The Mayor of Anaocha LGA Mr. Rome Ibekwe has reaffirmed his commitment in supporting persons living with HIV/AIDS in the communities of Anaocha.
In his statement to commemorate world AIDS day, Ibekwe said that the event was aimed at spreading awareness about the status of the pandemic and encouraging progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care around the world.
He called on leaders globally to protect the human rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS in line with this year’s theme of “Take the right path: My Health, My Right”.
Ibekwe noted that the commemoration is a clarion call for all hands to be on deck in the fight against HIV/AIDS virus, to ensure a drastic reduction in key statistics. “Let us work together to have a society where everybody will have access to needed care and support irrespective of their HIV status,” he said.
* Okoye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Mayor of Anaocha LGA, Mr. Rome Ibekwe, has extended humanitarian services to the Sickle Cell Orphanage home in Agulu.
He donated essential items such as food, provisions, and toiletries to bring joy to the children during the yuletide season. Mr. Ibekwe emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and supporting those in need.
The Proprietor of Sickle Cell Orphanage Home, Agulu, Mrs. Aisha Edward, thanked Mr. Ibekwe for his kindness, revealing that he has been a consistent supporter of the orphanage, providing monthly financial aid. She applauded the reintroduction of skill acquisition training in the LGA, citing its potential to empower Anaocha youths, making them self-reliant and valuable to society.
Mrs. Edward presented handmade crafts by the Sickle Cell orphans to Mr. Ibekwe and requested that he consider including the trained children in his empowerment programs.
* Okoye and Nnajiofor are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Idemili North Local Government Area (INLGA) Executive Chairman, Chief Stanley Nkwoka has inaugurated a Special Health Emergency Response Team that will be on call throughout the Christmas yuletide and beyond to offer first aid and assist accident victims.
Nkwoka emphasized that the Christmas period is prone to accidents due to increased activity, vehicle traffic, and human movement. He commended the health response initiative as timely and necessary to save lives. “This initiative is excellent. We’ll provide first aid and interventions to help accident victims, and in emergencies, please call the emergency toll-free numbers instead of taking pictures or videos – every life matters.”
The INLGA Supervisory Councillor for Health, Dr. Nkem Okeke emphasized the importance of proactive healthcare measures, especially during the yuletide season when accidents and domestic incidents tend to increase. To address this, they’ve established an Emergency Response Team, modeled after the state-level initiative launched by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
She explained that the Mayor has pledged to support the team with an ambulance, first aid equipment, medications, and stipends for health staff, saying that the team’s prompt intervention can significantly improve survival rates, and their primary healthcare centers, general hospital, and teaching hospital will be available to attend to victims.
The Chairman, Health committee INLGA, Nze Azubike Anowai thanked the Idemili North Chairman for accepting to sponsor the emergency response team initiative, urging people to support him and Governor Soludo for the good works, projects and programs carried out around the LGA and Anambra State.
* Ugwunze, Iloanya and Okechukwu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
A bill for a law to further amend the Traditional Rulers’ Law, 2007, has been passed into law by the Anambra State House of Assembly. This came into effect, following a motion moved by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Jude Akpua during a plenary session.
The Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze who presided the plenary read out the bill second and third time before it’s passage and it will come into force by December 20, 2024 after being accented to by the governor. The amended law establishes the State’s Traditional Rulers Council, which will be constituted through government recognition and selection by the Governor. The council will ensure equal representation from the state’s three senatorial zones.
It also reveals that the governor shall appoint a chairman from among the council members on a rotational basis, serving a three-year term, with a possible one-year extension under exceptional circumstances. Additionally, there will be three vice-chairmen, one from each senatorial zone, serving as zonal council chairmen for a single three-year term.
In his submissions, the Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Njikoka Constituency Two, Dr Jude Akpua, said the bill will strengthen the traditional rulers council of the state thereby working effectively and efficiently with the state government.
Supporting the bill, the member representing Anaocha Constituency Two, Sir Ejike Okechukwu says it centres on re-establishing, widening and broadening Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.
* Okeke is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
About 300 trainees have graduated from the first batch of the Obosi Skills Acquisition, Empowerment and Palliatives (OBISEP) Pilot Phase One project initiated by the Obosi Development Union(ODU).
Addressing newsmen during an event at Obosi Town Hall, Idemili North LGA,
President General of Obosi Development Union, Ambassador Chimezie Obi, described the occasion as a graduation ceremony for 300 trainees of the OBISEP project’s “One Household Two Skills” initiative. The project, initiated by the ODU Skills Acquisition Empowerment and Palliative Committee, aimed to equip participants with 31 different skills, bringing Governor Soludo’s state-level initiatives to the grassroots.
Obi emphasized the need for financial support, as the organization lacks funds to provide startup kits or capital. He appealed to individuals, organizations, corporate bodies, and the Anambra State Government for assistance, noting that the Commissioner for Youths had promised to communicate with the Governor to explore possible support.
In his welcome address, Chairman of ODU Skills Acquisition Empowerment and Palliatives Committee, Worldwide
Comrade Chisom T. Onugha, , emphasized that the “Obosi 1 Household 2 Skills” programme aims to bring the benefits of the “One Youth 2 Skills” initiative to various households, ensuring its positive impacts are felt by families.
Mr Onugha while commending Governor Soludo on the ‘1 Youth 2 Skills’ initiatives urged other communities to emulate the “1 Household 2 Skills” initiative as a grassroot model for even and faster human and community development. He equally pleaded with Governor Soludo to support these communities who wish to take up these projects financially.
Commissioner for Youths Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, expressed gratitude to ODU for focusing on youth enterprise development. He noted that the program’s timing aligns with the Anambra State Government’s efforts to form partnerships that empower the state’s youths. He emphasised that the state government cannot drive development alone, hence the need for Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP). The Obosi Community’s response to the Governor’s call for support is a welcome step, as over 98% of the state’s resources are in individual hands.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Major Gen. Emeka Maduegbunam (rtd)
represented by Mr. Chinedum Iweka, applauded the initiative as a wonderful opportunity to steer youths away from crime and equip them with vocational skills that benefit both individuals and society. He encouraged indigent youths to take the training seriously, emphasizing its numerous benefits, and appreciated the state government’s support for Obosi people.
A beneficiary who graduated from the initiative under Poultry and Fish farming , Mrs Uche Okonkwo said that she and her family will ever remain grateful to ODU and the sponsors of the project saying that the knowledge she acquired from her Master Trainer, Edwin Obi of Edy Farm has empowered her for life.
Some of the skills for training included ;Industrial house wiring, cosmetology, catering and confectioneries, fashion designing, veterinary, and poultry, fish farming, computer technology, plumbing, beauty care, solar and CCTV installations among others.
* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 and 2021 significantly impacted global immunization coverage, resulting in setback with decline in coverage leading to an almost 40 percent rise in the number of zero-dose/unvaccinated children globally.
This signifies a significant setback for immunization efforts and poses a global emergency for child survival.
In view of this, the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners are set to commence the Big Catch Up (BCU) campaign in Anambra State.
The Big Catch Up campaign, a global initiative launched by Immunization Agenda 2030 partners in April 2023 was to close immunity gaps caused by backsliding of immunization coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, while supporting recovery and acceleration of progress.
It is needed to protect children from morbidity, disability and mortality caused by Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs), to interrupt ongoing protracted VPD outbreaks, and to build population immunity.
Also, to realize goal/vision for Vaccine preventable disease control, elimination/eradication, to ensure the right of the child to get vaccine, and to save costs of household from medical treatment.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem in the BCU planning meeting held at ASPHCDA office complex noted that the campaign aligns with the global mandate of leaving no child behind from accessing life-saving interventions including immunization and other PHC services.
Pharm Uchem represented by the Director Disease Control and Immunization, ASPHCDA, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi, explained that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted immunization program, resulting in multiple outbreaks of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs) thereby exacerbating the prevalence of Zero Dose children.
“It is therefore essential for the State and Nigeria at large to take proactive measures to reach zero dose and underimmunized children by intensifying current strategies and implementing catch-up initiatives.
“The Big Catch Up utilizes scientifically validated, programmatically suitable and globally recognized methods to prioritize zero dose and under-immunized children in nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State.
“These LGAs are: Aguata, Ihiala, Orumba south, Orumba North, Idemili North, Idemili south, Anaocha, Ayamelum, and Nnewi south LGAs respectively,” She said.
The State Immunization Officer, ASPHCDA, Mrs Edith Onwuka coordinating the meeting noted objectives of the BCU to include: catching up with at least 65% of children missed during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2019 to 2022 through dedicated outreach, mobile services, and other interventions.
Also, to restore full range of immunization services whilst developing and implementing immunization programmes that prioritizes coverage and equity by addressing identified gender barriers and social determinants.
Mrs Onwuka retirates that with the Big Catch Up campaign, Anambra aims to reduce the zero dose tendency in the nine LGAs according to the national mandate.
She noted that parents/caregivers of children aged one to five years who missed out on vaccination during or after the COVID-19 pandemic has the opportunity to vaccinate their children which is free of charge.
“For this exercise which will last for six days, teams would be visiting houses, schools, churches, health facilities and everywhere children are found to vaccinate with Penta, PCV, and Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV),” the Immunization Officer explained.
The meeting had in attendance State Team, State Technical Facilitators and Partners to include: NPHCDA, UNICEF and WHO.
*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) recently joined the global campaign against gender-based violence, particularly violence against women and girls. The campaign, which ran from November 25 to December 10, aimed to raise awareness and promote action against this pervasive issue.
The campaign was launched by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Anambra State Police Command and other stakeholders. NAWOJ also participated in the campaign, emphasizing the need to address gender-based violence in the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, led the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence exercise in Awka. As part of the campaign, the ministry organized various programs, including conferences, press briefings, and sensitization visits to markets across the state. These efforts aimed to educate women about gender-based violence, which disproportionately affects them.
Mrs. Obinabo noted that many women in Anambra State have joined the campaign, believing it will restore hope and reduce abuse against women. Emphasizing the importance of unity, she encouraged women to come together, echoing this year’s theme, “Coming Together.”
In his contribution, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam noted that the command has a longstanding commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence, sexual violence, harassment, and other associated crimes.
A statement issued to journalists by the Police Public Relation Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga highlighted that the commitment is reflected in the formation of specialized units within the Force, including the Juvenile, Women and Child (JWC) unit, the Anti-Human Trafficking unit, and the Anti-Child Labour unit, among others, which are dedicated to addressing these sensitive issues.
Addressing women, the Managing Director, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr. Christopher Muorokwu emphasized the importance of treating women with respect, care, and love. He noted that despite being created to complement men, women are often subjected to abuse and neglect.
Mr. Muorokwu described women as nation-builders, stressing that their roles in society are invaluable and should never be underestimated. He commended the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) for their collective efforts in combating gender-based violence and promoting women’s rights.
A Senior Lecturer at the Faulty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka,
Dr. Helen Obiageli Obi defined violence against women as the intentional use of physical force to harm them. According to her, “this violence can take various forms, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Examples include intimate partner violence, sexual violence and harassment, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, and child marriage. These acts of violence can affect women at all stages of their lives, both within their homes and in society at large.”
Dr. Obi noted that gender-based violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, and serves as a significant obstacle to achieving equality, development, peace, and human rights for women and girls. However, she acknowledged that Nigeria has made significant strides in addressing domestic violence through legislative measures and legal remedies, such as the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. These laws provide a framework for prosecuting perpetrators of violence against women.
A broadcast journalist and gender rights activist, Comrade Ify Unachukwu in her lecture titled “The Role of the Media in Combating Gender-Based Violence”, noted that cultural norms often perpetuate gender-based violence, and that journalists sometimes struggle to report on these issues due to harsh economic conditions.
Comrade Unachukwu also highlighted the challenges facing journalists in Nigeria, particularly the influence of corruption. She urged journalists to maintain ethical standards, emphasizing the importance of intentional and empathetic reporting, objectivity, confidentiality, and refusing bribes from victims.
Chairperson of the Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika urged women to speak out against any form of violence they may face. She encouraged women to break their silence and seek justice whether at home, work, in their marriages, or on the streets, assuring them that NAWOJ would do everything in its power to support them in their quest for justice.
A Media Consultant, Comrade Kasie Abone emphasized the importance of self-esteem and active listening for women journalists to excel in their reportage.
The event featured a road walk from the police command to ABS, Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center Awka, Aroma, and NUJ Secretariat. The walk aimed to raise awareness about the need to eradicate gender-based violence against women and girls.
The 37th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) Meeting received the report of the fact-finding team sent by the Soludo government to the victim of brutality by some contractors of ASWAMA, Mr. Okechukwu Akaneme, who is hospitalised in Enugu. In response to the report, the Council resolved to pick up the medical expenses of Mr Okechukwu Akaneme while sympathising with his family and praying for his quick recovery.
The Council applauded the addition of yet another accolade to the expanding list of honours previously obtained during the 32 months of the Governor Soludo administration during the 37th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) Meeting. The National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), which took place in Abuja from November 22 to 30, 2024, recognised Anambra State as the most creative cultural troupe. The Abuja-based National Council for Arts and Culture organised the event.
The council thanked His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR for appointing Mr. Mark Okoye, as the Managing Director/CEO of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC), and commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR for facilitating the appointment. Until his appointment, Mr Okoye was the Managing Director of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA).
In preparation for Yuletide, the Council instructed the relevant MDAs to make sure that all roads are not only passable by cars but also decked out in hospitable decorations.
As the dry season (harmattan) exacerbates the rise in airborne illnesses, the Council also urged its members and the people of the state to be more health-conscious.
Award of Road Contracts
The 37th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) also considered and awarded the following Road contracts aimed at ensuring a memorable Christmas for Ndi Anambra:
1. The Council noted that many roads awarded at the last EXCO meeting, such as New Tarzan Road and the three roads whose contracts were revoked and re-awarded, have not been reported.
2. The 3.75 km Igwe Orizu Road Nnewi construction was awarded at the sum of N2.86 billion to New Idea Construction Company Ltd, and 30% mobilisation is to be paid immediately with the completion timeline of six months.
3. The 10.8 km Nkwor Nnewi to Nkwor Oraifite was awarded to Infratech Construction Ltd at the sum of N7.2 billion, with a 12 months completion timeline.
5. The Oraukwu-Abatete-Nimo bypass in Idemili North measuring 4.922km was awarded to GMG Global Construction and Development Company Ltd. At the sum of N4.7 billion, the delivery date is six months from the date of mobilization.
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has lauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s initiative in setting up the 1Youth 2Skills TV and the Youth TV Studio for the Ministry of Youth Development.
The 1Youth 2Skills TV, which was approved as part of the 2024 Action Plan, was designed as a platform for information dissemination, youth engagement, and skills training.
Dr Mefor, who was visiting the TV Studio located at the Ministry of Youth Development Complex behind Government House, Awka, also commended the Ministry, led by Mr Patrick Agha Mba, for ensuring the effective implementation of Mr Governor’s initiative to enhance the youth development agenda of the Solution Administration.
According to the commissioner, the initiative aligns with Governor Soludo’s vision of jobs, jobs and quality jobs.
He maintained that Mr Governor does not believe in the government of palliatives that gives citizens rice or fish, but believes in the government that will teach you how to catch fish, train you on skills and give you necessary funds for a smooth take off, which is reflected in the 1Youth 2Skills Solution of Prof Soludo’s Administration, noting that the Federal Government has also adopted the initiative. Dr Mefor commended the Commissioner for Youth Development for his plans to go beyond 1Youth 2Skills to 1 Youth Multiple Skills.
While praising the 1Youth 2Skills TV Production Crew for quality and professional service delivery, the Commissioner assured that the Ministry of Information will support and promote the initiative, especially to the grassroots, urging town unions to emulate the Obosi community that has started 1Family, 2Skills in furtherance of the Governor Soludo’s 1Youth, 2Skills programme.
