By Azuka Nnabuife/Ngozi Nnajiofor/ Uche Igboeli/ Henrietta Madichie :
The Information Commissioner, Dr. Law Mefor, has visited the Anambra State Printing Press to assess its potential and discuss improvements to enhance functionality and efficiency within the facility.
Dr. Mefor highlighted the importance of modernizing the printing press, advocating for digital technologies such as direct image production.
He said that this modernization is crucial for the government to evaluate the press viability.
“Printing can be a viable revenue source when planned effectively. If you excel in your craft, people will seek you out, regardless of your location,” he remarked
Mr. Obuzo Emeka Chris, the Managing Director of Anambra Printing Press, expressed gratitude for the commissioner’s visit.
He guided Dr. Mefor through the facility, showcasing several non-functional machines and appealing to the state government for necessary overhauling and maintenance of outdated equipment.
*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has emphasized that corruption is the foundation of all criminal activities, calling on Nigerians to unite against it.
Dr Aliyu who made this known in Abuja where he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 National Crimewatch Awards, stressed that corruption severely threatens national security, eroding stability, prosperity, and sovereignty.
According to a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Commission’s Spokesperson and Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, the
representative of the chairman, Deputy Director, Dr. Oluwasina Babasola, noted that, “Under Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu’s leadership, the ICPC has achieved significant milestones and earned widespread respect and strategic partnerships across Nigeria in just a few months.
Dr. Babasola while addressing the gathering comprising of most military and para-military officers reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption. He expressed gratitude for the recognition received, noting that it would inspire further efforts to minimize corruption and promote good governance.
The event’s convener, Mr. Tony Okpe, stated that the awards aimed to honor individuals and organizations devoted to crime prevention, believing that such recognition fosters dialogue on national security and encourages the pursuit of a safer society.
Justifying the credibility of the awards, Mr. Okpe explained that recipients were selected based on feedback gathered from independent assessment questionnaires filed out by crime-beat journalists.
“The National Crimewatch Awards have earned a prestigious reputation over their 21-year history for honoring exceptional contributions to national security.
“Among this year’s awardees were prominent figures such as Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Police Operations, and Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, honored as National Crimewatch Man of the Year.
“Others included Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, recognized for their lifetime achievements in national security and the fight against drug-related crimes,” the statement concluded.
* Kalu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Idemili South LGA Councillors Representing Oba Ward 1 and Ward 2 , Mr Ebuka Chibueze and Mrs Nkiru Onwuakagba respectively, President General Oba Patriotic Union, Mr Anthony Uzo Ejiofor and an Aspirant for the EzeOkpoko II of Oba throne, Chief Vincent Chukwuma Ananti have commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for awarding contract for rehabilitation of Oba/ Nnewi Road during the 31st Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) meeting.
Speaking to our reporter, Mr Chibueze thanked His Excellency profusely, saying that Oba people will be delighted to vote massively for Soludo for his second tenure.
“I thank our solution governor for this wonderful gesture to Oba people. This shows that Oba people have started benefiting from the dividends of democracy. The road rehabilitation will make Oba people come out enmasse to vote for Soludo in the next election because one good turn deserves another. Oba people are saying that it will be well with Charlie Nwamgbafor”, said Chibueze.
Contributing, Mrs Nkiru Onwuakagba described Prof Soludo as the best governor so far who has ensured that democracy dividends reach out to the grassroots. “There is no LGA that is not benefiting from the various road construction or rehabilitation either completed or ongoing all over the state barely 2 years in office. Infact,he is not competing with anyone in the next election”.
According to the PG, Chief Uzo Ejiofor, I heard about the awarded Oba-Nnewi Road rehabilitation contract. Before now, the LG Chairman, Mrs Amaka Obi came to our aid when a truck fell at the failed portion of the Oba- Nnewi Road in front of the Afor-Uzo Oba Market although no life was lost.
“She intervened by filling some of the failed portions with lumps. She later connected me with the MD/CEO, Anambra Road Maintenance Agency (ARMA), Mr Obinna Nduka who did some excavation and filled some places on the road with stone base but when they stopped work he said there was much rains but thank God with the rains abating and the awarding of the Oba- Nnewi Road rehabilitation, the road will soon take a new shape to the benefit of the road users and our people.”
In his remarks, Chief Vincent Ananti (Esq) stated : “I am highly excited to hear about the award of the contract for the rehabilitation of the Nnewi Oba Road.I sincerely commend the Solution Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
“The bad state of the road especially at the Afor Oba Market area resulted in the fall of a trailer with the load which would have caused a lot of casualties but for the fact that it took place in the night.
” The failed portion at the Okike Agip section of the Old Oba- Nnewi Road also has been a death trap where innocent commuters fall prey to kidnappers but that will soon stop as soon as the road is rehabilitated or reconstructed,” he said.
It would be recalled that recently during the 31st ANSEC meeting approval was given for the award of contracts which included; the rehabilitation of Nnewi to Oba Road to ensure pleasurable movement of people and goods that have remained impassable for many years, especially during the rainy season.
The memo was presented by the MD/CEO of Anambra Road Maintenance Agency (ARMA), Mr Obinna Nduka, through a direct procurement at the cost of N131, 343, 612. 28 (One Hundred and Thirty-One Million, Three Hundred and Four-Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Twelve Naira, and Twenty-Eight Kobo )
* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The workers of Anambra State have joined the rest of the world to mark the 2024 World Mental Health Day celebration.
The event which held at the Jerome Udorji Secretariat complex, Awka had civil servants benefit from free mental screening organised by the Governor of Anambra, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo through the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The Head of Service, Lady Theodora Okwy Igwegbe, who affirmed the importance of maintaining good mental health applauded Gov. Soludo for ensuring that Anambra workers have access to free mental screening as it surely affects the effectiveness of service delivery.
Noting how mental health is neglected in Nigeria, the Civil Service boss applauded the Government of Anambra State for seizing the chance to give workers the rare opportunity to ascertain their mental health conditions.
Igwegbe while speaking in an interview reiterated the theme of the event, “Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Work Place” stating that the benefits of the programme are far reaching with an effect directly proportional to effectiveness in the workplace.
The foremost Civil Servant advised workers to prioritize their mental wellbeing and ensure they benefit from this well thought out program as she had already done and by so doing, they would have conquered the negligence prevalent in the area of mental health.
The HOS highlighted depression, anxiety and stress as common underlying signs of mental conditions in a person. She commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike for his understanding of the need for such screening for workers to help in early detection and eventual treatment for persons who may show symptoms of mental imbalance.
In their separate remarks, the Acting Director, Ministry of Information, Mr. Emmanuel Ikegwuani and Mrs Rose Nwankwo a Civil Servant of the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism thanked the governor and the Commissioner for Health for the kind gesture towards the workers of Anambra State while noting that they were thrilled to experience how seamless it is for one to respond to questionnaires and his mental health condition would be ascertained.
Accepting the negligence in the area of mental health, the practitioners attested to the fact that it was an eye opener and they promised to ensure to maintain routine mental health examinations.
* Chukwuma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The President General of Okpoko Community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra sttate, Chief Francis Enemuo, has lauded the Soludo- led administration, for providing solar powered boreholes and toilet facilities to their schools.
Speaking during the technical handover of the projects by the state Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Mr Julius Chukwuemeka, at Okpoko Community Primary School III, Okpoko Community School 5 and 6, and at Obife secretariat premises, the president general of the town, Mr. Ezenwa Udoka, expressed their satisfaction with the good works Governor Soludo has been doing in Okpoko Community since the inception of his administration.
These, they said, range from good roads network to constant power supply (solar), pipe borne water, free education and lot’s more.
He further promised, on behalf of Okpoko Community, to be solidly behind his administration especially during the governorship election to make sure that his second tenure is achieved.
On his part, the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, who was represented by the Anambra North Senatorial zone Team leader on Water Rehabilitation projects, Mr Onyedibe Okechukwu, charged the community and concerned schools to guide the facilities generously, as the government spent much on those projects to ensure that Okpoko enjoys the dividend of good governance.
In their separate remarks, the headmistress of the schools appreciated the state government for meeting their needs as water and toilet facility have been their major challenge in the school, while promising that they will make every thing possible to maintain the facilities.
Also speaking, the contractor handling the projects, El-Bukelz Nigerian Limited, thanked the president general of the town and the headmistress for giving him maximum support when executing the projects even as he thanked the state government for giving him the opportunity to add his quota for the good of Ndi Anambra.
Inspection of the various projects, melodious songs by the pupils from Okpoko Community School 5 and 6, signing of relevant papers formed the high points of the event.
* Offor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Anambra State Government, through the State Ministry of Health, has expanded its efforts in promoting mental health awareness as the state joins the global community in marking World Mental Health Day.
In observance of the 2024 World Mental Health Day, the state is launching awareness campaigns focused on tackling the growing challenges of depression and drug abuse.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, announced that initiatives are being implemented across all 179 communities in the state.
Dr. Obidike emphasized that World Mental Health Day aims to elevate global awareness of mental health issues. This year’s theme, Mental Health at Work, highlights the importance of fostering a supportive workplace to improve mental well-being.
He shared this information during a press briefing at his office in the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.
“A recent mental health survey revealed that nearly 10.6% of adults suffer from mental health disorders, affecting 1 in 8 people worldwide.”
He called on relevant bodies to take immediate action to address mental health risks in workplaces and urged collaboration between government, employers, and health organizations.
“Our goal in Anambra is to increase awareness of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, especially given the current economic challenges.”
“To support these efforts, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has approved the introduction of a new minimum wage and the hiring of health workers trained in managing mental health disorders. Additionally, a specialized mental health unit has been established to coordinate care in accordance with national policy.”
Dr. Obidike encouraged the public to adopt mental health strategies, including open communication, prioritizing sleep and nutrition, regular exercise, and seeking help when necessary.
Dr. Uchenna Okeke, the State Mental Health Programme Coordinator, urged communities to actively participate in the state’s mental health campaign.
Present at the briefing were the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mrs. Obiageli Uchebo; Acting Director of Public Health, Dr. Afam Anaeme; and representatives from partner organizations, including the World Health Organization, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Achieving Health Nigeria, and RED AID Nigeria.
Nwauba is with the State Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
The Anambra State Government has announced plans to establish community schools in areas lacking educational facilities to ensure every community has access to both primary and secondary schools.
This development was shared by the State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, during a meeting with members of the Anambra Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and the Post Primary School Service Commission (PPSSC) at the Ministry of Education’s Conference Hall, Awka.
According to Prof Chuma-Udeh, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s vision is for all communities in the state to have educational institutions, ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of location or family income. She emphasized the importance of providing quality education to every child in Anambra State.
The Commissioner also called on communities without community schools to submit a comprehensive survey plan of the proposed land to the Ministry to be signed by the community’president-general and two other prominent indigenes.
She revealed the administration’s willingness to take over schools from communities that wish to hand over ownership to the state.
Gov. Soludo, she noted, is deeply committed to the educational development of the state, recognizing that education is a powerful equalizer and a fundamental right for every child.
Prof Chuma-Udeh urged communities to collaborate with the government to take advantage of this opportunity to improve access to education for all children.
*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Government of Anambra State through the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Market (SPAD), Chief Evarist Ude has dissolved the caretaker committee of the Old Mercedes Spare Parts Dealers Association Amafor-Nkpor-Agu, Idemili North LGA under the Chairmanship of Mr Okonkwo Sunday at the expiration of their tenure since August 2022.
Chief Ude commended their effort towards promotion of peace and harmony that existed in the market over the years.
He then directed the former Chairman to handover the affairs of the market to the newly instituted Committee Chairman within seven days from September,2nd 2024.
The Special Adviser therefore charged the new Chairman to ensure a viable administration and effective collection of government’s accrued revenue.
The twelve man committee include;
1.Mr. Martin Ezeokeke- Chairman
2.Nnamdi Ikwuazom- Vice Chairman
3.Afah Byron Chigozie-Secretary
4.Daniel Nwaokeke-Assistant Secretary
5.Mmaduka Egolum-Financial Secretary
6.Christian Okoye-Treasurer
7.Hyacinth Nnaji -PRO
8.Cosmas Umenze- Provost 1
9.Emeka Omekantinu- Provost 11
10.James Okoli-Member
11.Sunday Muobike- Member
12.Oluchukwu Okoli-Member
*Amaka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Anambra Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism in collaboration with the Tourism Volunteers Network, Anambra Chapter, is planning to host a grand Picnic and Funfair 1.0 on Sunday, 13th October, 2024.
The groundbreaking event will take place at the Anambra Film Village, located behind the Kenneth Dike Library in Awka. The event will feature cultural kids’ ballad dancers, exciting games such as ludo, Ncho, tug of war, and more, as well as cultural musical entertainers. Attendees can also enjoy local cuisine including roasted plantain/yam and sauce, African salad (abacha), palm wine and a variety of other side attractions.
The Commissioner, Mr. Don Onyenji, while addressing members of the Anambra Tourism Volunteers Network Planning Committee in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, stated that the program aligns with Governor Charles Soludo’s manifesto to develop the state into a prosperous mega smart-city, attracting people for business, living, and leisure.
“The Solution government is transforming Anambra into a place of leisure and relaxation through the ongoing construction of the Solution Fun City, Solution Neighborhood Leisure Park, and other notable projects aimed at enhancing relaxation. These developments will brighten up the state and increase the number of tourists visiting the area.”
He then invites every parent to come with their children and enjoy the cultural fiesta.
The Executive State Coordinator and Chairman of the Planning Committee of Anambra Tourism Volunteers Network, Ms. Chinazom Okey-Umeh, mentioned that the upcoming event will be the first of its kind in the state, featuring a variety of exciting activities, including old-school cultural games, cultural kids’ ballad dancers, cultural musical entertainers, local cuisine, and more.
“We utilize our network to promote tourism and showcase it to the world to attract investors and tourists to the state, create job opportunities and boost the state’s internal revenue generation.”
She urged all parents to bring their kids and swimming trunks to the picnic and funfair on Sunday, as there are children’s swimming pools, a kiddie section, and more for relaxation and entertainment.
* Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Anambra Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, has reacted to the bill that was recently passed into law which said that the state and the local government should operate a joint account, saying that Ndi Anambra wants dividends of democracy at their door steps.
Dr Mefor said this on October 9 at his office, during an interactive Session with Arise television.
He also said that the law is in accordance with section 7 of the 1999 amended Constitution which stipulated that the State House of Assembly should make Law for regulation, administration and financing of the local government in the whole federation.
“The law provides a legal framework of all financial automomy of the local government.
“The same constitution also imposes a duty on the state government to see to the proper running of local government including their financial administration,” he said.
He futher explained that the local government will still be in charge of administering their funds as against the notions of some people that the state government wants to take charge of the monies allocated to local government.
*Chinelo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
