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 *
In a bid to drive the society to a zero poverty sustainable empowerment through distribution of economic tree seedlings to Ndi Anambra and also to fight erosion which have eaten deep in various communities in Anambra, Governor Charles Soludo has launched a programme designed to plant at least 10 million seedlings in Anambra State in the next few years.
Speaking at the event held at Godwin Achebe Stadium, Onitsha South LGA, Governor Soludo explained that environment is the number one existential trait which everything must be done especially in the light of the climate change to recover Anambra land and make it the greenest in Africa.
According to him, “part of our future lies in our past” and so we must celebrate our founding fathers who help to create first prosperity in the first republic such as Dr M.I Okpala with palm revolutions in the Eastern region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo with cocoa in the Western region and Ahmadu Bello with groundnut pyramid in the Northern region.
“Let us exploit and learn from our past to build a sustainable prosperity, let us empower Ndi Anambra sustainably, and give them something to fish on for life, ” the governor emphasised.
Governor Soludo who noted that Malaysia was built largely at the back of palm revolution, China rebuilt poverty significantly at the back of Agro allied industrialization, stressed that South Eastern Nigeria was the fastest Sub region in the world in the late 50’s and early 60’s on the basis of palm revolution.
He further said that, “Our agenda is to create a new industrial sustainable echo system for life in Anambra.
“1.1m seedlings have already been distributed between 2022 and 2023. Today we are officially launching the distribution of 1040,000 seedlings.
“7000 palm seedlings, 200,000 breadfruit(ukwa) which have become extremely expensive, we will bring it back to become a staple food, 50,000 Orji Igbo, 50,000 bitter kola, 40,000 pawpaw.
“All these are currently been distributed in the 320 wards in the state, down to the families and today everyone goes home with at least one seedling”
Reacting, the Chairman of Onitsha South LG, Chief Emeka Orji advised the beneficiaries of the seedlings who are tenants in the city to go home and plant the seedlings in the villages and harvest it when the time comes instead of wasting them.
He lauded the governor for the love he has for the people of Onitsha South and vows to facilitate the construction of Bida Road, Modebe Avenue, Uga Street, Nkrumah, Orlu Street, behind Top Rank, behind Stadium etc.
Onitsha South Chairman after the event hosted some government officials like Managing Director, Anambra Capital Territory Development Authority, (ACTDA), Chief Ossy Onuko, Ocha Brigade Boss, Chief Celestine Anara, SSA to the Governor on Security, Mr Obiechine Obieze, among others at Notion Hotel and Suit, Woliwo.
* Osegbue and Nwachukwu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, hosted the Climate Action Summit, themed “Tremendous Strategy for a Sustainable Future”, under the leadership of Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Kate Omenugha.
The event brought together stakeholders to align with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of creating a livable and prosperous Anambra, fostering a sustainable future through collective action.
The summit tackled Africa’s pressing need for climate action, spotlighting the continent’s vulnerability to climate change through panel sessions and masterclasses. Experts explored sustainable solutions for Nigeria and Africa.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo represented by Chief of Staff Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, emphasized ongoing governmental efforts to develop a smart, sustainable, and prosperous Anambra.
He underscored the importance of community collaboration in environmental initiatives. “Together, we can create a resilient and thriving environment for future generations,” he stated.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha commended Governor Charles Soludo for his numerous initiatives to sustain the environment.
She also announced a five-year plan to plant 1 million trees and the establishment of a Student Environmental Task Force at COOU as key actions to combat climate change within the university community.
Speaking at Masterclass 2, MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata highlighted environmental challenges as the state’s most pressing threat.
He praised the summit’s focus on tree planting and discussed how AI can revolutionize environmental management. “Geo-marking trees can significantly enhance our forestry efforts,” he explained, commending the Vice-Chancellor’s initiative and Governor Soludo’s dedication to environmental issues.
Key highlights included the official setup of an environmental task force to ensure sustainability and the inauguration of key officials, amongst whom were, MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms. Chinwe Okoli, as Ambassadors and Partners of the initiative.
The summit featured notable attendees, including Nigeria’s Former Ambassador to Spain, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Chairman of the University Governing Council, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, High Chief Okeke Ogene, and various state commissioners.
* Nwanodu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Federal government has reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to transforming the nation’s health sector so as to improve the healthcare services of every Nigerian.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Pate stated this during the commissioning ceremony of some projects at the permanent site of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi.
He said the hospital represented part of government efforts to ensure President Bola Tinubu-led administration delivered on its mandate of providing safe and affordable healthcare for the populace.
He commended the Chief Medical Director of the facility and his team for the giant feats and foundation fathers honoured, just as he acknowledged efforts of the private sector in investing in the health sector.
He said, “The health sector is undergoing transformation under the able leadership of President Tinubu-led administration who is focused to improve health of every Nigerian.
“Such transformation is evident in the area of infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment and quality health services to save lives and prevent diseases.
“Health is wealth. Without health, you can’t work, go to school, market. This is the reason Mr. President is investing heavily in the health sector in collaboration with all segments of the society.
“Amidst difficulties we’re passing through as a nation, we’re grateful to God who in his wisdom has placed on the saddle President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assist us navigate through.
“We assure the hospital community and indeed the government and good people of the state of continued support to improving health of the citizens.”
Governor Chukwuma Soludo thanked the Federal Government for supporting the hospital’s management towards achieving the feat, just as he thanked the minister for being physically present to commission the projects and test-run the equipment.
Speaking through his Deputy, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim also appreciated the Chief Medical Director, Prof Joseph Ugboaja for recognizing and honouring the founding fathers who laboured to raise the institution to its present level.
“We also commend private individuals that contributed immensely towards the various projects that dotted the hospital which is in line with the state government’s Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) model,” he added.
The governor listed some of the supports the hospital has received from his government to include completion of roads leading to the hospital, recruitment of 300 health workers and upgraded of 45 general hospitals in the state.
Earlier,the CMD,Prof Ugboaja called on Federal Government to assist the hospital realise its vision of 10-year strategic development plan designed in line to lifting the institution compete globally with others.
He restated that the vision was to rank among the top three health facilities in Nigeria by the year 2030.
“The 10-year Strategic action plan anchored on 9 pillars which include: a strong governance structure, aggressive infrastructure, acquisition of equipment, robust financial management etc, have greatly helped to transform the hospital, enhance healthcare value chain and ensuring health security,” he said.
Ugboaja enumerated the challenges at NAUTH hospital to include: inadequate number of staff, adding, “Our schools are still located at our old site, even as most of our clinical units have been relocated.
“While management has completed well over 4 km of roads, there’s need for more internal roads, security cameras to cover the estate, solar lights, just as he appealed to the Minister to facilitate approval for a waiver to recruit workers.
“Also, there’s need to construct more classrooms and hostels for the college of nursing and school of health information management.
“We are calling for more of Federal Government’s intervention to construct staff quarters to provide accommodation to house those who live far away from our facilities, and thus affects patients care,” he added.
Personalities honoured during the event were the hospital’s major benefactors, Dr. Cletus Ibeto, Sir Emeka Offor and Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah.
Foundational members honoured were late Emeritus Prof. O.O Mbonu, late Dr T O.K Osuafor, Prof Ifeoma Egbuonu, Prof O. C Okpala, Prof Okay Ikpeze, among others.
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) and BredHub UBTech have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics.
The signing ceremony, held on Tuesday, marked a significant step forward in fostering academic collaboration within the state.
The event which brought together key stakeholders from academia, the tech sector, and the government, highlighted commitment to advancing cutting-edge technology and research capabilities.
BredHub UBTech, a leading AI and robotics company, will work closely with COOU to establish state-of-the-art facilities and certificate programs aimed at enhancing research, development, and educational opportunities in AI and robotics in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Kate Omenugha, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of COOU, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “This collaboration with BredHub UBTech is a major milestone for our university and our dear state. It aligns perfectly with our mission to provide world-class education and to be at the forefront of technological advancement,” she said.
BredHub UBTech’s CEO, Michael Ahamefula, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the mutual benefits of the partnership. “By joining forces with COOU, we aim to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and equips the next generation of tech leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed,” he remarked.
Izuchukwu Mojekwu, the Executive Director of Africa Operations at BredHub UBTech, emphasized their commitment to providing a comprehensive learning experience that will propel students forward. “In four years, this school will be producing global leaders in AI and Robotics,” he added.
The MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, while congratulating the university management and partners, stated, “It is no coincidence that we are here to launch something phenomenal and revolutionary, where students will have access to real-time live robots and AI, and understand this disruptive technology.
He explained that throughout the revolutions in Silicon Valley and other top tech capitals worldwide, the university system has played and continues to play a crucial role. We hope that with this MOU ceremony, COOU will fulfill its role in synergizing the Anambra tech tribe that the governor envisions. As a government, we will continue to support the excellent work you are doing,” he concluded.
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Soludo, who continues to prioritize innovation and technological development, the COOU-BredHub UBTech partnership stands as a beacon of progress and a model for future collaborations.
Highlights of the event included a visit to COOU’s AI/Robotics Laboratory, where students and management experienced the robots and related materials firsthand (MOI).
Nwanodu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State “
