News

ANAMBRA LAWMAKER HAILS SOLUDO’S LG ELECTION SUCCESS, URGES COUNCIL CHAIRMEN TO COLLABORATE FOR DEVELOPMENT

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

A member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Aguata 11 Constituency, Mr Tony Muobike, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the peaceful conduct of the council poll even as he charged the 21 newly inaugurated council chairmen to queue with the governor to achieve the set objectives.

Muobike who gave the charge after the inauguration of the new council chairmen at Government House, Awka, thanked God for the successful election which APGA won landslide.

“The governor inaugurated the 21 local government Mayors, I’m happy that the governor has done much for Ndi Anambra and Ndi Anambra only spoke during the election, to appreciate what the governor is doing, that was what they did.

“It is good to know that some of them have been in office as the transition committee chairmen, they have been assisting the governor to do very good jobs in the local governments, let their eyes be on the ball.

“Their priority areas should be on human resources, to keep doing much because to whom much is given, much is expected, on socio economic development, thinking of working on people, working with the governor, improve more on education, the primary and secondary system because when you build people, you are actually praising humanity,” he stated.

He called on Ndi Anambra to keep on supporting the governor in all he has been doing, stating that everybody knows he has been doing much, that the economic and infrastructural strides in the state have changed since Governor Soludo emerged.

“Governor Soludo promised to change Anambra State into a construction site but that’s what he has done, you can see roads, bridges, construction going on around the state, in the area of social infrastructure, he has improved a lot.

“Just last week, he announced free education for all public schools system from nursery to SS3, free antenatal services in the hospitals, employment of 8150 teachers and 8000 medical workers, the least is endless.

“I implore all the people in the state to keep supporting the governor because I know with the administration of Governor Soludo, Anambra State will achieve the greatest height ever.

“I urge the newly elected local government chairmen to collaborate with Governor Soludo, ensuring they don’t take the trust of Anambra citizens for granted. It’s crucial to deliver democracy’s dividends to those who voted for us.

“To achieve this, maintain a strong work ethic, avoiding complacency. As mayors, your role involves working closely with the state government, headed by Governor Soludo, to realize the development targets set for Anambra State'” he maintained.

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

INFORMATION COMMISSIONER ASSURES COLLABORATION WITH SOCIAL REFORMATION AGENCY FOR DRUG ABUSE, ANTI-CULTISM, AND MORAL REARMAMENT CAMPAIGNS

By Rose Oranye :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has pledged his support to the newly established Anambra Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISOR) in tackling drug abuse, anti-cultism, and moral rearmament campaigns, emphasizing the need for behavior modification to create a better Anambra.

During a courtesy visit from ANCISOR’s Managing Director, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, Dr. Mefor expressed concern over the rising moral decadence among youths, citing drug abuse, anti-cultism, and Yahoo Plus as major crises.

He stressed Anambra’s influential role in Igboland, saying, “If Igboland were a train of coaches, Anambra is the head coach dragging others”.

The Information Commissioner assured ANCISOR that, together, they will make the agency a household name within months.

Earlier, Sir Nnabuife explained that ANCISOR’s mission is to promote Anambra State’s core agenda, emphasizing the importance of a clean Anambra, obedience to the law, and support for education, health, and community development.

*Rose is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SOLUDO’S PROMISE FULFILLED: ANAMBRA LG ELECTIONS MADE HISTORY, SAYS MEFOR

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

The Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor said that Governor Soludo has made history by successfully conducting local government elections in Anambra State.

Speaking to newsmen after the inauguration of 21 local government chairmen and their deputies at Government House, Awka, Mefor stated, “History is made today, indeed history broken. This is a big promise kept, as Governor Soludo had vowed to conduct local government elections upon taking office.

“I call it integrity, integrity is the foundation of any purposeful leadership, without integrity, there is nothing you can build on it and as the lawyers will say, don’t build something on nothing and expect it to stand.

“Governor Soludo is a man of his words and he just demonstrated it today and I look forward to a very functional local government system and they will now begin to address some basics that have to do with dividends of democracy at that level and the governor will concentrate on macro development of the state for the grassroot.

“The Nigerian Constitution provides for a 3rd tier of government, and for eleven years, Anambra State have not had an elective local government council.

“Former Governors Peter Obi and Willie Obiano followed a similar pattern in Anambra State, organizing local government elections only when they were about to leave office. Notably, they didn’t maintain an elected local government system throughout their administrations until exit time.

“Governor Chukwuma Soludo delivered on his promise to hold local government elections in Anambra State, which took place on Saturday with resounding success. The people of Anambra spoke loudly through their votes, and the results were a sweeping victory for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in all 21 local governments.

“The entire ward councillors are at the same rate, I am very happy, the history is delivered in that moment, I am happy to be part of that history”, he said.

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

SOLUDO’S PPCP INITIATIVE SET TO BOOST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, SAYS NNAKE

By Maureen Agbala :

Anambra State is focused on creating a prosperous homeland where every Anambarian can return with pride, reinvest their resources, and continue building legacy for future generations while staying connected to their roots.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, stated this at an event held at the ASATU Hall, Government House, Awka, in collaboration with Presidents-General and community leaders on the Public-Private Community Partnership (PPCP) initiative of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration set to accelerate community development.

Mrs. Nnake explained that the PPCP, also known as the ‘Solu Dozie’ Anambra Initiative, serves as a major platform created by the state government to unite Ndi Anambra across the globe allowing them to witness the development of social infrastructure, recognize their contributions, and participate in the growth of their communities.

She emphasized that while the state government is doing a great job with limited resources, they cannot achieve everything alone. This is why the PPCP initiative requires the partnership of Presidents-General and community leaders to spearhead it.

“We are here to educate them, present the project, and get their input to further develop this initiative. The PGs will lead the community implementation teams, and we believe that their input at this early stage is crucial in addressing concerns we may not have considered at the grassroots level.

“This meeting also is to inform them that we are doing this together. The government cannot do everything. We need everyone on board to ensure the initiative comes to life.

“When we focus on healthcare, we ask how we can mobilize our people wherever they are in the world, to ensure that their healthcare facilities are functional and serving their intended purpose. The state government is committed to ensuring that every community-led project is completed and functional, she explained.

Mrs. Nnake clarified that the PPCP is not a continuation of the Community Choose Your Project Initiative, which was funded solely by the government. “This is a new initiative aimed at mobilizing Ndi Anambra across the globe.

“Many want to know what’s happening in their communities but don’t have the information or know how to help out. For example, we aim to raise awareness about the condition of healthcare facilities in their communities and how they can help make them more functional. Some people may not be able to build a school but can contribute to upgrading an existing one—that’s what this initiative is all about.

“This PPCP allows more people to do something meaningful. It encourages participation in various community projects toward creating a better society and a more developed Anambra State. This initiative has no set time frame due to its nature and will continue indefinitely. For now, we are focusing on healthcare and social infrastructure because of the immediate impact they can have,” she declared.

Mrs Nnake informed that the programme will be rolled out before the year end.

National President of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU),Titus Nnabuike Akpaudo (Esq), described the new initiative as commendable. He explained that the communities are expected to use their own resources for development, but this will be under the government’s strict 100% supervision to ensure that any project embarked upon by a community is seen through to completion.

“I commend Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s visionary leadership and applaud Mrs. Nnake, who is truly dedicated to her duties and always ready to serve the state’s growth and development. The PGs and town unions are pleased with this initiative, and we are fully committed to ensuring its success. I assure the state governor that he can count on us to make the plan work as intended,” he said.

In his remarks, Zonal Leader of the Anambra South Senatorial Zone, ASATU and former President-General of Orsumoghu, Ichie Chika Dennis Muomife, stated that the state government is institutionalizing an already existing system by formalizing community efforts for greater productivity.

“In the past, communities, especially in Anambra State, achieved projects through community effort. Now that the government wants to formalize this process, it is a positive development because it will increase the trust and confidence people have in their leaders. Knowing that the government is involved will encourage people to contribute even more,” said Ichie Muomife.

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

SOLUDO’S ADMINISTRATION PRIORITISES OLDER PERSONS’ WELFARE WITH COMPREHENSIVE POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES – MEFOR

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, today, October 5, 2024, joined other partners to celebrate this year’s National Day of Older Persons at the Awka City Stadium.

The event, with the theme, ‘Celebrating the Value of Older Persons and the Integral Role They Play in Community and Recognition of People and Places Who Remove the Barriers,’ was organized by Anambra State Ministry of Special Duties, in collaboration with the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), National Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Ageing (NNSCFOA) and Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation (ADF).

Speaking in an interview shortly after the walk to mark the event, Dr Mefor stated that Anambra is working on policies to carry older persons along and take care of them to elongate their life expectancy and that of Ndị Anambra in general.

“The civilization of any society is best measured in the way and manner they treat their aged, the vulnerable ones and persons living with disabilities and Soludo is aware of this. His government is committed and paying special attention to these segments, including the senior citizens, those living with disabilities and the poorest of the poor.

“Soludu’s Government attaches so much importance to inclusive government and that is why the government has policies and programmes aimed at making life easier for the aged and many of these plans are already yielding fruits.

” We have old people in Anambra State. We try to carry them along. They need to be taken care of and the government believes that there’s need to put in place a kind of structure that will look at this policy of carrying along the old people, persons living with disabilities and the vulnerable generally.

“I’m aware that a committee has been put in place by the Soludo Government to work out a holistic plan to do this. They are contemplating the possibility of Old People’s Home(s) as the case may be. Several other interventions have been put in place and are also being implemented by the Soludo Government in this regard,” he said.

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

ANAMBRA HEADTEACHERS URGED TO PURSUE SELF-IMPROVEMENT, REVITALISE BASIC EDUCATION SECTOR

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The annual leadership retreat for headteachers, officers-in-charge, and Directors in the State Basic Education sector has ended with a call on the participants not to relent in rendering quality service to humanity.

The retreat organised in batches for the entire Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs), in the state held at Archbishop Obiefuna Retreat and Pastoral Centre, Awka with the theme: “Education as a Panacea for Human Capital Development: Effective and Efficient School Management as Sustaining Factors” could be simply described as a forum to retrain the school administrators to address salient issues that militate against the implementation of educational policies and programmes of the state government.

Addressing the participants, the state Head of Service, Mrs Theodora Igwegbe(Esq), stressed the importance of imbibing the values of hardwork and honesty which can help to reduce examination malpractice in schools, and boost learning outcomes, urging the participants to teach the societal values to the school children in order to reduce social vices ravaging our contemporary society.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Awka, Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi stated that the retreat was aimed at reviving the essential leadership skills for the headteachers to ensure maximum efficiency in achieving the set goals of basic education in the state.

According to Dr. Nwadinobi, the leadership retreat would allow the headteachers to share experiences, collect critical schools data, proffer feasible solutions to their problems and motivate them for greater productivity.

“I urge you to embrace the future task with enough positivity and deliberate efforts to add value to our basic education as you get back to your schools”, she said.

Resource persons drawn from various fields of education presented well researched papers to the participants, such as Prof. Patience Egboka, whose lecture focused on “School Administration and Management in Primary Schools”, described the headteacher as a manager, a community relations person, a supervisor, an instructor, a curriculum innovator, and a catalyst towards planned educational revolution whose role is to direct and monitor the academic and non-academic activities within the school.

She called for a continuous in-service teacher programme, improved welfare and sufficient funding as strategies for improvement of school administration.

Also in a paper titled: “Evaluation of Schools, Using Quality Assurance Indices or Aspects”, Dr. Bibiana Okoli described quality assurance as a process of monitoring, assessing, evaluating and reporting all aspects of the school life based on agreed standard, adding that human capital development is the most valuable asset within any organisation.

On her part, Dr. Ndidi Okeke who spoke on “Ethics and Values in Teaching and Learning”, stated that ethics are the principles guiding human conduct, while values shape the learning environment through the inculcation of ethical behaviours and attitudes for both the teachers and learners.

On her part, Mrs Kate Ndulue who delivered a paper on “Curriculum Prepares the Learners to Meet the Needs of the Society” emphasized that curriculum comprised the learning content, methods, and sequence for teaching and learning which guarantees uniformity and consistency that can drive learners’ progress.

The retreat also featured a paper on “Value Re-orientation and Stakeholders’ Role” presented by the Executive Chairman of ASUBEB, Awka, Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi who stated that values are standards or principles used to judge the worth of an idea or action, while value re-orientation is the act of changing, adjusting, re-aligning attitudes and beliefs to a new and acceptable behaviour.

She concluded her paper by highlighting some values in Nigeria and Anambra State, such as sacredness of human life, communal living, family, hardwork, and respect for old age among others, calling on all stakeholders in the education system to embrace the shared values of Anambra State so as to make a positive impact on everyone everywhere.

“Data Collection and Analysis Management in Schools” by Engr. Mike Neboh also featured, while question and answer session, experience sharing and suggestions for the way forward were the high points of the retreat.

In attendance were the Board Secretary, Loveline Mgbemena, the permanent Board Members, Officers-in-charge, and the Directors.

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

ENCOMIUMS AS IDEMILI SOUTH EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, OTHERS, TAKE OATH OF OFFICE

By Uzo Ugwunze :

APGA stalwarts have been pouring in goodwill messages to congratulate Mrs. Amaka Obi, the Amazon of Idemili South, and her Deputy, Mr Ifeanyi Anakuba, as they took their oath of office alongside counterparts from Anambra’s 20 LGAs. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era in local government administration under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s visionary leadership

Mrs Amaka Obi, fondly known as Iyom Ife-Abata, has pledged to prioritize the welfare of the people, upholding their confidence and trust, saying that her victory is a testament to her acceptability to the people, capacity, and capability to excel in her new role.

According to Commissioner for Entertainment, Culture and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji; “Your dedication to serving our people and community is truly inspiring. As Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, I’ve witnessed your passion for progress and development”. Your leadership will undoubtedly bring positive change to Idemili South.

“Your tireless efforts have earned you this moment. As Commissioner, I’ve seen your dedication to our Local government.

“May this new chapter be filled with wisdom, innovation, and success. I look forward to collaborating with you to promote our rich cultural heritage and advance tourism in Idemili South and Anambra State. Together, we’ll showcase the beauty and potential of Idemili South.

“As you embark on this noble journey, remember that the people are counting on your visionary leadership. Stay committed, stay focused, and always put the interests of Idemili South first. Once again, accept my warmest congratulations!

Also, the Idemili South APGA Chairman, Chief Kizito Anoliefo extended his warm congratulations to Mrs Obi and Mr Anakuba on their successful transition of leadership. He praised resilience and commitment of the good people of Idemili South Local Government Area.

He stated that their hard works, determination, and commitment to serve umu Idemili have truly paid off, and it’s inspiring to see both Mrs Obi and her Deputy, Ifeanyi Anakuba step into such significant leadership roles, stating that he has no doubt that they will bring positive change and progress to the council area.

Contributing, Amb Clinton Bonaventure Obi Ngige also rejoiced with the newly sworn in chairman and her deputy wishing them successful tenure in office.

He equally commended Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for given the state electoral commission all that is needed to conduct free, fair and credible election.

Obi Ngige also applauded the APGA Chairman of Idemili South, Mr Kizito Anoliefo, for his leadership qualities and political sagacity deployed in ensuring it was a landslide victory for the party at the polls on Saturday in Idemili South.

He expressed confidence that the newly sworn in chairman and deputy chairman would drive the vision for a prosperous, livable and beautiful Idemili South L.G.A.

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

DEPUTY GOVERNOR IBEZIM CALLS FOR ACTION AGAINST IMPENDING FLOOD DISASTERS IN THE STATE

By Chisom Okpala :

The Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, met with 9 newly elected chairmen from flood-prone areas to discuss preparedness and rapid response to flood emergencies.

Ibezim gave the charge during the meeting which took place at the ANSIEC Chamber Government House Awka.

He urged them to educate their communities on flood prevention and response measures.

According to him, the state has established work plans to mitigate flooding impacts, including clearing drainage systems, relocating high-risk residents, and providing emergency shelters and relief materials.

Some of the key points discussed at the meeting include; implementing effective measures to prevent flooding such as clearing drainage systems and relocating of residents from high-risk areas, establishing evacuation procedures by providing emergency shelters and relief materials to affected communities, also community education by creating awareness about flood risks, prevention and response among residents.

*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA, CHINA SEEK STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO ACCELERATE DEVELOPMENT

By Chukwuka Ugokwe :

The Anambra State Government is to partner the Peoples Republic of China to establish new projects and expand existing ones across the state.

This was the outcome of a collaborative meeting held in Awka between some officials of the state government and delegation from Peoples Republic of China.

We gathered that the meeting agreed to articulate necessary framework to support the implementation of areas of partnership including, Agriculture, Hospitality Industry,Waste Recycling, and Recreational facilities.

Representatives of the state government including Dr Forster Ihejiofor, Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Christian Udechukwu as well as Mrs Chiamaka Nnake , Commissioners for Commerce and Economic Planning respectively, commended the delegation for the visit and noted that the state was looking forward to cooperating more with the country.

They expressed hope that China would not only invest in the state, but support the state government in ensuring completion of existing projects.

One of the facilitators of the visit , Mr Destiny Osili, expressed optimism that the partnership would translate to a fruitful strategic development of the state in various fields.

According to him, the delegation are ready to invest in the state, foster a collaborative relationship and work closely with government to address infrastructural needs in key sectors of the economy.

Other government officials that attended the meeting were Mr Mark Okoye, Managing Director, Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Mike Okonkwo, others.

*Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

DEFEND GOVERNMENT IN POWER, COMMISSIONER TASKS INFORMATION OFFICERS

By Uzo Ugwunze :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, has tasked information officers under the ministry to hit the ground running by reporting all developmental activities and projects of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, saying that they do not necessarily need to be All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) members to promote the good work of the present State Government administration.

The Commissioner gave the directive during an interactive session with all the staff cum information officers (IOs) employed in the Ministry at the Head of Service, Auditorium, Jerome Udoji, Secretariat, Awka.

Dr. Mefor expressed worry that the governor’s activities were underreported, insisting that there must be a paradigm shift.

“We cannot have over 180 information officers and yet the reports sent in by the IO’s do not make up to 10 percent on the Anambra State website.

“We need feed back, every information officer should report at least once a week. A report evaluation module will be compiled regularly. In fact, after every three weeks any information officer who did not file in any report will be withdrawn from the person’s duty station and he or she becomes a floating officer.

“If the Principal officer at your duty station is not cooperating report back to me and I will pay that person a visit.

“Infact, we shall commence LGA tours to check and assert the responsibilities of the state information officers. Sometimes, they do not even know why you are there because if they knew they have no reason not to carry you along.

I have three months to deliver so I seek your cooperation as a matter of responsibility to join my vision and passion to promote the good works of this present administration which have been unprecedented.”

The commissioner promised to look into the challenges facing the information officers and promised to do his best to protect their interest so long as it will enhance performance and productivity toward a liveable, desirable Anambra State.

In her remark, the Permanent Secretary, Barr Mrs Ndirika Onyekwelu said, ‘Our commissioner is an ‘A’ person so we are very lucky to have him at the helm of the affairs. He was appointed today and the next day he was already hosting press briefing with every Sector needed to make things work in the state.

“I met some air of despondency when I resumed in this ministry but since Law Mefor came on board the atmosphere has changed. Do you know that for the first time, during the last ANSEC meeting, it started with a commendation by Mr Governor who acknowledged our Commissioner’s impact in less than three weeks of appointment, what a good note to start with,” she said

Also, HOD Information, Emma Ikegwuani after commending the Commissioner said that a strategic roaster will be drawn to ensure that week in week out the ministry’s presence was felt in the social media to ensure that the activities of the government were reported and reacted upon.

He further pledged on behalf of the information officers that the ministry will run at the pace of the Commissioner to actualize his vision.

The HOD Film department, Mr Peter Onyejegbu observed that most LGAs and MDAs principal officers do not like working with our state information officers. He suggested that a correspondent be written to the heads of Agencies and LGAs to assert the presence of our State information officers.

Several information officers suggested ways to improve performance, efficiency and productivity in the Ministry of Information.

The Observations include overhauling and equiping of the Situation room and ICT room with modern gadgets and the need for all IO’s to register or obtain the official government email Anambra.gov.ng since the Anambra State ICT department is ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Information as well as provide identity cards and jackets for field workers, iPads and data so as to equip and motivate the information officers.

*Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State