthony from Divine Rays Demonstration School, Obosi came first; while Akuora Michael Onu and Frederick Nwachukwu, both from Dominican Sisters’ College, Abatete, took second and third position, respectively.

The winner of the ICT quiz competition in Idemili North LGA designed to mark Anambra Innovation Week(AIW) will receive a cash prize of N200,000 while the first runner-up and second runner-up will receive 150,000 and 100,000 naira, respectively.

Other schools in Idemili North LGA, which participated in the AIW quiz and presentation of technological innovation included Choice De Immaculate Demonstration School, Obosi; Arch Bishop Heerey Technical College, Ogidi; Mater Amabilis, Umuoji ; St. Anthony of Padua, Nkpor; and Ebelechukwu International School, Nkpor.

In his speech during the event, the chief moderator, Mr. Uchenna Franklin, advised the students, who participated in the quiz to perceive themselves as geniuses, their positions in the quiz notwithstanding.

“You are geniuses as long as you can read and write; and the positions you took in the contest are immaterial,

“And there is hope for Anambra State considering the level of competitiveness and knowledge displayed by the participating students, ” Uchenna said.

Nwosu, who won the contest attributed his success to the quality and wide range of ICT knowledge he received from his teachers and the computer programming course he studied.

*Chiedu and Bridget are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA GOVT URGES HOTELIERS TO PAY TAXES REGULARLY, MAINTAIN INTERNATIONAL STANDARD

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

The Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji, has urged hoteliers in the state to stay current with their tax payments as required by law, emphasizing that any hotel operating without a proper operational license is doing so illegally.

Additionally, he encouraged hotel owners to ensure their establishments meet international standards to attract patronage, especially with the construction of the Solution Fun City that will attract tourists to the state.

The Commissioner made this statement during his meeting with the executive members of the Anambra State Hotel Owners Association at the UHBET Center in Awka.

He announced that the ministry is planning to organize a workshop for the association in first week of December. “We want you to uphold standards and ensure security, by government regulations so that together we can build a livable, prosperous, and smart city,” he said.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Dr Greg Ezilo, emphasized the importance of hoteliers paying their taxes promptly when demand notices are issued.

He highlighted that standardizing hotels is crucial, and the government utilizes tax revenue to construct more roads, build hospitals, and undertake other significant projects.

“We, as the government, strive to maintain harmony among us. We encourage hoteliers to enhance their standards and quality, and to ensure their staff are well-trained for optimal service delivery,” he said.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vicilook, Mr Dickson Cliff Okechukwu, informed the hoteliers about the easy way to enhance customer service through their online tech platform, which also serves as a means of advertisement.

He noted that approximately 18 hotels, along with some schools and hospitals, are currently utilizing the tech platform for optimal service delivery. “Our platform will showcase the interior and exterior of your hotel to the world, attracting potential customers. Once installed, the platform will be managed by you.”

In his vote of thanks, the Vice Chairman, Anambra State Hotel Association, Mr. Taiwo Ogunsola, expressed his gratitude to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for the remarkable projects happening throughout the state. He appealed to the state government to address the issue of multiple taxation, noting that the rising costs of commodities are negatively impacting their businesses.

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

THE LAUNCH OF ANAMBRA INNOVATION WEEK 2024; OPERATION “EVERYTHING TECHNOLOGY, TECHNOLOGY EVERYWHERE”

By Chisom Okpala :

The Maiden edition of the Anambra Innovation Week has been launched in the state, an initiative that will help position Anambra as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship.

Speaking to young technocrats and innovators at the International Conference Center in Awka, the State Deputy Governor, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim who spoke on behalf of the Governor, Prof. Soludo advised youths to tap into the vast technology driven opportunities inorder to develop themselves.

Dr. Ibezim expressed optimism that Gov. Soludo’s clear vision to make Anambra the Silicone Valley of Africa will benefit Ndi Anambra both home and diaspora.

He also explained that the recent flag off of the ‘UNDP Solution Innovation District Area’ in the state is an indication that government is committed and concerned in enhancing innovations, exploring all aspects of technology driven by the clear mantra of “everything technology and technology everywhere”.

The Deputy Governor also noted that over 25,000 youths in the state has been trained on various skills by the Soludo administration, as well as follow up mentorship in their chosen paths and provision of grants to enable them start up their businesses.

In a welcome note, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms Chinwe Okoli stated that the Innovation Week is a historical gathering designed to celebrate innovation in the state, to foster collaborations in Nigeria and charge the course for the digital future of Anambra and Africa at large.

She pointed out that the theme, “Creating the Future of Africa, Now” is a clarion call to leverage an informative part of technology and innovation in building an Africa that thrive in digital economy.

Ms Okoli also commended Gov. Soludo’s commitment to digitally empowered Anambra, a state where technology drives everything done in the state.

According to Mrs Okoli, the concept of Solution Innovation District was birthed in the year 2022 and established to become a cornerstone for brewing new innovators especially in Anambra State, a beacon for innovation, nurturing start-ups, empowering young talents, building the Anambra digital tribe and driving the state transition into a technology based economy.

Also present at the launch, the State Commissioner for Youth, Mr .Patrick Agha Mba, Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odumegwu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Empowerment Programmes, Dr Nelson Omenugha, UNDP Representatives.

Others include; Innovators, Top Tech CEOs, Entrepreneurs, Digital Experts an others all spoke on emerging trends and opportunities in technology, as well as innovation tips.

The Programme will feature as part of its highlights, the ‘Battle4Solution’, an innovative competition with the prize pool of over 100,000,000 naira.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION URGES SOLUDO TO ELEVATE NOCEN TO DEGREE-AWARDING INSTITUTION

By Uzo Ugwunze :

Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (NOCEN) Alumni Association has urged the Anambra State Government to elevate the Institution to a degree awarding status or university of education considering that the college has consistently produced graduates who excel in their fields with the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

The request was made during the Alumni Association Maiden Homecoming which held from Friday November 22nd to Sunday November 24th, 2024 at the Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe Anambra East LGA, Anambra State.

Speaking during the event, the NOCEN Alumni Association National President Prince Emeka Oramadike stated: “the time has come for the government to recognize the indispensable role NOCEN plays in our society and provide the intervention necessary to ensure that our college remains a beacon of educational excellence for years to come.

The Legal adviser to the Alumni Association, Nnadiume Awforkansi appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to put up an executive bill to elevate the Institution to the House of Assembly, saying that majority of the lecturers in the college are also lecturing degree students. “We want the governor not just to elevate the Institution to a degree awarding status but to make it a pioneer University of Education in the entire South Eastern Nigeria.

Earlier in her welcome address, the NOCEN Provost, Dr Mrs. Justina Anyadiegwu who was represented by the Dean of Students Affairs, Dr Michael Ejike Meze said that the pressing needs facing the college include sourcing for revenue and upgrading the college to a university of education.

The keynote Speaker, Head of Department of Mathematics, NOCEN, Ven Dr. Charles Chukwurah who spoke on the ‘Role of College of Education in Emerging Digital Education of our Changing World’ urged both the federal and state government to fund digital education thereby providing an enabling environment for both educators and learners.

The Chairman Maiden Homecoming Planning Committee, UBAKA Onwuanuibe who graduated from the College in 1987 said that the 3-day event featured fraternizing with the college environment, parleying with the students, gala night, lectures, keynote addresses by resource persons, launching of Alumni projects especially the Re-activation, Rehabilitation and reticulation of college water boreholes, Merit Awards/ Special Recognitions and Admission into NOCEN Alumni Hall of Fame, Cultural dances, Church Service among others.

Those admitted into the Alumni Hall of Fame include Vice Chancellor Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Prof Mrs Kate Azuka Omenugha, Life Patron, NOCEN Alumni Association, a pioneer student of the college. Receiving the award on her behalf was her classmate, Mr Chidi Tagbo, a retired Principal and others.

A University Don at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Dr Mrs. Chioma Alice Onwuasoigwe of Class of 87′ who was so excited about the newly established NOCEN Alumni Association called on every Alumnus of the College to think home, join hands together with the leadership of the Alumni to move the Association forward while giving back to their alma mater.

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