The Trefoil Guild, a branch of the Girls’ Guild Association, has praised Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for achieving the association’s 30% female inclusion benchmark in his administration.
During an advocacy visit to the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, at the Ministry of Education in Awka, the guild expressed its support for the governor’s commitment to gender equality.
In her remarks, Prof. Chuma-Udeh appreciated the association for recognizing Gov. Soludo’s gender-friendly policies and for inducting her as a member of the Trefoil Guild. She lauded the Girls’ Guild for its dedication to empowering young girls and preparing them to face life’s challenges.
Dr. Ngozi Amalu-Okpala, the team leader, highlighted that the visit was part of the annual United Nations 16 day activism against domestic violence and abuse of women and girls. She commended Gov. Soludo’s inclusion of women in leadership, emphasizing its alignment with the guild’s mission of advocacy and empowerment.
Former Commissioner for Women Affairs and guild member TG Bridget Obi further stressed the importance of women’s inclusion in decision-making processes, noting that their participation ensures balance and societal growth. She called for an end to all forms of domestic violence, including physical, mental, and financial abuse, and advocated for increased education for boys as a way to foster equality and reduce gender-based conflicts.
The visit culminated in the induction of Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh as a member of the Trefoil Guild, with the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, and the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnaemeka Egwuonwu, in attendance.
*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, has urged the state parliamentary staff to imbibe the spirit of service, unity, and hope as they reflect on the lessons of Christmas.
Speaking during the 2024 Carol and Nine Lessons organized by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, held at state legislative complex, the Speaker emphasized the significance of the occasion in strengthening bonds and renewing commitment to service.
Udeze expressed gratitude to the parliamentary staff for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices throughout the year. “Your commitment and sacrifices have been nothing short of exemplary. You embody the lesson of service, echoing the angels’ proclamation: Thank you for being the unseen hands and hearts behind our collective successes,” he said.
He also commended the lawmakers in the Assembly for their steadfastness in fulfilling their legislative responsibilities, likening them to the shepherds who kept watch by night, ready to respond when called.
In his remarks, the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Anthony Ughenu, described the event as a time for reflection and renewal, noting that such gatherings offer an opportunity for the parliamentary staff to rekindle their dedication to duty and strengthen their bonds as a team working toward the progress of the state.
Earlier in his address, the PASAN Chairman, Mr. Abraham Okoye highlighted the importance of the Carol and Nine Lessons event as an opportunity to foster unity and shared purpose among the parliamentary staff and expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Assembly for their continued support, encouraging his colleagues to remain steadfast in their duties.
*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has made significant strides in developing Anambra State’s infrastructure. Within 32 months in office, the administration has awarded 641.121 kilometers of roads, with 316km already asphalted
According to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoma who revealed this in a press briefing in his office, this feat was achieved without borrowing or owing contractors.
The commissioner noted that Soludo administration has made substantial progress in fulfilling its social contract with the people of Anambra State. The administration’s road construction projects are designed to last at least 20 years, utilizing the latest technology.
“These projects, spread across the state’s three senatorial zones, aimed to connect lives, foster unity, and stimulate economic growth. With improved roads, residents and businesses will enjoy safer, faster, and more efficient travel, unlocking new opportunities for trade, commerce, and investment,” he maintained.
He urged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure built by the government.
* Okoli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Construction works has commenced on Umuona-Aguluzoigbo -Nanka Road project.
Speaking during the hand over ceremony, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoma noted that the road was awarded by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the last two Executive Council meetings.
Represented by the Director of Planning, Design and Structural Department in the Ministry, Mr. Obi Okafor
the commissioner maintained that “the road will connect Umuona, Aguluzoigbo, and Nnaka communities, fulfilling Governor Soludo’s promise to deliver the dividend of democracy to Ndi Anambra. The project is expected to be completed within 12 months.” He urged the contractor to expedite the project and complete it within the scheduled timeframe.
The Area Manager of IDC Construction Ltd, Mr. Youssef Zghib, assured that the work will be delivered on schedule and according to specifications.
* Okoli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Environment has expressed Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment toward ensuring sanity and legality of scrap dealers and their members in the State.
The Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odimegwu, represented by the Permanent Secretary of Environment, Mr Tochukwu Obodogha while addressing a group of Anambra Scrap Dealers and Scavengers Association said that the Essence of the meeting is to plan on how to make Anambra great and stop all sorts of criminality and illegality in the state.
During the meeting yesterday, Mr Tochukwu stressed that the stealing and vandalisation of Private and Public goods, properties and infrastructure shall be put to a stop in the state.
“We want to prevent trading of stolen or vandalized goods, properties and infrastructure in the state.
“No more loitering around of scavengers at odd hours especially when people have left their houses or when students have gone to school.”
He also highlighted that the pit shall have specialized visits to the location where the scrap dealers have trading pits in the state from time to time by the Ministry of Environment which comprises the officers of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Brigade) and the Special Anti-Touting Squad in Anambra (SASA). “If they examine these pits to contain any stolen or vandalized properties, it shall result in the arrest and prosecution of the owners and possible sealing of that pit.
“We have restricted all scavengers movement in the streets and refuse bins. All scavenging activities shall be done at the dump sites for now until we have a proper regulations of who will be going around to scavenge.
“Scavengers will be identified with Identification Cards. Any Scavengers who want to engage in scavenging work and does not have identification card will be arrested and prosecuted especially any movement at odd hours.
Obodogha opined that all dealers will be identified with their Certificate at their pit so as to get rid of bad element among them.
To this effect, Anambra State Government did not ban Metal Scrap Waste Management but restricted the illegality activities that constitute criminality in the state. It is part of circular economy, he said.
“We want you to work hand in hand with the state government to ensure all sorts of criminalities are stopped immediately.
The Chairman of the Anambra Scrap Dealers and Scavengers Association, Mr. Stephen Azubuike Igboke, has praised the state government’s efforts to address the challenges facing the industry. However, he also appealed to the government to take action against impostors who are masquerading as legitimate scrap dealers and scavengers, thereby disrupting their business operations.
A Scrap Dealer, Mr. Dominic Ndubuisi Nkwuda’s statement highlights the importance of regulating the scrap metal industry in Anambra State. By stabilizing the industry, the government can help reduce criminal activities, such as theft and vandalism, which are often associated with scrap metal dealings.
As a scrap dealer with years of experience, He acknowledged that there are “bad eggs” in the industry, but believed that the government can work with legitimate scrap dealers to identify and eliminate fake or illegal operators.
Also Present in the meeting include Director of Environmental Health and Pollution Control(EHPC) Rev. Sr. Dr Monique Okeke, HOD Accounts Mrs Nkemakonam Imoka.
*Lilian is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners, with support from Hon. Pascal Agbodike Foundation, has flagged-off optimized Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (oMNCHW) in the state.
The oMNCHW: a week long activity with life saving interventions was flagged-off at Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State.
The Commissioner, SMOH, Dr Afam Obidike represented by Director Disease Control and Immunization, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi noted that the oMNCHW initiative is a cornerstone of the State’s commitment to improving health and well-being of mothers, newborns, and children across the State.
“Maternal and child health is a key priority for the Government of Anambra State as we recognise that the health of mothers and children form the backbone of a thriving society,” he said.
He explained that the week-long event underscores the State resolve to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality by delivering high impact, evidence-based interventions to our communities.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem said that the oMNCHW objectives were designed to provide free and equitable access to essential healthcare services for pregnant women, newborns, and children under five years of age.
Also, to administer life-saving interventions such as: Vitamin A supplementation, Deworming, Immunization, and Malnutrition screening, to educate mothers/caregivers on appropriate infant and young child feeding practices, family planning and hygiene.
Furthermore, to strengthen primary healthcare systems by promoting community participation and engagement.
The ES, represented by Dr Uliagbafusi, urged that all must work together as Government officials, Healthcare providers, Development partners and Community leaders to ensure that the oMNCHW services reach every ward, village, and household in Anambra State.
The UNICEF Team Lead, Mr Gift Oguzor expressed gratitude to the State Government, State health team, and the programme Sponsor for organising the flag-off ceremony which was geared toward creating awareness and sensitising people on the oMNCHW.
While urging all who attended the event to aid spread the news for everyone to be informed, the UNICEF team lead urged pregnant women and parents/caregivers with children under five years of age to visit the health facility nearest to them in order to access the interventions.
The Member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency, Hon. Pascal Agbodike who sponsored the program, represented by Mr Azuka Okoli urged mothers/caregivers in Ihiala LGA, Anambra South Senatorial Zone, and Ndi Anambra at large to ensure they utilise opportunities of the life saving interventions which the oMNCHW gives.
The State Nutrition Officer (SNO), ASPHCDA, Mrs Chikanso Obiechefu and immediate past SNO, Mrs Eriken Uzoamaka gave health talks at the event while educating and sensitising mothers on exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding.
The oMNCHW commenced in State from December 11 to 15, 2024.
*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has urged the information officers to think outside the box, advising the officers to make their reports community based, especially those in various local government areas, where government activities happen on daily basis.
The Commissioner gave the urge during an interactive session in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat with the Acting Director of the Ministry, Mr. Emma Ikegwuani.
Speaking, he said that Gov. Soludo is very serious and more concerned about Information Ministry and their News reportage in the State.
According to him, the Governor has not seen much commitment from the information officers and their reportage on government’s activities in the State.
This he said citing information officers posted to various local government areas, that were not up and doing in discharging their duties, emphasizing that information department is the base and heart of any Government, from Federal level down to the grassroots.
“You need to think outside the box, thereby designing nice programmes, that will have wide coverage, as well as attracting sponsorship. Try to incorporate the town criers, ward Chairmen, PGs, traditional rulers, among others.
“These are the people that have information at their beck and call, that can easily reach the people at the grassroots and the public.”
He also urged them to be very active in online reporting and spreading of government activities to the public, because the governor focuses more on online News, which is the trending thing.
Dr. Mefor, did not hesitate to remind them that they can achieve this, through Governor’s official handles, many platforms, government sites, Facebook feeds, organizations sites, among others.
“With this, the Governor can go any length in spending heavily on Information Ministry, because he sees the magnitude of their works.”
He promised to work tirelessly, to making sure that the Information Ministry and officers are well equipped for effective gathering and dissemination of information.
*Chinemelu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Nigeria Army hereby inform the general public, particularly Ndi Anambra only who applied for the 88 Regular Recruitment Intake exercise into the Nigeria Army to report at 302 Artellery Regiment Onitsha before 19th of December, 2024. Both those shortlisted and not shortlisted are to report immediately as the recruitment is still on-going.
For further information please call 0803 452 2655 .
The Bishop, Diocese of Aguata, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt Revd Samuel Ezeofor has enjoined fathers to work with wives to bringing up children they can proudly call their own.
He said this while admonishing men who stood behind their wives to be ushered into Women Guild of the Church, at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Akpo, on December 9.
The cleric said, “By sacrament of baptism, man is admitted into the household of God and saddled with responsibility of preaching and living life of love to humanity and God.
“Against this backdrop, it is agreeable that you as men are immediate pastors of your families. Therefore, if prodigal children are produced, the implication is that you did not pastor well.”
He cited example of Eli in the Bible, who was lenient from stopping the children from toeing the Lord path, but paid dearly for it.
“The story of prodigal son in the Bible did not record where his father resisted sharing what he has to giving him his own share.
“There were no questions about where he was going and what he was going to do with these resources there. Good a thing, he came back but paid dearly for his action. It is common knowledge that once there is a prodigal son, there must have been a prodigal father.
Bishop Ezeofor added that families are small units of the Church cum society.
“If we do not get it right in our families, we have ourselves to blame. Those of us deriving joy from wealth of our children at tender age without proper known source of income are not helping matters.”
He pleaded with fathers to spend time with children at home, to understanding their behaviours as to know when there are changes, to making amends on time.
The Church Service was to induce young Christians with the power of the Holy Spirit to become true ambassadors of Jesus Christ. It featured administering sacrament of confirmation to over 50 young Christians from Amaiyi Archdeaconry.
17 Girls were admitted into Girls Guild while 10 women were admitted into women folk of the Church.
The service had pastors and wives, of all the Churches in Amaiyi Archdeaconry in attendance.
The young confirmed Christians interviewed include Lydia Chukwu, Adaeze Okolie and Wisdom Ezeonyeji.
Those admitted into Girls Guild and women folk include Ijeoma Okpalaunegbu, Chikodili Ogbuaja, Chioma Ifedigbo, Mrs Helen Eze and Mrs Ozioma Onyebueke.
These persons spoke separately, yet agreed in expressing joy attaining new status in the Church. They promised going to serve humanity and God to achieving better society.
*David and Stella are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, has called for unity among women in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in the state.
Speaking during a press briefing organized by the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) at her office in Awka as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, she outlined the ministry’s ongoing efforts to combat the scourge.
Mrs. Obinabo emphasized that her ministry has initiated numerous programs, including conferences, press briefings, market sensitization campaigns and stakeholder engagements in communities to raise awareness about GBV and its devastating effects.
“This year, the women of Anambra State have taken a bold step to create awareness about gender-based violence. Women must stand united, support one another, and refuse to be used as tools to humiliate or intimidate their fellow women,” she emphasized.
Speaking on the theme “Unite to End Gender-Based Violence,” the commissioner highlighted the power of collective action in addressing the issue. She urged mutual respect between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, stressing the importance of tolerance and understanding.
“Age affects reasoning; mothers-in-law should be loved and understood. Similarly, daughters-in-law must avoid viewing their mothers-in-law as competitors,” she advised, adding that fostering harmony in families is essential to building a violence-free society.
She further warned perpetrators of violence, explaining that ignorance of the law would not be an excuse. “The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law (VAP) is in full force, and designated courts are ready to handle cases. We will not tolerate the humiliation of widows or the seizure of their property. Offenders will face justice,” she warned.
On his part, the Managing Director, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) also addressed the gathering, acknowledging that men also suffer from domestic violence but stressed the critical role of women in shaping homes and society. “Women deserve respect and appreciation for their contributions, especially in journalism, women uncover stories men cannot, and they deserve recognition,” he said.
NAWOJ Anambra Chairperson, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejirika, who led a delegation to the State Police Command as part of the activism campaign, emphasized the need for women to recognize early signs of abuse, whether verbal or non-verbal, and to speak out against violence. “Silence has caused too many lives to be lost. Women must seek help and support instead of enduring violence in silence,” she urged.
Similarly, a Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Barr. Helen Obi while addressing female Journalists highlighted the global origin of the 16 Days of Activism, which began in 1991 and stressed the importance of prevention programs, education, and advocacy to combat GBV. “This year’s theme underscores the need for collective action to eliminate gender-based violence,” she noted.
The campaign activities included a road walk through key locations in Awka, such as the Police Command, Ministry of Women Affairs, Aroma Junction, and NUJ Secretariat to raise awareness about GBV. Stakeholders including a gender rights activist, Comrade Ify Unachukwu also called for the establishment of Violence Against Persons Commission, enhanced media coverage of real life stories and more resources for Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARC).
The call to action from the event was clear: unity, awareness, and decisive action were vital to ending gender-based violence in Anambra State and beyond.
*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
