News

GOVERNOR SOLUDO TERMINATES CONTRACT OF NBHH ENGINEERING COMPANY AT OKPOKO

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has terminated the Contract of NBHH Engineering Company at Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the State over negligence and delay in delivering nine roads totalling 14.053 km roads in Okpoko

The Governor announced the immediate termination of the road project contract when he visited the site unannounced on February 20.

Speaking to the contractor, Gov. Soludo said, “The entire project suppose to be through by June last year, this is the eight month after the project supposed to be through, you do not have the capacity to do the job.

“This project suppose to last for nine months and you were mobilized September 10 – February 10 this year, yet, this is February 20, this is the 9 month, and it was supposed to be ended.

“It is totally evident that your company is totally incompetent and we paid 50% mobilization 2022, there is no place else that pays 50% mobilization, and this project suppose to be delivered June last year, nine months after, you have not delivered.

“Today and here, I terminate this contract, it is over, you are going to calculate what you are going to refund back to the state government, you can move your things out here, from tomorrow, I am going to look for another person that will do this job”.

The governor also condemned the practice of street trading, emphasizing the need for organised markets and announced the construction of a modern fruit and vegetable market to relocate street vendors and improve overall aesthetics.

He highlighted the poor sanitary conditions and ordered immediate clean up efforts, assuring that the SASA Anti-tout taskforce will address harassment and illegal levies imposed on traders.

The Transition Committee Chairman of Ogbaru, Mr Paschal Aniegbuna applauded Gov. Soludo for his commitment to tranforming Okpoko community into a livable homeland and expressed optimism about the governor transforming the Okpoko markets into modern markets , following government’s meeting with okpoko market leaders.

The nine road project in Okpoko include: Obodoukwu – Owerri Road (L= 2.884km W=12m), Ogbuagu-Ik Onuora-Anumudu-Mgbuka Amazu -Owerri Road (L= 2.992km W=7.3m), Edeh Road-School Road-Awalite-Ojoto-Owerri Road (L= 1.48km W= 9m), School Road-Umuobom Street-Ojoto Street Junction (L= 0.576km W= 6m) and

Umuobom ST (Ojoto St Junction)-Adazi Ani ST-Owerri Road (L=1. 345km W=6m).

Others were Umenweke ST (Obodoukwu Junction)-Umeojiakor ST (School Rd Junction) (L=0.593km W=6km), Awalite (Ojoto Junction) -Anumudu (Mgbuka Amazu Junction) (L= 0.991km W= 6m), Uzii Street-Mission Street (Awalite Junction) (L= 0.538km W= 6m), and Anumudu Street (Ik Onuora Junction) – Gmo Road (L= 0.350km W= 9m), totalling 14.053km.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

NDI ANAMBRA COMMEND GOV SOLUDO’S TRANSFORMATION OF AWKA CITY

By Chizoba Njaka :

Commendations have trailed Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s move in transforming the Awka metropolis to Dubai of our time, describing the activities as worth doing.

This was made known when Anambra Times reporter went round Awka metropolis to monitor some project sites particularly the road from Unizik to Okpuno axis and the road leading to Umukwa Awka where people confirmed that Awka is beginning to take a new look and shape.

Among the categories of persons that spoke were drivers, traders and some working class citizens in the state who noted, “the work has started giving the state capital a different look unlike past years when everywhere are congested with lots of unwarranted building blocking road and at the same time causing more harm than good”.

They explained that even though it is painful to know that some structures were heavily affected, “it is still the best option for a better future”.

According to them, it is a good strategy to put and make things right. It will bring orderliness in the state capital. There will be functional motor parks, reduction of crime rate and road side trading which most often risk the lives of some persons. The best belt is to allow our amiable governor to do that which he knows best to do for better.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

JUBILATION AS SOLUDO INSPECTS PORT HARCOURT, NIGER ROADS ONITSHA

By Juliana Nwachukwu/Patricia Osegbue :

It was jubilation galore at Port Harcourt road and Niger street, Fegge, Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State, on February 16, as Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, while inspecting the completed Port Harcourt road, had a sort of town hall meeting with Fegge Landlords and residents.

Addressing the residents, the governor expressed dissatisfaction with inter-state buses blocking drainages and mandated a five-meter clearance from the drainages.

He vowed to make Fegge “the best neighborhood anyone can live in” and announced that a new General Hospital would be built and completed before the end of the year.

In his bid to encourage green, clean and sustainable environment, he also announced N18 million for three cleanest and greenest streets, adding that the best street will smile home with N10million, second best N5million while the third will get N3million.

A partnership with landlords for property beautification was proposed, offering subsidized paint through “Made-in-Anambra” manufacturers.

The governor promised to provide transformers to be installed next week to address power supply issues caused by overloading and introduction of prepaid meters alongside the transformers.

“Solar power solutions will be implemented in the Anambra Fruit and Vegetable Market, Ogbaru to address electricity shortages,” Soludo further said.

The governor pledged to upgrade the Anambra Fruit and Vegetable Market, Ogbaru to make it one of the biggest in the state.

Earlier, the Transition Committee Chairman, Onitsha South, Mr. Emeka Joseph Orji, expressed gratitude for Gov. Soludo’s commitment to development, citing the completed construction of Port-Harcourt road and Niger Street.

Contributing, the Onitsha South Co-ordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr Onyeke Franklin, thanked the governor for his excellent work in the state that include, employment of youths through 1 youth 2 skills initiative, road rehabilitation, sack of touts and fight against crime and criminality.

Earlier, the Onitsha South Chairman, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Uche C. Umennakaenyi, said that the governor has made them proud by constructing the Port Harcourt road and other roads in Fegge, urging him not to relent in making the state a better place to live in.

He vowed that those who dump refuse into the drainages and block the road would not go unpunished, adding that the governor’s achievements would speak for him come 2025 Gubernatorial election.

Contributing, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Bridge Head market, Mr. Chinedu Ezekwike Akweke, said that the market benefited from the construction of the two major roads, (Port Harcourt road and Niger street) that led to the market.

He commended the contractor that constructed the Port Harcourt road for extending it to the market through Oduwanu street even as he commended the governor for the rapid infrastructural development of the State.

According to him, APGA-led government has been up and doing in the infrastructural development of the state, especially in the areas of roads rehabilitation, employment through 1 youth 2 skills initiative.

The Onitsha South ASATU Youth Mayor, Mr Dunu Chiadikobi commended Gov. Soludo for his marvelous work in Onitsha South and expressed their readiness to re-elect him come 2025.

Speaking, Chief Ndubuisi Umezuruike, Deputy Chairman, Onitsha South Landlords Association, expressed satisfaction with the construction of Port Harcourt road and others in Fegge, stressing that since 1970 till date, it was Soludo that tackled roads in Fegge and urged residents to vote him for second tenure to enable him to complete his projects in the state.

“We have not had it like this before, this Port Harcourt road is one of the major roads in Fegge, the governor’s name has been written in the Guiness book of records. I was here by 5.30 in the morning and anybody who put refuse into the drainages or damage the roads will not go unpunished.

“Government cannot do all things for us, the governor has done his part, it is left for us to do ours. We urge the governor to also work on Uga street for us as it is also one of the major roads,” he pleaded.

In his contribution, a philantropist and oil magnet, Chief Pius Udokwu, said that the governor has been doing well to better the welfare of the people and urged all to support him in his efforts to move the state forward.

“Our governor is doing very well, he gave us time in this town hall meeting with him. This Port Harcourt road formerly was not motorable. We are happy with the governor and will continue to support him in his efforts to better the lives of the people in the state,” he said.

Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion included, the Speaker, Anambra House of Assembly, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu; Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, and Chief of Protocol.

Others were Chinedu Nwoye Glamour; Commissioner for Environment, Mr Felix Odimegwu; MD ASWAMA, Mike Ozoemena; MD Anambra Urban Regeneration Council, Arc. Mike Okonkwo; and Chairman Onitsha North Local Government Area Caretaker Committee , Mr Charles Ozoma.

*Juliana, Patricia are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATES ANSIPPA TO OPEN MASSIVE JOB SPACES FOR ANAMBRA YOUTHS

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

The Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development and the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), have agreed to collaborate in exploring the advantage of the recent inflow of investments into the state to open up massive job spaces for the youths of Anambra State.

This agreement, which was in line with the “One Government – One Agenda” philosophy of the present administration of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, was reached during the visit of the Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Agha Mba, to the Managing Director ANSIPPA, Mark Okoye.

The Commissioner for Youth Development, who was accompanied by some members of the management team and technical committee of the ministry, said that the key objective of the visit was to present the programmes of the Ministry for possible areas of partnership with the private sector, which ANSIPPA could assist in facilitating.

While commending ANSIPPA for huge successes already recorded in attracting notable investors to Anambra State in line with the vision of Mr. Governor, the commissioner called for synergy between the ministry and the Agency as the ministry has a database of over 200,000 Anambra youths seeking for job opportunities.

He said that the quickest way to achieve Mr. Governor’s goal of “Jobs, Jobs and Quality Jobs” is through the establishment of linkages between the young job seekers in the state and companies, especially the ones that are investing newly in the state.

Among the programmes of the ministry presented to ANSIPPA were the 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution, which is targeted at raising smart entrepreneurs as well as the Job-kikstart Solution Initiative, which the commissioner described as a means of bridging the gap between job seekers and employers of labour, in addition to making our graduates employable through necessary orientation and internship.

He commended the level of competence and commitment of the Managing Director of ANSIPPA, thanking him for his support to the programmes of Youths.

Responding, the Managing Director ANSIPPA, Dr. Okoye, commended the governor and commissioner for the new youth development system, which is a complete deviation from normal government empowerment programmes.

He described 1 Youth 2 Skills programme and the empowerment of 5000 youths to the tune of N2b as unprecedented in the history of the state, saying that the agency is highly aware of the local content policy of the present administration, hence will work with the Ministry of Youth Development to ensure that the youths of Anambra State were provided with adequate and timely information as well as support during recruitments by companies that are being attracted to the state.

Okoye called on the need for skill acquisition in the tourism sector, especially now that the government is investing a lot in the Leisure Park and Five Star Hotel as well as other areas of tourism and hospitality.

The Meeting was attended by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Chito Osili; Special Assistant to Governor on Youth Development, Engr. Emeka Tony Omatah; ED – ANSIPPA Ejike Osisioma; Chief of Staff to MD ANSIPPA Chinedu Onyike; Congo Ajekwu, HOD Public Private Partnership (PPP) ANSIPPA; Executive Assistant to Governor on Youth Development, Mr. Chibuzor Udeh, and the Media Team of the Ministry of Youth Development.

*Ifeoma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA UNDER SOLUDO’S REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNANCE: (PART 5)

*SPECIAL FOCUS ON SOLUDO’S REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION IN ANAMBRA STATE*

By Christian ABURIME :

In the pursuit of a prosperous homeland, the tenure of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuna Charles Soludo, CFR, stands as a demonstration of unparalleled achievements within 22 months.

In the intricate terrains of governance, Soludo has carved a niche of progress and prosperity that resonates across the expanse of Anambra State.

The cornerstone of this administration’s success lies in its untiring commitment to key pillars of development: security, law and order, infrastructure and economic transformation, human capital development, governance reforms, and a sustainable environment.

The manner of progress that has unfolded is a tangible manifestation of a leadership dedicated to propelling the state towards unparalleled heights.

A pivotal chapter in this saga of transformation unfolds in the area of agriculture, where the Soludo administration has embarked on a visionary initiative. A staggering 1,100,000 hybrid coconut and palm seedlings have been distributed to over 100,000 households, igniting a beacon of hope in the pursuit of eradicating poverty, fostering neo agro-industrialization, and nurturing a green and environmentally conscious state.

This groundbreaking project, meticulously crafted to uplift households in the State, has bestowed upon them the invaluable gift of high-yield coconut and palm oil seedlings.

Each household, numbering over 100,000, has received approximately 10 seedlings free of charge, an investment in their future prosperity that will generate an annual income of between N1million to N2 million after fruition. This is one of the ways Governor Soludo is deliberately and intentionally turning the lives of poor masses around in Anambra State. A model that has attracted other state governments in the federation who are desirous of replicating it in their various States

In the span of a mere 3-5 years, the once-humble seedlings will metamorphose into bountiful trees, yielding not only a harvest of coconut and palm oil but also emancipating families from the shackles of hunger and poverty.

As these trees flourish, a ripple effect ensues, transforming rural households into bastions of newfound wealth.

The seeds of today are sowing the fields of tomorrow, cultivating a landscape where countless families ascend to the ranks of millionaires.

No doubt, Governor Soludo’s visionary approach to agriculture is not merely a cultivation of crops; it is a cultivation of prosperity, a renaissance that transcends the agrarian landscape and1 permeates the very fabric1 of1 society.

In this symphony of development orchestrated by Soludo, the agricultural initiative emerges as a crescendo, an anthem of hope, resilience, and prosperity echoing through the verdant fields of Anambra State.

SOLUDO CONGRATULATES ARCHBISHOP VALERIAN OKEKE ON HIS 22ND EPISCOPAL ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has extended his warmest felicitations to the Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, the Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, on the occasion of his 22nd Episcopal Anniversary celebration.

Governor Soludo while congratulating ArchBishop Okeke on this momentous occasion also highligted the ArchBishop’s dedication to the service of humanity and God. The Governor further asserted that these selfless dispositions have earned the ArchBishop profound respect and admiration from the people of his community and the State

Governor Soludo also applauded ArchBishop Okeke’s efforts in his support for the poor and downtrodden in the society which have been commendable and worthy of emulation

On behalf of the government and good people of Anambra State, Governor Soludo sends his heartfelt congratulations to ArchBishop Okeke on this milestone anniversary as he also prayed for God’s continuous guidance and protection over his life!

Signed

*Christian Aburime*

Press Secretary To The Governor

February 9, 2024.

ANAMBRA UNDER SOLUDO’S REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNANCE: (PART 4)

*SPECIAL FOCUS ON THE TRANSFORMATIVE REVOLUTION IN EDUCATION*

By Christian ABURIME :

Anambra State, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, is charting a bold course towards a livable and prosperous future. With a focus on key areas like security, infrastructure, and human capital development, the administration’s efforts are already bearing fruit, especially in the transformative realm of education.

Governor Soludo’s commitment to quality education is firm. Within 22 months, he has declared education truly free, eliminating hidden fees and levies from early childhood care all the way to junior secondary school.

Secondary education has become more accessible than ever, with senior secondary fees slashed by 98% to a mere N5,000.

This move has opened doors for countless students, paving the way for a brighter future. But the journey doesn’t end there. The unfolding education agenda promises a complete overhaul. Technology will be seamlessly integrated into the learning experience, making classrooms more engaging and interactive.

Dilapidated schools will be transformed into modern learning spaces conducive to fostering knowledge and creativity.

A renewed focus on professional development of teachers will restore pride and excellence to the teaching profession.

Outdated content will be replaced with contemporary topics, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. The goal is to produce graduates who are not just problem solvers, but innovative thinkers and global citizens.

To ensure this vision becomes a reality, a robust monitoring and evaluation system will be implemented. Performance data will be readily available, fostering healthy competition and improvement.

Parents and students will have a voice through toll-free hotlines to report concerns and contribute to positive change.

Through Public-Community-Private Partnership (PCPP), communities will be empowered to actively participate in school management through “Clubs of Patrons”, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.

Finally, recognizing the crucial role teachers play, the administration plans to introduce a competitive remuneration structure, making teaching a truly attractive and rewarding career choice.

Professor Soludo’s education revolution is not just about numbers and policies; it is about unlocking the potential of every child in Anambra State.

By investing in quality education, the administration is building a brighter future for the state, one young mind at a time.

ONITSHA MAIN MARKET CLINIC ORGANIZES FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH, SENSITIZES TRADERS

By Ebele Egoh :

The Medical Doctor in charge of Onitsha Main Market clinic, Olisaemeka Anierobi with his management team has organized a one-day free medical services for traders at the clinic as their corporate responsibility.

Dr Anierobi said that it was necessary to use the free medical outreach to create awareness that such a facility is in existence and functional with experienced and qualified doctors, including other health workers.

“When we were sent here, we realized that almost all the people in the market did not know that there is already a functional clinic here so we decided to offer this free medical outreach as a way to sensitize them.

‘’You can see the crowd that is here for medical check-ups, laboratory examinations, others, and every service we render is free, but subsequent services would be paid for,” he said.

According to Dr Anierobi, the clinic will solve many health issues of traders, particularly those who might suddenly fall sick or develop illness while in their shops. No transport fare is required to access care in the clinic because of its location.

Declaring the event open, the Hospital Administrator, Dr Frank Ifeanaeme said that the state government wants to bring healthcare to the doorsteps of people.

He said, “considering the role the market plays in the country and beyond, it became necessary that the government brings healthcare delivery to their doorsteps so that they can easily have access to the facility at no extra stress while doing their business.

‘”The free medical outreach is a step in the right direction; it will help to promote the facility and positively enhance the perception of traders toward the facility.

Dr Ifeanaeme praised the doctor in charge of the clinic, Dr Anierobi for working tirelessly to ensure that traders have access to quality healthcare services.

The chairman of the market, Chief Innocent Ezeoha, expressed joy to have witnessed the event, thanking the Health Commissioner, Dr Afam Obidike, and his team for this laudable initiative even as he used the opportunity to sensitize traders about the need to visit the clinic for routine medical checkups.

Chief Ezeoha applauded the state government for their quick response to making the clinic functional, adding that he would make sure that the environment is conducive for health workers to effectively work.

“We thank Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for opening this clinic, equipping it, and making it functional.

“When we assumed office, I found out that there is a structure that has been there for a health centre and people wanted to convert it into shops but having known the importance of health to our people I resisted.

“I told the Health Commissioner, Dr Obidike about it who then discussed with the governor; he came to our rescue, today this clinic is functional with qualified healthcare workers”, he narrated.

The Chairman, Niger line Onitsha Main market, Chukwudi Ezenwuba extolled the government for deeming it necessary to have this clinic inside the market for easy access to healthcare.

He explained that prior to putting the clinic in order, traders used to find it very difficult to access healthcare outside the market, adding that with the clinic now functional, the problem is solved.

*Ebele is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA’S DIGITAL TRIUMPH: A GLIMPSE INTO EXCELLENCE IN DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

By Angela Nwanodu :

It is now widely known that Anambra State has set an impressive precedence, securing four prestigious awards at the 11th National Council on Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) meeting held in Kano State, Nigeria. While the awards ceremony may be in the past, their significance endures.

What may elude many is that these accolades were the outcome of a substantial presentation by the Anambra State ICT Agency team, illuminating the technological advancements and initiatives under the visionary leadership of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.

These awards not only shine a spotlight on Anambra’s unwavering commitment to tech-driven governance but also accentuate a series of groundbreaking accomplishments in the realm of Digital Infrastructure Development. Here are the key achievements that paved way for the Digital Infrastructure award:

Enhanced Deployment of Fiber Ducts Across the State: In collaboration with private entities, the ICT Agency has significantly improved the deployment of over 2, 000 kilometers of fiber ducts across the State. This infrastructure development project stands as a testament to the State’s dedication to robust connectivity.

The ongoing efforts focused on expanding this network to fortify digital communication, support economic growth, and bridge technological gaps within Anambra State.

Provision of a Data Centre: The ICT Agency is currently in the process of establishing a state-of-the-art Data Centre, reinforcing the State’s commitment to technological infrastructure development. Ongoing efforts involve strategic planning to ensure the seamless design, development, completion, and deployment of this essential project. The Data Centre will serve as a cornerstone for secure data storage, processing, and management, significantly contributing to the state’s digital resilience and efficiency.

Public Wi-Fi Initiative: The state government has initiated the Pilot Phase of the Free Public Wi-Fi (Solution Wi-Fi) at 3 locations in the state namely: Aroma Junction, Book foundation and Unizik back gate. This marks a considerable stride, and efforts are underway to extend this Public Wi-Fi, also known as Solution Wi-Fi, to various public spaces across the State in line with the People’s Manifesto.

Full Implementation of Zero Right of Way (RoW) policy to attract tech investors for infrastructure development: Gov. Soludo’s audacious move to fortify infrastructure has led to the full implementation of the Zero Right of Way (RoW) policy in Anambra State. This initiative has motivated InfraCos to enhance tech infrastructure in the state, resulting in an improved quality of service, including the phased introduction of 5G services by Telcos. Anambra proudly stands as the first State in the Southeastern region of Nigeria to implement this policy.

As the state continues its journey toward digital resilience and efficiency, these achievements stand as a beacon, inspiring other regions and reinforcing Anambra’s status as a leader in the digital landscape.

*Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA ENDS 14-YEAR DISPUTE WITH AUPCTRE OVER DEFUNCT WATER CORPORATION, ANAMBRA STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

By Obinna Obiadi :

After a long legal battle, the Anambra State Government and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), have reached an out-of-court settlement over the dissolution of the Anambra State Water Corporation.

The settlement agreement was signed at the Conference Hall of the Anambra State Head of Service (HOS), by both parties.

The HOS, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, expressed her gratitude to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for resolving the matter amicably and praised the Out-of-Court Committee and the AUPCTRE leaders for their cooperation and understanding.

The Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, reiterated Gov. Soludo’s commitment to restoring water supply in Anambra State, saying that the settlement was a necessary step to address the challenges in the water sector.

He also said that the settlement saved the state ₦1.3 billion and offered a chance for the former staff of the Water Corporation to be reemployed after a screening process.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Anambra State Urban Water Asset Holdings Corporation, Mr. Ejiofor Ikeobi, reiterated the State Government’s commitment to get portable and clean water running in the state again as this groundbreaking occasion of settlement has paved way for the good work plan of Gov. Soludo to deliver his Campaign promises as stated in his manifesto.

He assured that the agreement would be honoured in all honesty.

The National President of AUPCTRE, Mr. Benjamin Anthony, who led the Union delegation, thanked Gov. Soludo, the government team and the Out-of-Court Committee for their sincerity and efforts in settling the matter.

He appealed to the affected workers to be patient with the government to fulfill its part of the agreement and hoped that the government would pay the workers the agreed amount.

The event was also attended by the Attorney General of the State, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, State Accountant General, Dr. Chukwudi Okoli, Anambra State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Humphrey Nwafor, Permanent Secretaries, Ministry of Power and Water Resources and Office of the Head of Service.

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