News

EDUCATION COMMISSIONER ENDORSES SCHOOL RE-ACCREDITATION, PROMISES IMMEDIATE APPROVAL FOR ELIGIBLE SCHOOLS

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has called on private school proprietors to take advantage of the Federal Ministry of Education’s accreditation exercise to secure approval for their institutions.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Ministry of Education and All Private School Proprietors in the state, held at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka, the Commissioner expressed concern over the high number of unapproved schools operating in the state.

She emphasized that schools passing the Federal Ministry of Education’s re-accreditation exercise would be immediately approved by the State Ministry of Education, warning that running an unapproved school is a criminal offense, adding that any proprietor who fails to meet the accreditation requirements will face school closure.

“This accreditation exercise is an opportunity for all unapproved schools to regularize their operations. Any proprietor who fails to comply will risk having their school shut down.”

The Commissioner also urged proprietors to collaborate with the federal government’s team conducting the annual school census, emphasizing that cooperation is essential to secure the state and its students’ fair share of federal resources.

She also advised school owners to always request a letter of authorization from the state ministry to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing school premises. “Schools are sacrosanct, and their sanctity must be respected,” she warned.

In their remarks, the leaders of various private school associations commended the Soludo-led administration for fostering inclusive governance and ensuring peace in the state’s educational sector despite national security challenges.

The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, Director of Schools, Mrs. Ifeoma Onyeneke, other directors and education stakeholders.

*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

UDEZE CELEBRATES 2024 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze has called on government and well meaning individuals to join hands together, map out measures to improve the living standard of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in line with the International best practices relating to provision of opportunities for persons with various disabilities.

Felicitating persons with PWDs as they mark their day, the speaker commended the 6th Anambra State House of Assembly for enacting a law for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in the State on Sept. 13, 2018, which he said, gave rise to the establishment of the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission on Dec. 3, 2021.

Udeze called on the National Assembly and State legislatures in the country to emulate the Anambra State House of Assembly by coming up with policies and legislation aimed at providing a better life for persons with disabilities.

He lauded Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for all his assistance to the Disability Rights Commission in the State, especially his recent equipping of the Commission with cutting edge digital tools to revolutionalize the Commission’s advocacy and support for persons with disabilities.

The lawmaker urged persons with disabilities to live above all forms of discrimination and stigmatization, and strive to improve their living conditions.

He enjoined public and private organizations to integrate PWDs in their schemes and provide an enabling environment for them to enable them to showcase their talents and also coexist harmoniously among their able-bodied counterparts.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAOCHA MAYOR CONGRATULATES APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN EZEOKENWA ON SUPREME COURT VICTORY

By Chidimma Okoye :

The Mayor of Anaocha Local Government Area, Mr Rome Ibekwe has congratulated Mr. Sly Ezeokenwa (Esq), on the Supreme Court victory as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He described his victory as a force that will rebuild the walls of APGA, bringing forth an indivisible family that will stand the test of time.

Ibekwe commended the leadership of APGA and Governor Soludo’s contributions which has yielded to the party’s growth and commitment in the state.

He urged the people of Anambra to always support APGA as it is the only indigenous political party of Ndigbo that has the sole interest of the people at heart. He eulogised the roles of the party stakeholders in moving the party forward.

Okoye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

COUNCILLOR FRANCIS OGUNO LEADS CLEAN-UP EXERCISE IN AMERICAN QUARTERS WARD 1

By Chioma Nwankwo, Claribel Udah and Chika Obi :

The Councillor representing American Quarters Ward 1 in Onitsha North LGA, Mr. Francis Oguno last Saturday led the people of his area for a clean-up exercise. The initiative aimed to rid the streets of debris, trash, and environmental hazards, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.

Mr. Oguno was accompanied by Mr. Chike Nwanolue, SA to the Governor on Special Duties, Mr. Chuka Ofokhansi, and Mr. Olisa Azubuike.
The exercise aligns with Governor Charles Soludo’s vision for Anambra State, focusing on creating a clean, livable, and healthy environment for residents.

He expressed appreciation for the significant turnout of residents who actively participated in the clean-up effort, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean environment.

The Councilor and his team visited key streets, including New American Road, Oranye Street, Okolo Street, Mbanefo Street, Anazonwu Street, Obi Lane, Benjamin Street/Lane, Old Hospital Road, and O’Conor Street. Their hands-on involvement demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and ensuring a sustainable future for the community.

He reaffirmed his dedication to fostering a healthier and greener American Quarters.

Nwankwo, Udah and Obi are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

YULETIDE: OCHA BRIGADE INTENSIFIES WAR AGAINST STREET TRADING IN ONITSHA

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

In a bid to maintain orderliness and decongest the roads inside Onitsha market this festive season, the OCHA Brigade has intensified its efforts to curb roadside trading. The brigade has been seizing wares from traders who insist on displaying their goods along the roads, despite having shops in the markets.

Speaking with newsmen in his office, the Zonal Commander, Anambra North OCHA Brigade, Mr. Daniel Martin Obiefuna emphasised the importance of maintaining orderliness and cleanliness in the markets. He explained that the brigade’s major work is road decongestion. “Some traders who have shops in Onitsha markets prefer selling along the road. After the roads are repaired, these traders compromise the cleanliness and orderliness of the area,” he said.

The Commander warned that the brigade will no longer tolerate this behavior, and erring traders will face prosecution. “Normally, we don’t return seized wares. But today, we are releasing some seized goods to their owners. He also revealed that he has opened case files for future offenders.

He urged market leaders and traders to cooperate with the Brigade to achieve the goal of maintaining a clean and orderly market environment.

The Commander called on market leaders to always strive to help the government implement policies that will create a healthy trading environment for the general public.

Achukwu-jide, Mokwugwo and Nwegbu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ONITSHA NORTH MAYOR ADVOCATES FOR END TO GENDER – BASED VIOLENCE

By Chioma Nwankwo, Claribel Udah and Chika Obi :

Joining the global movement to end gender-based violence, the Mayor of Onitsha North LGA, Mr. Tony Nworah has emphasised the importance of empowering women and ensuring their welfare and safety. In his message, Nwaora highlighted the vital role women play in every aspect of society, from spiritual and moral leadership to driving socioeconomic development. He noted that violence against women undermines these contributions and hinders societal progress.

“Women are the backbone of our communities, and their welfare is central to achieving peace and development. We must prioritize creating a society where women feel safe, respected, and empowered,” he said. The Mayor extolled Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration for implementing robust measures to protect women and the girl child across Anambra State especially the domestication of laws aimed at preventing abuse, combating gender-based violence, and promoting equality.

He called on stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, community groups, and youth organizations, to join forces in addressing the root causes of violence against women. He stressed the need for public awareness campaigns, education on women’s rights, and community-driven support systems to protect vulnerable individuals.

Nwankwo, Udah and Obi are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

HPV VACCINE INTRODUCTION WILL REDUCE BURDEN OF CERVICAL CANCER, SAYS DR OKEKE, OTHERS—AS HPV VACCINE INTENSIFICATION BEGINS DEC 3

By Uzo Ugwunze/Gloria Anaeze :

The Supervisory Councillor for Health, Idemili North Local Government Area, Dr. Nkem Okeke, Director of Health Authority, Mrs Chinwe Okeke, Social Mobilization Officer/Health Educator, Mrs Chinenye Okpala Nwankwo have assured community leaders that the introduction of the Human Papilloma Virus( HPV), vaccine is to reduce the burden of Cervical cancer which is the second most common cancer amongst women in Nigeria.

Speaking during the Idemili North Stakeholders Engagement Meeting for HPV vaccine Intensification at Ogidi, Dr Nkem Okeke said that the program was organized by the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHDA) in collaboration with state Ministry of Health and partners

“We are sensitizing you to sensitize your community members. Actual Intensification vaccination will begin on December 3, 2024.

HOD Health Idemili North, Mrs Chinwe Okeke lamented that Idemili North was among the three LGAS that did not do well during the uptake of the vaccine, hence the need to repeat the vaccination uptake. “The Cervical cancer is dangerous and a killer disease that affects the mouth of the cervix or neck of the womb.

“It is only this December that it would be made available for everyone within 9 to 14 years but from next year it will become a routine immunization for only children who will be 9 years,” she noted.

Deputy Mayor Idemili North, Lady Phina Onwuachu suggested that private schools and churches be sensitized to advice their children to take up the vaccines.

Earlier in his remarks, the Leader of Idemili North Councillors, Nze Anikpe commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for seeing that the program is repeated to make sure that the number of children who are the target population are reached.

Chairman’s wife, Lady Ebere Nkwoka reiterated the need to discard the unfounded rumors and encourage eligible children to receive the vaccines.

Ugwunze and Anaeze are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ASHIA SENSITIZES COOU STUDENTS ON TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS SOCIAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMME (TISHIP)

By Chisom Okafor :

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has conducted a sensitization session for students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam campus, on the benefits of the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP).

Speaking at the event, ASHIA’s Managing Director, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, highlighted the agency’s earlier sensitization efforts at the Uli campus and praised the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha, for her proactive approach, noting that Prof. Omenugha engaged ASHIA to ensure that students from all campuses, including Awka, benefit from TISHIP, which provides access to quality healthcare both on and off campus.

Dr. Onyemaechi explained that students requiring specialized care beyond the university’s medical centers can be referred to ASHIA’s secondary healthcare facilities. He commended Prof. Omenugha for implementing the program without imposing additional costs on students.

The ASHIA boss assured the students that the program would improve their healthcare access and eliminate situations where medical fees included in tuition go unused. He revealed that ASHIA has already assessed equipment needs at the Uli and Igbariam medical centers and will supply the necessary items to enhance service delivery.

Currently, over 231,000 Anambra residents are enrolled in ASHIA’s scheme. Dr. Onyemaechi encouraged the students to familiarize themselves with their entitlements under the program, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to providing them with quality healthcare.

Mr. Josephat Ezehiri, the university’s Students’ Attorney General, expressed gratitude to ASHIA, noting that the program would alleviate the financial burden of healthcare on students and ensure they receive adequate medical attention.

This initiative further underscores ASHIA’s mission to make quality healthcare accessible to all Anambra residents, including students.

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

ANAMBRA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION DEFENDS BUDGET: MEFOR REVEALS PLANS FOR 2025

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, says the ministry is working tirelessly in moving basic information desimination to full blown strategic communication, reputation and perception management both for Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and Anambra Government.

Dr. Mefor while defending his budget before the Anambra State House of Assembly committee on Information during the budget defense/bialateral discussion, said that he will reposition the ministry to be a true bridge between government and the people.

The Commissioner who appeared alongside Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Information Communication Technology Agency(ICT)and Anambra State Signage Agency(ANSAA) said that the 2025 budget for the ministry of Information is a little above five billion naira.

“We will do everything humanly possible to project the achievements of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and the legislative arm will not be left out.

“We will continue to spread the good governance of Soludo to the people so as to make them understand the vision of the government and the journey so far.

“This will enable us to get feedbacks from Ndi Anambra which will in-turn strengthen the policies of government were necessary.”

According to him, the Information Ministry will be repositioned to be a true bridge between the government and the people and we are relying on the media who have been giving us fair reportage.

The commissioner promised to bring back community based communication through the town criers and hall meetings with stakeholders.

The House Committee Chairman on Information, Hon. Fred Ezenwa in his remark assured that the 8th Assembly will assist all MDAs in making sure that the budget of 2025 achieve its purpose.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

SIT-AT-HOME ATTACK: ABATETE, GOVERNMENT STRATEGISE TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY

By Rose Oranye :

A delegation of Anambra State Government, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, visited the people of Abatete, in Idemili North Local Government Area, to commiserate with them over the November 18 attack on some vigilantes of the community by gunmen suspected to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home.

The delegation was made up of the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd).

Addressing the leadership of the town, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, who is not only an indigene of the town but a member of the Igwe-in-Council, consoled the people over the ugly incident and prayed for the quick recovery of the PG of the town, Chief Ezebinobi Chimame Ezigbo, who sustained a bullet injury during the attack.

Dr Mefor also expressed his commitment as a government agent and a major stakeholder in Abatete to work with the people till they get to the end of the matter and security is fully restored.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AVM Chiobi, described the incident as one of the hazards of the job, adding that the government is working to ensure it never happens again.

“We will do something. Although it will cause some disruptions and make some people uncomfortable, no one will be killed.”

He urged the leadership of Abatete to work towards sanitising the community, especially the Eke Agu axis, to make it safe, or the government will decide and take action for everyone’s interest, even as he suggested ways to improve security in the area such as CCTV cameras.

In their separate remarks, Chief Clement Analikwu, Obi Nsukwu Abatete and Obi of Ogbu Abatete, Chief Edwin Enyokwa, who represented the traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Emeka Efobi, thanked the government for showing concern to the Abatete people and assured that they would cooperate with the government in any way possible to curb insecurity in the town. They called for government assistance in burying the dead and defraying the expense incurred in the treatment of the town’s president general who was still hospitalized.

Also speaking, the 3rd Vice President of the Abatete Union, Sir Anthony Okwuchukwu Adibe, disclosed that the Igwe-in-Council is speeding up actions to hold the Abatete Security Summit, which they started planning before the incident, and called on the government to upgrade security patrol to Abatete, as the town cannot do much given the many roads that pass through the town, both federal and state.

In a vote of thanks, Chief Peter Ézè assured that the town would abide by all the government’s directives to curb insecurity in Abatete.