Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim has stated that the state security network is a work in progress, that insecurity in Anambra has been reduced to its barest minimum.
He made this known during an online discussion tagged ‘Youth Speak’, where some where pressing state issues like security, kidnapping, flooding, inadequate electricity, and vandalism of government properties were tackled. He emphasized the urgent need for collective action against insecurity.
Dr Ibezim urged individuals, community leaders, and security agencies to join forces with the state government to combat insecurity and ensure public safety.
He urged Ndi Anambra to always take ownership of whatever development that the state government has put in their domain.
On the issue of kidnapping, Dr Ibezim advised that the slogan, ‘If you see something, say something’ should be widely practiced in the state, that people should make it a habit to know their neighbours and what they do for a living.
He warned those vandalizing government properties to desist from doing so, as it was reported that pipe-borne water equipments in some areas are been vandalized, stressing that those into such practices are enemies of progress and when caught would be severely punished.
“The administration has consistently made its accomplishments transparent and listened to the people to incorporate their needs into its plans.
“We’re committed to empowering individuals, particularly youths, to grow their businesses, acquire new skills, and thrive. Our government prioritizes youth development, ensuring opportunities for all, he stated.
Dr Ibezim further stated that the Facebook live is a medium for him to engage and educate the people on government activities as part of his statutory obligations, promised that the live session comes up every Friday by 8pm – 10pm.
Okpala is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has shown her support for flood-displaced individuals in Umuoba-Anam by providing foodstuffs and cash donations.
During her visit to Unity Primary School, which currently shelters about 1,000 displaced individuals, primarily women and children, Mrs. Soludo emphasized the need for stakeholders and community involvement in aiding those affected by the disaster.
She highlighted the government’s concern for the displaced persons’ wellbeing, particularly regarding health and hygiene standards in the camp, urging camp managers to ensure proper dietary practices and maintain safety protocols.
During the visit, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, WHO’s South East Zonal Coordinator, pledged collaboration with the state government to establish a mobile clinic in the camp to address medical needs.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, confirmed ongoing medical support for those in the camp and praised the governor’s wife’s timely visit.
The Anambra East Local Government Chairman, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Chinweze acknowledged the government’s efforts in supporting the camp’s daily needs and commended Mrs. Soludo for her commitment.
Accompanied in the visit were Engr Julius Chukwuemeka, Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, alongside WHO team.
*Chukwudi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The member representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency , Hon. Justice Azuka has commissioned two functional healthcare centres in Onitsha North 1, saying that it is his way of showing commitment to the well-being of his constituents.
He explained that the first healthcare centre is located at immanuel Anglican Church, Onitsha and the second at Osuma all in Onitsha North1, fully equipped with modern facilities to provide quality healthcare services to the people of Onitsha North 1 Constituency.
Azuka, while commissioning the centers, emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare in improving the lives of citizens. He reiterated his dedication to improving the welfare of his constituents and ensuring they receive quality services.
Furthermore, the commissioning ceremony was attended by community leaders, healthcare professionals, and constituents who commended his efforts in addressing the healthcare needs of the community.
The lawmaker also Shared Tubers of Yam to his Constituents at his constituency office at Savoy road Onitsha, Anambra State, reaffirming his dedication to the welfare of his constituents, emphasizing that their well-being remains his top priority.
He said,”It’s a gesture of kindness and appreciation to his constituents at the eight wards that make up Onitsha North 1 using his six month’s salary as he promised earlier.
The Constituents thanked the lawmaker for his kindness, noting that the gesture would go a long way in alleviating the financial burden on many families.
Mr Eugene Emembo, one of his constituents commended the lawmaker. “This shows his commitment to the development of Onitsha North 1 Constituency and his resolve to ensure that his constituents have access to basic amenities”.
Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The President General of Building Materials International Market Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Chief Jude Nwankwo, weekend urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to beef up security aimed at curtailing the incessant crimes in the state.
Chief Nwankwo who made the urge stressed the need for equipping traditional rulers, Presidents General and others who know their terrains with a view to make the state livable.
“It is of prime importance to equip the Igwes, PGs, market leaders to fight crime in their respective communities as all communities know the bad eggs among them.
“Security is too costly to be maintained but our government needs to sit up, add more money to security. Soludo is an economist and he manages the state’s resources judiciously which resulted in all the infrastructural development in the state.
“Let him equip the Communities, Igwes, PGs, so that they would be held responsible if anything happens in their respective communities, this cult issues must be eliminated, they must be exposed.
“What is happening now requires non kinetic approach, it is unacceptable, the security agents need to fight crime, solar CCTVs are supposed to be installed in all the markets in the state. These are ways to follow to curtail all these crimes in the state,” he stated.
Speaking further, Nwankwo who is the ASMATA Patron, commended the governor for his efforts in making sure that businesses, markets open on Mondays, noting that he has the interest of the masses at heart saying, ” You can’t fend for yourself while staying at home”.
He said traders fear unknown gunmen who claim to be protesting against the detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kalu, saying that they cannot be attributed to Nnamdi Kalu as their actions and inactions portray them as criminals who kill and maim people.
“Traders are ready to go back to businesses on mondays but whenever it seems the business is gradually reopening, they come with threats, doing one thing or the other to show their presence.
“Gov. Charles Soludo in his protest for the release of the IPOB leader had visited President Buhari but at the end of the day, he wasn’t released.
“The lasting solution for this release of the IPOB leader is for all the Eastern Governors, House of Representatives in Igbo land to come together with sincerity, go to Aso Rock and protest for the release of Mazi Kalu, I think there is no other way.”
According to him, As soon as he is released, people would come out for their businesses, the truth is that even if we open now, you know most markets in Onitsha and environs mostly deal in wholesales and are being patronized by people from outside the state: Abuja, Kaduna, Cameruon, Togo, among others.
“With these threats and all that, the outsiders would not come on Mondays to patronize us, and when you open without anyone patronizing you, you would be discouraged to come out again unlike Awka, Enugu who deal in retails, they have their customers around them,” Nwankwo further explained.
*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners has flagged-off the Intergrated Measles vaccination campaign in the State.
The flag-off ceremony held at Okpuno Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Awka South Local Government Area (LGA) marked the commencement of Measles vaccination in the State which would kick start from November 6 to 12, 2024.
The Commissioner, SMOH, Dr Afam Obidike during his remarks at the flag-off ceremony urged Ndi Anambra and people living in the state to ensure that their eligible children of nine to 59 months were vaccinated, thus, protected from the Measles disease.
He noted that aside the opportunity which the campaign gives, immunization services were always available at health facilities across the State and were given free of charge.
Dr. Obidike urged people not to be scared of any Adverse Effects Following Immunization (AEFI) as WHO and other partners had aided in developing adverse effects management with healthcare workers trained for the purpose.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem emphasized that immunization services, ante-natal care and delivery services were free in government health facilities. She urged people to always make a report whenever they were charged for any of the aforementioned services.
She noted that vaccines were key in the fight against preventable diseases and urged mothers/caregivers to utilise the campaign opportunity and ensure that their children aged nine to 59 months were vaccinated with the Measles vaccine.
The WHO South East Zonal Coordinator, Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, congratulated the government and people of the state for their commitment toward the flag-off ceremony and commencement of the vaccination exercise in the state.
“The flag-off exercise is the beginning of a week long activity in searching for eligible children to vaccinate them with not just Measles vaccine, but also other Routine Immunization (RI) vaccines.
He, on behalf of WHO and other supporting Partners, expressed gratitude to the Anambra Health Commissioner, Executive Secretary and ASPHCDA team for the extra ordinary efforts in enabling the flag-off to hold which made way for the commencement of vaccination exercise in the State.
“The Measles campaign is the promotion of primary healthcare which is the foundation of a strong health system and the most viable partway for health security and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It is a pathway to achieve the sustainable development goals.
“Our witness here today, is a tripartite partnership between the community, the Government, and the development Partners.
“We commit that WHO and her sister Partners: UNICEF, NPHCDA, AFENET, and CHAI would continue to support the Government of Anambra State in immunization, primary healthcare, and other health systems strengthening to attain the highest level of health in the State,” Dr Igboekwu said.
The NPHCDA Anambra State Coordinator, Mr Obioha Agbakwuru represented by NPHCDA ZTO, Mr Mcdonald Ugwu noted that the event which marks a significant milestone in collective efforts toward protection of children/communities, is commitment toward improving health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations.
He commended the ASPHCDA, SMOH and supporting partners for their tireless efforts in making the campaign a reality whilst urging parents/caregivers to ensure their children/wards were vaccinated as together Anambra State and Nigeria at large can be made measles-free.
The event featured health talks and sensitization from the State Health Educator (SHE)- Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina, State Immunization Officer (SIO)- Mrs Edith Onwuka and the Breastfeeding Coordinator- Mrs Ngozi Onoh.
In attendance at the event includes: the Director, Disease Control and Immunization, ASPHCDA, Dr Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi, WHO Anambra State Coordinator, Dr Bonos Mohammed, ASPHCDA team, Representatives of NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, CHAI, and AFENET.
Also, the Traditional Ruler of Okpuno Community, Igwe Engr Sunday I Okafor, and Mayor Awka South LGA, Prince Chinedu Okafor represented by Supervisory Councillor for Health, Awka South LGA, Mr Frank Ajezu.
*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha on November 1st, 2024 marked 100 years of existence with cultural displays.
The Rector, Rev. Fr. Paschal Onunkwo, emphasized the importance of cultural heritage during the centenary celebration. According to him, “Culture can never go into extinction. As an institution training future priests, we recognize that culture is an integral part of life.
“Effective evangelization requires speaking the language of the people. At All Hallows Seminary, we recognize the power of culture in shaping our message. By integrating cultural understanding into our formation, we ensure that the Gospel takes root. This approach enables our future priests to connect with their communities on a deeper level.”
The Rector who noted that he came to the institution in 2021, recounted his achievements which included; human formation, structural developments, renovations of buildings, reconstruction of dilapidated school road, which he said was done about 45 years ago.
“Mounting of new school gate to replace the old one which was 72 years old, renovation of father’s house by the old boys, excellent in academic pursuit, wonderful WAEC results, other external exams, music and other milestone achievements.
“Reaching 100 years of existence is a testament to God’s favor and grace. We are blessed to witness this milestone in our lifetime. As we celebrate this achievement, we honor our esteemed alumni – priests and laymen alike – whose remarkable contributions to society inspire us.
“Their accomplishments fill us with gratitude, motivating us to continue nurturing individuals of substance who will positively impact the world. This centenary marks two significant milestones: the school’s coming of age and a century of steadfast commitment.
“We acknowledge the tireless efforts of past and present individuals who have made All Hallows Seminary a beacon of excellence. May this celebration foster gratitude to God and appreciation for the dedicated community that has shaped our institution.
“During our centenary celebration, we honored individuals and groups whose tireless efforts have defined our institution’s 100-year journey.
“The Catholic Women Organization, CWO who contribute food to feed the seminarians and subsidized the school fees and make the seminary affordable for the rich and the poor,” he maintained.
The event featured the Labour Party Presidential candidate at the just concluded presidential election, Mr Peter Obi.
Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
No fewer than 200 indigenes from Nnewi North LGA, have been enrolled into the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) through its adoption model, funded by Mr. Oliver Okonkwo.
The enrollment event was held at Umuzu village hall in Nnewi, where ASHIA representatives organized a sensitization session to educate beneficiaries about the program’s benefits and processes. Mrs. Antonia Okoli, speaking on behalf of ASHIA, explained that the health insurance scheme would provide beneficiaries with access to healthcare services across multiple hospitals without financial strain.
She stressed that the agency’s network of accredited hospitals would allow enrollees to choose the medical facilities best suited to their needs, ensuring that quality healthcare is both accessible and affordable.
Mr. Okonkwo, in his address to the community, expressed gratitude to the ASHIA team for facilitating the enrollment process and educating the beneficiaries. He emphasized that health insurance is a critical need, especially given the high costs of healthcare that can be financially burdensome for individuals and families.
He urged the community members to prioritize their health by seeking professional medical attention instead of self-medication or consulting unqualified practitioners, practices that are often prevalent due to lack of access to proper healthcare.
The beneficiaries, including Mrs. Gloria Muojekwu and Mr. Okey Obeleagu, were visibly appreciative of the gesture, acknowledging that the health insurance would enable them to receive quality healthcare at minimal cost.
*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Mr Julius Chukwuemeka has emphasised the importance of communication in executing any governmental projects. Mr Chukwuemeka made this known when the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Crew paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Awka .
He expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with ABS station, as part of Governor Soludo’s team, to keep Anambra residents informed about the governor’s accomplishments and future plans for their well-being.
The commissioner emphasized that Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) needs to enhance its outreach efforts to inform the public about Governor Soludo’s accomplishments. “Without effective communication, even the most impactful projects can be claimed by others as their own.”
Highlighting the governor’s achievements, Mr Chukwuemeka noted that the Ministry of Power and Water Resources has initiated the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the state, stressing that the cost of operating the street lights using diesel, is much more than enough to construct few kilometers of roads. This helps in cutting cost of governance.
The commissioner emphasized that to achieve Governor Soludo’s vision of transforming Anambra into a livable and prosperous megacity, the ministry is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating global warming’s effects through the installation of solar power systems in all water projects across the state, making renewable energy the primary power source.
According to him, the ministry follows the ISE principle for executing government developmental projects. ISE stands for Impact, Sustainability, and Eco-friendliness, ensuring that projects benefit the people, promote sustainability, and minimize environmental harm.
He expressed his satisfaction that Anambra State is now leading in solar street lights as individuals, markets and other states are emulating the state.
On his part, the Managing Director of A.B.S, Mr Chris Molokwu thanked the Solution Governor for his numerous achievements in ABS especially the water supply project through the ministry. He commended the commissioner and permanent secretary for their efforts in transforming the ministry through solar energy.
He expressed the station’s readiness to partner with the ministry to keep residents informed about the state government’s accomplishments through their platforms.
Mr. Molokwu seized the opportunity to outline the organization’s needs, which include installing solar systems at the MD’s office and other ABS offices as well as upgrading and rehabilitating the power system at their Enugwu Ukwu transmission station and a generator set for backup power supply.
Those present at the visit included the Permanent Secretary, Sir Victor Ezekwo, the Director of News, Mrs Judy Jeff Nwabueze, Director of Commercial Services, Mrs Uju Ifediba, the News Editors, Mr Abuchi Nwozo and Mrs Ngozi Obileri.
Offor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The inspection team of Anambra State 1 Youth 2 Skills program has visited training centers in Nnewi South LGA for the routine inspection .
The team comprising of the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba and other management staff visited various centers to assess the level of progress achieved in the ongoing state government youth program.
The team inspected training centers at Amaechi, Azigbo, Osumenyi, Utuh, Ukpor, Ekwulumiri as well as others.
Mr. Agha Mba addressed the trainees at various centers explaining that the monitoring exercise was to ensure that the centers are complying with the rules and regulations of the program, also to ascertain the level of progress.
He stated that 1 Youth 2 Skills is a developmental program that is community friendly which the state government wants to achieve through apprenticeship model.
The commissioner advised the Master Trainers and trainees to be committed at their different locations to guarantee the the success of the program.
He also stated that the state government is committed and passionate to achieve the youth empowerment program so as to enable the unemployed youths meaningfully.
He commended the trainers for being among the team that drives the program and charged the trainees to keep their interest afloat as they are trained.
One of the trainees, Uchenna Nduka thanked Mr. Governor for the opportunity given to him and promised to support him in his second tenure.
Some of the trainees who spoke during the inspection visit expressed hearth felt gratitude to the state government and commended the Ministry of Youth for the priviledge given to them to acquire skills through the” one Youth two skills program” also promised not to disappoint the Anambra State Government.
Aniagbado is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Anambra State Government has commenced the dualization of Nwagu Agulu-Nnobi-Nnewi -Ozubulu-Okija Road with a 370-meter Spur, three (3) Span Bridge Across Ulasi River.
Performing the handing over ceremony at Nwagu Agulu, Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma who was represented by the Director of Highways, Engr. Noel Okoye said that the Lot One of the project which is the 18.6km Nwagu Agulu-Nnobi-Nnewi Road is with a completion period of 12 months.
He charged the contractor Lebtech Construction Company to adhere strictly to the completion period and work according to specifications.
At Nkwo Triangle Nnewi, the commissioner said that the Lot 2, which is the 16.51km dualization of Nnewi-Ozubulu-Okija Road with a bridge across Ulasi River was awarded to Ferotex Const. Ltd at a completion period of 15-months.
He noted that Governor Soludo is a gift to Ndi Anambra by awarding legacy projects that would last beyond the current administration.
The commissioner reminded the contractor that the government has an agenda with a timeline and so, they must have utmost consciousness of time.
In their separate remarks, the Managing Director of Lebtech Construction Ltd, Engr. Rony Melec and the Project Engineer of Ferotex Construction, Engr. Segun Ola praised the governor for awarding the contract to their companies and promised to deliver on time.
Okoli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
