News

UNDP PARTNERS ANAMBRA MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TO EMPOWER YOUTHS

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

The United Nations Development Program ( UNDP), is to partner the state Ministry of Youth Development to empower thousands of young people from Anambra State through the UNDP sponsored SME start-up/expansion project.

Speaking on the programme, the UNDP Team Lead, Mrs. Joycee Oburu stated that the ultimate goal of the project is to enhance the youths with Business Startup/expansion plans not just to compete in the state but in the country and globally.

According to her, the business financing programme will involve disbursement of a grant of ₦100,000 to 10,000 SMEs and will also incorporate mentorship and coaching of the SMEs for higher productivity.

She also stated that apart from undergoing training and mentorship to ensure that they maximize the grants for business growth, they will also be exposed to the international market.

Mrs.Oburu who noted that they decided to identify with the Ministry of Youth Development because 65% of the SMEs are associated with the youths, requested for the support of the ministry for the success of the project.

Responding, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba welcomed the UNDP Team and also thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for creating the right environment that is conducive for reputable agencies like UNDP to work in Anambra State through his integrity and credibility in management of resources.

He said that the target of Mr. Governor as captured in his manifesto is raising 1000 youth millionaires and creating 130 private sector jobs annually in Anambra State, stressing that the governor is very intentional in attracting investors in the state by building of massive roads infrastructure and creating enabling environment to ensure that the private sector thrives in the state.

He further stated that this is the first time in the history of the state, a youth was appointed to lead the Ministry of Youth Development, which is an indication that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is determined to change the narratives and move youth development to the next level.

The commissioner also explained that since assumption of office, the Ministry of Youth Development has set the motion for strategic partnership with relevant agencies like UNICEF, NASME, SMEDAN and ITF in order to ensure that policy formulation and implementation for youth development is properly articulated and executed.

He enumerated the key programmes of the ministry as 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution, Solution Job-KikstartInitiative and the soon to commence skill training programme for those at the primary and secondary school levels, describing the 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution as a total deviation from the usual youth empowerment programmes of the government to more impactful and sustainable programmes.

Mr Agha Mba emphasised that the 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution is purely a community base programme designed to incorporate five very important stages– Apprenticeship/Vocational Skills Training Scheme, Entrepreneurship Scheme, Cooperative Formation, Business Financing Scheme and One Year Mentorship Scheme.

He also explained that in the second phase of 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution, 10,000 youths will be empowered, which is an improvement on the 5000 youths who were empowered in the Pilot Phase with vocational and entrepreneurship skills in addition to a sum of N2 billion spent in business financing scheme for start-up/expansion.

The commissioner maintained that 75% of the businesses funded under the Pilot Phase of the programmes are already showing signs of success based on impact assessment conducted by the ministry and other programme evaluation agencies.

He also stated that 1 Youth 2 Skills had been adopted the federal government as a result of the successes recorded and that preliminary discussions had been held between the state and the federal government for possible partnership.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Martin Agbili, while appreciating the UNDP team for coming, stated that the major programme of Mr. Governor in the Ministry of Youth Development is to see how the ministry can develop the youths and enhance their potentials.

He assured UNDP that the ministry will accord them 100% support since its programmes and that of the ministry are targeted at achieving common goals for the youths of the state.

Also present during the meeting were the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Mr Emeka Tony Omatah, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development Mr. Chibuzor Udeh, UNDP State Focal Persons, Wetalu Okosi, Jennifer Odunukwe among others.

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

QORBAN GROUP PARTNERS ASMATA ON FREE MEDICARE TO TRADERS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

To ensure the well-being of traders,the Anambra State Government through the leaders of Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association(ASMATA) has organised free medicare for traders.

The free medical treatment program kicked off on April 16th, covering the 7 zones of the state. The program began with Aguata zone, followed by Awka and Idemili zones, and is currently ongoing in Ogbaru zone.

According to Amb.Ezeilo Franklin, the CEO of the Qoran group, the project is going to end next week Tuesday with Onitsha zone.

“Qoban is a Jewish name which means Dedicated Unto God, an international enforcement that is into education and health consultancy.

“Following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent emphasis on the importance of health, we recognized that a healthy trader is not only wealthy but also productive. Given that Anambra State generates significant revenue from markets, it’s alarming to see many traders struggling with illness or succumbing to death. This realization prompted us to take action,” he emphasised.

The Qoran boss explained that they launched this project with ASMATA to improve traders’ health at the grassroots level, enabling them to pay taxes and contribute to the state’s social development.

“So far, I am impressed by the turn up of traders, but the highest was Idemili zone with over 300 attendees. We are expecting that Ogbaru zone will top by 10 in number.

He noted that they concentrated on vital signs, prostrate, temperature, blood pressure, sugar and added malaria because of working space but cannot do other necessary parameter laboratories,

advised traders to always go for such tests.

Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, Chairman of Ogbaru Main Market (Relief Market), expressed his satisfaction with the project, stating that ‘it’s commendable to entrust leadership to those who seek it, as they are more likely to excel and outperform others since they have taken the initiative to ask for it’.

“Traders are responding well, and everyone’s getting involved. We announced the free medical treatment last week, and I’m delighted it’s happening in my market and benefiting the entire Ogbaru zone,” he noted

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

EMPOWERING TECH SKILLS: 3MTT NETWORKING MEETUP IN ANAMBRA SETS NEW STANDARDS

By Angela Nwanodu :

Anambra State has witnessed a groundbreaking event as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, a federal government program aimed at empowering Nigerian youths with tech skills recently hosted a Networking Meetup at the IDK Learning Centre in Awka.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including the 3MTT Community Manager for Anambra State, Somto Akujuruobi, who expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda and to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for his efforts in making Anambra a digital tribe.

Mr Akujuruobi also lauded the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani for spearheading the 3MTT initiative along with IHS Tower and NITDA for their significant support in fostering the initiative’s goals in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the spiritual father of the day, Bishop Alex Okedo, emphasized the importance of integrity in the tech industry, setting the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions and reflections.

A highlight of the event was the keynote speech delivered by the MD/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on MDAs Support, Mr. Castro Ideke.

Agbata emphasized the transformative power of technology and the need for continuous learning and adaptability in the dynamic field of tech.

“The path may not be easy but I assure you it will be a success.

“Let us seek knowledge relentlessly and believe in our ability to make a difference. This future is not just happening, it is ours to create”. Agbata concluded.

Attendees were inspired by success stories shared by members of the 3MTT community, including Oghene Kome, a success story from cohort one, who emphasized the importance of goal-setting and continuous learning in achieving success.

The event concluded with a sense of optimism and anticipation for future collaborations and shared successes. With a commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation, the 3MTT Networking Meetup in Anambra set new standards for empowering tech skills and driving positive change in Nigeria’s digital landscape.

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

MAY DAY CELEBRATION- GOVERNOR SOLUDO PROMISED TO ACCELERATE MORE DEVELOPMENTS IN ANAMBRA STATE

By Gab Alokwe :

The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has promised to continue working toward the development of the state.

Gov. Soludo made the promise during the May Day Celebration in honour of the workers in the state.

The Governor represented by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim emphasized that he has turned the state into a construction site and informed them of the state Government House he is building which according to him is a legacy project.

He said that he has worked with the security agencies of the state to secure the state from criminal elements in addition to the Amansea Awba Ofemili road project he has completed among other projects.

The governor promised to inaugurate Anambra State Civil Service Commission to help address promotion issues of the state workforce.

He, then, appealed to workers in the state to support his administration to enable him to do more for the state.

On his part, the state Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji congratulated the workers in the state as they marked their day.

He commended Gov. Soludo for his developmental projects in the state and his employment of more workers into the state’s workforce.

Commissioner Onyenji, then, appealed to workers to continue supporting the state government and to improve themselves to guarantee improved service delivery.

In a joint address by Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress read by the state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Humphrey Nwafor with it’s theme “People First”, he appealed to Gov. Soludo to exemplify the Solution mantra to the workers to help reduce economic and environmental challenges they face.

The organized labour also urged Gov. Soludo to reintroduce the removed wage award till the new minimum wage is signed.

They commended the governor for the numerous developmental projects going on in the state in areas of Road infrastructure, Security, Education and Health delivery, urging him to continue.

The event attracted top Government functionaries, Federal and Anambra State workers while the high point at the event was the march past and salute to Gov. Soludo by workers.

*Gab is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

MARKET CHAIRMAN, TRADERS LAUD SOLUDO, ASMATA LEADERS ON FREE MEDICARE TO TRADERS

By Juliana Nwachukwu/ Ngozi Okoli :

The Chairman of New Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Chief Stephen Oforle and traders, have lauded Governor Charles Soludo and ASMATA leaders on the free medical treatment to traders.

Chief Oforle made the commendation while fielding questions from newsmen in his office stating that, “It is a thing of joy that it is being done here in our market, I also provided a conducive environment for them. Traders trooped out en masse, like yesterday, they over stayed their time due to massive turn up.

“As we help to sensitize traders to make sure the free medical treatment yielded fruits, I as well plead to the state government for the continuation of this free medical treatment and provision of drugs to help in case of critical conditions.”

He however frowned at the inability of Africans especially Ndi Igbo to go for medical check ups, adding that instead they are more interested in their businesses than health, stressing that a healthy person enjoys wealth and they should check their health status at least two or three times in a year.

Director of the ASMATA free medical treatment program, Ambassador Ezeilo Flanklin (who is also a medical biochemist), informed the crowd the event was the final stop in Idemili zone after previously visiting Ekwulobia, Aguata, and Awka zones. He remarked that the medical outreach is part of ASMATA’s commitment to serve the seven zones of its region.

He explained that they have treated over 300 patients in these zones and records so far showed that the most pronounced medical cases were BP and sugar.

The director noted that although ASMATA has adequately provided for the outreach, attendance has been low in some zones. Mobilization efforts need to be improved to ensure more traders take advantage of the free health check-ups.

He advised that one should go for routine check and know the parameters of his body system, vital signs and know if you are healthy or not before you pursue money.

” It is very important to do this continuously, I even said that I will personally reach out to the commissioner for Health, Dr Obidike, he is doing well in primary health in the state but will ask him to find a way to collaborate with ASMATA.

” I urge the state government, governors’ wife, I love what she is doing in health status of Anambrarians, I ask all parastatals of health to come together to form a bond with ASMATA to do this often, because without the health of the traders, they will not trade well to pay tax and governor will have money for all the infrastructural development,” he stated.

Comrade Anayo Ibeabuchi, PRO New Auto Spare Parts stated that New Auto Spare Parts is the venue for about 12 markets under Idemili North and South.

He commended the organisers of the free medical treatment and the traders as well as those who participated in the free medical exercise.

* Nwachukwu and Okoli are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ANAMBRA SPORTS COMMISSION FLAGS OFF 2024 ANAMBRA SCHOOL SPORTS FESTIVAL

By Nonyelum Ezumezu :

The Anambra State Sports Development Commission in collaboration with Ministry of Education has flagged off 2024 Anambra School Sports Festival at the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) hall, Awka.

The Anambra Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo represented by the Anambra Chief of Staff, Chief Ernest Ezeajughi, enjoined students to participate actively in sports that will lead them to national and international sports competition.

“Anambra State Solution Initiative (ANSSI) is the vehicle with which Mr Governor is using to revolutionise sports in the State within two years of his administration, the glory of Anambra Sports is returning at an encouraging speed.”

In his speech, the Chairman, Anambra Sports Development Commission, Mr Patrick-Estate Onyedum stressed that in 2023, about 600 primary and secondary schools registered and participated in the sports festival which yielded fruitful results.

Mr Onyedum promised to support schools that performed excellently well with sports facilities, commending students on Karate, Taekwondo, beach volleyball champions.

Also, the Commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba congratulated the Governor for his determination, and passion toward sports development in the State.

He noted that Sports is the third pillar of Gov. Soludo’s administration, which involved human capital development, health and sports.

Eight Schools across Anambra attended the event.

*Nonyelum is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT COMMENCES STATE-WIDE DRAINAGE DESILTING CAMPAIGN

Clara Omuluzua Madubike | I-Witness News :

Anambra State Government, through the ministry of Environment has commenced state wide campaign against clogged water channels and other environmental practices that are inimical to good health.

Speaking to newsmen in his office, the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment Engr. Dr Felix Odimegwu stated that the ministry had released a statement to the general public on the 20th of February 2024 which mandated all Traditional rulers, PG’s, markets, motor parks, schools, estates, churches, abattoirs, shopping complexes and plazas to desilt and evacuate all silts and debris with immediate effect.

It is no longer news that Anambra state is a flood prone area according to Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). The 2024 seasonal rainfall prediction and annual flood outlook stated that Anambra will witness a massive flooding as this year’s rainy season sets in.

The Soludo led administration since it’s inception flagged off drainage desilting campaign tagged “operation keep your gutters clean” which is geared towards achieving a clean, green and sustainable Anambra”. It is being carried out in two phases (phases 1 and 2) every year as part of flood mitigation strategy. This year’s drainage desilting which started in major areas in Awka on the 24th of April, 2024 will move to other parts of the state.

Odimegwu said, “The year 2023 recorded reduced flooding and zero fatalities as a result of proactive deliberate intervention by the state government to desilt all major drainages, water ways, canals and gutters”

Moving forward, he stressed that it is enforcement time and the team will be acting in accordance with the public health law 2006 which mandates all public premises, occupants to keep their drainages free of encumbrances of silt and sand. He stated that those who do not comply will be arrested, stating that many establishments given abatement notice as a result of non-compliance were sealed and will be prosecuted accordingly.

The commissioner urged Ndi Anambra to do the needful by clearing all drainages, water ways, canals as the enforcement team are ever ready to prosecute all defaulters with severe penalty. The Environment is one of the five pillar agenda of the Soludo’s led administration and we are hell-bent on achieving the clean, green and sustainable environment where we can all live, work and enjoy life.

DUALIZATION OF AMAWBIA-AGULU-NANKA-EKWULOBIA-UGA ROADS

SOLUDO DOESN’T HATE JOURNALISTS; RESOURCES ARE SCARCE – Nwosu

Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu has advised journalists to see themselves as partners with government and play their roles responsibly, even as he stated that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR does not hate journalists but is constrained by available resources.

Reacting to the social media reports where the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu claimed that Governor Soludo is an enemy of journalists, Nwosu said he was taken aback by the report given that there was no provocation for the outburst.

“I have been a member of NUJ for over 35 years and more importantly, Dr Emeka Odogwu is my friend. So, if there were issues, I expect we would have discussed it but to the best of my knowledge, there was none. I am surprised he talked about subvention; that they applied for subvention to the government and it was rejected. Who does not know that we are living in austere times? The national economy is heavily reliant on the federal allocation that gets it’s own revenue through oil sales. Look at what has been happening to the oil market. The revenue has dropped and we are struggling here to see if we can ramp up our internally generated revenue. And for this reason, Mr Governor has decided to rationalize on everything we are doing so that he will be able to deliver on his mandate to ndị Anambra. I expect that an erudite colleague of mine like Emeka Odogwu would have understood this because this is something that the governor has continued to harp on; that for him to be able to deliver quality roads, provide employment and other social amenities, there has to be prudent financial managemement. Most leakages have to be blocked. Some people have to do with less of what they used to get. And I expect that members of the fourth estate of the realm who are partners of government should understand this. So, how come all of a sudden, subvention or no subvention has become an issue. Is it only their subvention that has been affected? There are other areas where government has to rationalize,” he said.

While expressing happiness that the NUJ Chairman acknowledged the fact that the Ministry of Health provided free medical care to journalists during their last press week, the Commissioner wondered why they didn’t see the Ministry of Health as part of Soludo’s Government. The Ministry of Health couldn’t have provided the free medical care without Governor Soludo’s approval.

According to Nwosu, the issue of invitation to the Governor’s two years in office is simply looking for an excuse to vent in this manner because everybody was invited. “The invitation was given to everybody including journalists. Otherwise, how was the event covered such that people all over the world got to know about it and the good works that Mr Governor has done? How come people knew about the second anniversary and the beautiful roads and other amenities, clean water supply and the rest of them that the governor has done if journalists didn’t cover it?” he asked.

On the issue of National Light, the Commissioner said that in view of the prevalent scarce resources government had to prioritize in order to be better cost efficient. That National Light was shut down does not mean that the staff were sent home empty handed. Yes, National Light was shut down for reasons that were given then. But the entire staff were absorbed into the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including my own Ministry of Information.

“Sometimes when people talk, I wonder whether they live with us in this Anambra State or they’re in the diaspora. What I’m trying to do is to correct the wrong impression. If he’s saying that the governor is not as forthcoming as those before him, he should also be able to see why it is not happening the way it used to happen before because the bread and butter or the manna does not fall the way it used to fall before. Resources are actually scarce and for any reasonable government, the right thing to do is to begin to rationalize and curb wastages in order to channel available resources to key areas that will benefit greater number of Ndi Anambra. Does this now mean that Soludo hates journalists? Mbanu! I think my Chairman over reacted.

“I can also tell you that between myself and the Press Secretary, Chris Aburime, we have attended a number of NUJ events since the inception of this administration two years ago. In fact, at one of the events, I delivered a paper. Those I couldn’t attend, the Press Secretary attended. Does Dr Odogwu think that we attended those events without the tacit approval of the Governor? “As a matter fact, it’s actually the Governor that delegates us to represent him at those events because they write to him directly and he minutes the letters to either myself, the Commissioner for Information, or the Press Secretary to go and represent him. So, where have we gone wrong? Where has Mr Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, gone wrong? Does that show a man who hates journalists?”

The Commissioner said that Soludo is not just a friend of the profession, he’s also been an active participant as newpapers’ guest columnist in the recent past and a social media commentator when the pressure of state assignments permit him.

FROM REFUSE DUMP TO WATER FOUNTAIN

Ochanja Roundabout, Onitsha:*

By Paul Nwosu :

For over 20 years, Ochanja Roundabout in Onitsha, Anambra State, known for hosting a mountain of refuse and animal carcasses, with deplorable roads like Ozomagala, Ochanja-Iweka, Menax and other adjoining roads abandoned for over 30 years have been a major source of worry and concern for residents, traders and commuters.

However, with the power of transformation which the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo often talks about, the area has been turned into an enchanting roundabout with a functional water fountain. That is transformation in practical term.

Governor Soludo has equally impacted the same Midas touch in many other areas of the state’s social infrastructure within the past two years.

Most significant are the labyrinth of solid roads, pipe-borne water with public taps and healthcare centres among others which he recently commissioned, mostly in parts of the State that have not seen such facilities since Nigeria became a sovereign country.

The transformation of Ochanja Roundabout has not only improved the aesthetics of the area, it has drastically revved up the quality of economic activities that go on in the environment and to a large extent guarantee good health for the residents, traders and passersby as against the previous nauseating stench that emanated from the mountain of refuse. The nerve-wracking traffic gridlock that was a regular nightmare for commuters has become a thing of the past. There is now a free and smooth flow of vehicular traffic conveying people and their goods, to and from the area.

“One good turn deserves another,” is a common refrain. It is therefore important that traders and residents of the area should take ownership of the transformation for it to be sustained.

Already, reports have it that some petty traders, particularly “ọkịrịka” sellers, immediately swooped on the just completed roundabout to display their wares while others, intrigued by the novelty have gone there to wash their limbs and different items.

This is unacceptable as the roundabout and water fountain is not meant for that. There is therefore need for residents and those trading around the area to ensure that no one, in whatever guise, should misuse or abuse the facility.

The roundabout and water fountain is meant to facilitate smooth traffic flow and beautify the place. It shouldn’t be used as public tap or extension of market stalls or to display wares.

OCHA Brigade has been directed to ensure compliance.

*PAUL NWOSU*

Commissioner for Information