News

ANAMBRA GOVT, OTHERS HOLD VALEDICTORY SESSION FOR LATE FORMER DEPUTY SPEAKER, HON. OSEKE

By Chisom Okpala :

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo has joined the Anambra State House of Assembly to bid farewell to Late Rt. Hon. Harford Oseke, member who represented Awka South II constituency, Majority Leader of the 5th Assembly and Deputy Speaker of the 6th Assembly.

A valedictory session was held in his honour at the Anambra State House of Assembly Complex Awka.

Commiserating with the Oseke family, Gov. Soludo represented by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim eulogized the former Deputy Speaker as one whose service as a lawmaker was selfless, a great man who played his role diligently.

According to the governor, We are gathered today to celebrate the life and legacy of an exceptional individual who dedicated his life to the service of his constituency and our great state.

He prayed that his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Ndi Anambra will never be forgotten and his legacy sustained.

In a tribute, the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somto Udeze described Hon. Oseke as a seasoned legislator who contributed his quota to the development and well-being of his constituents and the state.

Udeze noted that the late lawmaker passed and sponsored bills benefiting the people. Adding the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye praised Oseke’s wisdom and humility.

A vote of thanks by the family member, hand over of the condolence register to his wife, file past the coffin and tributes from both present and past House of Assembly members formed the highlights of the session.

The deceased wife, his children, extended families, member representing Ihiala federal Constituency, Hon. Paschal Agbodike, Anambra State Head of service, Dr. Theodora Igwegbe, others were present to pay last respect to late Oseke.

*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SOCIETY NOT KIND TO YOUTHS; YOU ARE ARCHITECT OF YOUR FUTURE, SAYS EDUCATION COMMISSIONER

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The 2023/2024 Batch C1 and C2 corps members who served at the Ministry of Education paid a farewell visit to Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the Commissioner for Education, at her office in the State Secretariat Complex, Awka.

During her address to the corps members, Prof. Chuma-Udeh emphasized that society is often harsh on youths, but reminded them that they are the architects of their future, urging them to let go of the expectation that a white-collar job awaits them, stressing the importance of acquiring skills while searching for formal employment.

“Now that you have completed your mandatory one-year service to the nation, don’t assume that the world is easy. You must strive to acquire skills while looking for corporate jobs. Be proactive and stay on the right path—it may be tough, but the benefits last longer,” she advised.

The commissioner also warned them against shortcuts in life, saying that every action has its consequences. “All that glitters is not gold,” she said, encouraging the youth to stay focused on long-term success.

She advised the female corps members to seek partners with potential and build stable families, while reminding the men of their future responsibilities as heads of families, urging them to take life’s challenges head-on.

One of the outgoing corps members, Miss Perpetua Jideuno, expressed gratitude, saying that serving in the ministry had been a valuable experience, particularly in data processing and analysis. She thanked Prof. Chuma-Udeh, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, and Mr. Bayo Omogunwa for their support and guidance during their service year.

*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SOLUDO IDENTIFIES GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT TO EDUCATION AS ROAD TO PROMISED DUBAI TAIWAN

By David Okpala/Stella Okpala :

The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has identified quality education to children of all class as road to Dubai Taiwan development strategy he promised.

He said this while addressing Ndi Akpo, on a day visit to them, at Akpo Junction, Aguata LGA, on October 19.

Soludo said, “the idea of free education to all had been in me before I became governor.

“The public primary school in my community had 190 pupils 14 years ago when I took over school fees, uniform and other things needed to get educated as a pupil. Lately, I was told that we have over 800 pupils in the school.

“Investing on our children education is the only way we can guarantee sustainable growth and development of this part of the world.

“Some myopic critics thought that Dubai Taiwan we promised are mansions, skyscrapers springing up everywhere in less than 3 years in office or fixing all roads in Anambra State.

“These infrastructure development are good and we are doing all we can within the available resources to fixing them.

“Employment of 8150 teachers in less than 3 years in office is unprecedented. We have never seen it happen in any state of this country.

“The aim is to end the era of schools without teachers. Having employed quality teachers, we profound quality teach mechanism.

“We are building children that will take over from us and build formidable society, even without petroleum deposits.”

According to him, the Taiwan we are talking about today do not have mineral resources such as crude oil, but with education they developed their technology to the top where they are now.

He extolled Ndi Akpo who have been putting their personal resources into education, pleading with them to keep up the tempo.

“The free education from Nursery to Secondary School level, is to close the gap between children of the rich and those of the poor.”

He noted that access to quality education ought to be equal to all, if we must get it right.

The Governor told Ndi Akpo not to worry about Amesi- Akpo-Ogboji Road, that has been bone in their throats, as he is going to award it next month.

“It is a 7.1kilometre road. By this time next year, we will know how far we have gone fixing the road.”

This promise pushed Ndi Akpo to joy galore as everybody jumped up for joy.

The occasion featured commissioning of college road and Comprehensive Health Centre which were constructed by community efforts.

He extolled Ndi Akpo for thinking health, road infrastructure and education facilities.

The Governor promised going to come back to Akpo to commission community driven projects at Community Secondary School Akpo, as soon as they are ready.

He enjoined other communities in Anambra State to emulate Ndi Akpo as they embark on development projects.

Earlier, the President General, Akpo Development Association (ADA), Nze Henry C. Dim while delivering welcome address, enumerated governor’s strives in governance.

On behalf of Ndi Akpo, he pleaded with the governor to accept contesting Guber office come 2025, promising total support of Ndi Akpo.

He emphasized that one good turn, deserves another (Uzo di mma, aga ya ugboro abuo).

The occasion attracted men from all walks of life. Prominent among them include Federal Representative, Aguata Federal Constituency, Engr. Dominic Okafor, Secretary to Anambra State Government (SSG), Prof Solo Chukwulobelu.

Member State House of Assembly, Aguata 1, Mr Anayo Okpalaeke and his counterpart Aguata II, Muobuike Anthony, Commissioner for Works, Engr Ifeanyi Okoma, and Chairman, Aguata LGA, Dr Chibueze Ofobuike.

*David and Stella are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

ANAMBRA GOVT ADOPTS SECTOR-WIDE APPROACH TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE SERVICE

By Chukwudi Nwauba :

The Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Health has adopted a Sector-Wide Approach to improve healthcare service delivery across the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said,” Few months ago, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), in collaboration with State Health Ministries and Partners launched the SWAP initiative.

“The aim of this initiative is to ensure that Nigeria’s healthcare system transformed through a comprehensive strategy that is designed to address chronic issues within the health sector”.

He said this at the just concluded AOP 2025 SWAP process meeting in Awka.

“This is the reason we conducted a 2 day Management Committee meeting with all the health implementing partners in the state.’’

Dr. Obidike emphasized the importance of a sector-wide approach to health systems strengthening, noting that the collaborative strategy aims to integrate efforts across various sectors—Government, Private, and Civil Society.

Participants discussed the need for cohesive policies that address health issues not in isolation but as interrelated factors.

“This includes collaboration with sectors like education, finance, and agriculture to tackle social determinants of health.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) announced a new initiative to pool resources, encouraging countries to invest jointly in health systems. This initiative aims to ensure equitable access to healthcare services, especially in underserved regions.”

Successful examples from countries such as Rwanda and Thailand were presented, showcasing how integrating health with other sectors has led to improved health metrics and community resilience.

The Leaders emphasized the role of local communities in shaping health strategies. Community-based approaches ensure that health interventions are culturally relevant and effective.

The summit also highlighted the role of technology in facilitating a sector-wide approach. Innovations in data sharing and telemedicine were cited as crucial tools for enhancing health service delivery.

“As countries grapple with ongoing health challenges, including pandemics and non-communicable diseases, the commitment to a sector-wide approach represents a significant step towards holistic health solutions.

The summit concluded with a call to action for governments, NGOs, and private sectors to prioritize collaboration. The potential benefits of this approach could reshape the landscape of global health, ensuring that no one is left behind.

According to Obidike, Anambra Health Sector under Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has received massive supports and what his government has achieved within few years in office is incomparable since the creation of the state.

The Commissioner thanked UNAIDS, WHO, UNICEF and other partners for their contributions in healthcare sector of the state.

*Chukwudi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ENUGWU-UMUONYIA COMMUNITY HANDS OVER HEALTH FACILITY, SEEKS SUPPORT

By Nnedinma Okeke :

The Enugwu-Umuonyia community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State has handed over the community Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) to the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) whilst soliciting support from government to ensure full functionality of the facility.

The health facility which was built in 2006 had been abandoned and left in a non-functional state. It is now been revived by the Enugwu-Umuonyia Development Union, Lagos Branch who adopted the healthcare centre as her project.

The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem thanked the Enugwu-Umuonyia Development Union, Lagos Branch for their initiative in reviving the PHC which was geared towards the prosperity of its people.

She urged the community members to ensure proper use of the PHC as it would aid in attracting more development to it.

The ASPHCDA Boss emphasized the need for proper record and data keeping whilst urging for a cordial working relationship between the community members and staff of the health facility.

The Mayor, Orumba South LGA, Mr Shedrack Azubuike represented by Deputy Mayor, Mrs Ngozi Obidike noted that the PHC handover was a beacon of hope for the Enugwu-Umuonyia community and Orumba South LGA at large as adequate healthcare was one of the priorities of the Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.

According to him, the present administration has shown in the recruitment of healthcare workers, revitalisation of PHCs across the state, building of General Hospitals and many other initiatives and packages to ensure improvement in the state’s healthcare sector.

He prayed the Enugwu-Umuonyia PHC to be a place of healing for those who visit to seek medical care, whilst also thanking all who worked to ensure its handover with special gratitude to the Igwe, President General and Enugwu-Umuonyia Lagos Branch.

The Traditional Ruler, Enugwu-Umuonyia community, His Royal Highness, Igwe P. N Ezeamama urged the community members to make use of the PHC and other government facilities to include schools where they were trained personnel.

This he said would enable the people enjoy government interventions such as the free antenatal care and delivery service packages enjoyed in PHCs and general hospitals across the state and also the free education enjoyed in government schools.

He thanked the state government for its initiatives and dividends to Ndi Anambra and people living in the state while appealing for its support in refurbishing and revitalising the Enugwu-Umuonyia PHC for its betterment.

The President General, Enugwu-Umuonyia community, Mr Izundu Azubuike pleaded for the state government’s support in the PHC while also appealing for the involvement of other development union branches of Enugwu-Umuonyia community in diaspora to support in ensuring full and optimal functionality of the facility.

He thanked specially Mr Reginald Ezeh for his support, Dr Ukamaka Ifeyinwa Ezeh for attracting drugs and medical facilities from Aguata-Orumba Women’s Organisation of Southern Califonia and Mr Ebenezer Onwuchekwe for sponsoring the ceremony.

The PHC Director, Orumba South LGA, Mrs Philomena Aniokwu assured that the health facility under their care would be functional 24 hours of the day with the Nurse and other staff to be posted there.

She noted that with the health facility, Ndi Enugwu-Umuonyia and people living in the community would now enjoy the free antenatal care and delivery services palliative of the state government.

She urged the aged, children, women and men of the community and those living around to access the facility in order to receive care and to always check their Blood Pressure (BP) to know their numbers.

The PHC Director, further, informed the people to visit the facility which would be a fixed post for the upcoming Measles vaccination campaign for children aged nine to 59 months in the state.

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

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WORKS INSPECTS ROAD PROJECTS IN OKPOKO

By Chizoba Okeke :

Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Infrastructure has conducted an inspection of the ongoing road construction projects on Nwokedi and Edmund Streets, including extensions 1, 2, 3, and 4 in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area.

The visit aimed to assess the progress of work and ensure the contractors are adhering to the project’s specifications.

The committee led by its chairman and member representing Orumba South Constituency, Mr Emma Nwafor expressed satisfaction with the quality of materials being used, particularly in the construction of the drainage system, which is critical for managing floodwaters in the area.

According to the committee, the project is currently at the stage of desilting and casting drainage structures, while noting that the drainage work will mitigate flooding issue.

From findings, the committee also highlighted several challenges the contractors are facing, including adverse effects of heavy rainfall and domestic wastewater from surrounding buildings, which compounds the problem by causing blockages.

The contractor handling the job, Engineer Ezeadi Austin, stated that the 3.5 kilometer road will be completed in less than five months, assuring not to compromise standards.

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

ANAMBRA SPEAKER, UDEZE CONGRATULATES AMB BIANCA OJUKWU ON MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENT

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze has described the appointment of Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs by President Bola Tinubu as meritorious, deserving and expected.

Congratulating Ambassador Ojukwu on her appointment on behalf of the state Legislature, Udeze noted that Ambassador Ojukwu is eminently qualified to serve as Minister, having worked as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain in addition to other exalted offices she has held.

The speaker who commended President Tinubu for engaging best brains from Anambra State to work with him irrespective of their party affiliations, revealed that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has continued to make meaningful contributions to President Tinubu’s administration with the appointments of Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a member of the Federal Government Economic Team and Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, an APGA Board of Trustees member as Minister.

While praying God to equip Ambassador Ojukwu accordingly to enable her discharge her duties optimally, Mr Udeze enjoined her to bring her wealth of experience to bear in carrying out her functions and strive to make Anambra State proud in her new appointment.

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

GOVERNMENT PROVIDES FREE WIFI, SOLVES POWER ISSUES IN OFFICES AS IT INSTALLS SOLAR SYSTEM

By MaryAnn Chukwuma :

The Government of Anambra State has recently installed free WiFi in its offices to further enhance it’s technologically driven smart city agenda in the state.

The free WiFi provided, ensures that every person within the state secretariat enjoys unlimited internet access round the clock.

The operation of the internet enabler device has no limitation or hindrance in usage as anyone can connect to the internet seamlessly and browse unhindered.

With this, workers are no longer challenged with performing their task daily since the system do not depend on the epileptic EEDC power source but generate it’s power from the installed solar energy system.

Interacting with an Information Office, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mr Adebayo Ojeyinka expressing his joy about the recent development said the installation of the systems has returned speed and efficiency in task performance among workers in the Secretariat.

“This has improved our response time to any official matter that we have to deal with”, Ojeyinka added.

He noted that since the installation of the WiFi, workers feel more enthusiastic about their jobs and constantly looking forward to achieving new milestones in their various offices and ministries.

Mr. Ojeyinka, thanked the government for it’s thoughtfulness in putting in place systems necessary for efficiency and speed seen in developed economies.

He said this was a pointer to the fact that the governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is truly committed to making Anambra a contemporary smart city when compared to events obtainable in other more developed society.

“Indeed, this is a welcomed development and proves the point that the governor is keeping to his manifesto that is to make technology to be available everywhere in the state”, he added.

The Permanent Secretary thanked the government and the Head of Service, Lady Okwy Igwegbe for painstakingly ensuring that the workers got all they needed for performing their tasks effectively and timely.

Equally thanking the government, James Nsionu, a Civil Servant could not believe that a government in Nigeria could provide free WiFi and constant power and make it available for all and sundry for unrestricted use.

He said he now looks forward to reporting to the office every morning bearing in mind that all his jobs and tasks would be performed effectively and timely without having to worry about internet access and power.

Mr. Nsionu also thanked the Head of Service for her passion in seeing that the Civil Servants deliver productively.

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

ASWAMA BOSS VOWS TOTAL COMMITMENT TO ANAMBRA’S CLEANLINESS

By: Benjamin Ogbuagu :

The Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Mr Mike Ozoemena has warned Road Sweepers employed by the Agency to sit up and take their duties seriously or risk facing serious disciplinary action.

Mr Ozoemena issued this warning at the Eke Awka Market area of the Awka capital city on Thursday while on a routine inspection tour of the capital city, to ascertain the level of compliance to duty by the agency workers.

The ASWAMA Boss frowned at the attitude of some road sweepers who report to work late and others who abandon their duty posts without any authorization, warning that the agency will no longer tolerate such. “It is either you key into the vision of the agency or you are shown the way out.

“It is crystal clear that the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is commiting enermous resources to the infrastructural upgrade of the state especially the capital city with the aim of achieving the clean, green and livable homeland as encapsulated in his administration’s agenda.

“As you can see, new road infrastructure with modern facilities are springing up in every nook and cranny of the capital city, you can see the new government house and lodge, the Solution Fun City and many other projects aimed at elevating the status of the capital to the megacity of our dreams. All these will amount to nothing if the capital city is not kept clean always”, he noted.

The MD called on contractors saddled with the responsibility of waste management to live up to the confidence reposed on them by the Solution Government and discharge their duties to perfection. According to him, the commitment to the cleanliness of Anambra State especially the capital city is non negotiable and all hands must be on deck to achieve this.

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

ANAMBRA PRIORITIZES ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, SAYS EDUCATION COMMISSIONER

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma- Udeh has emphasised that the state government is working relentlessly to ensure the state’s academic excellence remains unrivaled.

Speaking at the 2024/2025 WAEC and Education Stakeholders Committee meeting held at the Ministry of Education’s Conference Hall in Awka, the commissioner highlighted the state’s continuous efforts to sustain and surpass its academic achievements.

Professor Chuma-Udeh assured the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) team, led by Branch Controller Mr. Uduak-Akpan, that the ministry remains committed to excellence, stating, “We are not resting on our oars.” She outlined strategic initiatives aimed at further enhancing Anambra’s academic reputation, demonstrating the ministry’s proactive approach to education.

According to her, “one of such initiatives involves the recruitment and deployment of qualified teachers, particularly from remote areas like Anambra East, to address the shortage of educators and ensure students in these regions have uninterrupted access to education throughout the academic year.

“With the recent addition of 8,115 teachers, the state has now exceeded both the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation( UNESCO) and national teacher-student ratio guidelines, a significant milestone,” she noted.

Professor Chuma-Udeh also pointed to several key programs, including the annual teacher’s boot camp, periodic teacher examinations, competency-based capacity development programs, and incentives such as the payment of three years’ counterpart funding for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

These initiatives, she said, are part of the current administration’s commitment to maintaining top-tier performance in the education sector.

The commissioner underscored the importance of continuous professional development, stating that these programs are designed to equip teachers with the latest advancements in pedagogy and help them refine their skills.

Earlier, the WEAC facilitator, Mrs. Genevieve Chukwudi Nwoko, guided the committee through an in-depth analysis of the various factors contributing to declining student performance, while also offering recommendations to enhance student achievement

The meeting was attended by several education stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, and the Director of Schools, Mrs. Ifeoma Onyeneke, amongst others.

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