News

2024: AMAWBIA COMMUNITY CELEBRATES EZIOKPALIGWE FESTIVAL, PRAYS FOR BOUNTIFUL HARVEST

By Regina Igwebuike :

The Amawbia Community in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, has celebrated its annual Eziokpaligwe Festival and prayed for bountiful harvest this farming season.

The three days event, which kick-started on March 21 and climaxed on March 23 was well attended by indigenes, friends and well-wishers from all walks of life, within the country and in The Diaspora.

Declaring the event open, the Osojeze Amawbia, Ozo Arc. Nnaemeka Maduka said that the festival is traditional and symbolic, as farm inputs were blessed and shared to the six villages that make up of the community, explaining that without the ceremony, nobody would farm.

The Osojeze, represented by Ozo Felix Nzeamalu, while welcoming all to the great event, called on the gods of their land for bountiful harvest this year.

The President General (PG) of Amawbia Community, Engr. Godwin Aronu, said that Eziokpaligwe is the foremost festival of the community, the tradition of their forefathers which they inherited.

Engr. Aronu said that the significance of the celebration was to allow people to cultivate new crops for without it, nobody would get into the farmland.

The PG was optimistic that this year’s harvest will be bountiful and that by ‘Onwa Asato’, they will converge again to thank God for the bounty and bumper harvest.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji thanked Ndi Amawbia for organizing the festival which they were known for, noting that Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo do not joke with Igbo culture and traditions.

He observed little children playing, explaining that the festival will not go extinct even as he acknowledged that the age grade system is very functional as they are well represented, urging the community to keep it up.

The commissioner was represented by Mrs Chioma Ifediora, Acting Director of the Ministry.

The Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Arinze Anyadiegwu, expressed happiness being called to chair the occasion, noting that when he was small, he used to attend the festival with his peers.

He thanked the community for holding forth with the tradition, praying that 2024 will bring progres in Amawbia, restore unity and love as the Ugbo-ogiliga of old when all drank from one pot with one cup.

The former Director of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ikem Odumodu, in an interview, said that he is a lover of tradition that is why he always wants to participate especially at the grassroots.

“As usual, I’m excited and I’m part of it. I have invested through my age grade, my village and central Amawbia level. One of the things I take away is the essence of the tradition and traditional institutions in promoting our own Culture because that is what makes us who we are as a people.

“So, I’m excited and expectant that we are going to get better and better in promoting our tradition. However, I also want to distinguish between tradition and paganism because some people take tradition as part of paganism, which I don’t promote.

“Even though our forefathers were traditionalists, worshipping several gods but Christianity has come and we are christians. So, we must focus on our own salvation in the long term and not practicing neo-paganism.”

On Okpaligwe stool, he said that it was a very contentious issue. Some people do not want Okpaligwe but they will fail. We are going to have him because he is the head of Amawbia.

“If we don’t have Okpaligwe this year, we shall have next year but one thing I know is that we shall have Okpaligwe that will rule over us like other kingdoms. We must promote our Culture and Okpaligwe must come.”

Nze Uche Okonkwo, one of the Okpaligwe contestants, also in an interview, said that Eziokpaligwe is a long time festival that usher in farming season, foster love, peace and unity as they gather together, noting that this year’s celebration was successful.

Speaking on Okpaligwe stool, he said that he is one of the contestants, noting that it is God who makes kings even as he is optimistic that he will be the next Okpaligwe Amawbia.

While praying for progres, unity, love and peace in Amawbia, Nze Okonkwo commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s giant stride across all sectors simultaneously under two years in office.

He noted that the roads flagged off in Amawbia were 70 per cent done, remaining 30 per cent which he believed will be completed and commissioned in the near future.

Also in an interview, Mr Nzube Menuba, Public Relation Officer (PRO), Amawbia Town Union, expressed joy at the success of the festival, noting that villages, age grades and friends came out en-masse for the ceremony not minding the economic situation in the country.

According to him, this shows that they understand the essence of the festival, urging them to keep the ball rolling.

The PRO while praying for journey mercies also prayed for a stable and better economy so that the community will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Earlier, Rev. Peter Nwabufo Okoro, from St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Amawbia, prayed over the seedlings comprising of yam, maize, pumpkin, okro, cassava stems, egusi and water melon that were shared to the six villages.

Rev. Okoro also prayed for good weather and rainfall to enable the crops to grow and yield abundantly.

Umueze village won the Ist position as the village that raised the highest amount of money while Adabebe village won the Ist position as the best dancer of the year.

Presentation of trophies to the two villages and masquerades added glamour to the event.

*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA EDUCATION COMMISSIONER ISSUES STRICT DIRECTIVE AGAINST PARENTS ENTERING EXAMINATION CENTRES

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

In a firm stance against examination malpractice, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has emphatically said that parents and unauthorized individuals will not be permitted entry into examination centres across the state during the Transition Placement Examination.

The directive was issued during an interactive session with Zonal and Area Education Officers (ZEO) at the Ministry of Education Conference Hall, State Secretariat Complex, Awka.

Commissioner Chuma-Udeh emphasized that severe consequences await anyone found violating this directive, as the government aimed to curb instances of examination malpractice within examination centers.

Expressing concern over this, Commissioner Chuma-Udeh underscored the necessity for strict compliance with the directive.

She urged officers to ensure that invigilators are fully informed about the directive and to enforce its implementation, asserting that the state government will not tolerate any deviation from the directive.

She urged the officers to ensure that only bonafide serving teachers, and not Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) teachers or retired teachers serve as invigilators during the examination.

In a similar development, the Ministry of Education has issued a directive urging schools in the state to adhere to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s mandate for the installation of IP cameras.

Addressing Zonal Education officers and Area Education officers at a meeting held in Awka, Prof. Chuma-Udeh emphasized the necessity of complying with the governor’s injunction.

She highlighted Gov. Soludo’s concern over the escalating incidents of student molestation, prompting the decision to implement surveillance measures both inside and outside the classrooms.

The commissioner urged officers to prioritize the prompt installation of IP cameras in schools under their jurisdiction to enhance safety and deter misconduct.

*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

BE ROLE MODEL TO YOUR CHILDREN THROUGH YOUR CHARACTER, MRS SOLUDO CHARGES WOMEN

By Chidimma Okoye :

The wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has charged women to be role models to their children through their character at all times.

This she said during the women’s day celebration at Ojoto, the Idemili South local government Secretariat.

She said that women have a lot of work to do in their homes to ensure a better society as charity begins at home.

Mrs. Soludo said that the number one responsibility of a woman is to make her home peaceful and a haven for her, her family and the society to thrive.

She enjoined women to take out quality time to raise and nuture their children so that they do not end up in drugs and be problems to their neighbourhood and the society at large.

“Look down carefully to see if there are early warning signs that your child may be into drugs, check their rooms, bags, association, behaviours and intervene before things get out of hand,” she said.

Mrs Soludo called on women to endeavor to get basic education amid their multi task as it is a need for everything they will do in life and a preparation toward tomorrow.

The Anambra first lady also encouraged women to also take care of themselves while taking care of others.

She enjoined women to always support fellow women at all levels especially the ones holding public positions with the government so that they will be encouraged and do better at their respective positions.

Mrs. Soludo urged husbands to always love and appreciate their wives in all their endeavors so that they will do more.

“His Excellency, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo does not play with issues concerning women because they are trustworthy and committed at any given responsibility which is his reason for entrusting key positions in the state into the hands of women.

“Continue supporting Soludo’s administration as he marked two years in office to move Anambra to greater heights,” She said.

The Transitional Chairman of Idemmili South, Mrs Amaka Obi said that Mrs. Soludo has so much recognised women at the grassroots.

She said that Idemmili South Local Government has greatly felt the impact of the government undeniably, ranging from road construction to youth empowerment through 1youth 2skills, free ante-natal care and free delivery, as well as free education.

The Anambra State coordinator of Reproductive Health, Dr. Uju Okoye said earlier that healthy living with Nonye Soludo is a pet project of the wife of the governor aimed at improving the health of the people through eating alright.

She said that the project encouraged women to cook organic food and use natural ingredients as well in cooking.

Dr. Okoye discouraged women from cooking carsinogenic foods and foods made of gelatin like noodles, tinned food to reduce the high rate of cancer and kidney disease in the society.

She called on women to endeavor to eat fruits, plantain, others harvested in their compounds and sell only the excess produce from the harvest.

“Eat right sweat dirty,” Dr. Okoye said as she enjoined women to add exercise to their daily activities to keep fit as exercise helps the heart to beat aright.

The Anambra State House member for Anaocha 1, Mrs. Nkechi Ogbuefi described Mrs. Soludo as a woman of substance, worth emulating and an epitome of support for fellow women.

She said that Gov. Soludo is a gender sensitive governor and has shown physical investment in women by appointing women into key positions in Anambra State with over four of the positions going to Idemili South Local Government alone.

Ogbuefi said that Anambra State House members are always on ground to assist the governor to develop Anambra State irrespective of political party differences as a clarion call by the governor.

The Commissioner of Special Duties, Mrs Nkemdiche Ikpeazu said that the governor has taken care of the stomach infastructure of the people by the free education, free ante-natal care and delivery, he has given.

She said that the governor did so to remove the burden off the shoulder of the people so that they can use the supposed money to buy food and invest in their businesses.

Ikpeazu, however, enjoined women to stand up for themselves and do something to make some earnings which will increase by the day so as to support themselves and their families.

She encouraged women to have a farm at least for vegetables to eat and to sell.

The Anambra State All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) woman leader, Esther Onyekesi, urged women to always come out en-masse with their families to cast their votes during election.

She described the Transitional Chairman of Idemmili South as hardworking and industrious, doing exceptionally well in the midst of 20 men.

Onyekesi said, “Idemmili South leads in ideas and development while others emulate”.

She enjoined the women of Idemmili South to spread the news of the good works of the present administration of Anambra State and support the government.

Mr. Don Onyenji, Commissioner for Entertainment, Culture and Tourism said that programmes like this bring women out from their inside villages to the lime light to learn and to see the beauty of the day.

He said that Mrs. Soludo practices healthy living with organic food and recipe as she teaches which is reflective “I’m her life and the life of the governor as they are always healthy, strong and young”.

Onyenji enjoined women to emulate her and quit using artificial seasonings that is all over the market to cook.

However, he said that his department will start going around to palm wine bars to ensure that they sell natural palm wine and not artificial ones fabricated with saccarine for the health of the public.

Side attractions were various dance steps from women of the communities in Idemmili South

*Chidimma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

Anambra Unveiled: Two Years of Transformative Excellence

The Anambra State Government is delighted to share a pivotal document that encapsulates the transformative journey and significant achievements of Anambra State over the past two years. “100 Foundational Footprints: Two Years of Excellence” is a comprehensive presentation that meticulously outlines the strides made in various sectors, including security, infrastructure development, economic transformation, human capital enrichment, and governance reforms, under the astute leadership of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, our esteemed Governor.

The document is a testament to Anambra State’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development, enhancing the quality of life for our citizens, and laying a robust foundation for the future prosperity of Anambra State. It highlights the accomplishments to date and delineates the strategic roadmap for our ongoing and future initiatives aimed at realizing the vision of transforming Anambra into a livable and prosperous international smart megacity.

We cordially invite policymakers, stakeholders, residents, and well-wishers of Anambra State to delve into this insightful presentation. It serves as an opportunity to engage with the developmental narrative of Anambra State, understand the depth of work undertaken, and join us in the collective journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future.
Your engagement and feedback are invaluable as we strive for excellence and inclusive growth. We encourage you to access and share this document, as it reflects our achievements and our unwavering dedication to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance.

Click Here to Download the Presentation

Together, let us embrace this transformation journey and contribute to Anambra State’s ongoing success story.

GOVERNOR SOLUDO’S HUGE FOOTPRINTS IN 2 YEARS

_THE 5-SOLUTION AGENDA_

March 17, 2024 marks exactly two years Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, and his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, were sworn into office.

Governor Soludo’s pitch for the job was crafted in his manifesto document, *THE SOLUDO SOLUTION – A PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO FOR A GREATER ANAMBRA*, which aims to transform the state into a liveable and prosperous smart mega city – a preferred destination to live, invest , learn, work, relax and enjoy.

To effectively realize these objectives, governance was strategically structured into five compartments or the famous *5 Solution Agenda* , namely: _Security, Law and Order; Economic Transformation and Infrastructure; Human Capital and Social Agenda; Governance, Rule of Law and Value System; and Environment_.

Guided by this agenda, Governor Soludo and his team have significantly created a humongous impact on Ndi Anambra and the landscape in just two years. Even the naysayers cannot but acquiesce that Odenigbo has done Very Well.

From tomorrow, Sunday, the 17th of March, I will, on daily basis, walk you through the journey so far in a 5-series Second Anniversary exposé.

Please watch out!

*PAUL NWOSU*

Commissioner for Information.

Anambra State

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: EXPERTS ROOT FOR NEW TECHNOLOGIES,ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

Participants at a two day farmers summit/international conference on agriculture have called on governments and stakeholders in the sector to deploy new technologies leveraging on the development of organic farming to boost food security in the nation.

Professionals in the sector comprising of practitioners,scholars and policy makers drawn from across the nation and beyond made this call during the conference organised by the Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University,Awka at the Institution’s Auditorium.

Declaring Open the conference with the theme”Digitalisation of Agriculture and Bio-conservation for food security” the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, described the theme of the conference as apt considering the era of digital switch and it’s relevance in enhancing agricultural practice and food supply which is very pivotal to sustaining economic growth and development of the nation.

Prof. Esimone who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, , assured the Faculty of the continuous support of the present administration at a time where every citizen of the nation ought to join the practice of agriculture either by food production or animal husbandry.

The scholar stated that now the Faculty is about completing her movement to its permanent site based at Ifite-Ogwari and Umueje, the University community is eagerly awaiting the advent of the Farmer’s Market which will lead to revenue generation for the institution and supply of farm produce to the University Community and beyond.

In her address, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Cordelia Ebenebe informed that the International Conference is aimed at relating with practitioners in the same trade at the global parlance, to learn from their achievements and strategies designed to surmount challenges.

Prof. Ebenebe disclosed that it was on this note that the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) engaged not just erudite personalities in the field of agriculture but also real farmers with the wealth of experience in the sector.

In his Keynote Speech, a Former Director, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) Ghana, Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo harped on the essence of big data science and applications of digital trends to produce food.

Underscoring the importance of smart farming in the areas of irrigation, livestock farming,crop growth model,robotics and equipment automation,he made a strong case for use of lots of scientific and mechanical innovations to make farming more sustainable.

On his part, Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Foster Ihejiofor,who received an award of recognition during the event, described the event as apt and designed to proffer solution to food crisis facing the nation.

He stated that all hands must be on deck in the practice of agriculture to make profitable and sustainable as it is a way of feeding the nation, creating of jobs and generating wealth.

Dr. Ihejiofor emphasized that the Gov. Soludo’s administration is using agriculture to provide opportunities and jobs for the youths of the state with technology driven ways to enhance their skills and competence.

The Agric. Commissioner informed that the state have gone into Oil Palm and Coconut tree planting by distribution and cultivation of seedlings which in the nearest future will generate funds for the state.

The lead paper presenter and Director, Songhai Integrated Farm, Port Novo, Republic of Benin, Rev. Fr. Prof. Godfrey Nzamujo presented a paper titled, “The Challenges today in Harnessing and Deploying Digital Technology to leverage Regenerative Agriculture,”

He stated that the challenges facing the sector is on how to use agro-ecological and climate-smart principles and practices to turn our present food and agricultural system into a resilient, regenerative, high productive and sustainable system.

Prof. Nzamujo averred that agricultural initiative at Songhai Integrated Farm is based on the conviction that the present situation requires a radical change in our agricultural system to enable people to develop the awareness and capacities commensurate with the dynamics of biological systems and our environmental capital.

The scholar also highlighted that Green Economy of tomorrow termed Agro-economy should be based on tripod comprising of the living (Biological Sciences), Decentralized Renewal Energy and Digital Technologies.

While calling for new technologies adaptable in organic agriculture production,he showcased how he was privileged to witness new technologies deployed in both livestock and crop production in Songhai.

He commended the Faculty of Agriculture for the initiative behind the all important conference geared towards enhancing the Agricultural sector.

On her part, the Chairperson, FAIC Organizing Committee, Dr. Eucharia Obidiebube noted that the conference provided a platform for discussion on the modern trends in agriculture and also a way to encourage the youths to embrace agriculture as a means of wealth creation.

The scholar disclosed that the Committee invited Prof. Nzamujo as one of the lead paper presenter to share in his wealth of knowledge and as well explore the Songhai Integrated Farm as the institution plans to establish a Pilot Farm with a view to having institutionalized based Songhai Farm.

Other scholars who spoke at the conference were Prof. Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University of Nigeria and Prof. Rotimi Akuko, Director Canada Research Chair Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research.

The opening ceremony of the conference also featured Farmers’ Summit, Conferment of Awards and Recognition of students of the Faculty for their academic excellence.

SOLUDO COMMISSIONS PROJECTS TO MARK 2 YEARS IN OFFICE

Paul Nwosu, Commissioner for Information

_Reacts to call for Federal and State Governments to prioritize security and food_

Rose Oranye :

Activities marking the second year in office of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, of Anambra State have commenced with the commissioning of roads and a plethora of other completed projects.

Anambra State’s Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, who disclosed this in an interview said the governor, on Tuesday, distributed 2000 laptops to teachers and commissioned Port Harcourt and Niger Streets on Wednesday, and will proceed to Amansea-Ebenebe-Ugbenu-Ugbene-Awba Ofemmili Road on Thursday the 14th of March to perform the same function.

According to the Commissioner, “the unique aspect of the road commissioning is that, unlike some states that will fly in dignitaries to cut the tape, Governor Soludo believes that no commissioning can be better than the one done by regular members of the public such as the bus and keke drivers who ply the roads as well as the villagers who are having a tarred road pass their communities for the first time.

He said that the climax of the anniversary events will be an interdenominational thanksgiving service on Sunday, which will attract a lot of dignitaries, after which the commissioning of projects will continue, since there are quite a lot of them.

“To mark the occasion, we will soon release a document, cataloging over 100 sterling achievements of Governor Soludo within the two years for people to see and appreciate. Our indefatigable Governor has done a humongous amount of work within this short period and it’s important that our people should know,” Nwosu said.

Reacting to the call by some politicians for federal and state governments to suspend everything they are doing and declare state of emergency on security and food, Nwosu said he would not speak for others but what he knows for sure is that when Soludo came into office, he declared a state of emergency on security. He created the Ministry of Homeland Affairs, appointed a retired Air Vice Marshall as Special Adviser on Security and reorganized the Anambra Vigilante Group.

“He also developed a very good working relationship with the local commanders of the armed forces and the police. The result we see today is that seven out of eight local governments hitherto under siege by criminals have been liberated. Ndị Anambra in the diaspora can now return home to attend funerals and different social functions.

“At the inception of this administration, Governor Soludo came with a new concept to growing and producing food. He calls it Regenerative Agriculture.

This kind of agriculture enhances the organic nature of the crops we farm because natural manures are used. So when people are thinking of just producing food, Governor Soludo is thinking about the quality of the food we produce.

“For the Governor, it’s not just about consumption. He also thought about economic empowerment through agriculture. This led to the procurement and free distribution of 1,140,000 early fruiting varieties of hybrid oil and coconut palm seedlings to over 100,000 households of ndị Anambra. Another 1,000,000 will be procured this year, including 340,000 economic tree crops like ụkwa, akịlu, ọjị́ Igbo and pawpaw, among others”, he said.

The Commissioner further disclosed that the government, in partnership with IFAD, has empowered 27,800 small scale farmers across seven local governments with subsidized seedlings that have significantly jerked up agricultural production in the state.

“So, the argument that other aspects of governance should be suspended except provision of security and food is flawed. You know why? In the first place, there is no economy, even the best in the world, where people are kept in their houses for government to knock on their doors every morning and supply them food.

“Secondly people are economically active by nature. That’s how God created man. The purpose of government is to create the conducive environment for man and his economic activities to thrive. And all of these, our progressive Governor has achieved through his policies and programs in the last two years. They are such that have created jobs through the many construction sites. They have empowered youths through skills importation and start-up grants. They have employed thousands of teachers and medical personnel whose salaries have been running uninterruptedly. They have supported a vibrant civil service whose regular salaries were increased even before the advent of palliatives. The free education has enabled the unprivileged child to acquire basic education. The free antenatal and delivery services.I can go on and on.”

The Commissioner concluded thusly: “Those politicians are entitled to their opinion but I am sure they were not directed at Soludo.*

SOLUDO EMPOWERS TEACHERS WITH TECH TOOLS, PROMISES WI-FI CONNECTIVITY IN SCHOOLS

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has affirmed that teachers are the greatest while doling out over 1000 Lenovo brand laptops to Headteachers and Principals at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Awka.

Addressing the teachers and top government functionaries who graced the event, Mr. Governor applauded teachers for the great work they do toward moulding the future of the young ones entrusted to them.

He said that the distribution of the laptops is in alignment with his administration’s quest to transform state schools into smart schools and it starts with those at the helm of leadership.

He equally highlighted that the teaching profession is not just a job but a vocation.

“If you want to predict the future of any society, you need to look at the quality of teachers and the quality of teachings obtainable in that society.”

Prof. Soludo acknowledged that the state teachers are excelling nationally but enjoined them to look beyond the national level to international level and aspire to replicate what their counterparts are doing in the teaching sector.

He said that the provision of the work tools is to help them be at the cutting edge of technology as the state is looking to train global children who would be useful at home and exportable abroad.

Gov. Soludo pledged that as long as the resources are available, his administration would prioritize the state education sector.

“My administration is out to turn schools into smart schools. My administration is out to end the era of schools without teachers, hence, the recruitment of 5000 teachers nine months after the assumption of office as the Governor of the state and the subsequent approval for additional recruitment of 3000 teachers,” he said.

The governor said that he envisioned an era where every teacher in the state would carry their laptops just as they carry the phone, adding that in line with his administrative pillar on human capital development, basic training on computer skills and provision of WiFi to schools would be implemented.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh applauded Gov. Soludo for his passion and zeal to elevate the state education sector to international standard.

She acknowledged his dexterity and commitment to the teachers welfare which clearly showed that he is a teacher to the core.

Prof. Chuma-Udeh noted that with the pronouncement of free education by Gov. Soludo, there has been a surge in enrollment in public schools, emphasizing that this is an attestation that Mr. Governor knows and understands the pain points of the populace.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Post Primary School Commission (PPSC), Prof. Nkechi Ikediegwu, and the Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Prof. Vera Nwadinobi said that the provision of work tools to teachers would enhance efficiency and prompt service delivery in the sector.

In his vote of thanks, the State President, of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr. Jovita Arazu pledged teachers’ unwavering commitment to qualitative education in classrooms and collaborate with Gov. Soludo-led administration in raising a digitalized tribe of students who would be useful at home and exportable abroad.

The highlight of the event was the distribution of work tools to Headteachers and Principals.

The distribution of Laptops to the Headteachers and Principals is the first phase of the initiative, a second phase will comprise the distribution of laptops to each classroom teacher and ICT teacher in all the schools in Anambra State.

*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

UNLOCKING THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM: ANAMBRA ICT AGENCY, ACTIV8 HUB EMPOWER MEDIA PROFESSIONALS ON AI

By Angela Nwanodu :

In line with its vision aimed at digitally revolutionizing the media landscape, the Anambra State ICT Agency, in collaboration with Activ8 Hub, on Thursday, hosted an enriching workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Journalism for media professionals.

The workshop took the practitioners through emerging AI models, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Bing AI, Microsoft Copilot, among others, with the aim of enhancing their journalistic practices, ensure more efficient, accurate and compelling reportage.

The event featured experts such as; Mr. Chukwuma Mezie-Okoye, co-founder of Activ8 Hub, and Nehemiah Onyekachukwu Emmanuel, an AI Engineer with Microsoft who offered deep insight into the transformative impact of AI in journalism. With a focus on leveraging AI to bolster productivity, fact-checking, and narrative crafting, the session illuminated the path for journalists to integrate these cutting-edge tools into their work responsibly.

It also marked a significant stride in Anambra’s technological advancement, as was highlighted by the MD/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata who shared insights into the progress of work on the state’s ICT infrastructural development, which he noted has vastly improved internet connectivity, thus facilitating more innovative initiatives.

According to him, the digital revolution ongoing in the state is only possible because Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo understands the 21st Century technology demands and is providing the support and political will required to guarantee such advancements.

“This workshop not only signifies Anambra State’s commitment to empowering its journalists but also reflects the government’s dedication to leveraging technology for societal advancement.

“As AI continues to evolve, Anambra’s media professionals need to be better equipped to navigate the digital age, ensuring the delivery of credible, insightful, and engaging content to their audience.

“This training further underscores the state government’s undertanding of the critical role of media practitioners in the digital revolution in the state and our commitment to “EverythingTechnology, Technology Everywhere” in the state

“AI is getting more sophisticated by the day and journalists must make the most use of the tool because it has the capacity to make enhance productivity,” Agbata concluded.

In his words, Co-Founder, Activ8 Hub, Mr. Chukwuma Mezie-Okoye, expressed profound appreciation for the partnership and pledged continued support towards the advancement of digital revolution in the state.

“The message is clear: Embrace AI, not as a replacement, but as a complement to journalistic excellence, shaping a more informed, discerning, and connected world, welcome to the future”.

Mr. Ogemdi Ozoemenam expressed gratitude on behalf of all participants, thanking the Anambra State Government and Activ8 Hub for the crucial training on AI in Journalism. ” We are optimistic that it will enhance our professional endeavors” he concluded.

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

ENVIRONMENT COMMISSIONER CHARGES NDI ANAMBRA TO KEY IN TO HEALTHY LIVING WITH NONYE SOLUDO

By Kennedy Aniedozie :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu has charged Ndi Anambra to key in to the Healthy living with Nonye Soludo.

Healthy living with Nonye Soludo is a social health crusade founded by Dr.Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, aims at re-establishing a health conscious mindset and promote the philosophy of right health in families, schools and communities in Anambra State and beyond.

The mission is to mobilise all critical segments of the society to make healthy living an important culture

Speaking at the ASUBEB hall, during the distribution of 27,000 cartons of vitamins supplements to elderly people in the 336 wards of Anambra State by Healthy living with Nonye Soludo, the commissioner reiterates that good health and clean environment will bring out productivity in the lives of every onye Anambra for maximum output in rendering services.

He thanked Mr.Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for creating enabling environment for greener, clean and livable Anambra, assuring the wife of the governor that he will personally take the crusade of healthy living with Nonye Soludo down to all corners of the state.

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