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IKECHI HAILS APPROVAL OF OTUOCHA–ANAM–NZAM–IBAJI–KOGI ROAD DUALIZATION, COMMENDS SOLUDO’S LEADERSHIP

By Felix Igboanugo

Former Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra West Local Government Area(LGA) and APGA flagbearer for the State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Felix Ikechi, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo following the Presidential approval for the dualization of the Otuocha–Anam–Nzam–Ibaji–Kogi Federal Road.

In a statement released through his media office and made available to journalists on July 17, Ikechi described the approval as a major milestone for Anambra State’s infrastructure development and a significant boost to economic growth in the riverine communities.

He noted that the road has served as a vital economic corridor for decades, adding that its dualization would enhance transportation, facilitate trade, strengthen economic and social links between Anambra and neighbouring states.

According to him, the approval reflects the gains of Governor Soludo’s sustained engagement with the Federal Government, demonstrating the value of constructive leadership and collaboration in delivering development projects.

Ikechi said the project offers renewed hope to thousands of residents, farmers, traders, transport operators and businesses that rely on the route for their daily activities and regional connectivity.

He urged communities along the project corridor to support its implementation, stressing that cooperation from stakeholders would be essential to the successful execution and long term sustainability of the project.

The former LGA chairman expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the project, describing it as a strategic federal intervention that recognises the importance of the road to regional and national development.

He expressed optimism that the dualization would reduce transportation challenges, attract investment, create new economic opportunities and accelerate development across Anambra West and adjoining communities.

Ikechi called on residents and stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that promote sustainable infrastructure, economic prosperity and improved living standards for the people.

Felix Igboanugo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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‎ADAZI-ANI SUSPECT SURRENDERS AFTER MANHUNT; TRANSFERRED TO SCID AS INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

By Chizoba Njaka
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‎After a sustained manhunt by the Anambra State Police Command’s Safe School Protection Squad, assisted by officers from the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters and through continued engagement with Adazi-Ani community leaders and stakeholders, the principal suspect, 47-year-old Mrs. Dim Ebere, voluntarily surrendered at the Neni Police Station.
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‎In an official statement issued on July 18, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that the suspect is currently in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, where the investigation will be concluded.
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‎The command commended the cooperation of the Adazi-Ani community, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the surrender. It assured the family of the deceased and members of the public of its commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
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‎The police command also urged the public to remain calm, refrain from vigilantism, and continue providing information that may assist the ongoing investigation and broader policing efforts across the State.
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‎*Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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ANAMBRA WOMEN AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER, ONYEKESI GIVES RED CARD TO TRAFFICKERS

By Stella Anekwe

Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon.Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi yesterday gave a red card warning to all those involved in Human Trafficking in the State.

Onyekesi gave the warming when the Anambra State Commander of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Mrs Ibadin Judith Onyinye Chukwu
paid her a courtesy visit in her office in Awka.

She warned that trafficking had no place in Anambra pointing out that the Governor’s wife, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soloudo had zero tolerance for anything trafficking in persons and issues against children in the society.

She encouraged all Non- Governmental Organizations, NGO’s in Anambra state to desist from actions that will jeopardize the functions of NAPTIP but to collaborate with NAPTIP to achieve results.

On the request from NAPTIP for Governor’s wife to assist with shelter for harbouring victims of trafficked victims and rescued victims of baby factory and the likes , Onyekesi assured to present their request before the Governor’s wife.

The Women Affairs Commissioner assured NAPTIP of partnership to ensure the mandate was actualised in Anambra state.

Earlier, the Anambra State Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs Chukwu thanked the Commissioner for granting her and her team audience while appreciating the partnership of the agency with Anambra State since 2019 the agency started operations in Anambra.

Mrs. Chukwu said that the agency was happy with the Women Affairs ministry, and pleaded for special support for the agency to shelter victims of trafficking and support their litigation to stop traffickers in their track.

She said that the ministry was vital to what NAPTIP was doing hene the need for strong collaborations with different agencies in abating child trafficking and all forms of danger to the children.

She warned against impersonation of the agency by some members of the Non Governmental Organizations -NGO , advising that they limit themselves to their mandate since only NAPTIP has the mandate to investigate and carry out the operational duties of prosecution both locally, nationally and international trafficking cases.

She noted that trafficking was not only travelling out of one’s base with or without consent but any case involving children like molestation, child labour, sexual abuse, selling of babies and baby factory syndrome to mention but a few.

“Only NAPTIP has the capacity to prosecute the perpetrators, take into consideration the welfare of victims and shelter them among others. We are asking the Anambra first lady to assist the agency in providing shelter for victims of trafficking, as shelter is a major problem for us”, Chukwu said.

She lamented that traffickers still lured girls into prostitution in some African countries including Ghana while at home baby factory business was ruining lives causing HIV/AIDS to spread.

She asked for support for the agency even though it was a federal government agency but operating in Anambra.

She also raised alarm of existing baby factories in Anambra state even as she asked for support for the
July 30th 2026 World Day against Human trafficking celebration in Anambra since funding is a challenge in NAPTIP.

She thanked the ministry for what it had done so far for NAPTIP.

Stella Anekwe is of the Ministry of Information and values Reformation, Anambra State.

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ASBA INSPIRES UNIZIK STUDENTS TO BUILD RESILIENCE, EMBRACE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT CATALYST 2026

By Chiamaka Edokwe

The Acting Managing Director of the Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA), Barr. Nonso Emeka, has urged students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, to embrace resilience, financial literacy and entrepreneurship as essential tools for personal and professional success.

Barr. Emeka delivered the keynote address on July 17 at the CATALYST 2026 Students’ Empowerment Summit held at the university’s School Auditorium.

The summit, themed “The Impact of Financial Literacy, Self-Esteem and Psychological Well being on Undergraduate Students,” was organised by the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Directorate of Student Initiatives and Empowerment, to equip undergraduates with the knowledge, mindset and opportunities needed to excel academically, personally and economically.

Addressing the students, the ASBA Acting Managing Director encouraged them to remain focused despite life’s challenges, reminding them that gaining admission into the university was itself evidence of determination and resilience.

He urged them to adopt the mindset that they had “come too far to fail,” stressing that academic setbacks, financial difficulties or business failures should never define their future.

Drawing inspiration from the lives of renowned innovators such as Thomas Edison and the founder of KFC, Barr. Emeka said success is often achieved through perseverance, noting that failure should be seen as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint.

Reaffirming ASBA’s commitment to youth entrepreneurship, he encouraged the students to take bold steps toward achieving their aspirations, reminding them of the agency’s guiding philosophy: “No matter how big your dream is, you can start small.”

He assured the students of ASBA’s continued support through entrepreneurship development programmes, capacity-building initiatives and access to opportunities that will empower them to become self-reliant, innovative and active contributors to Anambra State’s economic growth.

The summit featured sessions on leadership development, mental wellness, free medical check ups, screening exercises to identify outstanding student entrepreneurs and scholarship beneficiaries, the presentation of business grants and networking opportunities.

Chiamaka Edokwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT INTENSIFIES SUPERVISION OF ALLIED BUILDING MATERIALS INTERNATIONAL MARKET, NTEJE

By Ebele Iyke

The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing modern, well organised markets as part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Solution 2.0 agenda.

The Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Nomso Chukwuma Ebonwu, gave the assurance on July 16 during a supervision and inspection visit to the permanent site of the Allied Building Materials International Market at Kilometre 8, Onitsha–Enugu Expressway, Nteje.

The visit enabled the commissioner to assess the level of development at the market and evaluate its readiness for full commercial operations.

Speaking during the inspection, Hon. Ebonwu commended the pace of work at the site, describing the market as a strategic commercial hub with the potential to transform the building materials trade in Anambra State.

He assured traders and stakeholders of the Ministry’s continued collaboration to ensure a seamless transition to the permanent market.

“This is a good market with enormous economic potential. We will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders towards recognising this market as the designated hub for building materials and allied products.

“Our goal is to relocate the building materials and allied products trade from Port Harcourt Road, Uga Street and Atani Road in Onitsha to this permanent site in Nteje, creating a more organised and conducive environment for commerce,” he said.

The commissioner explained that the relocation initiative is aimed at improving market organisation, easing traffic congestion, enhancing business operations and strengthening economic activities in line with the Soludo administration’s vision of a livable and prosperous Anambra State.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Allied Building Materials International Market, Mr. Everistus Ejezie, thanked the state government, particularly the Ministry of Commerce, for its continued support and commitment to the successful completion and operationalisation of the market.

“We sincerely appreciate Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Ministry of Commerce for their unwavering commitment to this project. This inspection reassures us of the government’s determination to deliver a modern market that will benefit traders and strengthen commerce in Anambra State,” Ejezie said.

The inspection is part of the Ministry of Commerce’s ongoing monitoring and stakeholder engagement efforts to ensure markets across the state meet the standards required to promote sustainable commerce, improve the ease of doing business and support the objectives of the Solution 2.0 administration.

Ebele Iyke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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IASP 2026: ANAMBRA MAKES GLOBAL INNOVATION HEADLINES

By Chinedu Chukwuemelie

The Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation and Chief Executive Officer of the Solution Innovation District (SID), Ms. Chinwe Okoli, has been appointed the only African member of the Global Steering Committee for the 43rd International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) World Conference.

The conference is scheduled to hold from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30, 2026, in Cannes and Sophia Antipolis, France.

IASP is a global network of science parks and innovation districts, with more than 350 member organisations across over 70 countries dedicated to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and technology driven eQdevelopment.

Okoli’s appointment underscores Anambra State’s growing presence in the global innovation ecosystem and aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere.”

Since its establishment in 2023, SID has trained more than 264,000 Anambra residents in digital skills and secured strategic partnerships with private sector organisations to advance innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.

The appointment is expected to strengthen Anambra’s participation in global conversations on innovation districts while creating opportunities for international collaboration, investment and knowledge exchange.

A statement by the Solution Innovation District described the appointment as a major milestone for Anambra’s innovation agenda and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to positioning itself as a leading technology and innovation hub in Africa.

Chinedu Chukwuemelie is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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ANAMBRA POCACOV, STATE GOVT JOIN FORCES AHEAD OF STATEWIDE ANTI-CULTISM CAMPAIGN

By Chizoba Njaka
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‎The Anambra State chapter of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) paid a courtesy visit to the State Government on July 17 as it prepares for a statewide advocacy and sensitization drive led by its National Coordinator.
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‎According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the delegation headed by State Coordinator His Royal Majesty Igwe Daniel Obelle of Nawfia and represented at the meeting by Mr. Moses Ndukwu met with the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to outline the campaign’s goals, planned activities, and anticipated impact.
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‎The visit was also intended to secure the government’s partnership in promoting values that discourage cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, violence, and other social vices among youths across the state.
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‎POCACOV told the SSG that the campaign will use sustained advocacy, public enlightenment, and community participation to tackle emerging social challenges. Activities will include sensitization programmes in schools, communities, religious centres, and other public forums designed to foster responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence, and positive youth development.
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‎The SSG, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake praised the Nigeria Police Force and POCACOV for the initiative and reiterated the Anambra State Government’s commitment to supporting programmes that enhance peace, security, and citizens’ welfare. She urged continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the campaign’s success.
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‎The command expressed appreciation for the State Government’s support and reassured Ndi Anambra of its ongoing commitment to non-kinetic approaches, strategic partnerships, and community engagement as tools for crime prevention and building a safer state.
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‎The Anambra State chapter of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) paid a courtesy visit to the State Government on July 17 as it prepares for a statewide advocacy and sensitization drive led by its National Coordinator.
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‎According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the delegation headed by State Coordinator His Royal Majesty Igwe Daniel Obelle of Nawfia and represented at the meeting by Mr. Moses Ndukwu met with the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to outline the campaign’s goals, planned activities, and anticipated impact.
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‎The visit was also intended to secure the government’s partnership in promoting values that discourage cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, violence, and other social vices among youths across the state.
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‎POCACOV told the SSG that the campaign will use sustained advocacy, public enlightenment, and community participation to tackle emerging social challenges. Activities will include sensitization programmes in schools, communities, religious centres, and other public forums designed to foster responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence, and positive youth development.
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‎The SSG, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake praised the Nigeria Police Force and POCACOV for the initiative and reiterated the Anambra State Government’s commitment to supporting programmes that enhance peace, security, and citizens’ welfare. She urged continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the campaign’s success.
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‎The command expressed appreciation for the State Government’s support and reassured Ndi Anambra of its ongoing commitment to non-kinetic approaches, strategic partnerships, and community engagement as tools for crime prevention and building a safer state.
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‎Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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SOLUDO ADMINISTRATION BOOSTS JOB CREATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ANAMBRA

By Nonyelum Ezumezu

The Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has continued to implement policies and programmes aimed at stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and supporting small and medium sized enterprises across the state.

A key initiative is the Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA) programme, including the “One Community, One Product” initiative, which provides grants and access to low-interest loans for traders, artisans, entrepreneurs and small business owners. The programme is designed to promote local enterprise, expand business opportunities and strengthen community based economic development.

The administration is upgrading major commercial centres, including the Onitsha, Nnewi and Eke Awka markets, through improved infrastructure, better waste management, enhanced security and a more conducive business environment.

To drive economic activities, the government is investing in industrial parks, innovation and technology hubs, road networks, street lighting and logistics infrastructure, improving the ease of doing business while creating employment opportunities for artisans, contractors, transport operators, suppliers and other service providers.

In the agricultural sector, the Soludo administration is promoting the cultivation and processing of crops such as cassava, rice and oil palm, as well as fisheries development. The establishment of agro industrial clusters is expected to increase value addition, encouraging local manufacturing and generate jobs across the agricultural value chain.

The government has created employment opportunities through ongoing investments in road construction, erosion control and urban regeneration projects, engaging engineers, contractors, skilled workers, and other professionals.

Tourism and the creative economy are receiving renewed attention through projects such as Solution Fun City and the redevelopment of the Awka City Stadium, which are expected to attract visitors, host major events and create jobs in hospitality, entertainment, tourism and related services.

In addition, the state government is digitising key public services, including business registration, tax administration and land transactions, to improve efficiency, reduce bottlenecks and enhance the ease of doing business.

These initiatives reflect the Soludo administration’s commitment to building a resilient economy, supporting entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and creating sustainable employment opportunities for Ndi Anambra.

Nonyelum Ezumezu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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DIOCESE ON THE NIGER EXPLAINS SIGNIFICANCE OF PRIESTLY ORDINATION, ANNOUNCES DIACONATE ORDINATION

By Chika Obi

The Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, has described priestly ordination as a divine calling through which God sets apart faithful men for the ministry of His Word and Sacraments, while announcing that 11 deacons will be ordained on July 19, at the Basilica of St. John’s Anglican Church, Fegge, Onitsha.

The Diocese, in a statement, said priestly ordination is firmly rooted in Holy Scripture and carried out in accordance with the Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) to prepare ministers for preaching the Gospel, administering the Sacraments and strengthening the Body of Christ.

It explained that the ordination rite is built around three key commitments: the Profession of Faith, through which ordinands publicly affirm their belief in the Holy Scriptures; the Priestly Vows, committing them to a life of prayer, faithful preaching and sacramental ministry; and the Oath of Canonical Obedience, by which they pledge loyalty to the Bishop and uphold the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Church.

According to the Diocese, the high point of the service is the Laying on of Hands, during which the Bishop, assisted by priests, invokes the Holy Spirit upon the ordinands and commissions them into priestly ministry.

It added that the presentation of the Holy Bible, Paten and Chalice to each newly ordained priest symbolises the authority and responsibility entrusted to them to proclaim the Gospel faithfully and administer Christ’s Sacraments.

The Diocese further announced that the diaconate ordination of 11 candidates will take place during the service.

It stated that the Bishop on the Niger, the Rt. Rev. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo, JP, FITH-PUA, will officiate and admit the candidates into the sacred ministry of the Church in accordance with Anglican tradition and practice.

Chika Obi is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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‎NAWOJ PLEDGES STRONGER MEDIA PARTNERSHIP AS COOUTH UNVEILS MAJOR REFORMS UNDER NEW CMD

‎By Chizoba Njaka
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‎The Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has pledged continued support for the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka on July 17 following a courtesy visit to the institution’s newly appointed Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu.
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‎The visit, led by the association Chairperson, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, was aimed at congratulating Dr. Umeakuewulu on her appointment as the hospital’s first female Chief Medical Director and familiarising with her, reviewing recent developments at the facility, and strengthening collaboration in advancing healthcare delivery through effective media engagement.
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‎She restated the association’s commitment to partnering with the hospital in promoting health programmes and increasing public awareness of critical health issues through responsible journalism.
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‎During the meeting, Dr. Umeakuewulu unveiled a three-pronged strategy designed to reposition COOUTH as a centre of excellence through improved clinical services, enhanced staff capacity, and expanded research activities.
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‎She disclosed that within three months of assuming office, the hospital had recorded remarkable progress, including the completion of 98 percent of its Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, the introduction of a smart-card wallet payment platform with iCloud-backed access, installation of piped oxygen systems, procurement of modern medical equipment, and the reorganisation of critical clinical departments.
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‎According to the CMD, the reforms are focused on improving operational efficiency and delivering better patient care. She added that the hospital is also undertaking major infrastructure upgrades, including the development of a private wing, expansion of laboratory facilities, renovation of the pharmacy and medical records units, installation of air-conditioning in clinics, and plans to introduce solar-powered facilities.
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‎Dr. Umeakuewulu further explained that the laboratory has been restructured into specialised units covering microbiology, chemistry, and haematology, while a new orthopaedics department has been established to strengthen specialised healthcare services, medical training, and professional development.
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‎She identified staff attitude and continuous capacity building as key priorities in achieving quality healthcare delivery. On the hospital’s finances, the CMD noted that management systems have been strengthened with the support of financial partners and expressed confidence that the Anambra State Government would sustain its backing for the hospital’s ongoing transformation.
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‎The CMD expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the confidence reposed in her, pledging to give her best in elevating the institution to greater heights.
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‎The both parties however, agreed to deepen their collaboration by using the media to publicise upcoming health campaigns, community outreach programmes, and other initiatives aimed at improving healthcare awareness and service delivery across Anambra State.
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‎Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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