News

COMMISSIONER FOR HEALTH HOLDS DATA REVIEW MEETING

By Chukwudi Nwauba :

In a significant move to enhance public health initiatives, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike has convened a data review meeting with key stakeholders from various health sectors.

The gathering aimed to analyze recent health data trends, identify areas needing urgent attention, and strategize for improved healthcare delivery.

Dr. Obidike during the data review meeting held at the Data Operation Centre in the State Ministry of Health, Awka reiterated the commitment of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration in the healthcare sector of the State.

He emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making in addressing public health challenges.

“Accurate data is crucial for developing effective policies and interventions.”

The review included statistics on disease prevalence, vaccination rates, and healthcare access across different demographics.

Health officials presented findings that highlighted both progress and ongoing issues. While vaccination rates have improved in several regions, the meeting underscored disparities in access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.

Participants discussed actionable strategies to bridge these gaps, including increased funding for community outreach programs.

The Commissioner also announced plans for regular data updates and a new public health dashboard that will be accessible to citizens, promoting transparency and community engagement.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to collaborate with local health departments, partners, and community leaders to implement the proposed strategies effectively.

In attendance during the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mrs. Obiageli Uchebo, Acting Director Public Health, Dr. Afam Anaeme, Programme Coordinators and Partners.

*Chukwudi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

FLOOD ALERT: AYAMELUM RESIDENTS WARNED OF IMPENDING DISASTER

By Kelechi Achukwu-jide :

As the Cameroonian authorities release water from the Lagdo Dam, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has sounded the alarm, warning residents of Ayamelum Local Government Area, Anambra State to take immediate action to protect lives and property from impending floods.

The State Director, NOA, Mr Edozie Ajaegbu, gave the warning during a flood sensitisation campaign in Anaku community, Ayamelum LGA, one of the flood-prone areas in Anambra State, urging residents to desilt drainages around buildings and avoid constructing houses near water channels.

Mr Ajaegbu also advised residents to be proactive by knowing flood periods and necessary measures to take to avoid being victims.

The Deputy Director Programmes, NOA Awka, Remigus Obi, informed the people of Ayamleum that 11 states, including Anambra, will be affected by the flooding. “Ayamelum will be severely hit.

“We urge you to assist NOA in telling your people to move away from flooding areas for safety.”

Other officials, including Deputy Director Administration, NOA Awka, Barr. Ifeoma Chijioke and Assistant Director Programmes, Mr. Obiorah Ignatius, emphasised the importance of early crop cultivation to avoid devastation.

The President-General of Anaku Community, Mr Paul Nwauba, praised the timely intervention, promising his community’s support and adherence.

The event concluded with the distribution of sensitisation materials.

*Kelechi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ODERA MARKET GETS FACE-LIFT AS NEW CHAIRMAN UNVEILS WATER PROJECT

By Ukpa Ewa :

Leaders and traders at Odera Market in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State are singing the praises of their new chairman, Mr Nnaemeka Nworah, after he successfully implemented a key water project, bringing an end to 16 years of neglect. The market now boasts a fully functional water system in all streets, providing clean water for all traders.

During an inspection of the project in Awka, Chief Tochukwu Nwokoye, Chairman of Ezinanor community and leader of Ezi Awka, expressed satisfaction with the rapid progress.

“For many years, nothing was done to improve this market, but under two months of the new chairman’s leadership, water is now available everywhere,” Nwokoye said.

Addressing Journalists, the Chairman of Odera Market Mr Nworah, who has been in office for barely two months, shared his vision for the market’s continued development.

“Before I assumed office, I noticed that the market lacked basic facilities like water and toilets. I plan to transform this market in the next two years,” he said, emphasizing his support for Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and his 2025 re-election bid.

Speaking also, the Market Woman Leader, Mrs. Nkiruka Edemobi applauded the swift action taken by the chairman.

“I have been in this market for over 10 years, and this is the first time we are seeing real changes. Water is easily accessible now, and we are happy with the progress,” she said.

Also, the Vice Chairman of Odera Market Mr. Great Ikechukwu, stressed the importance of transforming the market into a modern facility, calling on Gov. Soludo to assist with ongoing erosion issues affecting traders.

“We are working hard to bring Odera Market to limelight, but we need the government’s help to overcome these challenges,” he added.

Mr. Obichukwu Ukora, a chemical and paint trader, also commended the improvements, noting that the chairman had fulfilled his promise to provide water throughout the market, noting that the transformation is evident, praying for his continued success.

The recent upgrades signal a brighter future for Odera Market, with traders and community leaders looking forward to further developments under the current leadership.

Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

INFORMATION COMMISSIONER’S VISIT TO ANAMBRA STATE PRINTING PRESS: A STEP TOWARDS MODERNIZATION

By Azuka Nnabuife/Ngozi Nnajiofor/ Uche Igboeli/ Henrietta Madichie :

The Information Commissioner, Dr. Law Mefor, has visited the Anambra State Printing Press to assess its potential and discuss improvements to enhance functionality and efficiency within the facility.

Dr. Mefor highlighted the importance of modernizing the printing press, advocating for digital technologies such as direct image production.

He said that this modernization is crucial for the government to evaluate the press viability.

“Printing can be a viable revenue source when planned effectively. If you excel in your craft, people will seek you out, regardless of your location,” he remarked

Mr. Obuzo Emeka Chris, the Managing Director of Anambra Printing Press, expressed gratitude for the commissioner’s visit.

He guided Dr. Mefor through the facility, showcasing several non-functional machines and appealing to the state government for necessary overhauling and maintenance of outdated equipment.

*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ICPC CHAIRMAN RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, CAUTIONS AGAINST CORRUPTION

By Uche Kalu :

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has emphasized that corruption is the foundation of all criminal activities, calling on Nigerians to unite against it.

Dr Aliyu who made this known in Abuja where he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 National Crimewatch Awards, stressed that corruption severely threatens national security, eroding stability, prosperity, and sovereignty.

According to a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Commission’s Spokesperson and Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, the

representative of the chairman, Deputy Director, Dr. Oluwasina Babasola, noted that, “Under Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu’s leadership, the ICPC has achieved significant milestones and earned widespread respect and strategic partnerships across Nigeria in just a few months.

Dr. Babasola while addressing the gathering comprising of most military and para-military officers reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption. He expressed gratitude for the recognition received, noting that it would inspire further efforts to minimize corruption and promote good governance.

The event’s convener, Mr. Tony Okpe, stated that the awards aimed to honor individuals and organizations devoted to crime prevention, believing that such recognition fosters dialogue on national security and encourages the pursuit of a safer society.

Justifying the credibility of the awards, Mr. Okpe explained that recipients were selected based on feedback gathered from independent assessment questionnaires filed out by crime-beat journalists.

“The National Crimewatch Awards have earned a prestigious reputation over their 21-year history for honoring exceptional contributions to national security.

“Among this year’s awardees were prominent figures such as Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Police Operations, and Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, honored as National Crimewatch Man of the Year.

“Others included Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, recognized for their lifetime achievements in national security and the fight against drug-related crimes,” the statement concluded.

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

COUNCILLORS, PG, OTHERS COMMEND SOLUDO, ANSEC FOR AWARDING CONTRACT FOR REHABILITATION OF OBA- NNEWI ROAD

By Uzo Ugwunze :

Idemili South LGA Councillors Representing Oba Ward 1 and Ward 2 , Mr Ebuka Chibueze and Mrs Nkiru Onwuakagba respectively, President General Oba Patriotic Union, Mr Anthony Uzo Ejiofor and an Aspirant for the EzeOkpoko II of Oba throne, Chief Vincent Chukwuma Ananti have commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for awarding contract for rehabilitation of Oba/ Nnewi Road during the 31st Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) meeting.

Speaking to our reporter, Mr Chibueze thanked His Excellency profusely, saying that Oba people will be delighted to vote massively for Soludo for his second tenure.

“I thank our solution governor for this wonderful gesture to Oba people. This shows that Oba people have started benefiting from the dividends of democracy. The road rehabilitation will make Oba people come out enmasse to vote for Soludo in the next election because one good turn deserves another. Oba people are saying that it will be well with Charlie Nwamgbafor”, said Chibueze.

Contributing, Mrs Nkiru Onwuakagba described Prof Soludo as the best governor so far who has ensured that democracy dividends reach out to the grassroots. “There is no LGA that is not benefiting from the various road construction or rehabilitation either completed or ongoing all over the state barely 2 years in office. Infact,he is not competing with anyone in the next election”.

According to the PG, Chief Uzo Ejiofor, I heard about the awarded Oba-Nnewi Road rehabilitation contract. Before now, the LG Chairman, Mrs Amaka Obi came to our aid when a truck fell at the failed portion of the Oba- Nnewi Road in front of the Afor-Uzo Oba Market although no life was lost.

“She intervened by filling some of the failed portions with lumps. She later connected me with the MD/CEO, Anambra Road Maintenance Agency (ARMA), Mr Obinna Nduka who did some excavation and filled some places on the road with stone base but when they stopped work he said there was much rains but thank God with the rains abating and the awarding of the Oba- Nnewi Road rehabilitation, the road will soon take a new shape to the benefit of the road users and our people.”

In his remarks, Chief Vincent Ananti (Esq) stated : “I am highly excited to hear about the award of the contract for the rehabilitation of the Nnewi Oba Road.I sincerely commend the Solution Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

“The bad state of the road especially at the Afor Oba Market area resulted in the fall of a trailer with the load which would have caused a lot of casualties but for the fact that it took place in the night.

” The failed portion at the Okike Agip section of the Old Oba- Nnewi Road also has been a death trap where innocent commuters fall prey to kidnappers but that will soon stop as soon as the road is rehabilitated or reconstructed,” he said.

It would be recalled that recently during the 31st ANSEC meeting approval was given for the award of contracts which included; the rehabilitation of Nnewi to Oba Road to ensure pleasurable movement of people and goods that have remained impassable for many years, especially during the rainy season.

The memo was presented by the MD/CEO of Anambra Road Maintenance Agency (ARMA), Mr Obinna Nduka, through a direct procurement at the cost of N131, 343, 612. 28 (One Hundred and Thirty-One Million, Three Hundred and Four-Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Twelve Naira, and Twenty-Eight Kobo )

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

2024 WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY: HOS HAILS GOV. SOLUDO’S COMMITMENT TO STAFF WELLBEING THROUGH FREE SCREENING

By MaryAnn Chukwuma :

The workers of Anambra State have joined the rest of the world to mark the 2024 World Mental Health Day celebration.

The event which held at the Jerome Udorji Secretariat complex, Awka had civil servants benefit from free mental screening organised by the Governor of Anambra, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo through the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Head of Service, Lady Theodora Okwy Igwegbe, who affirmed the importance of maintaining good mental health applauded Gov. Soludo for ensuring that Anambra workers have access to free mental screening as it surely affects the effectiveness of service delivery.

Noting how mental health is neglected in Nigeria, the Civil Service boss applauded the Government of Anambra State for seizing the chance to give workers the rare opportunity to ascertain their mental health conditions.

Igwegbe while speaking in an interview reiterated the theme of the event, “Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Work Place” stating that the benefits of the programme are far reaching with an effect directly proportional to effectiveness in the workplace.

The foremost Civil Servant advised workers to prioritize their mental wellbeing and ensure they benefit from this well thought out program as she had already done and by so doing, they would have conquered the negligence prevalent in the area of mental health.

The HOS highlighted depression, anxiety and stress as common underlying signs of mental conditions in a person. She commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike for his understanding of the need for such screening for workers to help in early detection and eventual treatment for persons who may show symptoms of mental imbalance.

In their separate remarks, the Acting Director, Ministry of Information, Mr. Emmanuel Ikegwuani and Mrs Rose Nwankwo a Civil Servant of the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism thanked the governor and the Commissioner for Health for the kind gesture towards the workers of Anambra State while noting that they were thrilled to experience how seamless it is for one to respond to questionnaires and his mental health condition would be ascertained.

Accepting the negligence in the area of mental health, the practitioners attested to the fact that it was an eye opener and they promised to ensure to maintain routine mental health examinations.

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

PUPILS, PG, HAIL SOLUDO, AS MORE SCHOOLS, COMMUNITIES GET SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLE

By Azuka Offor :

The President General of Okpoko Community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra sttate, Chief Francis Enemuo, has lauded the Soludo- led administration, for providing solar powered boreholes and toilet facilities to their schools.

Speaking during the technical handover of the projects by the state Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Mr Julius Chukwuemeka, at Okpoko Community Primary School III, Okpoko Community School 5 and 6, and at Obife secretariat premises, the president general of the town, Mr. Ezenwa Udoka, expressed their satisfaction with the good works Governor Soludo has been doing in Okpoko Community since the inception of his administration.

These, they said, range from good roads network to constant power supply (solar), pipe borne water, free education and lot’s more.

He further promised, on behalf of Okpoko Community, to be solidly behind his administration especially during the governorship election to make sure that his second tenure is achieved.

On his part, the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, who was represented by the Anambra North Senatorial zone Team leader on Water Rehabilitation projects, Mr Onyedibe Okechukwu, charged the community and concerned schools to guide the facilities generously, as the government spent much on those projects to ensure that Okpoko enjoys the dividend of good governance.

In their separate remarks, the headmistress of the schools appreciated the state government for meeting their needs as water and toilet facility have been their major challenge in the school, while promising that they will make every thing possible to maintain the facilities.

Also speaking, the contractor handling the projects, El-Bukelz Nigerian Limited, thanked the president general of the town and the headmistress for giving him maximum support when executing the projects even as he thanked the state government for giving him the opportunity to add his quota for the good of Ndi Anambra.

Inspection of the various projects, melodious songs by the pupils from Okpoko Community School 5 and 6, signing of relevant papers formed the high points of the event.

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

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY: GOVERNMENT EXPANDS CAMPAIGN

By Chukwudi Nwauba :

The Anambra State Government, through the State Ministry of Health, has expanded its efforts in promoting mental health awareness as the state joins the global community in marking World Mental Health Day.

In observance of the 2024 World Mental Health Day, the state is launching awareness campaigns focused on tackling the growing challenges of depression and drug abuse.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, announced that initiatives are being implemented across all 179 communities in the state.

Dr. Obidike emphasized that World Mental Health Day aims to elevate global awareness of mental health issues. This year’s theme, Mental Health at Work, highlights the importance of fostering a supportive workplace to improve mental well-being.

He shared this information during a press briefing at his office in the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.

“A recent mental health survey revealed that nearly 10.6% of adults suffer from mental health disorders, affecting 1 in 8 people worldwide.”

He called on relevant bodies to take immediate action to address mental health risks in workplaces and urged collaboration between government, employers, and health organizations.

“Our goal in Anambra is to increase awareness of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, especially given the current economic challenges.”

“To support these efforts, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has approved the introduction of a new minimum wage and the hiring of health workers trained in managing mental health disorders. Additionally, a specialized mental health unit has been established to coordinate care in accordance with national policy.”

Dr. Obidike encouraged the public to adopt mental health strategies, including open communication, prioritizing sleep and nutrition, regular exercise, and seeking help when necessary.

Dr. Uchenna Okeke, the State Mental Health Programme Coordinator, urged communities to actively participate in the state’s mental health campaign.

Present at the briefing were the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mrs. Obiageli Uchebo; Acting Director of Public Health, Dr. Afam Anaeme; and representatives from partner organizations, including the World Health Organization, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Achieving Health Nigeria, and RED AID Nigeria.

Nwauba is with the State Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

ANAMBRA GOVT TO BUILD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS FOR IMPROVED ACCESS TO EDUCATION

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The Anambra State Government has announced plans to establish community schools in areas lacking educational facilities to ensure every community has access to both primary and secondary schools.

This development was shared by the State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, during a meeting with members of the Anambra Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and the Post Primary School Service Commission (PPSSC) at the Ministry of Education’s Conference Hall, Awka.

According to Prof Chuma-Udeh, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s vision is for all communities in the state to have educational institutions, ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of location or family income. She emphasized the importance of providing quality education to every child in Anambra State.

The Commissioner also called on communities without community schools to submit a comprehensive survey plan of the proposed land to the Ministry to be signed by the community’president-general and two other prominent indigenes.

She revealed the administration’s willingness to take over schools from communities that wish to hand over ownership to the state.

Gov. Soludo, she noted, is deeply committed to the educational development of the state, recognizing that education is a powerful equalizer and a fundamental right for every child.

Prof Chuma-Udeh urged communities to collaborate with the government to take advantage of this opportunity to improve access to education for all children.

*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State