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INDUSTRIALISED ANAMBRA: SOLUDO LAYING SOLID FOUNDATION FOR TAKEOFF, STATE RANKING FIRST IN EASE OF DOING BUSINESS AND MOST SME-FRIENDLY – MEFOR

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, on Friday, October 18, received the organisers of the South East Business and Investment Summit (SEBIS 2024) at his office in Awka, where he stated that Governor Soludo had laid a solid foundation for the industrialisation of Anambra State.

Addressing the visitors, Mefor, who said he participated in the Investment Summit before he was appointed commissioner, assured the group that Anambra is a worthy partner in their project since the state is setting out to become an industrial hub.

He said the preoccupation of the summit had always been to make the South East the developed haven that its forebears like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr. Michael Okpala dreamt of, adding that Governor Soludo has similar visions and is already laying a solid foundation for the industrial transformation of the state through the construction of durable stone base roads and other enablers such as water, power, among others.

“It is self-evident that Anambra is geared towards industrialisation. Go to Nnewi, for example, and you will be convinced that we are inclined not only toward commerce, we are also inclined toward industrialisation, technology, etc. You are in the right place. You will find Anambra a worthy partner in this journey, and I do know your plan matches Mr Governor’s industrialisation agenda.

“Based on a peer review, Anambra state ranks first in ease of doing business in all of southern Nigeria. More importantly, Prof. Soludo has devoted a section of Anambra State as the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City (AMIC), stretching from Ogboji, Akpu, and Ufuma to Ekwulobia, as a hub for SMEs and large industries. So, whatever business and investment you want to propose, there’s a space for that already. Whether you are bringing in investors from outside or you want to stimulate local interest in industrialisation and development, the foundation is already laid. So, you are not coming to tell Soludo to start. He is already working in that direction,” Mefor said.

Earlier, the leader of the group and former Commissioner for Environment, Anambra State, Dr Ifedi Okwenna, explained that the summit is an annual reunion meeting of government/policy leaders, investors, and businesses from diverse sectors to promote business and investment and stimulate the South East economy, among others.

He expressed happiness that the Anambra State Government is recognised as an SME-friendly state and urged the commissioner to help facilitate the group’s meeting with Mr Governor.

* Oranye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY CLERK UGHENU EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK, COMMITMENT

By Chizoba Okeke :

The new Clerk of Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Anthony Ughenu has urged staff of the institution to put in their best in order to achieve the aims and objectives.

Mr. Ughenu while addressing the House of Assembly staff, called for synergy, dedication and unity of purpose.

According to the Clerk, “this meeting is for us to introduce ourselves and to be mindful of protocols and the traditions because responsibilities are all intertwined to make our job better.

“There are things we must do to make this institution function optimally, and efficiency of service delivering is key.

“We are here to be a support staff to the lawmakers and we have been dispensing this responsibility credibly.

“I urge us to make it easier by doing our beat, no matter how inconsequential you think it is. When you do your beat, the House of Assembly will be better for us.

”We need to work together, build a synergy to achieve our goal and also abide by the principles

”Our attitude to work is very important, coming to work and on time too is a requirement for success. We have to show presence, commitment to move the State House forward.

”We will keep on meeting, synergizing and keep on recording success’. Ughenu stated.

In there separate remarks, the acting deputy clerk, Mrs Cynthia Idemobi, and the head of admin, Mrs Uzoh urged the staff to dress decent and modest to work.

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

2024 OFALA FESTIVAL: ONITSHA MONARCH BEMOANS DEVASTATING IMPACT OF NIGERIA’S ECONOMY, INSECURITY

By Juliana Nwachukwu/Ngozi Okoli/Anakor Nkiru :

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe last Friday, expressed deep concern over the devastating impact of the nation’s economy and insecurity.

Achebe, in his 2024 Ofala message tagged: “Courage Perseverance, Self-reliance” which he translated into Igbo language as , “Onye kwe, Chi’e ekwe”, said the combined effects of the duo of poor economy and insecurity are the spiraling ride in the cost of living, business closures, loss of employment, a general feeling of hopelessness and lack of trust in the government.

According to the monarch, “At last year Ofala, I stated that the previous 12 months were marked by uncertainties occasioned by the aftermath of the general elections, further exacerbated by the continuing insecurity and the effects of the sudden removal of the fuel price subsidy.

” Unfortunately, the well-being of the polity has declined even more steeply in the last 12 months, leading to a 10-day national protest in August 2024 tagged: “End bad governance”, said Obi Achebe.

He expressed disappointment that the federal government had rejected proposals aimed at restoring Nigeria’s former glory. These proposals included devolution of power, downsizing the government, addressing the interconnected issues of insecurity, agriculture, and high cost of living, mitigating the impact of fuel price hikes on the cost of living, and tackling bad governance fueled by corruption and the lavish lifestyles of political leaders.

He therefore called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to consider alternative views and urgently convene a non-partisan national economic and security summit to forge a collective way forward for the country.

He also decried the enormous economic and social impact on Ndigbo who continue to suffer at the hands of unknown gunmen who have been terrorizing the community, killing, maiming, and kidnapping their own people for ransom, causing widespread fear and disruption. The situation has forced schools, markets, and public facilities to shut down every Monday in compliance with the sit-at-home order.

* Nwachukwu, Okoli and Anakor are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

YOUTHS HAIL 1YOUTH 2 SKILLS AS TOP HUMAN CAPITAL PROJECT…CONFER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE ON ONITSHA SOUTH MAYOR

By Obianuju Azukaego/Juliana Nwachukwu :

The 1 Youth 2 Skills programme initiated by Governor Charles Soludo through Anambra State Ministry of Youths and Empowerment has been hailed as Nigeria’s top Human Capital Development Project.

Mr. Franklin Oyeke, Head of the 1 Youth 2 Skills program in Onitsha South Local Government Area, announced this after presenting an Award of Excellence to Mr Emeka Orji, Mayor of Onitsha South LGA, at his office in the Secretariat.

He described the youth empowerment programme as the best because it has a long term training period of 4 – 6 months unlike the three days training commonly practiced in the society.

Mr. Oyeke who is the councilor Elect, Odakpu ward 1 Onitsha South said that Prof. Soludo at the pilot phase of the programme trained 5000 youths in various skills and vocations and established them to be financially independent.

He stated that many youths in the state through the 1 youth 2 skills have acquired various skills and vocations in the pilot phase while 10,000 youths are still learning skills in different skill acquisition centres in the state.

“The 5000 youths who graduated from the pilot phase of the programme are doing well in their various fields of endeavors.

“The second phase which gave room for 10,000 youths to be trained in various skills is on-going”, he noted.

He also commended the Mayor of Onitsha South LGA, Chief Emeka Orji for impressive developmental strides he has achieved in the area when he was the transition chairman.

He added that youths decided to bestow him an award of excellence to appreciate his innovative quality and as well to encourage him to do more.

Also speaking, the Coordinator, Solution Youths Prenuer Support Group (SYPSG), Onitsha South LG, Mr. Dubem Okonkwo praised the 1 youth 2 skills initiative of the governor while describing it as a solution to unemployment in Nigeria. He said that Prof. Soludo’s innovations are equal to none.

He also commended the visionary quality of Chief Emeka Orji, while congratulating him for winning the just concluded LGA election.

Reacting, Chief Orji appreciated the youths for the award conferred on him and promised to work harder to achieve more success.

He also lauded the governor for the initiative which he confirmed that it is yielding positive results.

The high point of the event was the presentation of a portrait to the Mayor of Onitsha South LGA, Chief Emeka Orji.

* Azukaego and Nwachukwu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ANAMBRA YOUTHS TO BENEFIT FROM UNDP, MASTERCARD EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

BY: Nwokedi Nwanneka A. and Maureen Agbala :

In a bid to drive socio economic development in Nigeria, MasterCard Foundation in partnership with United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) organized a four-day in-house training tagged “Young Africa Innovates” for young Anambra youths between the ages of 18-35 years in the state.

The training which started on Monday 14th October, 2024 at ASSU Hall, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka was aimed to strengthen the capacity of innovation hubs and local institutions as well as support young innovators from all works of life.

Speaking during the training, the Focal Person United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP), South East, Chiwetalu Okosi stated that Young Africa Innovates ethos is rooted in inclusivity and to ensure that innovators from all works of life are empowered to bring their vision to life.

She also said that at the core of the programme, innovators will be provided with technical support to test, validate and scale up their solutions.

According to her, Anambra is the pilot state for South East and the focus is on Commerce because of the state’s peculiarity on entrepreneurship, so there is need for innovative ideas under the value chain for commerce to find out how we can find new ways of doing commerce to improve. Once we have something new and innovative, the idea will be refined.

“Out of 3000 youths that applied, 300 was selected, there was no academic restriction and the programme was conducted in two batches. After the training they will pitch their ideas and best 30 will be selected and scaled up into incubators stage after which they will be given all they will need to refine these ideas like; seed money, mentorship etc and the refined ideas will further be developed and established,’’ she said.

One of the participants, Mrs Okonkwo Patience Onyinyechi, a fashion designer expressed joy to be selected for the programme, stating that she has learned a lot of new ways to help boost her business.

‘’This is a life changing opportunity, I have learnt so many new things that will help improve my business and also in other fields of works, even if am not selected at the end of the day, my life has richly been impacted positively’’.

Idika Chidimma, one of the resource persons commended the organisers of the programme as it will empower the young innovators and help them address the challenges in the commerce sector.

‘’These young innovators are local talents, they are residents in the state so they know the challenges in the commerce sector, they have been equipped with new ways to address these challenges and also to improve their skills,’’ she said.

* Nwokedi and Agbala are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

GOVERNMENT BEGINS DISTRIBUTION OF RELIEF MATERIALS TO FLOOD VICTIMS IN ANAMBRA

By Chinyere Nwoye :

Anambra State Emergency Management Agency has begun distribution of relief materials to 2024 flood affected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Anambra State.

Flag off of the distribution which took place at the SEMA warehouse, Awka had some affected LGAs present for immediate collection of their own relief materials.

They are, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra East and Anambra west LGAs.

The items included non food items such as mattresses, buckets, blankets, clothing materials, plates, cups, mosquito nets, soaps and disinfectants.

Executive Secretary, SEMA, Chief Paul Odenigbo noted that four LGAs out of ten have been flooded and Ogbaru is the most effected followed by Anambra East, Anambra west and Ayamelum.

He said, “people are already in Holding Centres so we decided to share these relief items to the displaced persons; all these basic items that we have given them will assist them in the camps”.

Chief Odenigbo noted that Anambra State Government would provide more goodies to the displaced persons as according to him, “this is an immediate relief materials given to them to make them comfortable”.

He said that the Holding Centres have conveniences and other facilities for them too while noting that the water level is rising consistently and that the State Government has started to evacuate people to a higher ground.

“While some people are coming out themselves; getting a boat for evacuation is expensive but we have no other choice as human lives is more Important”.

The Chairman of Ogbaru LGA, Mr. Franklin Nwadialu represented by his liaison officer, Mr. Kezito Onunokwu commended the State Government for the immediate response with the relief materials. He added that a lot of people have been displaced and are in the camps.

“These relief items the people received today from SEMA will lessen their sufferings and we need more food and medical attention,” he said.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), on Thursday October 17 issued fresh alert warning communities along coastal lines to relocate without further delay.

SEMA, therefore, urged the people to heed the latest warning by relevant Agencies and pick essential items they will be needing while in camp.

ONITSHA AREA COMMAND GETS FACELIFT, NEW COMMANDER ISSUES WARNING TO CRIMINALS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Onitsha Police Area Command in Anambra State has undergone significant transformations since Mr. Nzota Chidi, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), took office two weeks ago as the Area Commander, issuing a stern warning to criminals in the commercial hub of the Southeast, advising them to vacate the area or face severe consequences

The Area Commander with the support of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Tina Okeke, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), the Inland Town Police Station has achieved notable successes. Within just 10 days of assuming command, Mr. Chidi’s team neutralized two kidnappers, apprehended one, and injured another.

Mr. Chidi reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining law and order in Onitsha and its surroundings, vowing not to tolerate criminal activities. His resolute stance and prompt actions have sent a strong message to criminals, ensuring a safer environment for the community.

“I am in Onitsha to protect lives and property of the residents, there must be nightlife, people should have their freedom of movement and association and can’t be caged by criminals,” he vowed.

The new Area Commander reiterated the need for environmental cleanliness, adding that cleanliness is next to Godliness.

“Everywhere should be kept clean, including our homes to avoid epidemics that can be caused by unhealthy environment. You have to keep your work place clean like your home and that is what I am doing, painting, putting some structures in order.

“Sand procured for some of the structures that looked abandoned now look beautiful and livable. I want to live a legacy of cleanliness and be known as fighter of crimes and criminality in Onitsha even if as a crime burster, I have achieved the feat in other places I worked.

“Any criminal that does not want to leave Onitsha must meet his waterloo and if he doubts me let him wait and see,” he vowed.

He pleaded to residents to always come up with information that will lead to arresting criminals, assuring of the protection of the identity of such informants.

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

ANAMBRA HEALTH PROFESSIONAL ADVOCATES FOR REGULAR MEDICAL CHECK-UPS

By Ebele Egoh :

Mr. Joseph Achebe, a Radiographer at Comprehensive Health Center, Awkuzu has emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups to monitor the viability of organs, tissues, and bones.

In an interview at his office, Achebe explained that radiography plays a vital role in diagnosing and treating various diseases and injuries.

“Our job is to capture images of internal structures to assess the presence or absence of disease, foreign objects, structural damage, or anomalies.”

Achebe advised individuals experiencing symptoms such as chest pains, coughs, waist pains, back pains, or shoulder pains to undergo X-rays to determine the condition of their problems before complications arise.

He stressed that regular check-ups are essential, even for those feeling normal, as they enable doctors to provide timely and effective treatment, reducing costs and damage to organs.

He further explained that Comprehensive Health Center, Awkuzu has state-of-the-art equipment, including Direct Digital X-ray machines, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, and mammograms.

Achebe noted that early detection and prevention are critical in averting complications and death, emphasizing the importance of regular breast cancer screenings using mammograms.

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

MONDAY SIT – AT – HOME: SOLUDO INSPECTS OBA PHARMACEUTICAL HUB MARKET

By Uzo Ugwunze :

As part of his routine monitoring to ensure that Ndi Anambra goes about their normal business activities on Mondays, Governor Chukwuma Soludo was at Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area (ISLGA) to inspect the level of work ongoing at the Pharmaceutical Hub International Market,Oba.

Gov Soludo during the inspection tasked the contractor handling the project at the new Pharmaceutical Hub International Market, Oba to speed up the pace of work.

He further encouraged the residents of Idemili South to completely ignore the usual phobia associated with Monday sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

He urged them not to be afraid of being attacked by hoodlums who perpetrate atrocities on the guise of sympathizing for the release of the IPOB leader because security joint patrol teams were always on ground.

Moreso, at Afor Nnobi, there was vehicular movements and several shops and petrol filling stations were on with a beehive of activities that Monday.The residents and traders who were overwhelmed by the presence of His Excellency were hailing him for good governance in the state.

Residents in the LGA were seen going about engaging in their social and economic activities without interruption.

Commending Gov Soludo for the construction of the New Pharmaceutical Hub International market, the Chairman of ISLGA, Mrs Amaka Oba said that Governor Soludo led administration was poised towards taking the state to greater heights, adding that Idemili South have not been left out in the Solution Agenda of Mr Governor.

The chairman equally appreciated Mr Governor for keeping to his campaign promise to achieve a livable and prosperous homeland.

Speaking to newsmen, a resident of Nnobi Town who spoke on anonymity said the sit-at-home order crippled businesses as Monday is the beginning of the week, he encouraged other residents of the community to go about their normal businesses without fear of any molestation.

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

ANAMBRA STATE SIGNAGE AND ADVERTISING AGENCY ORGANISES SECOND EDITION OF WHITE CANE CAMPAIGN IN ONITSHA

By Uche Azuka/Mbunabo Nkiru/Anthonia Amaechina/Chioma Nwankwo/Chika Obi :

In the second edition of the white cane campaign organised by the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSAA), 100 visually impaired persons received white canes with chips.

Barr. Somadina Chukwuemeka who was a resource person at the event and also visually impaired called on the Anambra State Government to properly constitute and adequately fund the state Disability Rights Commission, believing that it would solve greater percentage of their problems.

Barr. Chukwuemeka also said that it is the duty of the government to ensure that white cane is provided to the visually impaired at all times, noting that it is contained in the disability rights law of the state.

He also called on the judiciary concerning their welfare, tasking them to ensure that matters involving white cane users as regards violation of white cane usage are well addressed in the court.

In his words, Revd Abel Okoye on behalf of members of different support groups told the visually impaired persons that God can allow anyone to be challenged in one way or the other.

Highlight of the event was the distribution of the white canes to the visually impaired persons present.

*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State