State News

News from all over Anambra State

President Tinubu Commiserates With Gov. Soludo Over Father’s Death

By Chukwudi Nwauba :

Nigeria President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo over the death of his father, Pa Simeon Soludo.

President Tinubu, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, described the late Mr. Soludo as a dignified and charitable family man.

He said that the deceased lived a fruitful life that was exemplified in the achievements, personal quality, and sterling records of his son, Prof. Soludo.

“I pray the Almighty God grant your beloved father eternal rest. He lives through you still, in your sincerity, good works and deeds.”

The president encouraged the governor and the good people of Anambra to take solace in the excellent legacy of the departed nonagenarian.

Late Mr Soludo was 92 at the time of his passage into glory.

He is survived by seven sons; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

5000 Youths Graduate from Anambra State Government ‘1Youth 2Skills’ Programme

By Ifeoma Aniagbado :

5000 Youths trained under the Anambra State Government ‘1Youth 2Skills’ Programme have graduated .

Addressing the youths during the graduation ceremony organized by the Ministry of Youth Development, at the International Convention Centre, Awka the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo described the programme as a vital tool for human capital development.

He commended the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for partnering with the government for the programme and congratulated the graduating youths, urging them to take bold steps in putting what they learned into practice to guarantee their success.

The governor called for the support of business owners, captains of industries, donor agencies and public spirited individuals to take up youth empowerment inorder to change lives, “even if it is one person per skill”, he said.

Earlier, in his address, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba said that the programmee was designed to change employment module from consumption to production, through community based approach.

He added that his ministry targets to raise 1000 youth millionaires annually and make the state a skill hub of West Africa.

“The programme was designed to redefine youth employment from immediate consumption to more of productive, innovative and impactive programmes through community based approach.

“This programme is also an evolution to take the youth to next level massive economic revolution and I am appreciating the Director, Unizik Business School and the 1 Youth 2 Skills ANSEC Committee for their effort in making all this a success.”

The Deputy Director, UNIZIK Business School, Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, commended the State Government for approving the partnership arrangements and entrusting the driving of the skills entrepreneurship scheme with the school.

One of the participants from Awka South Local Government Area, Chioma Chukwueke thanked the government for the opportunities given to them to be part of the Pilot Phase and promised not to let Ndị Anambra down after the graduation.

Other beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the state government and commended the ministry for the privilege given to them to acquire more knowledge through the training.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, members of Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), traditional rulers, clergies, Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and Youth directors from different states.

Ifeoma writes for the Ministry of Informtion, Anambra State

Soludo Gives Lifeline to Onitsha Correctional Centre Inmates

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State Friday at Onitsha Correctional Center, gave #5,000 each to 1100 inmates as Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Valeria Okeke, celebrated his 70th birthday with the inmates

Soludo advised the inmates to be of good behaviour and repent of their sins to be able to mix up with the outside world when they complete their tenure adding that the State Government will take financial care of those of them who will sit for external examinations.

The governor also presented indomies, biscuits, toiletaries even as his wife, Nonye, presented cake to the inmates.

Earlier, the Archbishop thanked God for attaining 70 years stating that he always celebrated with the inmates for them to feel the fatherly love pointing out that the skill acquisition centre he built for the inmates which was commissioned during the occasion, was for them to be professionals on completion of their tenure.

He presented a life cow, killed one cow that was cooked with 10 bags of rice, biscuits, toiletaries, 100 mattresses, 50 bunk beds, cake, among others to the inmates.

In a remark, the Comptroller General, Mr. Haliru Nababa, on behalf of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, honoured the celebrant with the Grand Patron award in appreciation for what he has done at the Onitsha centre.

The Comptroller General who was ably represented by his Deputy, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, also commended the Archbishop for the building of the skill acquisition centre for the inmates.

He also commended Governor Soludo for his payment of external examination fees for inmates taking the examination and pleaded with other governors and good spirited individuals to emulate Soludo.

Former Governor Chris Nwabueze Ngige, while speaking said he built one cell and renovated a portion of the perimeter fence even as he commended the Archbishop for marking 70 years .

Earlier, the papal Nuncio of Czech, Amb. Archbishop Jude Okolo, recalled that the celebrant was his contemporary in the seminary school, disclosing that he was brilliant which earned him his present position.

Among those who graced the occasion included, Senators Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial zone, and all House of Assembly members in Onitsha constituency under the Labour Party, LP.

Highlight on the occasion was the celebrant with guests cutting the cake inside Onitsha Correctional center.

Anambra Airport Poised to Become the Hub of Cargo Exports

By Florence Okpeti :

The Anambra State Government has expressed readiness to position the Anambra Airport as the hub of Cargo exports.

The Governor of the State, Prof Charles Soludo said this during a courtesy visit by the AviaCargo RoadMap Committee at the Chinụa Achebe International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri.

The Governor who was represented by the State Commissioner for Transport, Mrs Patricia Igwebuike said that the government has embarked on distribution of oil palm seedlings and high breed coconut seedlings annually to households across the state.

He further explained that the cash crops would be processed for export, adding that it would boost the State’s revenue and create more jobs in the state.

The Governor commended the efforts of the Committee toward transforming the general export cargo business in Nigeria, noting that export is in line with the vision of his administration.

The committee, made up of aviation cargo professionals from various government and private agencies was constituted by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to improve Avio-Cargo Export from Nigeria.

The coordinator of the committee, Mr. Ikechi Uko said that the purpose of the visit was to encourage Nigerians to export their products.

Mr. Uko explained that Nigeria’s exports did not match its capacity as the most populous country and largest economy in Africa.

“Part of what we are trying to solve is to get Nigerians to begin to export what we produce because there are a lot of things we produce that people need.”

The Managing Director of the Anambra Airport, Mr. Martins Nwafor said that agro-allied products that could be exported from Anambra to other international and domestic markets were taken into consideration during the development of the Airport’s master plan.

Mr. Nwafor said that airports served a key role in the transportation of people and goods in the national, regional and international commerce, adding that a business plan was developed for the Anambra Airport.

In their separate remarks, the President General, Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Mr. Humphrey Anuna, Chairman Ochanja Central Market, Mr. Bonaventure Muo and the President, Building Int. Market Ogidi, Mr.Jude Nwankwo expressed their gratitude, even as they pledged their support for the government’s agenda.

The President, Anambra State Shippers Association, Mr. Emma Akpaka and representatives of Zenith Shipping Council, Mr Elochukwu Ebubechukwu, Mr. Muoghalu Christian and Mr. Alocha Jerry expressed their willingness to key into the State Government’s programme. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from Umueri

Anambra State Ranks among Top 5 Fiscal Performers in Nigeria

By Christian ABURIME :

In an impressive achievement reflecting astute management of resources and financial responsibility, Anambra State has clinched a coveted position among the top five states in Nigeria for its exceptional fiscal performance.

The latest BudgIT report on the overall evaluation of states’ fiscal policies places Anambra at an impressive 5th position, an affirmation of the remarkable strides made under the visionary leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.

Generally, states ascending the ranks on Index A exhibit a commendable level of self-reliance, displaying limited reliance on federally disbursed revenue for their day-to-day operations.

This enviable position signifies that these states possess greater financial viability, even in the hypothetical scenario of an independent existence.

Governor Soludo’s indomitable commitment to transforming the economic landscape of Anambra has ushered in an era of unprecedented growth and stability.

His dynamic approach to financial management has been instrumental in propelling the state to this remarkable achievement.

This milestone stands as a resounding endorsement of the Soludo-nomics model, a blueprint that has successfully steered Anambra State towards a trajectory of sustained progress so far.

It serves as an affirmation that under Governor Soludo’s stewardship, Anambra continues to flourish, creating a legacy of prosperity for generations to come.

The government of Anambra State, under Governor Soludo is resolute in its commitment to build on this accomplishment, ushering in an era of even greater economic prosperity, improved public services, and enhanced quality of life for every Ndi Anambra.

Indeed, Solution is here! And Anambra will continue to win!

Anambra among 5 Best Fiscal Performers – BudgIT

By Paul Nwosu :

Anambra State has just been ranked among the five best performing states in the country by BudgIT.

In the latest State of the States Report released by BudgIT, Anambra State was ranked among the five best performing states in the country in terms of fiscal performance.

The other top ranking states are Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna and Ogun.

The sterling performance is undoubtedly a reflection of the prudent financial management of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo (CFR) who from the onset of his administration has continued to harp on fiscal resourcefulness because the tap of federal allocation from Abuja is gradually becoming dry.

According to the 2023 BudgIT report, the five states in the A category where Anambra belongs have been able to significantly grow their internally generated revenue year-on-year and are progressively reducing their over-reliance on federal transfers.

The high-ranking states like Anambra have comparatively limited dependence on federally distributed revenue for their operations and thus have greater viability if they were to theoretically exist as an independent entity.

Director of BudgIT, Seun Onigbinde, while appearing on television, expressly stated that it takes strong leadership to drive the fiscal performance of the states in line with BudgIT appraisal.

Solution is here.

*Sir Paul Nwosu*

Commissioner for Information

Anambra State

Anambra Govt Distributes 120 Anti-shock Garments to Mission, General Hospitals

By Chukwudi Nwauba :

The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo has distributed 120 Anti-shock garments to Mission and General hospitals across the state to prevent maternal mortality.

Distributing the Anti-shock garments at the governor’s lodge, Amawbia, Dr. (Mrs.) Soludo said, “These garments will help to stop bleeding and ensure safe delivery in the state”.

She explained that the garment could keep a bleeding woman alive for 48 hours, and appealed to healthcare professionals to ensure that they use it judiciously so as to save lives.

“Records from the maternal mortality review meeting held in the state showed that 80 per cent of maternal deaths were as a result of bleeding also known as Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH).

“PPH is heavy bleeding of a woman during or shortly after delivery and it is causing death among women. This is why we are distributing the anti-shock garments which is a low technology first aid device.

“Once bleeding has been identified, many women die before receiving adequate treatment. Therefore, the garment can be used to keep such women alive for 48 hours, if not she can bleed to death within 30 minutes.

“These are preventable deaths and again I urge our health personnel to put the anti-shock garments to use in order to reduce maternal mortality and as well ensure safe delivery in Anambra,’’ she said.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said that the state government was sustaining efforts to ensure that Anambra remained the lowest in terms of maternal mortality in the country.

Dr. Obidike said that the next phase of the anti-shock garments distribution would be to all the Primary Healthcare Centres in the state.

According to him, the garment is used to stabilize women who are suffering from obstetric bleeding and shock. It helps such women survive delays in getting to a hospital and getting the treatment that they need.

“This brand of garments can be reused for at least 144 times. Our goal is that no woman in Anambra should die as a result of preventable causes,’’ he said.

The State Reproductive Health Coordinator, Dr. Obianuju Okoye said that there would be training to upgrade the clinical capacities of health workers on the use of the anti-shock garments.

“State Government has provided to us everything needed for the training, we are waiting for all the hospitals that received the anti-shock garments to send details of the healthcare personnel to be trained.

Commending the government and the wife of the Governor on behalf of the benefiting hospitals, Dr. Francis Ifeaneme, Secretary, Nigerian Medical Association, Anambra chapter, assured that the garments would be used to save lives. (Ministry of Information)

The information officer reports from the State Ministry of Health, Awka.

Anambra Police Smashes Armed Robbery Gang, Recovers Two AK-47 Rifles

Men of Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu of Anambra State Police Command on Monday 16th October, 2023 foiled a planned robbery operation along Ebenebe-Achalla Road in Awka North LGA of the State.

The Operatives while on Anti Kidnapping Patrol were tipped off by a public spirited citizen who saw two gun men being conveyed on a motorcycle along the road.

The Operatives went in pursuit of the gang and encountered them where they had positioned to rob mororists. On sighting the approaching Operatives they tried to engage them in a shootout but the battle-ready Operatives quickly overwhelmed them forcing them to abandon their weapons and fled into the bushy environ.

Operatives combed the Bush and recovered two AK-47 Rifles loaded with several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and shells of expended rounds.

The Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye who commended the team for its gallantry has asked them to step up proactive operations in that part of the State until all criminal elements tormenting citizens in that part of the State are completely flushed out.

*DSP Tochukwu Ikenga*

Police Public Relations Officer,

Anambra State Police Command,

Awka.

17th October, 2023.

Gov. Soludo’s Palliatives, More Impactful

By Paul Nwosu :

Ever since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) announced the disbursement of N5 billion palliatives to the States, there has been something akin to a stampede by the States to dole out to the people the prescribed items to be procured. While this had been going on, a few uniformed public affairs commentators have made a show of displaying an unusual interest in how Anambra State palliatives would be managed.

Despite their jaundiced commentaries and insinuations, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo (CFR) has remained focused in fore-thinking how well to deliver a more diverse package that would be of better impact to the living conditions of the very low income earners. A well-thought-through programme for maximum impact will significantly mitigate their economic hardship over a sustainable period of time. After all, it is not how fast but how well.

Just like the Good Books in Matthew 4:4 that states: “Man shall not live by bread alone…”, Governor Soludo rightly believes that our people shall not live by palliatives rice and maize alone. Beyond these food items which would be consumed and passed out as wastes over time, there are other departments of living that could be rejigged to support the low income earners to wade through the current economic challenges.

Even so, it is crucial to quickly clarify that out of the N5 billion announced by Mr President to be given to States, it’s only N2 billion that has been released, partly as loan of which the States are expected to pay back 48 percent while the Federal Government will pay the remaining 52 percent.

As things stand, States have been mandated to mainly use this money to procure bags of rice, maize and similar food items to be distributed among the people. To this end, Governor Soludo plans to distribute rice to 300,000 households across 326 wards in Anambra State. This is to ensure that it gets to the “Umunnas” at the grassroots.

Well before the President’s initiative on palliative measures, Governor Soludo had undertaken without being prodded an increase of the salaries of public servants in the employment of Anambra State Government and the Local Governments by 10 percent from January 2023. The Governor did this as his own internal measure to respond to the rising inflation in the country.

With the President’s formal proclamation of the palliatives’ regime, Governor Soludo in his typical approach to such economic issues has dug deeper to come up with more fundamental solutions beyond rice and maize to better shield Anambra people from the turbulent whirlwind that is exerting unusual pressure on the system.

Following the advent of economic palliatives, Governor Soludo has since placed pensioners and public servants on non-taxable cash award of N12,000 monthly from September to December 2023.

The game-changer is of course the tax exemption to vulnerable groups which include hawkers, Okada drivers, wheelbarrow and cart pushers, vulcanizers, artisans and petty traders with less than N100,000 capital.

Another welfare measure taken by Professor Soludo is the declaration of complete free education in public Nursery, Primary and Junior Secondary schools. The fees for public Senior Secondary schools were slashed down to N5,000 per session.

As if that was not enough, Mr. Governor also made antenatal care and child delivery services free in all the government’s General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres in Anambra State. To ensure that quality services are rendered to these women, special telephone lines have been set up for these women to call in case they are not satisfied with the standard of services or care they received.

Government has also awarded the contract for the supply and installation of modern laboratory equipment in all the 326 Primary Health Centres across the State. Modern Tele-medicine Hub and Spoke System have also been established in Anambra State.

Governor Soludo has in the last few months, under the 1Youth, 2Skills programme, trained 5000 youths in 20 different skills, and bank cheques will be doled out to them any moment from now to enable them set up their own businesses.

In addition to the 5,000 teachers already hired by this administration, Governor Soludo is looking forward to hire 3,000 more teachers to reinvigorate the quality of Anambra State public schools.

The renovation and repair of civil servants’ staff buses are ongoing. Governor Soludo plans to introduce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-fuelled buses to reduce Intra-State transportation costs.

Anambra State Palliative drive has a touch of Mr. Solution. The essence is to make it sustainable over a long period of time.

SIR PAUL NWOSU
Commissioner for Information
Anambra State

Soludo: Transforming Justice Dispensation with Technological Innovation in Anambra State

By Christian ABURIME :

The journey to transform Anambra State, as envisioned by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, into a livable and prosperous smart megacity continues in full throttle.

As there cannot be a progressive society without an efficient, proper dispensation of justice, the Soludo administration has been intentional about implementing crucial judicial reforms.

Thus, in the quest to further ensure an ideal state of security, law and order as one of the key 5 policy pillars for transforming Anambra State, Governor Soludo is leveraging technological innovations in Justice dispensation in Anambra State through the Ministry of Justice with Prof. (Mrs) Sylva Chika Ifemeje as Attorney General and Justice Commissioner

Universally, technology-enabled justice reforms in modern governance refer to the integration of advanced technologies to improve and streamline various aspects of the legal system. These reforms aim to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and fairness of justice delivery.

In modern era, technology has extensively revolutionised the legal field, making it more efficient, accessible, and transparent. So, embracing these technological advancements is crucial for a modern justice system that effectively serves the needs of society.

It is in view of the foregoing that Governor Soludo has made remarkable strides in fulfilling his manifesto promise to ensure the swift dispensation of justice for the people of Anambra in the Justice Sector. A significant achievement in this endeavour has been the implementation of Virtual Court Hearing Facilities for criminal cases.

Previously, only 10 out of the 20 courtrooms in Anambra State were equipped with such technology, but under Governor Soludo’s administration, every courtroom now boasts these cutting-edge facilities. To complement this technological upgrade, laptops have been provided to the esteemed Judges, streamlining the process and ensuring seamless proceedings.

Moreover, state-of-the-art internet enabling devices have been supplied to guarantee uninterrupted connectivity. This comprehensive integration of virtual hearing capabilities extends beyond the courtrooms to include all four correctional centres in Anambra State, which have also received alternative power supply sources for uninterrupted operation.

In addition to the core technology, a suite of auxiliary equipment has been installed, including high-quality televisions, robust public address systems, advanced web cameras, and top-tier video conferencing software.

These enhancements signify a significant leap forward in advancing the criminal justice system in Anambra State, markedly reducing delays in proceedings. No longer will cases be held up due to logistical challenges in transporting defendants from the correctional centres to the Courts, or from the Courts to the correctional centres. In the long term, Governor Soludo’s unwavering commitment to expediting justice is exemplified by these transformative measures.

The seamless integration of virtual court hearing facilities is poised to revolutionise the justice system, ensuring timely and efficient resolution of criminal cases for the benefit of all Ndi Anambra, while enabling the journey to a livable, prosperous homeland.