News

IRRIGATION FARMING: ANAMBRA GOVT AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PARTNER FEDERAL GOVT

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

In a strategic move to boost food security, Anambra State government has affirmed its commitment to collaborate with federal government to reactivate existing dam to enhance irrigation farming in the state.

To achieve this objective, a six Man preparatory team drawn from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Anambra- Imo River Basin Development Authority under “Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria” (SPIN) has opened up discussions with the state government.

Speaking during the engagement meeting in Awka, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, said the state would do the needful to ensure that the people of the state benefit from the project.

He stated the readiness of the state government to key into the 5 year project geared toward resuscitating any identified existing federal government water source/dam for production of crops, especially rice and maize.

Contributing, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, said the state has enough Dams in Ogboji, Ufuma and Ifite Ogwari/Omor that will meet requirements for establishment of the SPIN project.

Earlier, the SPIN Project Leader, Mrs Stella Arachie, had told the meeting that they were on an assessment tour to determine suitable location for reactivation of a water source/dam in the state.

Arachie,who doubles as the Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, highlighted detailed requirements for establishment of the project to include; availability of Water Source In Dry Season/Dam.

According to her, other requirements include, evidence of land ownership, availability of 500 hectares of land, counterpart funding as well as water users association/cooperatives among others.

She, then, enumerated components of the SPIN project to include, Dam Safety and Irrigation, pointing out that it also targets to undertake studies for hydro power in the nation.

After deliberations, the team with state government officials comprising of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Power, Ezekwo V.C, and some Directors visited Ogboji and Ifite Ogwari/Omor to carry out on the spot assessment of the areas.

Ogboji, is in Orumba South Local Government Area, while Ifite Ogwari and Omor communities are in Ayamelum Local Government Area of the state.

They all expressed satisfaction that the dams have the stipulated requirements and potentials for all year round irrigation farming in the area, adding that Ifite Ogwari Pumping Station had already been supported by ATAPS-1 project with canals, channels.

The State Commissioner for Water Resources and Power, Engr Julius Chukwuemeka and his Economic Planning and Budget counterpart, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake also attended the engagement meeting.

*Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

REDUCE STUPIDITY IN NIGERIA BY HOLDING POLITICIANS ACCOUNTABLE – UTOMI—AS NIPR, COOU HOSTS HRM OBI ALFRED ACHEBE 2ND LECTURE SERIES

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The renown political economist, Prof Pat Utomi has tasked Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to reduce the stupidity and idiocy in the country by holding political office holders accountable as a means to achieving peace and reconciliation among tribalized Nigerians.

Pat Utomi made the statement during the HRM Obi Alfred N. Achebe 2nd Lecture series organized by the NIPR in collaboration with Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), at ETF Auditorium Igbariam, Anambra East LGA. Anambra State.

Utomi while delivering his Lecture themed ” Archiving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: The Public Relations Approach” said that many self centered Nigerians say and do things out of selfishness or along tribal lines thereby seeing other people who are not their relatives, ethnicity or religion as enemies even when they were not enemies.

According to him “Politicians have a way of looking for people to blame and ordinarily people especially in this part of the world are gullible. When people hear things especially in this era of social media they do not bother to verify before forming their opinion about others.

“Berkeley an Economic historian and another Public policy scholar in US, Carlo M Cipolla just as the Greeks, categorized man in society into four types of people. The Intelligent or citizens, the bandits, the unfortunate and the stupid or idiots.

“Stupid people are counterproductive to both theirs and others’ interests.The stupid seek to harm others without benefiting from it. Idiots only know themselves, relatives, religious group, tribesmen/ethnic group, anybody outside their tribe is an enemy and should be silenced.

“Bandits are those who benefit themselves by harming others. The Unfortunate are those who do harm while trying to benefit others. The Intelligent are those who aim to benefit themselves and others.

“Anytime you see a person cheering passionately for a politician whose conduct does not make sense or who harm the common good, you are looking at a stupid person no matter their characteristics of education, wealth or social status. When idiots become stupid the society is in grave crisis.

“Stupidity comes dressed as journalists, academics, and even men of God. Silence in the the face of evil is itself evil, and not to speak is to speak as not to act is actually to act.

“Part of the calling of the Public Relations work is to hold politicians accountable; to reduce influence of stupid people in Nigeria.

“Our goal had been to show we can effectively execute the creation of good will derived from plans and programs aligned to national strategy and vision of a future Nigeria devoid of the dysfunctions of ethnic, religious and other cleavages; seek cooperation between peoples with a communication plan to sustain desired goodwill to enable achievement of national goals and citizen commitment to the common good”, said Utomi.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Co-host, Acting Vice Chancellor of COOU, Prof Kate Omenuhga after eulogizing Igwe Obi Alfred Achebe as a noble man and late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu whom he described as a man known for his resilience counted herself honored to feel in the shoes of Prof Greg Nwakoby who was VC when the lecture series was initiated.

She stated: “this resonates with the 3Vs of our administration – Values, Viability and Visibility. We have a dream in setting up the Alfred Achebe lecture series. May this dream not die.

“Our distinguished guests, gentlemen of the press, the theme of today, “Achieving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: The Public Relations Approach” is both timely and critical. Nigeria is a land of extraordinary diversity, a tapestry woven from a multitude of ethnicities, languages, and cultures. While diversity enriches our national identity, it also presents challenges that if left unaddressed, can lead to discord and ultimate disunity.

“At Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, we are alive to these diversities and thus equipping our students with skills needed to deal with it.

“This year’s HRM Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe’s Lecture presents a platform not just for learning, but for inspiration and action. As a community of scholars, practitioners, and advocates, it is our responsibility to harness our knowledge to influence public sentiment and encourage collaborative action towards peace”, said Omenuhga.

In his remarks, HRM Obi Alfred N Achebe said, “we have a body that meets every Friday night by 9pm via zoom to discuss our burden for Nigeria, how Nigeria can become a good and better country which it is designed to be.

” I started my career as a Human Resources and ended in Corporate Affairs in Shell Company. I later became the conscience of Ogoni people by telling Shell Company the truth where they did not get it right. I had sessions with Gen. Sani Abacha where I gave verifiable and objective reports. Your biggest asset is your image.

“Leadership is critical in family, companies and the country. It does not come by chance, you work for it just like Bill Clinton told John F Kennedy as a chap that he would be like him and worked it out and eventually became a United States President.The country must create an environment to nurture leadership. We need a change for the better.

“At Onitsha, in 2002, I told my people my leadership would be based on truth and transparency. We have programs on leadership and entrepreneurship, we told ourselves that every 5 years 1 Onitsha person can become a digital millionaire.

“Onitsha Development Trust Fund which is just 1 month old has attracted N30 million. We need to reestablish and reorient our values. Value of honesty, hardwork, etc”, said Igwe Achebe.

The Occasion Chairman, Sen. Ben Ndi Obi eulogized NIPR and COOU under the leadership of Dr Ike Neliaku and Prof Kate Omenuhga respectively for hosting the HRM Prof Alfred Achebe Lecture series as a platform for promotion peace and transparency, saying that the county is in dire need of peace,reconciliation and fairness.

“Peace remains one of the foundations of stable and sustainable development. Without peace, justice and equity,we can achieve nothing as an individual, organization and as a country”, he said.

Contributing, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor welcomed the August visitors to the state, saying that Anambra State was being rebranded with many ongoing and completed projects.

“Move around and see Onitsha is being remodeled, brand new govt house and so on. Prof Utomi tasked the NIPR to reduce the stupid people especially amongst politicians. Soludo is reducing illiteracy by free education to break generational poverty transfer, reducing unemployment through 1 youth 2 skills training and empowerment of about 10,000 youths.

“I thank you for choosing Anambra and may this lecture outlive all of us”, said Mefor.

Highlights of the event included decorations of Prof. Pat Utomi as a Fellow of NIPR and award presentation to deserving members and associate members of NIPR.

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

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY MONITORS 1 YOUTH 2 SKILLS TRAINING CENTERS IN AWKA SOUTH LGA

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

The Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development has visited 30 Training Centres in Awka South Local Government Area to monitor the ongoing training of second phase of 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution Program and to assess the level of progress achieved.

The Training Centres visited include; Thrills Lawel Fashion and Design, Stanprisy confessionary, Rose beauty salon, Chijioke Okoro cosmetology, J S beauty hub, Preshy cee beauty care, Supreme taste catering as well as Confessionary and Dilinya John Aluminum Fabrication centre.

The monitoring team led by the Commissioner, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba said that the monitoring exercise is to ensure that the program is going on smoothly across the State, adding that Mr. Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is building a life time business hub using a developmental plan tagged 1Youth 2 Skills Solution.

He also said that the program has a well-designed human capital development strategy which will transform lives and fortunes, reduce unemployment drastically and solve the problem of insecurity in the state.

The commissioner further said that 1 Youth 2 Skills program is purely a community based programme designed to incorporate five very important stages such as Apprenticeship/Vocational Skills Training Scheme, Entrepreneurship Scheme, Cooperative Formation, Business Financing Scheme and One Year Mentorship Scheme.

Mr. Agha Mba said that 220,000 youths applied for the program but 10,000 were accepted, charging the trainees to take the training serious and not to see the Governor’s gesture as mere political empowerment but as a development plan that is already designed to equip them to be more strategic in business so as to win as a successful business owners in the future.

Two of the trainees, Emenike Chinwe from Awka and Chukwu Chioma from Enugu State thanked Mr. Governor for the wonderful opportunities giving to them to be part of this Program and promised not to disappoint the ministry after the trainings.

Some of the trainees who spoke during the inspection visit expressed heart felt gratitude to the state government and commended the ministry for the privilege given to them to acquire more knowledge through 1Youth 2 Skills Solution program.

*Ifeoma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS COMMENDS ACTDA, SEEKS PARTNERSHIP FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIAASC), State Chapter has praised the leadership of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) for its ongoing efforts in transforming the Awka Capital Territory.

This commendation was made during a courtesy visit to the ACTDA office in Awka on October 9, 2024.

During the visit, NIAASC Chairman, Dr. Ikenna Onorah, highlighted the importance of fostering closer synergy with ACTDA, pointing to various developmental projects that could thrive through such collaboration.

He emphasized the Institute’s commitment to supporting the “Solution Mandate” initiated by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, which seeks to promote sustainable growth in the state.

In recognition of his visionary leadership, Dr. Onorah formally honored the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko, by naming him an honorary member of NIAASC.

Responding to the recognition, Mr. Onuko expressed his gratitude and emphasized the indispensable role that architects play in urban development, acknowledging the Institute’s contributions to ACTDA’s success.

He further reiterated his commitment to forging partnerships that align with the state’s broader goal of creating a liveable and prosperous homeland as envisioned by Governor Soludo.

Giving his vote of thanks, a lecturer from the Department of Architecture at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Architect Aniegbuna Augustine underscored the urgent need for stricter urban planning regulations, particularly in managing unregulated building, fencing, and drainage systems.

He warned that without these controls, Awka risks losing its aesthetic value and could deteriorate into slum-like conditions, stressing the importance of adherence to the city’s master plan.

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

COMMISSIONER NNAKE URGES STRATEGIC PRIORITIZATION IN 2024 BUDGET PLANNING

By Maureen Agbala :

In a concerted effort to drive efficient and productive resource utilisation for transformative development, the Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, has emphasized the need for prudent allocation and strategic prioritization of projects to maximise economic benefits.

Mrs. Nnake highlighted these points during the inauguration of the 2024 Budget Committee members at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning’s Conference Hall, Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.

She urged bilateral discussions between the Ministry, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to produce a credible and realistic budget.

The ongoing bilateral discussions aim to streamline the budgetary activities of MDAs, ensuring that each MDA operates within its allocated budget envelope and that these operations are prioritized by the communities or people involved.

Mrs. Nnake pointed out that the state’s recurrent revenue, particularly its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), is not growing at the desired pace. Therefore, MDAs must carefully prioritize their initiatives, and she stressed the importance of integrating the Community Charter of Demand (CCD) into MDAs’ plans to ensure meaningful community participation in the budgeting process.

“Prioritizing key programmes is crucial, given that the budget is structured around specific initiatives. Local government matters, such as road maintenance, should be managed by local authorities. The Works Department must account for this distinction when planning its budget to ensure resources are effectively allocated and responsibilities properly assigned,” she stated.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Chris Azor, Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Organisation (CSO), expressed his appreciation for the bilateral discussions and emphasized the need for them to continue. He noted that they are implementing a participatory budget.

“The benefit is that we are bringing the budget to the citizens. It is now the citizens’ budget, and you can see how participatory it is. Many civil society groups, such as the Women’s Society and organizations representing people with disabilities, among others, are participating. It’s a potpourri of all stakeholders, and this is what the budget should be about. The budget is truly coming from the citizens. For example, if they need a market, you don’t give them water. We have moved past the era where budgets are decided solely by MDAs,” he said.

He continued, “Today, we are implementing a participatory budget, the people’s budget. Whatever the people want is included, and the government prioritizes based on the people’s input. As you know, we are doing more with less. So, when you look at the priorities identified by the people, you choose from them, and implementation begins, creating a positive trickle-down effect that makes everyone happy. We are prioritizing the needs of the citizens, with a new level of transparency and accountability.”

A person living with disability, Mr. Okoye, expressed full support for the commissioner’s approach to prioritizing the needs of MDAs, especially given the government’s decision not to procure loans. He noted that this focus would likely result in only a few critical projects being included in the budget.

“The budget’s performance over the past two quarters indicates the government’s strong commitment to developing essential infrastructure, with the goal of accelerating the state’s socio-economic growth and ensuring resources are effectively allocated to initiatives that drive progress and enhance citizens’ quality of life,” he stated.

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

ASMATA PG, UDECHUKWU URGE STAKEHOLDERS TO EXPOSE ILLEGALITIES

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The President General (PG), Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association (ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anuna, and the ASMATA counsel, Humphrey Udechukwu (Esq), had while counselling about 200 ASMATA stakeholders at the ASMATA Secretariat Onitsha , on the way forward, urged them to expose any illegalities found in their various markets.

The PG in his address titled “Harvest of Highly Resourceful Men and Women as Critical Stakeholders from All the Markets Across Anambra State,” emphasized the importance of the newly appointed stakeholders.

The address, read by ASMATA Secretary General, Mr Macaulay Ekwe, highlighted that the ASMATA leadership, in collaboration with the state executives, had selected resourceful traders from markets across Anambra State to serve as the eyes and ears of the association in their respective markets.

He described the stakeholders as experienced, tested, and trusted individuals, chosen based on their positive track records and contributions to their markets, which have impacted the development of ASMATA.

According to Chief Anuna, their elevation as critical stakeholders was a way to appreciate their efforts and motivate them to continue promoting development, not only in their respective markets but also by supporting government programs and policies in the state.

The PG listed the functions of the stakeholders to include reporting undesirable elements and illegal activities in their markets to ASMATA office.

He reminded them that ASMATA may summon them anytime individually or as a group, alongside their market leaders, to address critical issues concerning the well-being of their markets.

Chief Anuna added that the nominated traders would also serve as ASMATA ambassadors in their respective markets, cautioning them not to challenge their market leaders even as he advised them to avoid selfish interest even when faced with challenges.

As a symbolic gesture, he presented the market leaders with traditional wrapper clothes, urging them to adopt these as the official uniform for traders.

Contributing, the ASMATA legal adviser, Udechukwu praised Chief Anuna’s leadership role and initiative in coordinating traders, noting his deep knowledge of market leadership.

He urged the newly appointed ambassadors to respect their market leaders and cooperate with the ASMATA President General, adding that lack of respect to leaders has been the bane of the market and Igbo crises

“We have zero tolerance for crisis in the markets. Governor Soludo is working especially on roads and other infrastructures and we need to support him. If there is crisis we have to settle it,”, he counseled them.

Also speaking, the Secretary General of Onitsha Main Market, Mr Emeka Boniface Okoli, described Chief Anuna as a man of wisdom and a core APGA member, and lauded his efforts in consolidating Anambra traders.

Mr Evaristus Ejezie, the Chairman Iron Dealers Association, Atani Road Ogbaru LG commended Chief Anuna on his effort alongside with the Special Adviser on Market,Chief Evarist Uba.

He also noted that the traders are with them and advised them to shun all critics from whom ever because it shows they are doing very well, noting that ‘for you to be on top, you must be a topic.’

Some other market leaders and secretaries who praised Chief Anuna during the event included Chief Samuel Efurunwa, Chairman of Mgbuka Obosi Old Motor Spare Parts; Mr. Wisdom Obasi, Secretary of Ogbaru Main Market; and Chidiebere Ibe, Chairman of New Parts, Owerri Road.

Chief Ibe who was a former caretaker committee chairman and his vice, Chief Felix Muoghalu, disclosed that because they did not embezzle market fund and refused to share it, they were attacked by opposition, adding that they handed over cash of over N200000 which no regime has done, aside solar lights, wash hand basins, among others they provided in the market.

“It is based on these achievements that ASMATA PG found my vice and I worthy to be honoured as stakeholders and we commend him for remembering us to be honoured.

Among those inaugurated stakeholders who expressed their gratitude included, Sunday Ezemuo, Comrade Sam Njoku, Mr. Leonard Ume, and Sunday Nwaofor.

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

EMPOWERING CHANGE: STATE MINISTRIES OF JUSTICE AND SPECIAL DUTIES RECEIVE DIGITAL TOOLS

By Nwanodu Angela :

Today marks a significant milestone in the Anambra State’s ongoing digital transformation, as the Ministry of Special Duties received their new digital work tools, furthering Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s visionary mantra: “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere.”

The tools were presented by the Anambra State ICT Agency, which is spearheading the implementation of e-government initiatives across the state on behalf of the state government.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs. Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, welcomed the digital tools with immense enthusiasm, noting their potential to greatly enhance the ministry’s efficiency and effectiveness.

“These tools will revolutionize how we work and we have the solution governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to thank for this noble initiative,” she stated, expressing excitement over the positive impact they are expected to have on daily operations.

Earlier, the Ministry of Justice received their own batch of digital tools during a visit to the Anambra State ICT Agency. Mrs Ndirika Onyekwelu (Esq), the Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Attorney General and the entire team.

“We are absolutely thrilled! on behalf of the Attorney General and our Legal Drafting Department, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Governor for providing these much-needed laptops. These digital tools will significantly enhance the efficiency of our dedicated law officers, who are responsible for drafting every contract and agreement for the state government.

“This support goes beyond just providing technology; it’s about empowering our team to work smarter. Previously, our officers spent long hours drafting documents manually, often working overnight. Now, with this new technology, we anticipate significant improvements in our processes, from legal drafting to civil litigation and case preparation, she explained.

As both ministries embrace this exciting development, they expressed deep appreciation for Mr. Governor’s commitment to addressing their needs through innovative solutions. “This is a welcome change, and we couldn’t be happier.”

With the State ICT Agency playing a pivotal role in driving the implementation of these e-government initiatives, both the Ministry of Special Duties and the Ministry of Justice are now better equipped for a more efficient and tech-driven future, embodying the spirit of innovation that is transforming governance across the state.

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

ANAMBRA GOVT TRAINS FARMERS, STAKEHOLDERS ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE STORAGE, PRESERVATION—–EMBARKS ON INSPECTION TOUR

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

No Fewer than 150 Farmers and stakeholders have been trained by the state government on how to preserve their agricultural produce using safe methods, just as it embarked on an inspection tour of some agro allied establishments.

The two day training held at the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Hall, Ministry of Agriculture,was organised by the Produce Department.

Declaring the training tagged”Proper Handling, Storage, Preservation and Grading of Agricultural Produce” open, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, described it as apt especially now that government has prioritised food security.

“This is a very important capacity building session, helping the farmers to make their livelihood resilient because when your produce can be preserved, then your livelihood is also preserved.”

He enjoined the participants to put their new knowledge to good use and also step down the training to other farmers in their respective communities.

“We want to make sure produce are good enough for consumption and help those who are involved in value chain activities. So, I enjoin us to open up and soak every bit of information.”

In a remark, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, called on the participants to disseminate information about the Neem leaves potentials and adopt the technique of turning it into produce preservatives.

She noted that it was important for all stakeholders to collaborate through trainings and sensitisation campaigns to address issues.

Conducting practical sessions, a Resource Person, Dr Obigwe Chukwuma, demonstrated the use of organic matter, Neem leaves, oil and cake among others as natural preservatives, fertilizers and pesticides.

“Information on the utilisation of plant extracts such as those of neem oil, neem cake, neem seed kernel and neem leaf should be made available for the farmers and other grain keepers for safe and economic preservation.”

Dr Chukwuma, the Chief Executive Officer, Royal Neem Ltd, explained that preserving produce in a natural way results in healthier humans and reduces the need for chemical interventions.

He, then, affirmed that the organic method of preservation was a much more sustainable process.

Speaking during an inspection tour of some establishments, the Acting Director of Produce Department, Mrs Uzoamaka Emeagwali, said that the event was staged to sensitive farmers on safe methods of preserving agricultural produce.

She lamented that poor storage methods, adulteration and unhygienic ways produce were being handled by processors and marketers in the state necessitated the training programme.

Mrs Emeagwali, noted that prevalent unwholesome practices was raising concerns among stakeholders about the attendant health risks, expressing commitment to sustain the exercise.

She affirmed that government was playing its role to sensitize the people as well as stakeholders on the best practices to handle and process agricultural produce.

Establishments inspected by the team include, Belga Nig Ltd, Palm Fruit and Kernel Processing, Abagana,Tony silver Industry Ltd, Palm Kernel Crushing Mill, Umuokpu and Wisdom Pack Rice, Agu Awka.

On arrival at Tonysilver Ltd, the Managing Director, Engr Sylvester Ofodile, who was on ground to receive the team explained the stages of production in processing palm kernel.

Mr Louis Ime Kalu, a Resource Person and Director of Produce, Abia State Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry, demonstrated how to determine the quality and free fatty acid of the palm kernels.

According to him, the higher the free fatty acid, the higher the cholesterol in the oil. So, that is what we are trying to ascertain.

*Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA GOVT PARTNERS FIRM ON LIVESTOCK DIGITISATION, CONSTITUTES STEERING COMMITTEE

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

The Anambra State Government and Dilimson Holdings Limited are to use new technologies to explore and expand opportunities existing in livestock agricultural sector for effective collaboration.

To drive implementation of the initiative,18 Man Steering committee for “Anambra State Livestock Information Management System” has been inaugurated.

It was gathered that the partnership will encompass crucial aspects such as development of robust database on animals/livestock and standardisation of global best practices.

While on the collaborative meeting held in Awka, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, expressed optimism that the project would enhance fulfillment of the Ministry’s livestock development mandate.

“I acknowledge Dilimson for the initiative to partner us in the fulfillment of our mandate to the people of the state in the quest for food security and livestock protein.

“So for us to be able to measure livestock in Anambra State, we need to know what they are, where they are and what they are doing.”

Inaugurating the 18 Man Steering committee members under his watch as Overseer, Dr Ihejiofor, urged them to work with high sense of commitment as a team toward delivering the value to Ndi Anambra.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, who shared background information about the collaboration, explained that presentations would be done to enable the committee members to know the roles expected of them.

Responding, the Chief Executive Officer of Dilimson Holdings, Mr George Umobi, said the Firm supported financially for the project by an international organization, Romania Aid, has recorded over 20 years of practice in animal identification and management.

While emphasizing the need for facilitating technology driven innovation and development within the livestock sector, he said they are geared to work together with the state government on tagging of animals for traceability and identification.

“We are set to begin digitisation of livestock because there are so many things that will go into that data.

“Tagging these animals are very important because it helps in farm management, development of the animals and the Veterinary Services Department management of animal health,” Umobi added

The two parties had signed a memorandum of understanding in May, 2024 which outlined a collaborative frame work for the project.

Highpoint of the meeting was inauguration of members of the steering committee by Mr Commissioner as follows: Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, Special Project Implementation Unit, Dr Chu Basil Ejidike,1st Chairman, Mr James Obienyem, Co Chairman, Mr George Umobi, 2nd Co- Chairman, Dr Viadu Ovidiu, 3rd Co-Chairman, Dr Edet Umoh will serve as the Secretary.

Others include, Amarachi Ifeduba, Assistant Secretary, Mrs Ebere Ojimadu, Financial Secretary, Mrs Rebecca Echebi, Assist Financial Secretary, Mrs Chiamaka Agbili and Mr Alex Izuakor, Community Engagement Experts, Mr Chudi Udechukwu and Mr Ifeanyi Nwaegbo, Assist Community Engagement Experts.

While Mr Chibumkasim Umobi and Mr Chukwuka Ugokwe will serve as Communication Officer and Assistant Communication Officer respectively.

*Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

FEGGE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL WILL BE COMMISSIONED SOON—SAYS ANAMBRA HEALTH COMMISSIONER

By Chukwudi Nwauba :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike has said that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo would soon commission the Fegge Specialist Hospital built by his administration.

Dr. Obidike explained that the hospital was awarded to Crystal Dove Construction Company on May 20, 2024 and is 90 per cent completion but let the picture of this hospital tell the remaining story.

“It may interest you to know that this highly dense populated Onitsha South Local Government do not have a single General hospital and it is among the 5 Local Government Gov. Soludo’s administration is constructing new hospitals.’’

The Commissioner said this during his unscheduled visit at the Fegge Specialist construction site.

According to him, the government of Gov. Soludo do not joke in its mandate of ensuring that the public access care and enjoy affordable healthcare service delivery.

“I must commend the contractor for their exceptional project management skills, trying to deliver our project ahead of schedule and exceeding our expectations.

“Before the governor completes second term in office, Anambra will be the medical tourism state. As a state, our goal is to achieve a universal health coverage for all and which means that anywhere you find yourself, there must be functional healthcare facility that is accessible and affordable to the people.”

He noted that all the necessary equipment have been approved by Mr. Governor, recruitment of healthcare workers has also been secured.

*Chukwudi is of the State Ministry of Information, Anambra State.