News

ANAMBRA GOVT TRAINS FARMERS, STAKEHOLDERS ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE STORAGE, PRESERVATION—–EMBARKS ON INSPECTION TOUR

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

No Fewer than 150 Farmers and stakeholders have been trained by the state government on how to preserve their agricultural produce using safe methods, just as it embarked on an inspection tour of some agro allied establishments.

The two day training held at the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Hall, Ministry of Agriculture,was organised by the Produce Department.

Declaring the training tagged”Proper Handling, Storage, Preservation and Grading of Agricultural Produce” open, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, described it as apt especially now that government has prioritised food security.

“This is a very important capacity building session, helping the farmers to make their livelihood resilient because when your produce can be preserved, then your livelihood is also preserved.”

He enjoined the participants to put their new knowledge to good use and also step down the training to other farmers in their respective communities.

“We want to make sure produce are good enough for consumption and help those who are involved in value chain activities. So, I enjoin us to open up and soak every bit of information.”

In a remark, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, called on the participants to disseminate information about the Neem leaves potentials and adopt the technique of turning it into produce preservatives.

She noted that it was important for all stakeholders to collaborate through trainings and sensitisation campaigns to address issues.

Conducting practical sessions, a Resource Person, Dr Obigwe Chukwuma, demonstrated the use of organic matter, Neem leaves, oil and cake among others as natural preservatives, fertilizers and pesticides.

“Information on the utilisation of plant extracts such as those of neem oil, neem cake, neem seed kernel and neem leaf should be made available for the farmers and other grain keepers for safe and economic preservation.”

Dr Chukwuma, the Chief Executive Officer, Royal Neem Ltd, explained that preserving produce in a natural way results in healthier humans and reduces the need for chemical interventions.

He, then, affirmed that the organic method of preservation was a much more sustainable process.

Speaking during an inspection tour of some establishments, the Acting Director of Produce Department, Mrs Uzoamaka Emeagwali, said that the event was staged to sensitive farmers on safe methods of preserving agricultural produce.

She lamented that poor storage methods, adulteration and unhygienic ways produce were being handled by processors and marketers in the state necessitated the training programme.

Mrs Emeagwali, noted that prevalent unwholesome practices was raising concerns among stakeholders about the attendant health risks, expressing commitment to sustain the exercise.

She affirmed that government was playing its role to sensitize the people as well as stakeholders on the best practices to handle and process agricultural produce.

Establishments inspected by the team include, Belga Nig Ltd, Palm Fruit and Kernel Processing, Abagana,Tony silver Industry Ltd, Palm Kernel Crushing Mill, Umuokpu and Wisdom Pack Rice, Agu Awka.

On arrival at Tonysilver Ltd, the Managing Director, Engr Sylvester Ofodile, who was on ground to receive the team explained the stages of production in processing palm kernel.

Mr Louis Ime Kalu, a Resource Person and Director of Produce, Abia State Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry, demonstrated how to determine the quality and free fatty acid of the palm kernels.

According to him, the higher the free fatty acid, the higher the cholesterol in the oil. So, that is what we are trying to ascertain.

*Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA GOVT PARTNERS FIRM ON LIVESTOCK DIGITISATION, CONSTITUTES STEERING COMMITTEE

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

The Anambra State Government and Dilimson Holdings Limited are to use new technologies to explore and expand opportunities existing in livestock agricultural sector for effective collaboration.

To drive implementation of the initiative,18 Man Steering committee for “Anambra State Livestock Information Management System” has been inaugurated.

It was gathered that the partnership will encompass crucial aspects such as development of robust database on animals/livestock and standardisation of global best practices.

While on the collaborative meeting held in Awka, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, expressed optimism that the project would enhance fulfillment of the Ministry’s livestock development mandate.

“I acknowledge Dilimson for the initiative to partner us in the fulfillment of our mandate to the people of the state in the quest for food security and livestock protein.

“So for us to be able to measure livestock in Anambra State, we need to know what they are, where they are and what they are doing.”

Inaugurating the 18 Man Steering committee members under his watch as Overseer, Dr Ihejiofor, urged them to work with high sense of commitment as a team toward delivering the value to Ndi Anambra.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, who shared background information about the collaboration, explained that presentations would be done to enable the committee members to know the roles expected of them.

Responding, the Chief Executive Officer of Dilimson Holdings, Mr George Umobi, said the Firm supported financially for the project by an international organization, Romania Aid, has recorded over 20 years of practice in animal identification and management.

While emphasizing the need for facilitating technology driven innovation and development within the livestock sector, he said they are geared to work together with the state government on tagging of animals for traceability and identification.

“We are set to begin digitisation of livestock because there are so many things that will go into that data.

“Tagging these animals are very important because it helps in farm management, development of the animals and the Veterinary Services Department management of animal health,” Umobi added

The two parties had signed a memorandum of understanding in May, 2024 which outlined a collaborative frame work for the project.

Highpoint of the meeting was inauguration of members of the steering committee by Mr Commissioner as follows: Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, Special Project Implementation Unit, Dr Chu Basil Ejidike,1st Chairman, Mr James Obienyem, Co Chairman, Mr George Umobi, 2nd Co- Chairman, Dr Viadu Ovidiu, 3rd Co-Chairman, Dr Edet Umoh will serve as the Secretary.

Others include, Amarachi Ifeduba, Assistant Secretary, Mrs Ebere Ojimadu, Financial Secretary, Mrs Rebecca Echebi, Assist Financial Secretary, Mrs Chiamaka Agbili and Mr Alex Izuakor, Community Engagement Experts, Mr Chudi Udechukwu and Mr Ifeanyi Nwaegbo, Assist Community Engagement Experts.

While Mr Chibumkasim Umobi and Mr Chukwuka Ugokwe will serve as Communication Officer and Assistant Communication Officer respectively.

*Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

FEGGE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL WILL BE COMMISSIONED SOON—SAYS ANAMBRA HEALTH COMMISSIONER

By Chukwudi Nwauba :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike has said that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo would soon commission the Fegge Specialist Hospital built by his administration.

Dr. Obidike explained that the hospital was awarded to Crystal Dove Construction Company on May 20, 2024 and is 90 per cent completion but let the picture of this hospital tell the remaining story.

“It may interest you to know that this highly dense populated Onitsha South Local Government do not have a single General hospital and it is among the 5 Local Government Gov. Soludo’s administration is constructing new hospitals.’’

The Commissioner said this during his unscheduled visit at the Fegge Specialist construction site.

According to him, the government of Gov. Soludo do not joke in its mandate of ensuring that the public access care and enjoy affordable healthcare service delivery.

“I must commend the contractor for their exceptional project management skills, trying to deliver our project ahead of schedule and exceeding our expectations.

“Before the governor completes second term in office, Anambra will be the medical tourism state. As a state, our goal is to achieve a universal health coverage for all and which means that anywhere you find yourself, there must be functional healthcare facility that is accessible and affordable to the people.”

He noted that all the necessary equipment have been approved by Mr. Governor, recruitment of healthcare workers has also been secured.

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

MEFOR MULLS CREATION OF MORE DEPARTMENTS IN ANAMBRA INFORMATION MINISTRY, RETRAINING OF STAFF ON NEW COMMUNICATION SKILLS

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has expressed readiness to look into the possibility of creating more departments in the Anambra State Ministry of Information for optimal performance.

Speaking when he received the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ministry of Information Chapel, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Awka, Dr. Mefor noted that adding one or two departments, training staff, equipping the Situation Room, and provision of a bus or two, among others, will help to further promote the good works of the government.

“I’m particular about training. Even those who have degrees in Mass Communication or Journalism need to be retrained because things are radically changing. The new media has altered everything. If you don’t upgrade to meet up, sticking to the old method will make the world leave you behind. The world is at the top now, no longer a global village as thought by Marshall McLuhan. Even in government, some agencies have gone so far. There’s a need for on-the-job training so that we can drive our mandate and statutory responsibilities. We really need to change our old ways. There is now a compelling need for a paradigm shift,” he said.

The Commissioner further thanked the union leaders for accepting him as their member and urged the workers to add ginger to what they do, while assuring that he would try to mobilise and motivate them as much as possible and provide the needed leadership.

Earlier, the Ministry of Information Chapel Chairman of NUJ, Dr Stanley Ikem Onunkwo, lauded the Commissioner for his hard work and explained that the visit was to officially welcome and brief him on the Ministry’s activities.

He requested the Commissioner’s intervention in creating more departments, equipping the Situation Room, training workers, and providing a bus for the Ministry.

Present at the visit were the Acting Director of Information, Emma Ikegwuani, and his deputy, Mrs. Chinyere Ogbuagu; Secretary of the Union, Obinna Obiadi; and Mr. Peter Onyejekwu.

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

INTERGRATED MEASLES CAMPAIGN: ASPHCDA, PARTNERS MEET HEALTH EDUCATION TEACHERS

By Nnedinma Okeke :

Following activities geared toward achieving success in the forthcoming Intergrated Measles campaign, the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners, has held a one-day engagement meeting with Health Education Teachers.

The engagement meeting aimed at ensuring the State achieves its 95 percent coverage with no eligible child of nine to 59 months left unimmunized in the upcoming October 12 to 18 Measles campaign holds in Awka, Anambra capital city.

It had Health Education Teachers in attendance from schools across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State together with ASPHCDA team and Partners: NPHCDA, UNICEF, WHO, CHAI and AFENET.

Pharm Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, represented by Director Disease Control and Immunization, ASPHCDA, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi urged the Health Education Teachers to work for the inclusion of immunization in their curriculum.

She noted that the meeting would impact on the Teachers with adequate knowledge to be able to respond to questions and be Ambassadors to impact knowledge to others in their respective schools on the importance of immunization.

NPHCDA Representative, Mrs Josephine Erugo noted that the event was an opportunity to educate the teachers on Measles vaccination coming up in the state which was for the protection of the Nigerian Child.

The UNICEF SBC Consultant, Dr Uju Eze noted that UNICEF works toward the betterment of women and children and the forthcoming Intergrated Measles Campaign exercise was geared toward the betterment of children.

She urged the Health Education Teachers as Stakeholders to participate actively as they would aid in serving as Health Focal Persons in their respective LGAs which was for the good of women and children.

The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) Consultant, Dr Joseph Agboeze noted that their organisation strongly supports immunization in Nigeria in the areas of human resources with technical expertise as their field officers would be part of the campaign.

The Chilton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Technical Assistant, Mr Obinna Ezem, emphasizing that CHAI supports vaccination in Anambra State urged the Health Education Teachers to help cascade knowledge gained from the meeting in their communities for the program to be effective with desired results achieved.

The UNICEF ASUBEB Desk Officer, Mrs Cecilia Ofuonye urged for corporation of the teachers in the upcoming vaccination exercise as the meeting would aid sensitize them on informations about the campaign.

The Health Education Teachers while asking questions on areas of clarification, pledged their support toward ensuring success in the forthcoming Intergrated Measles vaccination campaign in the State.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SOLUDO’S POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES TARGETED AT CREATING EMPLOYERS OF LABOUR—MEFOR

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), in conjunction with Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, held the HRM Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe Lecture Series.

The lecture, ‘Achieving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: The Public Relations Approach,’ held at the ETF Auditorium, COOU, Igbariam, attracted dignitaries from within and outside the state.

Speaking at the occasion, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, welcomed the NIPR visitors to Anambra and encouraged them to see the sights and see for themselves that Anambra is being transformed by the Solution Government of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

“Virtually all parts of Anambra are now construction sites. Up to 500 km of roads are awarded, with about 300 km of the roads completed and in use.

“Onitsha is being modernised. Awka is beginning to wear a true look befitting of a state capital with an array of road networks and a brand new government house, governor’s lodge, fun city, and entertainment centre, among others.“

Reacting also to the keynote lecture delivered by Prof. Pat Utomi, the commissioner said that Soludo was intentionally creating employers of labour through the One Youth, Two Skills Programme and free education up to senior secondary.

“Governor Soludo believes that the bridge to a happy and prosperous future is education, and that’s why he is also investing so much in education. Anambra just carted away the presidential prize for Nigeria’s best teacher and principal. That’s evidence of commitment to education, and the fruits it is yielding are now in plain sight,” Mefor said.

Dr. Mefor also told the audience that “Soludo’s government believes that the future of Anambra will be anchored in innovation and tech, and the digital community to drive this future is also being produced through digital infrastructure and the training of thousands of ICT professionals, thus creating a digital ecosystem for Anambra State. Yes, indeed, the solution is here.,” Mefor declared

EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS HOLD ENGAGEMENT MEETING FOR UPCOMING MEASLES CAMPAIGN

By Nnedinma Okeke

The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners hold one-day Education Stakeholders engagement meeting for upcoming Integrated Measles Vaccination Campaign in Anambra State.

The meeting had in attendance Education Secretaries/Officers-In-Charge from the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State, Partners: NPHCDA, UNICEF, CHAI, and AFENET together with ASPHCDA team.

The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem represented by the Director Disease Control and Immunization, ASPHCDA, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi noted that the Education Stakeholders play a crucial role in ensuring success of the campaign in the State.

She urged the Stakeholders to be Ambassadors and help spread the gospel of the vaccination campaign aimed at protecting children as the meeting would aid in equipping them on the necessary information they may need.

The NPHCDA Anambra State Coordinator, Mr Obioha Agbakwuru expressed gratitude to Education Stakeholders and the Media for support given to previous Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) conducted in the past.

He noted that they occupy strategic positions in providing mobilisation and ensuring that target population of SIAs were achieved.

“Presently we are about conducting the Intergrated Measles campaign and we solicit for your continuous support in ensuring that Anambra achieves its 95 percent coverage target for the exercise whilst ensuring that no eligible child of nine to 59 months is missed.

“Most of the target population to be vaccinated for the Measles campaign would be reached in schools, which is why the Media and Education Secretaries/Officers-In-Charge play a crucial role in this exercise.”

He, then, on behalf of NPHCDA solicited for the Stakeholders continued support in ensuring that all eligible children in respective schools in the 21 LGAs of the State are vaccinated during the Intergrated Measles campaign.

The UNICEF SBC Consultant, Dr Uju Eze emphasized the importance and role of the Stakeholders, as most of the target groups for the vaccination are in schools. She gave an overview of the 2024 Intergrated SIAs, noting that the meeting would create an avenue for discussions on success of the campaign.

Mrs Chinenye Udeani, CHAI Technical Assistant explained that the Measles campaign was Intergrated as it could be leveraging on the activity to create awareness/sensitize girls and parents/caregivers on the benefits of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine.

The Anambra State Health Educator (SHE), Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina anchoring the meeting, urged all hands to be on deck in ensuring that no eligible child for the vaccination is left unimmunized in Anambra State.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

PRIMARY HEALTHCARE BOSS URGES MEDIA STAKEHOLDERS ON EFFECTIVE REPORTAGE

By Nnedinma Okeke :

The Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ESPHCDA), Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, has urged media Stakeholders in the health sector on effective reportage with facts devoid of disinformation.

She noted that the print and electronic mass media tools in all forms such as: radio, television, newspapers and social media has the power to shape a section, influence behaviour and drive action in the fight against preventable diseases.

Dr Ani-Osheku said this during a one-day zonal media orientation for states within the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Enugu Field Office implementing the forthcoming Intergrated Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs).

The event held with support from UNICEF and implemented by National Orientation Agency (NOA) had in attendance media Stakeholders, State Health Educators (SHEs) and State Immunization Officers (SIOs) from Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Enugu and Kogi States respectively.

The Executive Secretary explained that during Immunization campaigns, the media is a powerful tool as it could be used to dispense fear, rumours backed with scientific facts, and encourage people to seek decisions capable of saving lives.

“Globally about 2.5 million children die annually from vaccine preventable diseases and this is not just tragedy for the families, it is a failure of our collective system to communicate effectively to those that needs these information the most.

“This is why the media is real, and in this age of information, every platform which can be accessed is a battle field for truth,” Dr Ani-Osheku said.

She, further, emphasized that immunization was the smartest way to go, as it was the most cost effective means to prevent children dying from vaccine preventable diseases.

“The media is an important tool to promote positive behavioural change toward Immunization uptake in the society.

“As we stand on the precipes of the Measles Immunization, we must all recognise the urgency of the task ahead, as in a couple of days most states will embark on the vaccination exercise.

“The campaign is not just geared toward ensuring 95 percent coverage, it is geared toward ensuring that no eligible child of nine to 59 months must be left unimmunized.

“We must actively engage, inform, and inspire as the media is not just a tool of information dissemination, but it is a means by which lives could be saved,” the Executive Secretary said.

She, then, employed the media stakeholders being champion of truth, warriors against misinformation, and advocate for children’s health working together, they can create a world where no child dies from a preventable disease.

Dr Ani-Osheku also expressed gratitude to State Governments of the Intergrated Measles campaign implementing States for their support to health programmes, and being health champions in safeguarding the lives of children.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

UNICEF, NOA ORGANISE ZONAL MEDIA ORIENTATION AHEAD OF INTERGRATED MEASLES CAMPAIGN

By Nnedinma Okeke :

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), National Orientation Agency (NOA) have held a one-day zonal media orientation for states within the UNICEF Enugu Field Office implementing the forthcoming Intergrated Measles Campaign.

These States include: Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Enugu and Kogi States respectively.

The event, held at Dannic Hotel, Enugu was used to sensitize Media organisations from the aforementioned States on their key roles and importance in the forthcoming Measles vaccination Campaign in their respective states.

Its objectives were to strengthen partnership toward success of the campaign, define collectively dissemination targets, unite on key messages to disseminate, and articulate on how to respond to rumors and disinformation.

The UNICEF Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) Specialist, Dr Hilary Ozoh facilitated discussions on each State’s level of preparedness of the forthcoming Measles vaccination campaign, visualising each State’s target population and quantity of vaccines received.

Anambra State with a number of 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs), and 330 wards, received 1,227,133 doses of Measles vaccine, targeting a population of 1,168,679 eligible children for the vaccination campaign.

Benue State with a number of 23 LGAs, and 227 wards, received 1,282,340 doses of vaccine with a target population of 1,221,107 eligible children for the Measles campaign.

Cross River State with a number of 18 LGAs and 196 wards, received 801,000 doses of Measles vaccine with a target population of 762,102 eligible children for the vaccination.

Enugu State with a number of 17 LGAs and 291 wards, received 853,000 doses of the Measles vaccine with a target population of 942,707 eligible children.

Kogi State with a number of 21 LGAs, and 239 wards received 801,800 doses of Measles vaccine with a target population of 948,839 eligible children.

The State Health Educators (SHEs) from the respective States who were also present at the meeting shared their activities carried out to ensure no eligible child of nine to 59 months was missed during the vaccination exercise in their states.

The Anambra SHE, Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina noted that Anambra has held her one-day Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) planning meeting and its State Level Training of Trainers (STOT) for the exercise.

She gave an insight on security compromised LGAs of the State such as: Ihiala, Nnewi South, Orumba South and Ogbaru LGAs, noting some modalities to be put in place to ensure that no eligible child was missed from the areas.

Mrs Onwuegbuzina noted that the State is working to ensure that they achieve the 95 per cent coverage target in the forthcoming Measles vaccination campaign to hold across all LGAs of the State in October 2024.

Also present at the meeting were the State Immunization Officers (SIOs) from the implementing states within the UNICEF Enugu Field Office and other supporting partners: WHO, and AFNET.

Other sessions held during the meeting include: overview of the Intergrated Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs), role of the media, key messages/actions by the media, and media action plan/commitments for the upcoming immunization activities.

*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

INFORMATION MINISTRY TO SUPPORT ANAMBRA CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Ministry of Information has expressed readiness to support the Anambra Christmas Village 2024, scheduled to hold between December 12, 2024 and January 12, 2025 at Anambra Stadium, Awka.

The event with theme, ‘People, Solution and the Magic of Christmas ‘ is being organized by Anambra State Government in collaboration with Descendants Fortune Investment Limited.

Receiving the Anambra Christmas Village Marketing Team at his office in Awka, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor lauded the group for initiating the event which he described as very important, given the fact that it will provide opportunities for Ndị Anambra, particularly children who will come home for Christmas to learn about their culture.

Dr Mefor urged the group to work towards including tangible/material and non-material culture like language in the assemblage of cultural things as a way of promoting Igbo Language which is feared to be endangered.

“If you are able to assemble cultural things, especially tangible/material culture, try to include the non-material culture like language, among others. It will help to make it holistic because most of the children are not born here and Igbo Language is their second language. It’s not easy for them,” he advised.

While assuring that he would liase with the Culture Commissioner to know how the ministry can come, he equally asked the team to present a proposal on areas of collaboration for him to discuss the management.

In their separate speeches, the leader of the group, Mr Prince Okafor and the leader of the Marketing Team, Thelma Benson said the essence of the visit was to inform him of the event and ask for assistance in the area of publicity.

According to them, the event will feature entertainment, culture and tradition to enable the present generation understand traditional and cultural values.