The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has commenced thorough road maintenance on Esther Obiakor Avenue, Awka.
The Governor, through the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has taken a proactive measure in ensuring that the much dilapidated Esther Obiakor Avenue in Awka wears a new look, befitting road network found within the state capital.
The move was motivated by the governor’s choice in making Awka one of the best state capitals within the country.
While overseeing the level of work ongoing, the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko, said that his presence was to ensure that the work met the required standards prescribed by Gov. Soludo.
Mr Onuko reiterated the efforts of Gov. Soludo in giving Anambra State the best quality of leadership it deserved in all facets of development across all sectors in the state.
Mr Onuko, however, warned that the state government through his agency will not tolerate any activities targeted at destroying the quality road maintenance in place.
Also speaking to newsmen during the exercise, the Transition Committee Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, explained that the ongoing road maintenance was part of Gov. Soludo’s proactive efforts in preventing further dilapidation.
Prince Okafor who praised the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Soludo for his higher quality of infrastructural development across the state, thanked the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Onuko, for his proactive approach, which has significantly contributed to the successes recorded in the state capital.
Okafor while commending ACTDA for its efforts to address the portholes and upgrade the road to ensuring a smoother drive for the road users within Awka metropolis, called on Ndí Anambra to support Gov. Soludo’s administration beyond 2025.
Also speaking, the Deputy Commander of ACTDA Rapid Response, Mr. Henry Uchechukwu Nebolisa, emphasized the need of making the road motorable for the surrounding community.
He noted that good roads network among other infrastructural development gives facelift to state capital, acknowledging the residents’ pleas for road repairs and emphasized government’s intervention through ACTDA.
Mr Nebolisa urged residents to avoid activities that could damage the road, such as spilling engine oil, insists that government property is everybody’s business and should be taken as such.
*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has commissioned several projects built by a United States based Anambra Philanthropist, High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu who came back to invest on infrastructural and human capital development in his community, Nnobi, Idemili South LGA.
Commissioning the projects, Governor Soludo after thanking High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu, called on other illustrious sons and daughters of Anambra to embrace the Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) to support what government is doing to make the state a healthy, liveable and prosperous place.
“I have come to Nnobi and I feel like lying down here. This is the kind of event I love attending daily. Nnobi is a great community with great people. I usually tell people if you claim you are a big man, I will ask the person how many kilometers of road have you completely constructed.
” Government IGR cannot do much that is why we decided on PPCP to support government. 12 years ago I adopted a public primary school. I did the perimeter fence, provided 40 computer sets for the computer lab, provided school uniforms, bags, books and pencils, augmented the incentives for teachers as my contribution to what the previous administration in government was doing in Anambra.
” Maya Angelou told Oprah Winfrey that her legacy was not the record of being the richest black woman but the school she built in South Africa which will eventually produce the future leaders in their community.
” People like late Tonimas who did 18 km roads at Neni will always be remembered, Chinechendo of Adazi have done 14km and targets 30km to break Tonimas record,Ndi Anambra should emulate them and partner with government in developing their communities.
“I remember that it was during the commissioning of the renovated Nnobi General Hospital by the same Ikemba that I declared free antenatal and delivery including those who delivered through CS and we have almost zero mortality for Ndi Anambra.
“So, I thank Ikemba and his wife the Rock and next year June I will be here to help him convince people like SEAMAN and others to take up projects in this great Nnobi community,”said Soludo.
The ISLGA Chairman, Mrs Amaka Obi in her address said that as an ardent believer in the Solution Governor’s think home philosophy, she has been persuading many illustrious sons and daughters of Idemili South to partner with government in developing their immediate community and the LGA.
“When I came into office, I declared that anybody who builds and tars any road or street, that street or road shall be named after the person irrespective of the name it was bearing previously.
“Ikemba Nnobi is not the richest but I pleaded with him and his wife to come home and help me bring development closer to the people.
“He has done a lot in Nnobi community. Projects Ikemba sponsored include, Renovation of General Hospital Nnobi, Renovation of Doctors Quarter at General Hospital Nnobi, Building of modern Security Office at General Hospital Nnobi. Ikemba Nnobi built a Security Tower at Nnobi Police Station. Ikemba Nnobi has contributed so much in the security of lives and properties of his people the Ifite Ogbeadiji community Nnobi. He also provided over 500 Motorcycle Riders with safety helmet and Reflective jackets.
“The wife has empowered so many women, empowerment of widows and women with Fufu Processing Machine. Commercial Grinding Machine. Medical outreach, infact they have done me proud and are willing to do more,” said Mrs Obi.
Earlier in his speech, the benefactor, High Chief Ezeonu said that when Soludo was campaigning to become the Governor of Anambra State he said that he would turn the state into Dubai of Africa, saying that it was one of the things that motivated him to support the government by doing the little he can to make Ifite Ogbeagidi, Nnobi have a taste of what one can see in Dubai.
He explained that the last time he met the governor was during the burial of the late wife of Igwe Nick Obi of Nnobi and told him that he is going to come and commission three projects in Nnobi. “He said: make it happen I am always available.I thank you for what you are doing in Anambra and for Nnobi people and community.”
He thanked four key individuals who made the occasion possible: God, Governor Soludo, his wife, and the Transition Chairman of ISLGA, Mrs. Amaka Obi who constantly encouraged him to focus on projects.
“My wife, Thelma Ezeonu, has been the rock behind me, Ikemba Nnobi. Although we are not politicians, we will continue to support the government.
“Iyom Ife-Abata kept telling me ‘ Ikemba you can do it. I believe in you. So in 15 days this road was done with intensive construction work going on morning and night.
“I remember Governor Soludo said Dubai and I have been to Dubai and their roads have Street lights and flowers, so I put Street lights and flowers along the road.
“I also learnt that Governor Soludo likes water, I built water projects here too, so I have given the governor what what he wants.
“I learnt at US to follow government policies and to give your own support. Governor is not God, the little you can do please do it to support the government.
“I also observed that ‘Okada riders’ commercial cyclists were speeding on this road day and night, so I provided close to 500 motorcycle riders with safety helmets and reflective jackets.
“If my government is succeeding, I am also succeeding. This is just 5 percent of projects the Governor will commission here in Nnobi. By June next year I will ensure that all illustrious sons of Nnobi who seldom come home will be here to take up several projects”, said Ezeonu.
* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
In a significant development under the Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) Scheme, the IG Aguowu Health and Academic Foundation has handed over a fully renovated Principal House and Corpers’ Lodge valued at N12 million to Anambra State Government.
The once dilapidated structures at Ezike High School, Nibo, have been refurbished with new roofing, tiles, toilet facilities, doors and windows to accommodate the Principal, Vice Principal, and Corps members.
At the commissioning ceremony, the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, praised the PPCP model for its role in transforming educational facilities and commended High Chief Ignatius Onyeka Aguowu for his philanthropic efforts.
She highlighted the collaborative approach as a key element in the state’s development strategy.
Prof. Nkechi Ikedingwu, Chairman, Post Primary School Commission, assured that the Commission will deliver laboratory equipment to the school by state criteria.
High Chief Aguowu, the benefactor of the renovated building and Founder of IG Aguowu Health and Academic Foundation, emphasized his commitment to education and healthcare, noting that his foundation annually allocates N50 million for medical care and support for nearly 500 students through scholarships.
The President General, Nibo Town Union, Prof. Tony Nwokoye also acknowledged Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s dedication to education and the ongoing efforts of the Union to enhance the school’s infrastructure.
The IG Aguowu Health and Academic Foundation would further its commitment with a scholarship award ceremony scheduled for August 30 at the International Conference Centre, Awka.
Present at the occasion include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr Ifeoma Agbaizu.
*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed profound sorrow over the painful passing of Ms. Onyeka Onwenu, MFR, a beloved Nigerian music icon and distinguished daughter of Ndigbo, as she died on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the age of 72.
In his condolence message, Governor Soludo commiserated with her family and the Nigerian music industry as he described Ms. Onwenu as an unforgettable, beautiful beacon of joy and inspiration, widely recognised for her remarkable contributions to music and film.
The Governor recalled that the deceased, who was affectionately known as the “Elegant Stallion,” began her illustrious music career in the 1980s. Her debut album, “For the Love of You,” released in 1981, marked the beginning of a career that would see her produce numerous albums and timeless hits, including the iconic “One Love.”
Beyond her musical achievements, she also made significant strides in Nollywood, earning accolades for her performances and her commitment to the arts.
In addition to her entertainment career, Ms. Onwenu was a dedicated social activist and politician, using her platform to advocate for positive change and uplift her community.
Her legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and steadfast commitment to the betterment of society, making her an irreplaceable figure in the hearts of many.
Governor Soludo, therefore, extends his most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Onyeka Onwenu and all those who were touched by her artistry and spirit. He prays that her soul rests in peace and that her contributions to music and society continue to inspire future generations.
Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji has urged the Anambra State Fire Service to be prepared and ready to take action when alerted by the public to combat a fire outbreak.
The commissioner said this when he received the Fire Service team, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.
While commending their efforts in the state so far, he also encouraged them to continue sensitizing the people about the prevention of fire outbreaks.
“Your job is very essential and critical because without your office, when fire breaks out, it will be very destructive. I want to believe that you are relating with the markets and other public and private sectors on the prevention of fire outbreak, because fire outbreaks in the market can be very destructive too, Prevention is better than cure.
“Also, ensure you make your inputs on all the state government housing projects especially at the beginning of the projects. Right now, the state government is constructing a Solution Fun City which will be the biggest tourism hub in the sub Sahara Africa,” he added.
He congratulated the fire chief and his team on their appointment, noting, “We can be partners, as we are all working together to make Anambra State a smart, mega, and prosperous city where people can come to relax, work, invest, and enjoy.”
Earlier, the Chief of the Anambra State Fire Service, Mr Chiketa Chukwudi, expressed gratitude to the commissioner for the warm reception they received, saying that their visit was to seek collaboration with the ministry to carry out their goals of raising awareness about fire prevention, providing services, and conducting rescue operations to hospitality establishments and others.
” When we visited some hotels in the state, we discovered that some of them do not have fire extinguishers and this is very risky, that’s why we came to seek for the opportunity to move in and inform them of the importance of safety measures.
“A structure without fire safety measures is very perilous. If fire erupts, it can destroy everything. Therefore, I urge everyone constructing a structure to always implement safety measures,” he said.
* Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
To mitigate the devastating effects of flooding in Anambra West, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has embarked on a sensitization campaign to educate residents on essential flood preparedness measures.
The sensitisation campaign was in response to the recent flooding incidents that affected almost all community in the local council. It was held in collaboration with the Anambra West Local Government Council, aimed at educating residents on the importance of being prepared for potential flooding.
Speaking at the event held at the local council headquarters, Nzam, the leader of the team, and South East Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu highlighted the need for residents to be proactive and prepared for any flood disaster that may arise.
She emphasized the role of community involvement in flood management and urged residents to work together to identify safe evacuation routes and establish early warning systems.
Mrs Echeazu advised residents to clear drainages and water channels to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of flooding, assuring residents that NEMA would work closely with the local government to ensure a prompt response in the event of a flood disaster.
She also appealed to residents to take the sensitization seriously and apply the knowledge gained to protect themselves.
Earlier in his remarks, the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra West LGA, Mr. Fidelis Nnazor, commended NEMA and SEMA for their efforts in sensitizing the residents and providing them with necessary guidelines on flood preparedness.
He narrated how flood has adversely affected ndi Anambra West, with properties and farm produce worth millions lost in it almost every year, saying that with the sensitisation, ndi Anambra West would be more prepared and more equipped to face the looming danger.
Mr Nnazor therefore appealed to various stakeholders and residents to take the campaign seriously and implement the measures therein.
Some of residents who spoke to information officer promised to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety in the event of a flood. They also pledged to work together with relevant agencies to ensure a prompt and effective response to any emergency.
* Igboanugo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo says joint efforts are needed to make Anambra State Polythenic Mgbakwu (ANSPOLY), Centre of Academic Excellence.
Mr. Governor gave this assessment while addressing the Mgbakwu community, Anspoly staff, and students who welcomed him to the Institution at Mgbakwu.
Gov. Soludo ,who was on a personal on-the-spot assessment visit to the Polythenic emphasized that the quest to lift the Institution to a high-grade Polytechnic is not the sole responsibility of the government, but the concerted efforts through Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP).
“The task ahead is enormous, it needs the efforts of educational stakeholders, the Mgbakwu community, and all lovers of academic excellence to upscale Anspoly. A committee has been constituted to evaluate all state-owned Institutions, their challenges, areas of assistance, and government intervention.”
He charged the Mgbakwu community leaders to work with the Institution in safeguarding government properties domiciled in the Institution while expressing displeasure at incessant raids of government properties by nefarious individuals.
The governor also charged the institution to crave a niche that would differentiate it from others. A niche that will distinguish its certificate from others and give its graduate an edge over others.
Addressing the staff of the school, Gov. Soludo emphasised that a school is defined by the quality of teachers and the quality of teaching, noting that without qualified teachers who are constantly upscaling and upgrading knowledge and skills, there is no education.
According to him, students should always define their ‘whys’ for being in school. He charged them to strive for knowledge and skills rather than brandishing certificates without corresponding knowledge or skills.
The governor while lauding the Institution’s great natural ambiance hinted that Anambra North, Anambra West, and Ogbaru Local Government Areas were among the reasons that piqued his quest to run for Gubernatorial election as he wanted a new lease of life and a sense of belonging for them through the provision of good road network.
Earlier, in her address, the Rector of ANSPOLY, Mgbakwu, Dr Njideka Chiekezie called on state government assistance in ensuring the school meets the requirements for full accreditation.
She said that the Institution has been running with an interim accreditation since it was upgraded to a polyphonic and this has drastically affected their enrollment status and student population.
The highlight of the event was a facility inspection of the institution and technical artifacts by Gov. Soludo.
*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Anambra State has made a significant stride in promoting transparency and accountability, earning a top spot in the State Fiscal Transparency League (SFTL) Q1 2024 ranking by BudgIT, a prominent civic organization dedicated to simplifying public information through creative technology.
This achievement highlights Anambra’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery under the visionary leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo,
BudgIT, known for its efforts in stimulating an active citizenry and enabling their right to demand institutional reforms, assessed the fiscal transparency of Nigerian states in Q1 2024.
Anambra State emerged as a top performer due to several key factors clearly available and accessible on its state website: comprehensive and timely fiscal documents, such as the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), proposed and approved budgets, and the presence of an operational e-Procurement portal.
Ranked 1st due to its comprehensive and timely fiscal documents and operational e-Procurement portal, Anambra State was closely followed by Edo State. Both states demonstrated similar strengths in document arrangement and availability but with recommendations for further improvement.
This ranking is part of a quarterly assessment program evaluating Nigerian states on fiscal transparency. It focuses on the availability and comprehensiveness of key fiscal documents, the functionality of state websites and e-Procurement portals, and the timeliness of publications. BudgIT recommended that all state governments ensure their websites are functional and up-to-date, which is crucial for facilitating the assessment process.
Anambra State’s achievement sets a high standard for others, showcasing the importance of digital transparency in fostering an equitable society. The state’s efforts in maintaining an organized and accessible website are commendable and serve as a model for others.
As we anticipate the Q2 rankings with enthusiasm, we encourage all citizens and stakeholders to visit the Anambra State official website, www.anambrastate.gov.ng, for authentic and verifiable news, updates, and information.
This platform is your go-to resource for state-related information, keeping you informed about the latest developments and initiatives in Anambra State. Let’s join hands in promoting transparency and accountability. Explore today and be part of Anambra’s journey towards excellence!
The National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr Sly Ezeokenwa has commissioned a water borehole dug by the old students of Agai Primary School, Fegge Onitsha, his alma mater.
Ezeokenwa, prior to the commissioning of the project at the school premises during the graduation of the primary six pupils, expressed his deepest appreciation to the management of the school for restoring the lost glory of the school. He lamented that the school, due to years of negligence, had been turned into a soccer pitch.
According to him, “I started my afternoon primary school here with my mother who was one of the teachers then, I read classes one, two and three here and as a child of a teacher, she goes to any school she was transfered with me.
“I later followed her when she was transfered to Niger City Primary School Fegge, so I still have the memories of Agai Primary School, the fact is that Agai Primary School is the foundation of my primary education, if I didn’t get that foundation, I wouldn’t have been where I am today.
“And God through the instrumentality of the Old Boys/Girls Association, the greatest thing we can do to the next generation is to give our modest contribution, to make sure that the institution that moulded us continues to mould the future generation.
“We are going to make sure that our Alma Mater is the best. My being here today reminds me of how I used to play around during the breaktime,” he recalled.
He lauded Governor Charles Soludo for his resolve to take education to the next level with the aid of free education in the state.
He appreciated his fellow Old Students for the borehole, stating that, “in recognition of the fact that this is our foundation, it is the reason the borehole was dug, we will make sure it runs 24 hours water supply”.
He further said that “One of the basic tenets of education is the ICT, “we are going to put innovation district in the school so that children in Fegge will acquire the ICT training”
“You all know that anybody that was bred in Fegge was never given a chance because people looked at Fegge brought ups as a cursed person, but it is our duty and responsibility to change the narratives.
“We are going to institute scholarship for the first, second and third positions from the outgoing pupils to secondary school level and to provide the school with all their needs”, even as he directed the Headmistress to compile and forward to him.
The School Headmistress, Agai Primary 11, Mrs Nkiruka Ezenwamma, in her vote of thanks appreciated the Old Boys/Girls of the school for the borehole, lamenting however that it has been one of their challenges.
She lauded Governor Charles Soludo for his cordial relationship with the teachers and pupils of all the schools in the state.
On her part, lady Olivia Ezeokenwa, mother to Sly Ezeokenwa, appreciated the Old/Boys of the school, saying that they are the reason she attended the occasion and advised other primary schools’ old boys/girls association to emulate the kind gesture of the old boys/girls of this school .
The president of the old boys/girls association, Mr Victor Onyeka, appreciated Governor Soludo who took education to the next level, stating that the borehole they dug is to support the governor’s infrastructural development in the state.
He also advised the pupils of the school to respect the teachers, elders and their parents as there are blessings attached to it and to also be dedicated in their studies, noting that they found themselves in their present condition because they adhere to what their teachers, and parents impacted in them.
The vice president of the old boys/girls, Mr Onyeka Anyacho, noted that it is very rare for Old Boys/Girls of primary schools to come together and carry out projects in their Alma mater as they are doing, as people are more concerned only on secondary and tertial institutions thereby neglecting primary schools.
The Secretary, Mrs Nkiru Odina stated that they have done a lot in the school which included, repairing of their staircase, refilling the school compound with stones, digging of borehole, culvert at the entrance road, building of security house, among others.
Highlights of the event included, the commissioning of the borehole project by Mr Ezeokenwa, presentation of cash gifts to the senior citizens who were teachers in the school,( the headmistresses of Agai 1& 11 ), and display by the pupils of the school.
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
