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STATE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION VISITS ANAMBRA ICT AGENCY, ASSURES SUPPORT FOR E-GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES

By Nwanodu Angela :

The Chairman and Members of the State House Committee on Information visited the Anambra State ICT Agency on Tuesday for a familiarization meeting with the Managing Director, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA).

This visit underscores the critical collaboration between the legislative and executive arms in driving technological progress and ensuring effective governance in the state.

Led by the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Fred Ezenwa (Onitsha South 1), including Mr Jude Akpua (Njikoka II), Justice Azuka (Onitsha North 1), and Patrick Udoba (Anambra West), the delegation met with the ICT Agency’s leadership to gain a comprehensive understanding of the agency’s operations, discuss its challenges and explore ways to address these challenges within the framework of the law.

Explaining the Committee’s role, Ezenwa said, “We are acting according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic, Sections 128 and 129, which mandate us to oversee the activities of agencies like this. If you have challenges, we can address them in the House to ensure you are more productive. If there is a need for an amendment of the law or for a motion to be moved, we will do it to make your work easier”.

During the meeting, CFA emphasized the agency’s efforts in driving e-governance across Anambra State.

“Our vision is to build a digitally transformed Anambra State. At the core of our mandate is e-government capacity for the state—to build it and deepen it.”

CFA elaborated on the state’s progress in digital infrastructure, noting, “One of the first things Mr. Governor did was to remove the Right of Way (RoW) charges, which has encouraged infrastructure companies to work with the state. As a result, people now have fiber in their homes, a significant improvement compared to what we had before, all thanks to these reform changes”.

He discussed the agency’s role in pioneering digital transformation through collaborations with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“In terms of e-government, a number of things have happened in the state, Because our role is more of an incubatory role, we work with these MDAs to fulfill their goals. For instance, we partnered with the Ministry of Health to develop the ‘Ashefamu’ e-platform that gathers all the accredited health systems in Anambra State, and with the Ministry of Budget to automate their budget systems. Ours is a supervisory and advisory role to ensure these projects succeed.”

Agbata also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand broadband access, saying, “We are currently in partnership with a provider deploying internet in the Secretariat, and we have also extended this service to public places like Aroma, Eke Awka, Ifite, and Book Foundation. Expanding broadband access is crucial because the more Ndi Anambra have access to the Internet, the more possibilities open up for them”.

He mentioned the agency’s initiatives in training civil servants and distributing laptops to civil servants, teachers, and heads of local government officials, noting that Anambra is currently one of the leading states in tech adoption.

The visit reinforced the importance of aligning the agency’s objectives with legislative support to effectively fulfill its mandate. It also served as a testament to the collaborative spirit necessary for achieving good governance and technological advancement in Anambra State.

CFA expressed gratitude for the Committee’s engagement, emphasizing that continued collaboration is essential as the agency strives to overcome challenges and achieve its objectives.

Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

WISHING NDI ANAMBRA A HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

SECURITY: ANAMBRA MARKET CHAIRMAN TO MOUNT N1.3M SOLAR LIGHTS AS ASMATA PG DEDICATES SOLAR LIGHTS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Market Chairman of the Old Motor, Car Parts Dealers Association, Mgbuka Obosi, Idemili North Local Government, Anambra State, Chief Samuel Ifurunwa has expressed his readiness to mount Solar Lights in and around the market.

This was done following the outcome of the recent meeting of the State House of Assembly with the market leaders in the state pertaining the installment of solar lights and CCTV cameras in all the markets in the state.

Speaking immediately after the Friday market weekly prayers in the market, the President General, Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association, PG ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna thanked Chief Ifurunwa and his executives whom he said are doing very well.

He reiterated that the market Chairman Chief Ifurunwa is a blessing to the market and one among the market leaders that are doing well, urged the traders to give him and his executives a maximum support.

Anuna revealed that their agenda includes extending the market’s operating hours from 7am to 12 midnight. To ensure safety and security, they are planning to install CCTV cameras, which will enable them to monitor and review footage from the previous night’s activities during the morning hours.

He used the opportunity to inform the traders of another agenda which is the ASMATA New yam festival which he said would be done next week and would be an annual event, with the yams harvested from the ASMATA farmland.

He also said that all the market leaders would have their own portion of the farmland for their yearly new yam festival where they can also plant any cash crop of their choice.

Chief Ifurunwa attributed his decision to install solar lights to a meeting with State House members. He recalled that upon assuming office, he had mounted satellites, but they were rendered useless due to inadequate power supply from Enugu Electrical Distribution Company (EEDC).

He maintained that following the satellite’s failure, he met with his caucus and key market stakeholders to purchase 27 solar lights, costing over ₦1.3 million, with more to come. This initiative was prompted by a recent fire outbreak in the market, which led to the decision to disconnect lights from the transformer during closing hours.

Chief Ifurunwa commended Governor Charles Soludo’s innovative idea, Special Assistant to the Governor on Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, ASMATA PG, and thanked traders for their support in providing the solar lights.

The market Public Relation Officer, Pastor Chinedu Igwoegbu in his speech, thanked Chief Anuna, noting that his visit to their market showed that their chairman is doing very well

There was also presentation of the first cash crop(yam) from the ASMATA farmland by Chief Anuna to the market chairman,Chief Ifurunwa, accompanied with 10% cash of the money donated by a trader in support of the upcoming ASMATA new yam festival.

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

GOVERNOR NWIFURU CALLS FOR LEGISLATIVE PROTECTION OF BUILDING PROFESSION AT NIOB CONFERENCE IN AWKA

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has expressed concerns over the challenges facing the building profession in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for legislative action to protect the integrity of the field.

Speaking at the 54th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) in Awka, Anambra State via a telephone call, Governor Ogbonaya noted that the encroachment of other professions into building practices has contributed to frequent building collapses.

He urged the leadership of the institute to lobby the National Assembly to criminalize non-builders undertaking building projects.

Builder Nwifuru highlighted the importance of builders in ensuring safe and sustainable construction, arguing that the profession should not be overshadowed by others.

He also called for better urban planning and the establishment of building codes in all states, urging builders to engage with state governments to ensure their expertise is fully recognized and utilized.

In his remarks, Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Ministry of Housing, Mr. Pauly Onyeka, praised the NIOB for its efforts to professionalize the building industry.

He recounted steps taken by his administration to elevate the role of builders within the state, including the creation of a dedicated department for building construction and maintenance within the Ministry of Housing.

In his address, the NIOB National President, Builder Alderton Ewa Ewa, emphasized the conference’s theme: “Building Profession Practices and Sustainable National Development,” underscoring the institute’s commitment to addressing the critical challenges in Nigeria’s building environment.

He called on the government and citizens to prioritize the engagement of certified professional builders to ensure the delivery of safe and sustainable housing.

The conference, which included the investiture of new fellows and members, attracted over 5,000 delegates and notable dignitaries. It provided a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and discussions on the future of the building profession in Nigeria.

In attendance were, Past Presidents of the Institute, Board of Directors including the representative of Ebonyi State Governor, Prof Grace Umezurike Secretary to the State Government (SSG), His Royal Majesty Igwe Ralph Obumnemeh Ekpe, Obu Enugwu- Ukwu na Umunri, Builder Samson Opaluwah, Chairman Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and other dignitaries.

Governor Soludo was given an award of excellence alongside Governor of Ebonyi State.

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

ANAMBRA MONARCH CELEBRATES MAIDEN NEW YAM FESTIVAL 30 YEARS AFTER DEMISE OF PREDECESSOR

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Nkwelle Ezunaka Community, Oyi Local Government Area witnessed jubilation galore last weekend at the palace of their new traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Anachuna, as he marked his maiden new yam festival about three decades after the demise of his predecessor, Igwe (Dr), Ralph Nwakoby.

The monarch expressed satisfaction as he performed the maiden new yam festival in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, saying, “I am overwhelmed with joy to see people from all walks of life gathered here to witness this historic event.”

He urged his subjects to unite and work towards the progress of Nkwelle-Ezunaka, emphasizing, “Let us put aside our differences and move our community forward.”

The monarch also paid a glowing tribute to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, commending his rapid infrastructural development and peace restoration efforts in the state.

He noted that Governor Soludo is a working Governor, and prayed that one day he will remember them and fix their roads, which are in dire need of attention.

Addressing those still harboring grudges over his election as the new monarch, he reassured, “We don’t hold grudges; it’s natural to have differences, but Nkwelle people are peaceful and loving. We love ourselves and will continue to live in harmony.”

Expressing satisfaction shortly after being conferred as the ‘Onowu,’ of the community by the monarch, the President General, Chief Willie Okafor, thanked God that the election of the monarch happened while he is the PG, lamenting that the community has been denied a lot because of lack of a monarch.

“I can’t ask for more from God for being number two citizen of Nkwelle-Ezunaka. I thank God for me to be the vessel used to give Nkwelle-Ezunaka a king after about three decades of not having a monarch.I am overwhelmed, I am grateful to God. Nkwelle-Ezunaka will ever be grateful to God for this.

“I will ask those who are still feeling grudges that it is time to unite, If you look at Igwe you know that God has just given us a gentle man as a king, a young man, I will ask everyone to come together, let us move our community forward,” he pleaded.

On the issue of presentation of certificate to the monarch he said, “We know that soonest the governor will issue the certificate to him and then we do our maiden Ofala festival, this is just new yam and the crowd was much, let alone when we celebrate Ofala festival,” he stated.

Contributing, an in-law and indigene of Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Omezie Chukwurah, whose wife, Mrs. Chinelo Lynda Chukwurah, was conferred with the Chieftaincy title of ‘Ocheze Oshia,’ by the monarch, he stated that the Igwe was a man of the people.

“My wife is one of those three women that were conferred today with traditional titles by the monarch and I love my wife because they gave her to me, that’s why I’m progressing.”

On the efforts to ensure Governor Soludo presents certificate of recognition to the monarch he assured that, “I will meet the governor for issuance of certificate to Igwe Nkwelle, he knows me too well and knows that I am APGA staunch member.”

Earlier, the community treasurer , Chief Gibson Udeagwu, who was honoured as “Okaka Nkwelle,” stated that, ” We have been conferred with Chieftaincy titles so that we would work with him, (monarch ), I am happy about the Igwe because Nkwelle community suffered for 30 years on the issue of Igwe after the demise of our last Igwe, Dr Ralph Nwakoby.

” Since then, Nkwelle has been having problem, the youths behave badly. This first new yam celebration with our Igwe is a great one, it is we, the Ogbuefi Nkwelle that were managing the new yam festival.

“I plead with the opposition to join us, we will welcome them, the election of this monarch was free, fair and credible, Igwe won with 400+ votes, while the second position had 200+, the third 100+.

“I plead to government to help and build our roads, this building material road to Nkwo bank,( Oze –Nkwo bank road),if constructed will decongest all the hold ups at Awka Road and serve as a bye pass for those going to Awka, Anambra East, West, Ayamelum, and kogi State.

Also on the issue of certificate, he pleaded to Governor Soludo to present certificate of recognition to the monarch lamenting that for about 30 years the community existed without a monarch, disclosing that both the monarch and his subjects are APGA faithful.

Wife of the treasurer, Mrs Amaka Udeagwu, stated that, “There is light now at Nkwelle, we are now in the modern days and I thank God for giving us life to witness this light in Nkwelle brought by the election of the monarch,” even as she prayed for health, progress, long life in Nkwelle.

She expressed satisfaction with the traditional title conferred on her husband, adding that the monarch has done well for finding him worthy to be so honoured as ‘Okaka Nkwelle-Ezunaka.”

Chief John Onwuanyi who was conferred with “Ogene” the first in Nkwelle, expressed joy, saying, “this is our first Igwe, we used to have warrant chiefs, this is the first contestant out of the four that contested for Igwe, I am the first that canvassed for him, telling our people what he can do, because he is American citizen.

“This is his first new yam festival, he selected two persons from each village and conferred with Chieftaincy titles, I know he will lead Nkwelle well and I pray God to give him wisdom to lead Nkwelle,” he prayed.

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

MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EMBARKS ON REFORMATION AND REDIRECTION PROGRAM IN ANAMBRA’S 3 SENATORIAL ZONES

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development has embarked on the 2024 Youths Reformation and Redirection Programme across the three senatorial zones.

The program which is implemented to reach youths of different categories is aimed to equip them with necessary life skills, reorient their mindset and imbibe them with strong moral values towards positive lifestyle and to enroll the participants into the 1Youth 2Skills Solution Program.

It’s vision is also to address anti-social activities prevalent among young people and to re-integrate them gainfully and meaningfully into the society as change agents through value re-orientation, critical training processes, among others.

Declaring the workshop open in Onitsha North Council Headquarters, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba said that the workshop is in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision to develop the potential of young people as dependable human capitals.

He said the theme of the programme which is “Moving From The Street To Self-Realization For Self-Actualization” will give participants the much needed direction to live better and more useful lives.

Mr. Agha Mba also recalled that Governor Soludo, upon assumption of office, made a firm promise not only to eradicate different forms of social vices including touting from the state, but to also institute meaningful programmes that will positively change the lives of youths that were engaged in anti-social activities, emphasizing that the governor has now fulfilled and surpassed his promises.

Mr. Agha Mba mentioned some of the youth enterprise development programmes that will help transform the lives of youths socially and economically to include 1 Youth, 2Skills Solution initiative through which 5000 youths have been trained and empowered and an estimated 8,620 others expected to benefit from the second batch of the initiative and through Solution Innovation District (SID) where over 22,000 have been trained with digital skills empowered in the Level-up Anambra and Code Anambra programmes.

Also speaking, the Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Mr. Anthony Nworah said that he is overwhelmed by Governor Soludo’s programmes for the youth and advised young people to cherish and utilize all available initiatives to better their lives.

The Commandant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Anambra State Command, Mr. Daniel Onyishi who was represented by an Assistant Commandant in the agency, Mr. Christopher Adabor while delivering a paper on drug abuse,

advised young people to re-evaluate their cycle and try to maximise every meaningful opportunity at their disposal to better their life.

Another speaker at the event, Rev. Goodwill Mba who spoke on “Seven Keys to Greatness” noted that self discovery, diligence, keeping friends that are like-minded, being in good relationship with God, identifying mentors and roles models, determination to succeed and utilisation of positive opportunities are critical to realizing one’s dreams in life.

One of the participant, Messrs Shobayo Amadi thanked Governor Soludo for prioritising the welfare of youths and giving them opportunities to better themselves and promised that they will shun drug abuse and other social vices.

Another participant, Messrs Ebuka Ite from Ogbaru LGA expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Governor for giving the youth of Anambra a well packaged program like 1 youth 2 Skills free of charge.

Present at the event were the Director, Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Chito Osili, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Mr Tony Omatah and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth, Mr. Chibuzor Udeh.

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

UKE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES NEW YAM, SEEKS CONSTRUCTION OF IGWE ILEKA,EKE-UKE OKPOKOLO-VIP ROADS TO DECONGEST GRIDLOCK

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The Traditional Ruler of Uke, Igwe Charles Agbala and the President General, Uke Development Union(UDU), Chief Peter Onyejegbu have solicited for the Anambra State Government to construct two roads in their community, saying that it would decongest the gridlock experienced at some major roads around Idemili North Local Government Area.

The two major roads include: Igwe Ileka-Eke Uke-Ugwuagbugbana-Mpia Road Uke(5.75km) and Eke Uke-Okpokolo-VIP Umuoji Road with Spur to Appeal Uke (3km).

Speaking during the 2024 New Yam festival celebration at his palace, Igwe Charles Agbala who said that the two roads were vital to Uke community, its neighboring communities and residents of Anambra State stressed that it will not only serve as alternative routes to avoid gridlock but also help in solving the problem of insecurity sometimes encountered by motorists within that part of the state.

“These two roads which the PG, UDU is drawing the attention of the state government to consider constructing are very important because it links other towns around us. We are not the only community that ply those roads”.

“Igwe Ileka-Eke-Uke-Ugwuagbugbana links Uke ancient and popular market, Ogidi and Abatete communities. It will decongest roads which experience heavy traffic during rush hour. It can also help checkmate insecurity should an event of hoodlums blocking a particular road occur.

“The other road from Uke to Okpokolo-Vip links Umuoji, Ojoto communities towards Nkpor is also important. We are located at the heart of Idemili North which is densely populated and we deserve more allocation,’,” said the monarch.

According to the PG, Chief Peter Onyejegbu, sometimes motorists are stuck up to three hours at Eke-agu Abatete gridlock. If these roads are built by the state government: Mpia-Ugwuagbugbana- Eke Uke-Igwe Ileka Road, anyone from Awka going to Ekwulobia does not have any need to drive through Eke-agu Abatete. The person can take the route from Endwell Abatete, enter Uke and move on via this road to his destination. It is so important.

“There is another very important road from Eke Uke-Okpokolo-VIP Appeal to Muoghalu Road Umuoji. These are strategic roads that if government construct them for us, the governor has solved the problem of gridlock being experienced by motorists around the LGA and beyond,” Onyejegbu said.

The duo also thanked God for bumper harvest and for being alive to celebrate the 2024 New Yam festival, saying that it is a miracle from God for a planted yam seedling to decay and produce big tuber or tubers for mankind to eat.

They prayed God to ontinue blessing the artisans, businessmen, civil servants, farmers and Uke people from different walks of life especially those who are interested in the peace and development of Uke Community, urging them to think home while investing their resources and for everyone to embrace Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s own a garden and plant a tree campaign as a panacea to hunger.

Moreover, The Council Chairman, Mr Stanley Nkwoka who graced the occasion to celebrate with Igwe Uke said that he was delighted to eat the ceremonial new yam for the first time this year at Uke because Abatete community his hometown was celebrating new yam that same day.

” I wish Igwe Agbala long life to celebrate more New Yam Festivals. My leadership will bring good things in Idemili North. Let everyone learn to do the right thing, that is what brings development. Governor Soludo has brought solution, let us partner with him to benefit from that solution,” said Nkwoka.

Also, a US Navy Commander, High Chief Ifeanyi Okeke and Former INLGA Chairman, Mr ChuksBrown Igboanua said that the New Yam festival was a time all the titled men come home to felicitate with the Igwe and pay homage to the throne, adding that yam is a great crop that should not be eaten anyhow without celebrating it as the king of crops.

Dignitaries and illustrious sons and daughters of Uke Community which Included ; Igwe Emeka Onuoha of Oraukwu Ancient kingdom, Igwe Emeka Iluno of Ifitedunu, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu of Umuawulu, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume of Omor, Chief Emeka Enendu ,Vice President, Bright Ambassadors Club, Sir Adam Fidelis.

They all prayed that God would bless the monarch with long life, prosperity, wisdom, wishing that during his reign Uke people and community will continue to enjoy peace, unity and development.

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

CHILD BEGGING: ANAMBRA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS , ACTDA RAID AROMA UNDER BRIDGE, VOW TO PROSECUTE BEGGING SYNDICATES

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), has conducted a raid today at Aroma under bridge in a bid to eradicate the persistent issue of child begging in the area.

Addressing journalists after the operation, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, expressed deep concern that school-age children are being denied their right to education and exploited as beggars and petty thieves by unscrupulous individuals despite Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s provision of free basic education in the state.

Mrs. Obinabo stressed that the state government will not tolerate such activities anywhere within Anambra, and is committed to tracking down those responsible for sending these children to beg, noting that similar raids will be carried out across the state.

On his part, the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko, explained that these beggars and other miscreants have repeatedly been warned, both through conventional and social media channels to vacate the city, but they failed to comply.

Mr. Onuko emphasized that the authorities are determined to identify and prosecute the parents, guardians, and syndicates behind the exploitation of these children.

He reiterated that the raid is part of an ongoing effort to rid the area, which is a key governmental zone, as well as other parts of the Awka Capital Territory, of beggars and other miscreants.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAKU COMMUNITY HANDS OVER HEALTH FACILITY TO ASPHCDA

By Nnedinma Okeke :

As a testament to collective efforts and commitment to improving healthcare in its community and Anambra State at large, the Anaku Working Council in Ayamelum Local Government Area has handed over its community built healthcare centre to the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA).

The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem during the handover ceremony, thanked the Anaku Community for their “Aku-Luo Uno” project and community participation in ensuring the good health and well-being of its people.

The President General, Anaku Community, Mr Friday Paul Nwuba in his remarks thanked the State Government for providing the community a Doctor and Midwife to serve their health centre and ensure health condition of its citizens were optimized.

He noted that the state government’s support has been invaluable and reaffirmed the Anaku Community’s commitment to supporting vital projects that benefits its community.

The event had in attendance: the PHC Director, Ayamelum LGHA Mrs Adaeze Alokwu, Doctors, Nurses, Midwives and other staff of the Ayamelum Local Government Health Authority as well as members of the Anaku Community.

Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State