News

HOUSE COMMITTEE ADOPTS MCET BUDGET PRESENTATION STANDARD FOR FUTURE USE, AWARDS HEAD PRS, ROSE ODINAMKPA

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

The Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, led by the Chairman, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu has officially adopted the budget presentation standards of the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism (MCET) for future use. The committee also approved the capital estimates proposed by the ministry to ensure optimal service delivery.

Additionally, Mrs Rose Odinamkpa, the Head of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), was awarded a cash sum of N10,000 for her exceptional work in the preparation and detail of the budget.

These motions were proposed by Hon. Noble Igwe, the House Member representing Ogbaru I constituency and seconded by Hon. Fred Ezenwa, representing Onitsha South I constituency, during the budget defense session at the Anambra State House of Assembly Complex in Awka.

The Chairman, Hon. Okechukwu commended the Commissioner, Mr . Don Onyenji, for following their directives on how to outline the budget. He remarked, “During your last budget defense, we emphasized the need for every procedure to be detailed. I am pleased to see that you adhered to those guidelines and delivered an outstanding budget presentation”.

He encouraged the Commissioner to maintain a cordial relationship with the Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism to foster good synergy between them.

Hon. Mbachu Nigeria, representing Awka South I constituency and also the Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, also expressed his appreciation to the Chairman for his commendable work. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all processes follow due procedure.

In his vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, expressed gratitude to the House Committee for their fair treatment of the Ministry. He thanked them for adopting the Ministry’s budget standards for future use and for recognizing the Head of PRS for her outstanding performance.

He assured the House that the Ministry would fulfil the mandates outlined in the budget, which focuses on developing heritage sites in the state to enhance tourism, noting that it is a major attraction for this government, as leisure promotes longevity. He told the House Members that they would be notified of the Ministry activities. Then, he appealed to them to guide the Ministry when they make mistakes.

The Head of the PRS department, MCET, Mrs Odinamkpa, expressed her gratitude to God Almighty and the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for recognizing her work as exceptional and rewarding her for it.

She said, “It was like a dream when I was commended by the House Committee for my work and called to receive a cash sum of N10,000. I had never expected this, especially considering the challenges I faced during the preparation of the budget.”

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

DR. ONYEMAECHI URGES OICS TO TRAIN STAFF ON BHCPF PROCEDURES

By Okafor Chisom :

The Managing Director, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, has called on Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of Primary HealthCare facilities (PHCs) to educate their staff on the procedures of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Dr. Onyemaechi expressed concern that some nurses at PHCs lack knowledge of BHCPF operations, making them unable to provide care to enrollees in the absence of the OIC.

He made this appeal during a two-day validation exercise with OICs held at the ASHIA office in Awka.

Highlighting the importance of proper documentation, Dr. Onyemaechi emphasized that the patient encounter forms must always be accessible at healthcare facilities. He also directed that referrals should be meticulously documented and enrollees should be referred to the nearest secondary healthcare facilities when necessary.

The MD instructed OICs to procure only drugs listed in the official drug list provided by the agency, warning that any facility found violating this directive would face consequences as per ASHIA’s policy.

Dr. Onyemaechi also mandated OICs to ensure that at least one staff member is always available to provide services to BHCPF enrollees, ensuring uninterrupted care delivery.

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

ANAMBRA STATE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE VISITS ORUMBA SOUTH

By Akaogu Chioma and Anaebo Vincent :

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam paid a visit to Orumba South Local Government council, Umunze as part of his familiarization tour in the state. He thanked the chairman for his efforts and advised that collective efforts is needed from vigilante groups, traditional rulers and communities to solve insecurity issue.

He further explained his visit as a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the police and communities in Orumba South to create a more secured environment.

During the visit, the Executive Chairman of Orumba South, Mr. Shedrack Azubuike regretted that insecurity, kidnapping and robbery is in high rate because of Orumba South shares boundaries with other states and therefore urged the commissioner to come to his aid.

The member representing Orumba South in Anambra State House of Assemble, Mr. Emma Nwafor expressed gratitude for the visit, assuring him that his efforts towards solving insecurity problem in the state will never be in vain and he urged everybody to partner with police.

* Akaogu and Anaebo are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

FOUR EXECUTIVE BILLS PASS FIRST READING AT THE STATE ASSEMBLY

By Chizoba Okeke :

Anambra State House of Assembly on Tuesday completed the first reading of four bills sent by Governor Soludo to the state Assembly.

The deputy speaker, Hon. Chukwuma Okoye who presided the plenary, read out the bills and the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice vote.

Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme presented the four bills at the floor of the House.

The four executive bills presented by Governor Soludo were; a bill for law to establish the Anambra State Electricity Market and the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission to regulate electricity in the state in the areas of electricity generation, transmission, system operation, destruction and supply to promote access to electricity in the state and for connected purposes.

Others included; a bill for a law to further amend the traditional rulers law 2007, a bill for a law to establish the Anambra State Development And Investment Corporation to drive the development of projects through development finance and private sector funding and participation in infrastructural development and for the protection, promotion, monitoring, coordinating and assisting of current and potential investors within the state and to provide for related matters and a bill for a law to establish and regulate the Anambra State Correctional Service, ensure human and effective management of offenders, to provide for the administration of Custodial and non-costodial services in the state and for connected purposes.

The House adjurned and to reconvene on Tuesday December 10th, 2024.

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

ONITSHA SOUTH STOPS CHURCH FROM TURNING GOVT PROPERTY INTO MONEY SPINNING VENTURE

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Hon. Emeka Orji has stopped further use of government field, Archdeacon Nweje Memorial School field, by the church for money spinning venture, warning that he will not keep his hands akimbo and watch state government property being encroached upon by the church.

Sounding the note of warning when he embarked on an oversight of government property within his domain, he accused the church of using the field to collect N200 from each car that parks in the field without the money realized being remitted to state government.

He also frowned at the alleged claim of the health centre therein as private property by the church also, Orji vowed to take over the health centre which is government property.

“I am restoring the health centre and advise Lord bishop, that the LG has restored the facilities to her original status as Healthcare centre for the optimal usage, and no vehicle should be packed here any longer, for the pupils to have enough space for playing which is the purpose and for the patients to as well have easy access to the health centre,” Orji warned.

The chairman after assessing the premises, found out that the pupils are still using pit toilet and pledged to build a modern one and to resuscitate the borehole which was damaged as a result of those cars parked there.

According to imppeccable inside sources, the borehole which was constructed by the government was functional, but was damaged by one of the people that parked his vehicle there, when the man hit the borehole with his vehicle booth and thereby damaged the sumor which resulted in the present problem.

The sources noted that when the former Council Chairman, Hon. Emeka Asoanya was there, he was at loggerhead with the church and the church pledged to resuscitate it but never did and Asoanya left.

In a swift reaction when contacted, the resident priest told the chairman, “I am under authority of the church, the bishop should be contacted because there was an agreement between the church and Hon.Stella Oduah, she built the diagnosis centre here and has promised to equip it.

“She had through the agents that built this, told us that after building, she would hand it over to our health institutions, the bishop and Stella Oduah are still discussing on the issue,” he said.

The priest also denied that the borehole was completed, saying that it was not completed by the former TC Chairman, even as all equipment put in place yet the tap is not running.

The Secretary to the Local Government, Paul Onuachalla Esq frowned at the attitude of the priest saying , “This health centre if functional going by the way the state government is working round the clock to activate all the primary health centres in the state, this priest will one day go there for his treatment or his family.

“This is for public use not the chairman’s, I don’t see why this total aggression, it is totally out of order.”

In her words, Mrs Anokwute Celine, Officer in charge (OIC) of Nweje Primary Health Centre complained that they do have challenges on these cars being parked here as there is no space for the pupils to play and urged the council boss to come to their rescue.

“This place is very spacious but has turned to car park, the very small remaining space cannot accommodate the pupils while playing, even those that parked cars here use our side as urinating spot, we always chase them away, even the children also defecate here, it is a very big challenge to us health wise.

“I’m pleading to the government to relocate this healthcare centre to that acclaimed diagnosis centre, you know that the community is the bedrock, they would benefit if we relocate,” she said.

The Councillor representing Odoakpu ward 5, Hon Chidimma Uwakwe stated, “The building was done by Hon.Stella Oduah for primary health centre but the Reverend here was claiming it, he initially refused that a solar system would be installed here but after he made some calls in our presence to his colleagues, they came with policemen, after talking with him, he now allowed us to install the solar system and still insisted that it was built and given to the church by Hon.Stella Oduah but it is government property.

“We would recall that the Deputy Chairman, Hon Onyebuchi Obi has earlier informed the priest about the issue but was fruitless.”

Those present included, Special Adviser to the Chairman on Political Matters, Council Legal Adviser, Stanley Okafor Esq, Onitsha South Supervisor for Health, Mrs Ebele Udodeme, and ward 5 members.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

MINISTRY OF POWER AND WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER DEFENDS 2025 BUDGET… UNVEILS PLAN FOR 2025

By Azuka Offor/ Chikaodili Obinwa :

The Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Mr. Julius Chukwuemeka has unveiled his ministry plan for 2025, stating the state government’s readiness to change gear through his ministry in bringing infrastructural development to every nooks and crannies of Anambra State come 2025.

Mr. Chukwuemeka made this known while addressing journalist shortly after his ministry bilateral/ budget defence with the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation bill at the state house of Assembly. According to the commissioner, the power sector of the ministry will extend power to various industries and communities in the state as the state is coming up with a very big cluster of industries called Anambra mixed -use industrial city. This will help in providing access to reliable and affordable power supply for investors to invest in the state.

He maintained that the ministry will continue to use renewable energy sources like solar to power key government infrastructure, illuminate streets and communities in Anambra comes 2025.

He stated his ministry’s plan to join other states in establishing some key agencies that will help the ministry to domesticate the issue of power regulation and management around the energy value chain once the electricity bill of the state is passed by the state house of Assembly.

In the area of water resources, commissioner Chukwuemeka maintained that his ministry will take it beyond were it was now, in making sure that Anambra State Urban Water Asset Holdings Corporation who has taken the management of water supply after some decades of non- availability of water, they will continue to provide clean and portable water supply driven with solar to areas it has not reached come 2025.

The Commissioner ceased the opportunity to appreciate the efforts of the fire service officers for being more proactive as it concerns prompt response to fire emergencies and the sensitization they carried to the public places, churches and markets on how to stop fire emergencies and how to use fire extinguisher too. He revealed that his ministry will continue with the sensitization come 2025 in making sure that every body has the knowledge on how to prevent and fight fire emergency.

Those present during the budget defence included; The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Sir. Victor Ezekwo, the MD/CEO of the Anambra State Urban Water Asset Holdings Corporation, Mr. Ikeobi Ejiofor , the fire chief, Mr. Emmanuel Chiketa, among others.

* Offor and Obinwa are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

CUSTOMERS OF LIQUIDATED OBOSI MFB TO SMILE AT CHRISTMAS AS ADIKE MFB ACQUIRES BANK— UPGRADES TO DIGITAL BANKING, MORE CREDIT/LOAN FACILITIES

By Uzo Ugwunze :

Depositors and customers of former Obosi Microfinance Bank(OMFB) which was wrongfully liquidated in May 2023 have been assured that they were free to come next week and withdraw a part or the whole of their money from Adike Microfinance Bank(AMFB) which acquired the assets and liabilities of OMFB.

Speaking to newsmen at Ugamuma village Obosi Community, Idemili North LGA during the 2024 Iwaji/New Yam festival of Akamposi Obosi, the Board Chairman of Credit Committee AMFB, Chief Hyman Udemba assured the mammoth crowd who came to felicitate with him at his hometown that the Bank will be open for customers on December 10, 2024 to access their funds so that they would not be stranded if they needed money for shopping cum preparations for the Christmas yuletide.

“OMFB was liquidated because the authorities misjudged and rated us based on a high capital base rating but when they discovered the mistake, they asked us to start afresh and supported us to change our name. Today, we have Adike MFB starting afresh with digital banking technology,” said Udemba.

According to the MD/CEO Adike Microfinance Bank(AMFB), Mr. Emeka Anujeonye, ” AMFB is a new bank that took over the the assets and liabilities of former OMFB which was mistakenly liquidated by NDIC. We are strong, reliable and we are coming with new products as we officially commence full banking operations and activities Jan 2, 2025.

“Our new products include electronic banking: ATM, SMS/USSD, Mobile banking, P.O.S, E. Statement, among others.”

Moreover, Chief Linus Mgbakaogu called on both indigenes and non indigenes of Obosi community to come out in support of the Adike MFB. “Obosi people should feel free to bank with AMFB. If you need loan and apply the bank will assist you”.

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

ANAMBRA EAST LGA CHAIRMAN CHINWEZE RESOLVES AGULERI, UMUERI LAND DISPUTE

By Nwegbo Ifeanyi/Kelechi Achukwu-Jide/Ogochukwu Mokwugwo :

The Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze has called on the people of Anambra East to avoid communal clashes of any kind between communities in the area. He made the call during a visit to communities in the area.

Sir Chinweze noted that peace and reconciliation was achieved through the help of peace committees who also has identified and delineated respective village boundaries. He called on Mgboko and Umudiana to embrace peace and understanding which brings sacrifice of peace from both villages.

The President General of Aguleri community Assembly, Mr.Rolex Ilokasia (Esq) commended the mayor for his commitment towards making the historic boundary demarcation a reality.

The Chairman of Mgboko and Umudiana peace committee, HRH Igwe George Ekwealor, the traditional ruler of Umuoba Anam, and other traditional rulers from Mkpunando and Enugu Out Aguleri commended the resilience of the chairman, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze.

* Nwegbo, Achukwu-Jide and Mokwugwo are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ASBA MD HIGHLIGHTS AGENCY’S IMPACT ON SMALL BUSINESSES IN ANAMBRA

By Chiamaka Edokwe :

The Managing Director/CEO of Anambra State Small Business Agency(ASBA), Mr. Clement Chukwuka has emphasised the impactful role of the Agency in empowering small businesses across the state. Speaking during a radio programme on Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), tagged ‘Ask the Commissioner,’ Mr. Chukwuka emphasised ASBA’s contributions to advancing the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.

He revealed that several programs have been launched to address the specific needs of small and medium business owners in the state. These initiatives included; ASBA’s SME facilities,

One Youth 2 Skills funding program, Igwebuike(co-operative)funding scheme, the UNDP/EU N100,000 grant and training program among others which have a direct impact on increasing business revenue and creating jobs.

The MD/CEO further emphasised the economic impact of ASBA’s programs on local businesses, noting an increase in employment rates and overall business growth in Anambra State. He outlined the Agency’s plans for sustaining these gains, with a focus on long-term development strategies and continued collaboration with stakeholders.

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

GROUP COMMENDS SOLUDO FOR APPOINTING EMEAKAI TO TRACK CRIMINALS

By Juliana Nwachukwu/Nkiru Anakor/Ngozi Okoli :

The Anambra Security Network (ASN) has lauded Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for appointing Chief Kenneth Emeakai as Senior Special Adviser on Security for the communities in the State.

The group, in a statement after their quarterly meeting in Awka, the State capital, where they assessed the security situation in the State, said the coming of Emeakai into the security architecture of Anambra State would positively change the situation.

In the statement signed by its Chairman, Chief Ikemba Anunihu, the group said, “Emekayi as a specialist in community security has the will to fight crime with all vigour until the criminals are routed out wherever they are in the State.

“He hates injustice and oppression, which are what these criminals are foisting on the people of this State. But with Emeakai, a specialist in checkmating crime in communities, especially in his Okija community and Ihiala Local Government Area where his success is very glaring, insecurity will be tackled.

“That is what attracted him to Governor Soludo,” said ASN, describing Emeakai as a humane person who listens to his commanders.

They expressed confidence that he would do well in the job by employing men who would be committed to the job.

The group said that part of the thing that would bring Emeakai’s success would be to establish different AVG camps in strategic places that include, Umunze, Aguata, Nnewi, Achalla in Awka North council area, Ogwu-Aniocha and Ossomala, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Ihiala Central sector, Nibo Awka sector, among others.

The ASN also commended Gov. Soludo for planning to provide over 200 vehicles to security outfits in Anambra State, saying that the gesture would no doubt improve the morale of security personnel and the quality of security in the State.

They, however, appealed to the Governor to set up a Committee to take care of members of Anambra Vigilant Group (AVG) and other security operatives who sustained injuries during operations and challenges they might experience in the course of their responsibilities and review their statutory monthly salary from N100.000 to N250.000 because of dangerous risk associated with their jobs.

The group thanked the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Chief Chikaodi Anarah and the Director of Operations of AVG, Chief Chinenye Ihenko, and the Director of Anti-Kidnapping, Monday Onwe,, especially for his gallantry and commitment to the job of securing the State and vow that the upcoming Christmas festivity will be celebrated joyously.

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