News

ASHIA INAUGURATES TWG FOR STRATEGIC HEALTH DEVELOPMENT PLAN

By Chisom Okafor :

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), has inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) comprising of key stakeholders on health to plan and develop a Strategic Health Development Plan that will last from 2024 to 2029.

The two day workshop took place at IDK learning Centre in Awka.

Declaring the event open, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike explained the importance of the TWG to think through on how to expand the health insurance coverage of the state particularly the informal sector and how to implement the mandatoriness of the scheme through innovative strategies of businesses providing evidence of health insurance certification before they can operate.

Dr. Obidike applauded the MD/CEO of ASHIA for representing the health insurance agency in Anambra and nationwide.

On his part, the Chairman, Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Mr Tony Muobike, spoke on success achieved with a predetermined plan (SHDP) and a strong legislative framework as the bedrock of every project.

He gave his support by promising necessary legislation with the House of Assembly or draft new legislations that will be passed in the House of assembly.

Giving an overview of the workshop, the Managing Director of ASHIA, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi said that the plan will look carefully at how the agency will strategically increase their coverage to enroll more into the scheme, the practical steps they need to take to achieve their objectives.

Dr. Onyemaechi noted that because the staff of the agency are integral part of the stakeholders developing the plan, they will have an institutionalize memory of the document even when he must have exited the position in the future, expressing optimism that his would be successor will continue with the plan.

According to the ASHIA MD, the plan will equally bring out the practical steps they need to take on month-to-month and year -to-year bases, how to source the resources they will leverage on among others, describing the document as timely.

The event attracted relevant stakeholders, representatives of the National Health Insurance Agency, WHO, Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture, State Bureau of Statistics, Research Consultants, Ward Chairmen, Civil Society Organizations, others.

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

AWEF HONOURS GOV. SOLUDO FOR PROMOTING AKWETE FABRICS

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

African Weaving Festival (AWeF), has conferred an award of the “Pillar of Cultural Excellence in Promoting Akwete Heritage” to Governor Charles Soludo for his unwavering dedication to promoting the Akwete indigenous fabrics. The event took place at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Exhibition Pavilion, Abuja.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji expressed that Governor Soludo always demonstrates his avowed commitment to promoting the Nigerian economy through the patronage of made-in-Nigeria products and other local production which can ultimately salvage the economy and make Nigerians richer and happier.

He added that the Solution Governor approved the distribution of over N 2 billion to over five thousand youths across the state, who were trained under the “One-Youth-Two Skills” programme and another approval has been made to train and empower another batch of thousands of youths which will commence soon.

“Mr. Governor has always shown immense capacity for effective delivery in every office he handled both within and outside the country.”

The commissioner, who also wore his akwete outfits to the occasion, flipped online pictures of Mr. Governor’s various akwete outfits to the admiration of the excited audience.

The Coordinator of AWeF, Mrs. Lizi Ben-Iheanacho expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for his inspiring vision and leadership in reviving the akwete cultural treasure and also fostering the indigenous fashion values.

“Sir, your singular act of championing the akwete fabrics at every high-profile event has significantly elevated its contemporary value and as well instilled an immense pride in our indigenous akwete master-weavers, hence, leading to unprecedented prominence, patronage and a renewed sense of cultural patriotism.

“Also, your commitment to sustaining our African cultural identity while weaving a prosperous future for Anambra resonates deeply with our vision,” she said.

She further reiterated that Anambra is a truly shining beacon of hope in this cultural renaissance, earning its rightful place as the “Light of the Nation” in heritage revival.

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

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY HOLDS VALEDICTORY SESSION FOR LATE EX-LAWMAKER ‘EZECHINWOYE

By Chizoba Okeke Anastasia Agunwa Gloria Abugu :

The Anambra State House of Assembly has on Thursday held a valedictory session at the legislative complex in Awka to honor the late Anthony Chukwuemeka Ezechinwoye, who passed away at the age of 64.

Late Ezechinwoye who was a former President-General of Oraukwu community, represented Idemili North Constituency at the 4th Assembly between 2007-2011 and was the House Committee Chairman on Health.

Anambra Assembly Speaker Mr Somtochukwu Udeze in his tribute on behalf of the 8th Assembly, commiserated with the Ezechinwoye family, stating that the late former lawmaker was an accomplished parliamentarian who made significant impact in the lives of his constituents both within and outside the chambers.

Mr Udeze maintained that the late Ezechinwoye during his time as a lawmaker attracted dividends of democracy to ndi Idemili North constituency with massive empowerment programs.

“He was among the few members of the 4th assembly I have always look-out for because of his quiet disposition to life.

” He was a good family man, a philanthropist, community leader, a devoted Christian whose life and times were impressive.

“I urge the family members especially the wife and children to uphold the legacies of late Ezechinwoye.

The Speaker prayed God to give the immediate family the fortitude to bear the greatest lost.

The member representing Idemili North Mr Kingsley Udemezue, Mr Chukwuebuka Igwe (Idemili South), Mr Ejike Okechukwu (Anaocha two) and the Majority Leader, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme (Ekwusigo) in their separate tributes hailed the impact of the late former lawmaker in his constituency.

” Today calls for sober reflection because we all will pass through this journey and we will be remembered by our deeds while on earth.

“His representation cannot be forgotten. While living, lets make good impact. We encourage the family to be hopeful and courageous’. The lawmakers submitted.

Also the Deputy Speaker of the 4th Assembly, Mr Afam Obi, Mr Joseph Dimobi (Anaocha two 2003-2011), Mr Uche Ogbonna and Mr Emma Udegbunam who represented Njikoka one constituency, described the late former lawmaker as a good man, peace maker, an epitome of humility and tolerance who was cheerful, contented, passionate about his constituency, committed in serving humanity and bared their burden.

” His death is a big loss to humanity. He believed in team work and played his part as a legislature. We pray that the angels welcome him in paradise.”

The house adjourned to reconvene on Tuesday 28 May 2024.

* Okeke, Agunwa and Abugu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*

ANAMBRA GOVT LEVERAGES TECHNOLOGY TO END QUACKERY IN HEALTH SYSTEM

By Nwanodu Angela :

To improve the health care delivery system in Anambra State, the state government in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), on Tuesday, launched the State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Unit and its accompanying e-platform.

The platform is targeted to enable real-time registration, renewal and regulation of health facilities and licenses, data collection, analysis, and reporting, facilitating informed decision-making and prompt intervention where necessary to ensure better performance from healthcare providers.

Inaugurating the initiative in Awka, Anambra State Capital, the Chairman, Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Mr Tony Muobike described it as a tool to actualize the dream of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to provide quality healthcare to Anambra people, noting that due to its importance, the state legislature did not waste time in passing the bill legitimizing the initiative within a month of its arrival to the assembly.

Muobike, while commending the state ICT Agency for its contribution towards the development of the initiative’s e-platform, called on health professionals to familiarize themselves with the law and fully integrate it into their operations so that they do not run foul of it.

“Quackery is in many forms. Aside from those who are operating illegally, we also have registered institutions run by doctors where quackery is being practiced.

“The law supporting this initiative affects all professionals in the health practice and the idea is that each professional will concentrate on their specific areas of certified and proven expertise.

“Though there will be inspectors who will ensure compliance with the law, the public also has a duty to ensure that the law is well implemented,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike described the initiative as a regulatory system to enhance management of health facilities and practitioners in the state.

“Prior to this administration, almost 80 percent of healthcare services were been driven by the private sector with little or nothing to regulate them but with the advent of the Governor Soludo administration, investment in the healthcare sector have constantly been on the rise ensuring better days ahead”

Obidike further explained that the initiative and the accompanying e-platform are all aimed to systematically eliminate quackery in all its forms in the state health system and increase accessibility especially for those in rural areas.

“Under this initiative, we already have 326 health informants across the state who provide us information on health facilities across the state.

“It is unfortunate that their findings show that 45 percent of the health facilities operating in the state are not registered.

“This platform will enable residents identify health facilities that provide services in specific areas, as well as help in reporting issues.

“By adopting advanced monitoring and accreditation processes, we are setting a benchmark for other states in the federation. It is a testament to our commitment to harnessing technology for the advancement of public health.

“At the national level, the Anambra State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Unit and E-Platform is a crucial step towards achieving the objectives of the National Health Policy. It supports the federal government’s efforts to strengthen health systems, improve service delivery, and ensure accountability in the health sector.

“We are proud to contribute to the realization of these national goals, which are vital for the socio-economic development of our country,” Obidike concluded.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the state ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to demonstrate what technology can do in the health sector.

He noted that technology cannot solve all your problems but can solve so many problems. It is only dependent on what you want to achieve with it.

Mr Agbata further explained that what the ICT agency has done is to replicate the vision of the ministry in setting up the e-platform and bringing on board, all the state assets. The idea is to ensure authenticity and eradicate quackery as much as possible.

He explained that the reason for the URL, ashefamu.anambrastate.gov.ng; is to solidify authenticity. The State Executive Council have approved the .anambrastate.gov.ng as a stamp to authenticity of all government information and processes.

The ICT boss appealed to practitioners in the industry and people of the state to flog the system and ensure that it accomplishes the intent for which it was established.

In a goodwill message, the representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Mohammed Bonnos congratulated Anambra State for the milestone, saying the initiative will protect Anambra citizens.

A practical demonstration of how the system works and discussions on the scalability formed the high points of the event.

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

STATE GOVERNMENT INSPECTS ONGOING WORK ON THE RECOVERED RIVERBANK, COMMENDS COUNCIL BOSS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has inspected the ongoing work at Niger Street, Fegge, Onitsha, a proposed site for an entertainment, leisure and fun center.

The governor who was ably represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi commended the Local Government Boss, Mr Emeka Orji for the recovery of the land, saying that it would be put to good use for the people of Onitsha and Anambra State in general.

“I will tell the governor the extent of work done already and the regeneration to do because we must put it for the good use of the community, Onitsha community and anambra in general.

”We look at environmental impact, what it was before and what it is today, I remember about 2 months ago, Mr Governor came here, the number of batcher and makeshifts here was disturbing.

“We’re working to revitalize Onitsha, and one of Governor Soludo’s top priorities is to breathe new life into the city. Instead of our brothers and sisters living on the other side of the bridge and commuting to Onitsha for work, we want to create a thriving hub where people can live, work, and play. Our goal is to reclaim and transform the area into a vibrant and attractive space, making Onitsha a desirable destination once again.

He emphasized that a major milestone for business owners and travelers crossing the Niger River would be the creation of leisure and entertainment opportunities. This will be achieved through the reclamation of a significant amount of land (though the exact number of plots or acres is unknown). The goal is to drive meaningful urban regeneration and local government development, ultimately making Onitsha a thriving, livable, and prosperous homeland for all.”

Regarding the recent viral video negatively portraying the Ochanja water fountain, Ezeajughi clarified that it is misleading the public. He recalled accompanying the Governor to the site in May 2022, when it was a massive dumpsite with refuse piled high enough for the governor to stand on and change a traffic light bulb. Moreover, there were even dead bodies buried amidst the trash.

“But today we have achieved water fountain, quality roads, instead of people commending the governor for the great job, for reviving Ochanja, the water fountain is still under construction and not yet commissioned .

The Council boss Mr Emeka Orji in his response commended Mr Governor, assuring him of always queuing into his policy in bringing back the lost glories of Onitsha and making the state a liveable and prosperous place.

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

ANAMBRA STATE, A DESTINATION POINT — INDUSTRY COMMISSIONER

By Amaka Isikala :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu has described the state under Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, as a steadily rising economic destination point in Africa and an increasingly preferred location where numerous developmental and industrial enterprises are being encouraged to establish and flourish.

The Commissioner made the remark during an interactive session with some officials of United Nations Development Program (UNDP) from Lagos State who visited him in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.

Mr. Udechukwu declared that Anambra State is steadily planning, organizing, strategizing, and executing to launch an ambitious agenda in Anambra Industrial City with a view to move Anambra State toward becoming one of the global centers of excellence for Industries with the capacity to absorb and process a vast variety of raw materials to finished manufactured products, in automotive industry park, pharmaceutical industry park, agro – processing industry park, leisure – entertainment centres, financial services centres and more.

“Some of the made in Anambra products would be exported back into the global market to earn foreign exchange and to grow our share of global trade.

“In order to achieve this goal of establishing an emerging manufacturing hub, Mr. Governor, Prof Soludo will soon unveil the Masterplan for the new Anambra Industrial City, the new Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, the Solution Fun City and more.

“In the Ministry, we are looking to grow our export program, we are also aiming to reach out to the world as a rising trading and industrial centre.”

According to him, We are hopeful to partner with UNDP for industrial investment promotion, export development, talent enhancements, global placement of highly skilled talents, capacity building for export focused industries, setting up trading houses in overseas markets and working to attain all compliance with international trades and to access new markets.”

Commissioner Udechukwu also pointed out that, beyond industrial development that Gov. Soludo is poised to grow a population that is productive at home and exportable abroad as well as ensuring that the next generation is more literate than the current one. This is why the Governor is investing free education in public schools and human capacity development through innovation and vocational skills acquisition for youths.

Earlier, the leader of the team Mrs. Joyce Oburu, thanked Commissioner Udechukwu for availing them the opportunity to interface with him and expressed their happiness to be in Anambra state to consolidate their historical partnership.

Mrs. Oburu said that the aim of their visit was for new program development and data verification for their Small to Medium Enterprise project grant support program that the UNDP are implementing in Anambra State.

She added that the SME Grant Support Scheme project was designed to supporting and enhancing the growth capacity of SME’s using cluster approach that is comprised of two layers which include a grant of 100,000 to 3,000 SME’s in the state and staged capacity building for SME’s through trainings, mentorship and coaching of the entrepreneurs.

“The purpose is to enhance and intensify their capacity to do business in a standardized form and to help them with the grant to bounce back from the shocks of the recent global economic turbulence that had affected Nigeria after the COVID-19 era because according to survey, Anambra State were also severely affected.

“We are not giving them the grant for short term purpose, we also have long term purpose to ensure that all these businesses strive,” she said.

The team leader said that the project has six states as the pilot states, pointing out that Anambra has always been home for UNDP over many decades with a State UNDP Resident Officer in Nigeria, Ms Chinwetal.

She also stressed that UNDP have some additional programs they are about to roll out in the Anambra State, ranging from African Young Innovators Program and UNDP Jubilee Fellow programs that will be of benefit to Ndi Anambra.

“To propagate this SME Grant Scheme program, we have a structure where we reach out to people in the LGA’s through ASATU with Traditional Rulers and President Generals of various towns taking the sensitization to the grassroots and they have already selected people that will help in local mobilization, reported Mr Okwudili Obiefuna, Director of SME at the State Ministry of Industry.

“We are at the stage of sensitization, awareness and also mobilizing our youths for their participation in communities and markets. Very soon, people will start online registration for these UNDP programs,” he said.

Present at the meeting were the Director SME Mr. Okwudili Obiefuna, the SA on Commerce and Industry Mr. Eloka Mmaduekwe and the SA to the Commissioner and UNDP desk officer in the Industry Ministry, Ms Jennifer Okoye.

*Amaka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

FORMER ANAMBRA HOS BURIES MUM AMID EULOGIES

By Regina Igwebuike :

The former Anambra State Head of Service (HOS), Barr. Harry Udu has buried their mother, Mrs Theresa Oguguo Udu, aged 88 amid eulogies.

The burial Mass, which took place at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Amawbia, Awka South LGA on May 10 was well attended by priests and religious, top government officials, different Church groups, friends and well-wishers.

Commiserating with the family over the loss of their Matriarch, the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo noted that his administration has a great good working relationship with Barr. Udu as the former Head of Service, who worked hard in building Anambra State.

He commended the deceased family and the parishes in Amawbia for adhering to the Anambra Burial Law, noting that the Law was passed far behind before he came on board, which Barr. Udu was instrumental.

“It is very good and I commend that, this effort the government is making to make Anambra a liveable and prosperous homeland is now sinking to the community and that is the journey of Mama Theresa.

“She shared her salary to the people. We must emulate her life, legacy and other virtues.”

The governor said that his administration has given free antenatal and free delivery even with caeserean section. Some of our dreams are being fulfilled by this present administration.

“Mama was a bookworm and produced her likes of Barr. Udu. She would be happy to hear that basic education from Nursery to JSS 3 is absolutely free in public schools in Anambra State because we are preparing our children to be like Mama. We have our libraries equipped with good books, digitalized too.

“The little you can do like Mama will change a lot of things in your family, community, parish and the society.”

The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, then, urged Ndi Anambra to uphold the Burial Law as it saves cost and the money can be diverted to paying school fees for someone in tertiary institution.

Earlier in a homily, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ifesinachi Udu said that the deceased was a compendium and he cannot exhaust saying good things about her; an inspirer, urging the family not to forget her.

“Her father’s efforts were rewarded by naming St. Matthew’s Parish after him.”

Fr. Udu explained that the story of the Beatitudes summarized the life of this great woman.

“She was a unifier. At 88 years, she knew her time was up. She was a bookworm, patron saint of readers, reading for pleasure and being at peace with herself.

“Looking at the story of Beatitudes, she had her fair share of sorrow but she did not allow it to show on her face, always yearning for knowledge, desired to know God, translated it to a piece of her life, always a jolly fellow, smiling and going for visitation anytime she came home from Enugu.”

The cleric expressed concern that the generation of givers are fast leaving this world.

“Mama was a great disciplinarian. A mother indeed who enjoyed every bit of her life and do not joke with her health. Her children are always available for her and I urge the family to immortalize her.

He further said, “the dead are dead when their virtues die in their children, that is when they truly die but when their virtues are copied whole and entire, he or she lives on.

“She touched everyone of us. You can never encounter her without loving her. She enjoyed and still enjoys the love of her children and her grandchildren because she was a unifier when she was alive.

“She remained a woman with sense of God and strong bond with our Mother Mary, which she handed over to her children”.

Fr. Udu emphasized that loneliness, aloneness awaits everyone, urging all to prepare for old age, learn to be alone and at peace with yourself, clinging to God and Mother Mary, even as he advised catholic men and women not to joke with their Bible and Rosary.

He enjoined mothers not to joke with their relationship with God, saying, “the strength of motherhood draws from God. A woman’s womb is a ciborium that helped God bring creatures into the world that is why it is said that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”.

The deceased son, Barr. Udu thanked God for the successful burial, commending the priests and religious who came to pray for the repose of his mother’s soul even as he thanked the Parish Priest of St. Matthew, Rev. Fr. Michael Onwukike, for making the arrangement seamless.

He in a special way thanked the governor of Anambra State and government protocols that came to commiserate with them, wishing all journey mercies back to their respective destinations.

*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

NEWLY APPOINTED PERMANENT SECRETARIES UNDERGO LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP IN ANAMBRA

By MaryAnn Chukwuma :

The Anambra State Government has commenced a two-day capacity building program for newly appointed permanent secretaries in the state’s civil service, aimed at enhancing their leadership skills and equipping them for effective service delivery.

The work shop with the theme ‘Strategic Leadership: Thriving Through Challenges and Opportunities in Governance’ started at Peackastel Hotel, Awka.

Declaring the event open, the Anambra State Head of Service, Lady Theodora Okwy Igwegbe thanked Gov. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for the appointment of the new permanent secretaries, noting that the decision was apt at this time for the implementation of the robust government plans.

Lady Igwegbe, congratulated the appointees again while highlighting how lucky they were to be selected out of the over thirty thousand staff of the service. She urged them to align their efforts with the plans and purposes of the leadership of the state government.

The civil service boss while presenting her lecture titled “The Leaders Road Map spoke on the ”Anambra State Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan” 2022-2025, hinging the discussion on its five pillars which includes capacity building, performance management, service delivery, anti corruption and staff welfare as the focal points for achieving efficiency in service.

Lady Igwegbe gave monitoring and evaluation as the accepted way to measure growth. She emphasized the need for reward for positive behaviour and punishment for negative conduct as the more effective ways of achieving results.

She advised the newly appointed leaders to foster a collaborative work environment by engaging with their staff, recognizing that no individual has a monopoly on knowledge. Additionally, they were tasked with ensuring their respective ministries excel in alignment with the five pillars of the Anambra State Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan, which has been endorsed and adopted by the State Executive Council.

The foremost Civil Servant equally thanked them for their arduous efforts at making the service great again.

In an interview, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Mr. Jerome Chukwuma Ilokwu promised that the permanent secretaries would work for the good of ndi Anambra in line with the efforts of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.

Mr. Ilokwu noted that the induction seminar would better prepare them for the task ahead while thanking the Head of Service for being a strong mentor and great team player.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Agbaizu Ifeoma, thanked the organizers of the event while promising to discharge her duties diligently and ensuring that the set goals of the governor were met in her ministry.

She also expressed her delight with the Head of Service and the entire team of the executive council for steering the Anambra wheel of development in the right direction.

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

GOVERNOR SOLUDO ADVISES NYSC CORP MEMBERS TO EMBRACE HOST COMMUNITIES

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

The Governor of Anambra State,Prof Chukwuma Soludo has enjoined the 2024 NYSC Batch ‘A’ (Stream II) Corp members to integrate themselves into their host communities where they would be deployed for primary assignment.

Addressing the Corp members during the closing ceremony of the 2024 orientation course held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South LGA on 7th May 2024, Governor Soludo praised them for good conduct and humility during the course.

Gov Soludo who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba encouraged the Corps Members to utilize the skills and knowledge acquired to serve their host communities with diligence and respect for the traditions of the state.

He listed some of the transformational initiatives and youth empowerment programs of his administration to include, Solution Innovation District where 20,000 youths were empowered with digital skills, Solution Sports Initiative and 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution where 5,000 youths were empowered through vocational and entrepreneurship skills as well as N2 billion grant for start up business and expansion.

Prof Soludo appreciated the team spirit, dedication and hard work of the camp officials which culminated in the huge success recorded and promised the Corps Members of their safety throughout their assignment and thereby declared the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation course closed.

In his address, Commissioner for Youth Development and Chairman NYSC Governing Board Mr. Patrick Agha Mba stated that the state government policy is geared towards developing the youth in all ramifications especially sports waxes, adding that his ministry is hunting for talented youths in sports for encouragement and support.

He further stated that the visionary and youth friendly Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo has created a conducive environment for the corp members to serve and enjoy Anambra State – The Light of the Nation, adding that they would lack nothing in the state.

He enjoined the Corps members to deploy the acquired skills during their orientation to the place of primary assignment as the lessons learnt would be of immense benefit both during their service year and beyond.

In her vote of thanks,the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Blessing Ekene Iruma,expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo and Mr. Patrick Agha Mba for their unwavering support, which has greatly contributed to the success of the NYSC program in the state.

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

UNDP PARTNERS ANAMBRA MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TO EMPOWER YOUTHS

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

The United Nations Development Program ( UNDP), is to partner the state Ministry of Youth Development to empower thousands of young people from Anambra State through the UNDP sponsored SME start-up/expansion project.

Speaking on the programme, the UNDP Team Lead, Mrs. Joycee Oburu stated that the ultimate goal of the project is to enhance the youths with Business Startup/expansion plans not just to compete in the state but in the country and globally.

According to her, the business financing programme will involve disbursement of a grant of ₦100,000 to 10,000 SMEs and will also incorporate mentorship and coaching of the SMEs for higher productivity.

She also stated that apart from undergoing training and mentorship to ensure that they maximize the grants for business growth, they will also be exposed to the international market.

Mrs.Oburu who noted that they decided to identify with the Ministry of Youth Development because 65% of the SMEs are associated with the youths, requested for the support of the ministry for the success of the project.

Responding, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba welcomed the UNDP Team and also thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for creating the right environment that is conducive for reputable agencies like UNDP to work in Anambra State through his integrity and credibility in management of resources.

He said that the target of Mr. Governor as captured in his manifesto is raising 1000 youth millionaires and creating 130 private sector jobs annually in Anambra State, stressing that the governor is very intentional in attracting investors in the state by building of massive roads infrastructure and creating enabling environment to ensure that the private sector thrives in the state.

He further stated that this is the first time in the history of the state, a youth was appointed to lead the Ministry of Youth Development, which is an indication that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is determined to change the narratives and move youth development to the next level.

The commissioner also explained that since assumption of office, the Ministry of Youth Development has set the motion for strategic partnership with relevant agencies like UNICEF, NASME, SMEDAN and ITF in order to ensure that policy formulation and implementation for youth development is properly articulated and executed.

He enumerated the key programmes of the ministry as 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution, Solution Job-KikstartInitiative and the soon to commence skill training programme for those at the primary and secondary school levels, describing the 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution as a total deviation from the usual youth empowerment programmes of the government to more impactful and sustainable programmes.

Mr Agha Mba emphasised that the 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution is purely a community base programme designed to incorporate five very important stages– Apprenticeship/Vocational Skills Training Scheme, Entrepreneurship Scheme, Cooperative Formation, Business Financing Scheme and One Year Mentorship Scheme.

He also explained that in the second phase of 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution, 10,000 youths will be empowered, which is an improvement on the 5000 youths who were empowered in the Pilot Phase with vocational and entrepreneurship skills in addition to a sum of N2 billion spent in business financing scheme for start-up/expansion.

The commissioner maintained that 75% of the businesses funded under the Pilot Phase of the programmes are already showing signs of success based on impact assessment conducted by the ministry and other programme evaluation agencies.

He also stated that 1 Youth 2 Skills had been adopted the federal government as a result of the successes recorded and that preliminary discussions had been held between the state and the federal government for possible partnership.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Martin Agbili, while appreciating the UNDP team for coming, stated that the major programme of Mr. Governor in the Ministry of Youth Development is to see how the ministry can develop the youths and enhance their potentials.

He assured UNDP that the ministry will accord them 100% support since its programmes and that of the ministry are targeted at achieving common goals for the youths of the state.

Also present during the meeting were the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Mr Emeka Tony Omatah, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development Mr. Chibuzor Udeh, UNDP State Focal Persons, Wetalu Okosi, Jennifer Odunukwe among others.

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