News

Orumba North TC Boss Sets Pace: Commissions Multiple Projects within Short Period

By Chioma Ezeiru :

It was harvest of dividends of democracy and celebration over the weekend at Orumba-North Local Government Area as the action Transition Committee Chairman (TCC), Sir Ogochukwu Ekwueme commissioned five completed capital projects in Ufuma, Ndiowu and Oko communities, with many other community initiative projects still ongoing in different parts of the local government area.

The projects include; a newly drilled borehole water and generator house at Umunebo Ufuma to make drinkable water available and accessible to the people of the community who have suffered lack of accessible water for many decades; Laterite stabilization, drainage and reinforced culvert at Umudiabor-Ndiowu community; six ultramodern toilet and shower facility at Eke Oko market; and renovated borehole water facility with generator house to supply clean water to Eke market and Oko community.

Commissioning the projects, Mr Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, said that the Solution government of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo has come to touch the lives of people and bring dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

“This is an uncommon development. I thank the transition chairman for the great work he is doing in Orumba-North. The Soludo government believes in and exists for the masses at the grassroots level. We want to bring dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

“We are going into communities to revive many abandoned projects because government is about continuity. Even with the bad economy, Gov. Soludo has achieved so much in less than two years. He is cutting down on every waste and channeling available resources to areas that will improve the lives of the people.

“We are coming to Orumba-North LGA with many packages. This is the first phase of our work in Ufuma, Ndiowu, Oko and other communities. The boreholes will make drinkable water accessible to the people. The ultramodern toilet will provide comfortable convenience for people to use.

“I am very impressed with the quality of work of the culvert and drainage. We will also grade the road and extend the drainage as we hope to link every community and provide accessible road.”

He also appealed to Ndi Orumba-North to keep supporting the TC Chairman and the state government, more importantly to take ownership and protect government projects in their various communities.

Speaking, the Transition Committee Chairman of Orumba North, Sir Ogochukwu Ekwueme noted that the ‘ward choose your project initiative’ was introduced by his team at the ward level where each ward will select a project dear to them.

“We introduced the ‘ward choose your project initiative’ where each ward will choose a project to be carried out in their community by the local government council and this borehole drilled and delivered to Ufuma community is one of such projects.

“Getting good drinking water was a huge challenge in the area as they trekked long distance to get water from the stream. This is a project that will touch and change their lives positively and we give glory to God.

“Also in Ndiowu, we constructed a 72m culvert and drainage system due to the deplorable state of the road there. Now they have accessible road which also link them to Ogboji and other neighbouring communities.

“We also constructed an ultramodern toilet facility with shower at Eke Oko and renovated the borehole water facility there to provide comfort and accessible water to traders and the community.

“We appreciate the local government commission, stakeholders and those who partnered with us and urge them to be patient as more projects will be undertaken and commissioned soon.”

The House of Assembly Member representing Orumba-North constituency, Mr Emeka Aforka while welcoming Mr Commissioner to the local government expressed gratitude for his approval of projects and support to Ndi Orumba.

“Thank you Hon. Commissioner for your magnanimity and benevolence for approving and making these projects possible. Without your support, these projects would not have been carried out and completed. You are very diligent and dedicated to your job.

“The local government has achieved this feat through the hardworking transition chairman. May posterity and history never forget you. The challenges in this area is enormous and we plead for more intervention by the state government through your good office,” he said.

Also, the Orumba North All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Chairman and borehole contractor, Mr Festus Arukwe thanked the government for the privilege and opportunity to showcase his talent and serve the people.

“We appreciate the Solution government for the great work through the TC Chairman. I am a borehole contractor and I was hired to drill the just commissioned Ufuma borehole. It’s a rare privilege and we did a great work there.

“We will continue to support the Soludo government as Orumba-North is APGA and APGA is Orumba-North,” he said. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from Orumba North LGA

RNI/Ezenwata

TCC Anaocha Lauds Soludo over N1.5B Education Grant to Mission Schools in Anambra State

By Ginika Oguji :

The Transition Committee Chairman (TCC) Anaocha LGA, Mr Gerald Ozoh has commended the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for providing financial support worth about One billion five hundred and twenty four million Naira to Mission Public schools returned to Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal churches to develop their schools in the state.

Ozoh speaking to journalists after the presentation ceremony at the Governor’s Lodge Amawbia on October 5, described Education as a basic tool for shaping humanity and building better future for children.

He extolled Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s genuine efforts toward advancing education to an enviable height in the state, describing him as an education friendly governor.

He encouraged Anambra students to always participate in internal and external examinations, saying that they have been equipped to emerge victorious.

Ozoh noting that Anambra is arguably the light of the nation, called on the authorities of the schools to make judicious use of the funds for the development and betterment of their schools.

Accordingly, a total sum of nine hundred and eighteen million naira (N918,000,000) was handed over to Anambra Catholic Mission Public Schools which has 459 schools that were returned to them.

A total sum of five hundred and fifty million naira (N550,000,000) was handed over to Anambra Anglican Mission Public Schools which has 275 schools returned to them.

Furthermore, a total of sixteen million (N16,000,000) was handed over to Anambra Salvation Army Schools which has 8 schools returned to them.

Also, a total of forty million (N40,000,000) was handed over to Pentecostals which has 20 schools in the State. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from Anaocha LGA

RNI/Ezenwata

Fostering Tech Enthusiasm: Anambra Welcomes Dawn of Tech Innovation at KODEX AFRICA’s Grand Opening

By Angela Nwanodu :

The future seems bright for the tech ecosystem in Anambra State as various stakeholders, including tech-savvy students, tech lovers, and Hub owners, converged on Aug. 29 for the first-ever Anambra State Meetup organized by the Innovation Support Network and hosted by KODEX AFRICA.

The meetup aimed at establishing a platform for Hubs and other ecosystem stakeholders to share experiences, network, learn, and collaborate to drive innovation in the state.

The event, which doubled as the official launch of KODEX AFRICA was well attended by major stakeholders in government, a testament to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of making Anambra the creative hub of Nigeria, with everything and everywhere bearing the stamp of technology.

Cutting the ribbon to officially launch KODEX AFRICA, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), emphasized the need for people in the tech ecosystem to embrace collaboration, which he said is key for success in the tech space.

“Everything I have ever achieved in the tech space has been because of collaboration; brilliance helps, but collaboration and execution are key, execution sets you apart.

“You must also be disciplined. I have seen Lagos evolve, and the fact that government policy can lead to transformations, just like the removal of Right Of Way (RoW) and the approval of a zero-cost policy for broadband access by the then Lagos State Governor, Babajide Fashola, made it possible for Funke Okpeke to take high-speed broadband to Yaba and expand connectivity.

“Likewise, if you look around various areas in Anambra, you will discover that fibre duct laying is ongoing and aimed at boosting internet connectivity across the state.

“The agency’s commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration is undeniable, which is why we would continually explore interesting areas of collaboration with as many people as possible,” he concluded.

CFA also encouraged more hubs to sign up with the Innovation Support Network (ISN) so that they could collectively build a thriving tech ecosystem in Anambra State.

The Managing Director of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), Mr. Mark Okoye, stressed the need for identification of the challenges within the ecosystem as well as ways to surmount them while optimizing the myriad of opportunities therein.

“I like that we are telling our stories right now, we must continue to collaboratively push out positive narratives about us with one voice so that soonest, all the negative stories will fizzle out.

“I tell you, we are at the beginning of something great, and we owe it to ourselves to create a thriving, more productive, and sustainable ecosystem.

“We also need to evolve new funding models to further support start-ups within the ecosystem, maybe by next year, we can launch a crowdfunding platform for start-ups in Anambra State,” he said.

On his part, the Director of Partnerships with the Innovation Support Network and the founder of ROA Hub, the first hub in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Mr., Charles Emembolu, expressed his excitement about the meet-up and the prospects it holds for the tech ecosystem in Anambra.

Emembolu also encouraged more hubs to join ISN in order to expand their networks and experience new and faster ways of achieving great feats within the ecosystem.

“In today’s digital world, you need to have an open mind and imbibe the spirit of collaboration in order to grow; there are lots of tech skills, but most people find it hard selling them out there, hence the need to come together.”

Also, the Managing Director of Founders Institute Lagos, Mr. Ifedy Ralph Eze, while welcoming everyone to the event, stressed that the gathering is pertinent and timely to eliminate all forms of working in silos and achieving less by working collaboratively for the common good of all in the ecosystem.

“We must eliminate unhealthy competition in all its forms, which is the reason the ecosystem is not thriving as it should; we must think differently and work differently to achieve better results and chart a pathway for success.

“This gathering is about how to expand the ecosystem, and KODEX, on their part, is committed to opening their doors to ensure that the ecosystem thrives”, he added.

In his remarks, the Managing director of KODEX AFRICA, Mr. Stanley Aroh explained that KODEX AFRICA was born out of the need to build an ecosystem of people and products to drive the digital transformation of Africa through strategic alignments with customers, institutions, and communities.

He further explained that to achieve this, Kodex Academy, which focuses on tech talent development and upskilling, and Kodex Build, which is positioned to build digital products and solutions for clients, as well as thespace.ng through which it is building a vibrant and thriving ecosystem for young creatives, entrepreneurs, and talents across the South East, were created.

“There is a need for everyone in the tech ecosystem to work together, leveraging the environment KODEX already provides.

“Do not be afraid to explore and do not forget your days of humble beginnings; dream big and collaborate with like-minded people in the ecosystem,” he advised.

The Managing Director, of Trunk Digital Media, Mr. Uche Okoye, aka “Anambra first son”, on his part encouraged the tech enthusiasts to maximize the limitless power of social media and the importance of storytelling as a means to ensure appropriate visibility for all the valuable feats they are achieving in the ecosystem

“Story-telling is a very powerful tool, and people connect more with it, so you must leverage it.

“If you cannot, seek those who can and collaborate with them so that your solutions can be well publicized.

He further stressed the need for people in the ecosystem to sit together and talk about the problems of the ecosystem, as this can create solutions for them, encouraging Anambra techies to establish their presence on Twitter.

Highlights of the event were the panel discussions as well as the tour around the facility, KODEX AFRICA (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from Anambra ICT Agency, Awka

SOMTEC Holds Review Meeting for 2023 August Women Meetings HPV Vaccination, Health Campaigns

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The Anambra State Social Mobilization and Technical Committee (SOMTEC), a United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF)-assisted project domiciled in the State Ministry of Information (MOI), has held a One-day Review Meeting with Field workers (FLWs) of 21 LGAs who embarked on the health campaign during the 2023 August Women Meetings.

The review meeting, which was held at the King David Hotel in Awka, was with Community Mobilization officers (COMOs) and Health Educators who were sensitizing 20 communities per LGA in Anambra State on healthy living in order to achieve positive Social Behavior Change (SBC) through women’s August meetings.

According to the SOMTEC Project Desk officer, MOI, Mrs. Grace Onwukwe, this Review meeting was supposed to be a planning and orientation meeting that ought to be held before the August meetings on health campaigns, but it was done online for the FLWs because they were already at the field when UNICEF gave the directive.

“The theme of the August meeting on sensitization includes the Human Papillomavirus vaccination campaign, which targets adolescent girls between the ages of 9 to 14 years in order to protect them before they become sexually active.

“Women should know the importance of the first 1000 days of a child, what a pregnant woman needs to do from conception till after delivery, the prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal periods, from conception to when the child is two years old.

“UNICEF has observed that the first 1000 days of a child’s life determine the child’s future. When a child is properly immunized, well-fed, and raised in a clean and healthy environment, with the birth registered, the child can be protected from violence or any other form of child abuse.

“The need to continue applying Essential family practices (EFPs) is also important to prevent avoidable sickness and deaths. These were communicated to the FLWs online, so we are here to review what they did and listen to the challenges they encountered during the sensitization,” Mrs. Onwukwe said.

The UNICEF Resource person, Mrs. Chineze George-Ileka, discussed the need for parents to allow their girl child between the ages of 9 to 14 years to receive the HPV vaccine, which was likely to commence in Anambra by 2024.

“Parents should allow their girl children between the ages of 9 to 14 years to receive the HPV vaccine before they become sexually active to protect them from HPV, cervical cancer, warts, and other related infections.

“Prevention is better than cure. Parents should advice their children to avoid premarital sex and couples should maintain one sexual partner because keeping multiple sexual partners is dangerous.”

According to her, symptoms of HPV include virginal discharge, skin infection, and, in some cases, painful sex and the flow of blood. One with such symptoms should go for a smear test, a cervical cancer test, or see a professional health practitioner,” Mrs. George-Ileka said.

“Also wash your hands regularly with soap or ash under running water. Cross your fingers while handwashing, wash your nails, and wash up to your elbow. Critical times for hand washing include after visiting public places, before cooking, eating,, or breastfeeding your infant, after visiting the toilet, or after disposing of children’s faeces.

“Moreso, properly dispose of children’s faeces. Open defecation is harmful to health because flies that perch on excreta will find their way to your food. Encourage every household to use a latrine, pour-flush toilet, or water closet toilet, which should always be covered and washed regularly.

“Concerning environmental cleanliness, Keep the kitchen and surroundings clean. Wash kitchen utensils and cutlery before use because wall geckos may have licked them, and their saliva can cause death. Dispose of empty cans and dustbins to avoid breeding mosquitoes and rats.”

Mrs. George-Ileka further informed them to expect the introduction of the HPV vaccine in Anambra State, saying it was going to be free by the Federal Government.

Speaking on first 1000 days of a child, the Anambra State Health Educator, Mrs. Uju Onwuegbuzina, said that it starts from conception until the child’s second birthday. As soon as a woman misses her menstruation, she should register for antenatal

“Immunization continues till 2 years no more for 1 year. After delivery, the mother should do early initiation by breastfeeding the infant without removing the collostrum. Exclusively breastfeed the child for the first 6 months without water. After 6 months, breastfeeding continues with supplementary, complementary, and nutritional feeding until age 2,” said Mrs. Onwuegbuzina.

Moreover, the National Population Commission (NPC) Anambra State Director, TLP Joachim Ulasi encouraged the health workers at the facilities to help in proper documentation of registration of births, saying that only birth certificate or declaration of age issued by NPC remains the authorized, birth certificate in Nigeria.

“We have about 151 birth registration centres in Anambra located at health centres, palaces, Town halls, and LG Secretariats. It is an offense not to register the birth of your child. The NPC Birth Certificate is free, issued once in a lifetime, and for those under 18 years. Those over 18 years old are issued an Attestation of age after tendering their court affidavit. By September 1, 2023, the NPC will digitalize the process of documenting birth certificates”.

Women were also enlightened on the need for parents and guardians to be mindful about who they leave to look after their children or wards to avoid exposing unsuspecting minors to sexual molestation and paedophiles out of carelessness.

In his goodwill message, NOA State Director, Mr. Joe Uchendu, commeded the field workers for their efforts toward spreading information to enhance the health and wellness of Ndi Anambra, thanking UNICEF and other partners for leading the campaign for HPV vaccination.

Others in attendance include the UNICEF program officer, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Director, NPC Anambra State, Anambra State MOI Permanent Secretary and Directors of Information, Administration, and Account, State and LG Health Educators, NOA Community Mobilization Officers (COMOs) at all the 21 LGAs, and the media. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from Awka

Solution Fun City; Anambra State Government Hands Over Site to Contractors

By Okoli Sunday :

The Anambra State Government has handed over the site of the proposed Solution Fun City to Contractors.

The handover ceremony was done by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, at Awka.

According to Mr. Commissioner, this handover today signifies the commencement of construction works at the Solution Fun City.

“You have been handed over the designed drawings and other contract documents, and so, your completion period has started counting.”

The contracts handed over included:

1. WATER AND AMUSEMENT PARK AT PROPOSED SOLUTION FUN CITY, AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE – LOT 1: COUNTRY CLUB, GATE HOUSE, VOLLEYBALL COURT, 5 ASIDE FOOTBALL PITCH WITH SPECTATOR STAND AND LAWN TENIS COURT

2. WATER AND AMUSEMENT PARK AT PROPOSED SOLUTION FUN CITY, AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE – LOT 2: PARK BUILDINGS, LANDSCAPES AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES, FENCE AND FUN CLUB

3. WATER AND AMUSEMENT PARK AT PROPOSED SOLUTION FUN CITY, AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE, LOT 3: FOUNDATION FOR PARK EQUIPMENT

Engr. Okoma said that Mr. Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, is passionate about the project and charged them with its speedy completion.

By March 17th next year, Mr. Governor has already slated to hold a banquet in one of the buildings, and you can’t afford to fail.”

Speaking on behalf of other Contractors, the Project Engineer for Zghontai Construction Company, Kolawole Abiola, thanked the Anambra State Government for the opportunity given to them and promised to justify the confidence reposed on them by the State Government by ensuring standards and delivering the projects within the timeline. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from the Ministry of Works, Awka

Awka, Anambra State Capital Set to Witness Launch of a Pilot Waste Management System

By Benjamin Ogbuagu :

Awka the Anambra State capital will soon witness the launch of a Pilot system for effective management of municipal wastes that will be the first of its kind in the South East region of Nigeria.

Boskel Nigeria Limited, the consultants and initiators of this pilot scheme, is expected to carry out a demonstration on the operations of this scheme to waste management stakeholders in Anambra State.

A letter from the company reads in part, “Following our presentation to your Board and discussions thereafter, we hereby notify you of our plans to conduct a demonstration of the pilot systems for effective management of municipal wastes to your Board and Government”

A press statement signed by the Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) Mr Mike Ozoemena invites members of ASWAMA Board and all stakeholders on Environment to this event scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 5th September 2023 at the New Dumpsite, Agu Awka Industrial Area, Amaenyi-Awka by 12 noon.

The statement further invites all Transition Committee Chairmen, Waste Management Contractors, all related Agencies, and indeed the general public to this epoch making event. (MOI)

Information Officer reporting from Awka

Adazi Nnukwu Town Union Boss Pledges Support for Soludo’s Administration

Michael Ezenwata :

The president General, Adazi Nnukwu Town Development Union Chief Cyril Anetoh, has promised that the community will sustain its support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration.

In a statement on the 32-year anniversary of the state, Chief Anetoh, an Engineer by profession, observed that the state has progressed under different administrations since its creation.

According to him, Soludo’s administration is taking the state to the next level of development.

Chief Anetoh used the forum to task women on good parental upbringing of their children.

According to the ATDU boss who addressed the Adazi Nnukwu women during their annual August meeting, he expects them to be good home managers to enhance a brighter future for the upcoming generation.

He further informed the women that Adazi Nnukwu has the only functional library in Anaocha Local Government Area with its staff being paid by the state government.

State Government Urged to Enhance Workers Welfare

Michael Ezenwata :

Workers in Anambra state filed out in their appreciable number at the Dr.Alex Ekwueme square Awka to celebrate their day.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo was present to reassure them about his administration’s commitment to enhance their welfare.

In a press statement at the venue of the celebration, the stare chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress Comrade Humphrey Nwafor expressed delight in the governor’s enlistment of members of the congress to be part of the budgetary process in the state to enhance the revenue profile of the state.

The labour leader encouraged workers to continue to give their best in the discharge of their official responsibilities.

Comrade Nwafor used the forum to urge the governor to provide adequate security and more buses to workers to ensure their full presence at their work places on Mondays.

On his part,the state chairman ,Nigeria Union of Pensioners Comrade Anthony Ugozor expressed satisfaction over governor Soludo’s promise to look into the demands of workers in the state.

Comrade Ugozor further conveyed his delight in the clarification and ratification of Comrade Nwafor as the authentic NLC chairman in Anambra state.

Contributing,the former Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Professor Fidelis Okafor affirmed that workers globally deserve proper remuneration and not to be underpaid and abused by their employers.

A stakeholder in the defunct National Union of Road Transport Workers Union in the Southeast geopolitical zone Comrade Augustine Udeozor urged the Anambra state government to re establish the Union to assist the Anambra state government in sanitising motor parks in the state, and to assist in the raising of the revenue profile of the state.

Notice of Tax Exemption For All Wheel Barrow Pushers, Hawkers, Petty Traders And Vulcanizers

Anambra State Government wishes to inform the Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), individual market associations, and the general public that all wheelbarrow pushers, hawkers, petty traders, and vulcanizers are exempted from all kinds of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) payments such as fees, charges, levies, rates, etc.

In view of the current harsh economic condition, the government has decided to waive these taxes for the above categories of people as a way of making their livelihood easier.

Anybody found collecting any form of IGR from these categories of people would be arrested and prosecuted for stealing.

Be warned.

Signed
SIR PAUL NWOSU
Commissioner for Information
24th November, 2022

Anambra Assembly Calls on Soludo to Carry Out Palliative Works on Umueze Anam-Oroma Road

By Anastasia Agunwa/Chizoba Okeke/Gloria Abugu:

The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Gov. Charles Soludo to direct the Works Commissioner to immediately carry out palliative works on the Umueze Anam-Oroma road to reduce the sufferings of Ndi Anambra West.

The resolution followed a motion moved under ‘Matters of Urgent Public Importance’ by Mr. Patrick Udoba representing Anambra West State Constituency and seconded by Mr. Ejike Okechukwu representing Anaocha II State Constituency during plenary on Nov. 8.

The Speaker, Mr. Uche Okafor, who presided over the plenary, noted that Gov. Charles Soludo had flagged off the construction of many dilapidated roads in Anambra State, expressing optimism that Anambra West, especially Umueze Anam-Oroma Road, is among the roads.

The Speaker put it to a voice vote, and the lawmakers unanimously adopted the motion through voice votes.

Dwelling on the motion, Mr. Udoba said that the devastating effect of the recent flooding in Anambra West Local Government Area has cut off Umueze Anam-Oromaetiti road after it was submerged by the recent flooding in Nigeria.

According to him, the flooding has caused serious losses in lives, properties, and government infrastructure and has displaced many of Ndi Anambra West, who are predominantly farmers.

“Though the water level has gone down, it has devastated my people and the environment. Among numerous damages, the flood has cut off the Umueze Anam-Oroma road, which is the only access road to more than 10 communities in Anambra West.

“The bad condition of the road will worsen the already bleeding economic and social activities of the area occasioned by the economic hardship and the flooding,” he stressed.

The lawmakers that spoke in favour of the motion, including the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Pascal Agbodike, expressed the need for the road to be urgently constructed as the area is one of the food baskets of the state.

Also at plenary, Gov. Charles Soludo, in a letter sent to the House through the Speaker, informed the State legislature of his intention to present the 2023 Proposed Budget Estimates on Nov. 10.