Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • Children’s Day: Anambra first lady calls for improved welfare of children

    Children’s Day: Anambra first lady calls for improved welfare of children

    …Cooks for motherless children in Awka

    By Ovat Abeng

    The wife of the Anambra State Governor and founder of Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo Initiative, Dr Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has called for utmost care and a keen interest in the upbringing of children.

    Mrs Soludo made the call while speaking to journalists shortly after she motherly prepared meal for motherless children at Model Community Children Home Awka, on Sunday, as part of this year 2024 Children’s Day celebration.

    Congratulating the children, the Anambra first lady noted that children are the future of the nation and need to be groomed with utmost care and protected by everyone irrespective of family background.

    According to her, the day marks a celebration of children, raising awareness for issues that affect children and helping us appreciate that they are the future of our societies. So we should always expressed our love and care towards their welfare.

    Read Also: HPV Vaccine: Groups host mega rally uptake in Nnewi

    While commending the efforts of the state government aimed at providing safety cushions for children through it numerous humanitarian programmes, Mrs Soludo called all and sundry to show the children love by creating safe and conducive spaces where the children can learn the truth, imbibe the fear of God and manifest it always.

    In her brief appreciation, the coordinator of Model Community Children’s Home Awka, Rev. Sister Philomena Akuchukwu, while describing Mrs Soludo as a caring, humble, beautiful, lovely and God fearing mother, said the orphanage children will continue to pray for a better Anambra and the success return of governor Chukwuma Soludo for a second term in office.

    It was gathered that the celebration also feature cooking, serving of meal and cutting of the children’s day birthday cake by the governor’s wife and her entourage.

  • HPV Vaccine: Groups host mega rally uptake in Nnewi

    HPV Vaccine: Groups host mega rally uptake in Nnewi

    By Ovat Abeng

    A mega rally on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine uptake was held at the weekend in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State to up-scale ongoing sensitization in the area.

    The rally was implemented by Education and Research For Sustainable Development (ERSD) in partnership with International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC), Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA) and Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) with funding from GAVI through John Hopkins.

    Speaking at the rally which also served as grand finale of one-month daily sensitization, Executive Director, ERSD, Dr Judith Ani said the free vaccine administration to kick off on Monday, May 27, 2024 is for girls between the ages of 9 to 14.

    Ani, member of one of the Civil Society Organizations working with IVAC in Anambra urged parents to take advantage of the opportunity to ensure their daughters within the age brackets were vaccinated.

    Read Also: Anambra 2025: APGA organizes grassroot mobilization summit for soludo’s reelection bid in Anoacha LGA

    She said, “Cervical cancer has been found to be the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among women globally. The cause has been found to be Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

    “Before now, some of the residents were expressing fears that the vaccine were targeted at killing Nigerians to reduce African population, but with the information being passed across, those doubt are being allayed.

    “With this rally, those ignorant about the vaccine are beginning to understand what HPV is all about and the importance of having the vaccine.

    “We urge parents to allow their children to take the vaccine because parental consent is critical. On the part of the girls, we want them to understand that their health is important and the vaccine is in their own interests.

    “They have to convince their parents on the need to take the vaccine which is 100percent safe and effective for cervical cancer prevention, having been tested in several countries.

    “They should disabuse their minds from the rumours flying around that the vaccine is unsafe.

    “ERSD acknowledges support received from Medical Women Association of Nigeria(MWAN) Anambra State Chapter, MWAN National Maternal and Child Health Committee, Nkwo Nnewi Central Market, St. Joseph Cakes and Events and Kenan Multilinks.”

    A consultant paediatrician, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) and President, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Anambra State chapter, Dr Amaka Onubogu regretted high mortality rate of the cancer, revealing that no fewer than 8,000 cases were recorded annually with over 6,000 death.

    “Initially, it costs about N80,000 to vaccinate a child, which majority cannot afford. In fact, our study in public and private schools in Nnewi shows that only 3 were vaccinated.

    “That’s why government has decided to make it free. This is the first time it’s being introduced in Nigeria as part of routine vaccine. It came in two phases, and this is the second phase which is going on in 21 states across the country.

    “We’ve been into aggressive campaign in markets, churches, schools, stakeholders. The pediatrics association in February trained immunization champions across the country with the support of the international body.

    “Similarly, Nigeria Medical Association also trained immunization champions through the support of IVAC and these trainings were castigated at the local levels,” she added.

    Also speaking, Technical Assistant for Clinton Health Association Initiative, Akpan Patrick said his organization was offering technical assistance to the state for the introduction of HPV into routine immunization and ensure access to vaccine to the public.

    He identified hesitance and non-compliance to the vaccine as part of the challenges always encountered during vaccination.

    “One of the challenges we encountered during the phase 1 and which may likely occur is hesitant and non-compliance. Others are inadequate sensitization, fears borne out of rumors in the internet that government is partnering with white people to reduce African population which is quite untrue.

    “Since we anticipate these challenges, we’ve put up lots of strategies, including rumors management tools to curtail the rumor, advocacy, brought in stakeholders and other gatekeepers, including traditional and religious leaders, school heads, teachers to reach out to the targeted audience.

    “About 89 million girls are expected to be vaccinated across the country, while we’re targeting about 476,664 girls in Anambra,” he disclosed.

  • Anambra 2025: APGA organizes grassroot mobilization summit for soludo’s reelection bid in Anoacha LGA

    Anambra 2025: APGA organizes grassroot mobilization summit for soludo’s reelection bid in Anoacha LGA

    By Ovat Abeng

    Ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, political stakeholders under the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), in Anoacha Local Government Area of the State, has organized a one-day grassroot mobilization summit tagged; Anoacha APGA Stakeholders Summit 2024″ for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election bid.

    It was gathered that the summit that took place at Golden Tulip Hotel Agulu, on Saturday with the theme; Governance and the people duty of the political party at the grassroots, attracted all APGA supporters across the 19 political Wards that constitute the Council Area.

    In his address, the APGA Chairman in Anoacha Council Area, Chief Sir Anthony Ugorji, said the major aimed of the summit is to brainstormed on how the party in the Area under his watch can carry out an intensive door-door mobilization campaign for Soludo second term reelection.

    According to him, the strength of any political party is the ability to mobilized and win an election.

    Read Also: Governor Otu to Champion Student Empowerment at Cross River Student Leaders Conference 2024

    “Our primary objective is to ensure that governor Soludo is reelected for second term in office.

    “APGA started it effectiveness in Anaocha council area with Mr. Peter Obi as governor in 2006 who is also a native of the area and we are bent to maintain the status quote.

    Chief Udorji reminded the stakeholders of the special love Soludo has for Anoacha people.

    The Chairman also highlighted some of the achievements recorded within two years in office by Soludo led administration in the state which includes; the employment of over 5,000 teachers, employment of 400 health workers, empowerment of 10,000 youths through the state “one youth, two skill empowerment programme and the ongoing construction of 400 kilometres of roads across the 21 local government areas of the state.

    He advised Anoacha people to reciprocate the love by standing firm in supporting APGA in the upcoming governorship election without having double mind.

    He also appeal for financial support to enable the party commence it door-door campaign in the area.

    Further more, the State Commissioner for Health and a Chieftain of the party in the area, Dr. Afam Obidike, expressed joy that APGA is coming up with different new party structure which must grow from the grassroots to the Federal level.

    Obidike explained that with the new structures of APGA, there will be effective delivery of democracy dividend and election victory come 2025.

    In their brief separate speeches, the chairman/secretary, planning committee of the summit, Chief Inno Posh Chikezie and Comrade Rome Ibekwe, says the brain behind the gathering is also to restrategize on how the council will secure 100 percent votes for Governor Soludo”s re-election bid.

    The event also features award presentation to some party leaders including Hon Dozie Nwankwo, Dr.Afam Obidike, Chief Ben Obi, Barrister Uju Nwogu, among others and empowerment of 19 women with N50,000 each from the council area.

  • Ekwunife unveils skill acquisition and training centre at UNIZIK

    Ekwunife unveils skill acquisition and training centre at UNIZIK

    By Ovat Abeng

    The former Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly Abuja, Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife, has unveiled her Skill Acquisition and Training Centre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, on Friday.

    The unveiling ceremony organized by the Senator, attracted students, staff of the university, APC supporters, traditional rulers, and others.

    Speaking during the event, the Senator said her core objective of establishing the centre is to curtailed unemployment rate among Nigeria students after graduation through attitudinal re-orientation, skills acquisition in multi-tasking productive business enterprise and provision of necessary assistance for youths economic and financial independence as well as repositioning participants in their skills acquisition trainings to train others.

    She noted that the centre, when fully equipped will have about nine big training offices including; Conference hall, ICT hub, confectioneries based, sewing hub, among others.

    Read Also: Ndoma-Egba Disassociates Self From Speaker’s Travail

    While commending the University Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone for convincing her to build the edifice, Ekwunife urged the student to see the project as theirs and protect it from external Invaders.

    She also used the occasion to urged religion leaders in the country, irrespective of tribe or political affiliations to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu longevity as he mark his 1st year in office.

    In his brief remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Unizik, Prof Esimone, while applauding Ekwunife who is also the current Director General of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), for the project, urged other God-fearing and well-to-do individuals in the country to emulate her kind gesture.

  • Ojukwu Varsity extends partnership to Cambridge University, UK

    Ojukwu Varsity extends partnership to Cambridge University, UK

    By Ovat Abeng

    Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State, has extended it Academic Advancement to University of Lincoln and Sydney Success College at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom (UK).

    According to the University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Harrison Mmadubueze, who disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka, on Thursday, said the partnership aimed to establish a framework for mutually beneficial collaboration, focusing on integrating innovative teaching tools and methodologies that would benefit both institutions.

    The statement read; “Following continued efforts to deepen the internationalization of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), recall that the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, recently visited the University of Lincoln and Sydney Success College at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. During her visit, she engaged in productive discussions focused on exploring linkages and collaboration opportunities in diverse fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Economics, and Culture & Heritage Studies.

    “These international academic engagements are already yielding promising results. Dr. Chukwunonso Ekesiobi, Associate Director of the COOU Research Management Office and a member of the COOU Economics Department, recently held a virtual conversation with Dr. Charles Roddie from the Faculty of Economics at Sydney Success College, Cambridge, and Saïd Business School, Oxford. Dr. Charles Roddie equally serves as the CEO of SUMMATIC, a cutting-edge platform designed to enhance student learning experiences in subjects such as Economics, Biosciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering, and Business School preparation through interactive engagement with complex concepts.

    Read Also: Anambra govt celebrates CKC students who won 2024 World Affairs Challenge Champions

    “The meeting aimed to establish a framework for mutually beneficial collaboration, focusing on integrating innovative teaching tools and methodologies that would benefit both institutions. By leveraging the expertise of our faculty and the advanced learning technologies from SUMMATIC, COOU Management anticipates significant enhancements in academic programmes, which will prepare students of COOU to excel in a globalized and technologically advanced world. This partnership also aims to foster joint research initiatives and faculty development programmes.

    “These activities underscore the university management’s deliberate and strategic efforts to position Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University as a leading institution both now and in the future, as well as a hub of innovation and excellence in line with the 3Vs agenda (Values, Viability and Visibility).

    “The management looks forward to more of such fruitful engagements and the positive impact they will have on our university community, the statement concluded.

  • Police intercept gun runner in Onitsha, recover 7 new pump action guns

    Police intercept gun runner in Onitsha, recover 7 new pump action guns

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Police Command, on Thursday, about 11:30 am intercepted a gang member of a notorious gun-running syndicate in Onitsha, recovered seven brand new Jojef magnum pump action guns,
    in a concealed bag.

    According to the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Tochukw Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka, said, this breakthrough is following the practical intelligence and tact-led Policing strategy of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam to frustrate criminal plans, especially on the intel received over time about planned attacks by unlawful group/secessionists to enforce illegal sit-at-home on 30th May 2024.

    “The Operatives laid ambush at the identified location at Creek Road, Onitsha and the convener/ gunrunner on sighting the Police abandoned the bag and took to his heels.

    Read Also: Anambra govt celebrates CKC students who won 2024 World Affairs Challenge Champions

    He said to this end, the CP, has directs a manhunt on the notorious gun runner and the gang and urges Ndi Anambra to sustain the provision of security information as the Police will continue to act upon it, to be able to frustrate the criminals and non-state actors in the State.

  • Anambra govt celebrates CKC students who won 2024 World Affairs Challenge Champions

    Anambra govt celebrates CKC students who won 2024 World Affairs Challenge Champions

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Government has celebrated students of the Christ the King College  (CKC) Onitsha, who won gold recently in the 2024 World Affairs Challenge competition  held at Denver  Colorado, United  State of America, last month.

    The ceremony organised by the CKC management, on Thursday at the School premises Onitsha, was grace by the State Education family led by the Commissioner, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the PPSSC chairman, Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu and the ASUBEB chairman Dr. Mrs. Vera Nwadinobi..

    In her opening remark, the Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, who spoke on behalf of the government, said that the students deserved commendation for making the state and Nigeria at large proud through the feat.

    She noted that Christ the King College Onitsha is one of the best  secondary schools in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Food Crisis: Soludo Flags-Off Free Distribution Of Farm Inputs In Idemili South LGA

    “On behalf of Mr Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, we congratulate and celebrate devotion, consistency and unwavering excellence, brighter future, children who are going to take us to the promised land. We’re here to celebrate the brightest and greatest. Amidst Nigeria’s numerous woes, I see light at the middle of the tunnel. Our future is no longer a mirage. I also see solutions to our environment with this crop of students.

    The chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr. Mrs. Vera Nwadinobi commended the school, particularly the Principal, who she described as passionate, especially with regards to mentoring young minds.

    On her part, the chairman, Post Primary School Service Commission (PPSSC), Prof Mrs Nkechi Ikediugwu praised the school for setting the pace for others, saying, “We’re proud of you for defeating US, Turkey and other countries that participated in the tournament.”

    Earlier, the Principal of CKC, Rev. Fr. Dr. Celestine Arinze Okafor described the feat recorded by the students as an invitation to the path of impactful education.

    “This is a competition that challenges you to know the issues, think through them and find a practical solution by developing a project. And this is not the end of it; you have to market the ideas to others so they can use your solution to solve the problem which affects us all.

    “Anambra has always been a vanguard in Nigeria education and I’m confident that innovative and solution-oriented education will come from Anambra to Nigeria and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa,” he added.

    The students,  Ekufu Ernest, Obuna Somtochukwu, Agbanaje Ifechukwu, Umeodinka Emmanuel, Ejike Ekene, and Ubah Jason, led by their coach, John Onuigbo received the award certificates from the commissioner who also delivered the school certificate to the principal.

    The award plaque was lifted to the admiration and applause of the audience.

    The Paradise News gathered that the World Affairs Challenge organized by WorldDenver, empowers high school students to develop innovative solutions for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and this year edition, the students tackled critical issues like climate change, poverty and inequality.

  • Food Crisis: Soludo Flags-Off Free Distribution Of Farm Inputs In Idemili South LGA

    Food Crisis: Soludo Flags-Off Free Distribution Of Farm Inputs In Idemili South LGA

    By  Ovat Abeng

    Inine with his deliberate policy to increase agricultural production to enhance food sufficiency, the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has flagged -off free distribution of farm Inputs to farmers in idemili south local government area of the state.

    The event that took place at the Council Headquarters Ojoto, on Thursday, also have in attendence, the Deputy Chief of Staff who doubled as Chief Protocol and Chairman of All Soludo Support Groups(ASSG), Chief Sir. Chinedu Nwoye(Glamour), alongside Managing Director Of ASWAMA, Engr. Mike Ozoemena and APGA Chieftain, Hon. Obi Ochije Modilim.

    Speaking on behalf of the governor, during the flagged off, Sir. Chinedu Nwoye said, the focus of Soludo’s administration centres on agricultural revolution and in the hierarchy of man’s need, food is ranked first and it explained why Governor Soludo had been sharing all the seeds to the people in the state.

    He lauded the convener of Women Initiative for Greater Anambra, Hon. Mrs Amaka Obi for following the footsteps of Governor Soludo.

    Read Also: ECOWAS holds sensitization workshop for manufacturers, SMEs on Trade Liberalization policy in South East

    In her welcome address, Acting Head of Department of Agriculture, Idemili South, Mrs Adaora Ejike appreciated Hon. Amaka Obi for deeming it necessary to organize such an event which is one of it’s kind in all the local government, stating that women in agriculture helps in reduction of poverty in the society.

    Earlier on, Hon. Amaka Obi, the Transition Committee Chairman of the Council area, commended Governor Charles Soludo for distributing agricultural inputs in the state, saying that he has boosted the sector and assisted farmers in many ways.

    She said that, Governor Soludo has improved farmers productivity in the state by providing them with essential inputs like high quality seeds and many others, urging them to continue supporting Anambra State Government.

    In their separate remarks, Engr. Mike Ozoemena, Hon. Obi Ochije Modilim Ozo Awka, Mr. Kelvin Anazodo, Chief Mrs Uju Anaekwe, Hon. Ijeoma Egbuna, and Mrs. Chinwe Mgbajiaka lauded Hon. Mrs Obi for giving farmers in Idemili south wonderful opportunity.

  • ECOWAS holds sensitization workshop for manufacturers, SMEs on Trade Liberalization policy in South East

    ECOWAS holds sensitization workshop for manufacturers, SMEs on Trade Liberalization policy in South East

    By Ovat Abeng

    In its bid to boost free trade and foster trade integration across the six geopolitical Zone in Nigeria, the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS)’s department for Economic Affairs, has organized a one-day sensitization workshop on ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) policies for manufacturers and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South East geopolitical zone.

    The event facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with Anambra State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, held at the International Convention Centre Awka, on Friday, have in attendence, representatives from the five south eastern states, comprises of Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi.

    In his address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Yusuf Tuggar while commending the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, for ensuring a conducive environment for the workshop, said on ECOWAS, is hopeful that the Workshop will enhance the visibility of the Scheme and encourage the Organized Private Sector, Businessmen and Women in Anambra State and the entire South East Geopolitical Zone to take advantage and register their companies into the scheme in order to enjoy the numerous benefits therein.

    According to the Minister who was represented by the Director of International Organisation in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Amb. Obinna Onowo, “Our presence here, underscores Federal Government’s collective commitment to harnessing the power of trade as a catalyst for growth and prosperity.

    Read Also: Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong: Exemplifying Purpose-Driven Leadership with a Golden Mind

    “By embracing the ETLS, together we will pave the way for Nigerian companies to thrive in the regional market, thereby boosting the influx of foreign exchange and fortifying our economic resilience.

    “The Ministry is honoured by your participation as well as the resource persons that will deliver meaningful lectures on the Scheme. I am convinced that the presence of manufacturers at this event would be of immense benefit to your businesses, which would assist in building a vibrant Nigerian economy and facilitate regional integration.

    The Minister noted that the sensitization workshop was also held in Kano and Lagos States in 2020 and 2022 respectively.

    The Anambra State Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeayughi while declaring the event open, assure that his administration will partner with the Scheme to enhance effective productivity in the state and beyond.

    The Anambra Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Christian Udechukwu, said the Workshop was organized in the state in line with Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous state in Nigeria.

    In his goodwill message, President of South East, South-South Chambers of Commerce, Chief Humphrey Ngonadi described the event as wonderful, urged the manufacturers from the region to key into the scheme to further developed the zone.

    He listed lack of electricity, good road network and adequate security as major challenges, the region is facing at the moment.

    The theme for the workshop is “Exploring the benefits of ETLS in Nigeria.”

  • Soludo sets up c’ttee on minimum wage, abolishes contributory pension scheme in Anambra

    Soludo sets up c’ttee on minimum wage, abolishes contributory pension scheme in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State governor, Charles Soludo, has set up a committee to look into the issue of minimum wage for workers in the state civil service.

    The state chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Humphrey Nwafor and Comrade Chris Ogbonna disclosed this in a joint press briefing at the government House Awka, on Wednesday.

    The leadership of organized labour and officials of the Anambra State government, led by the Governor, met to iron out burning issues bothering on wages, pension and other conditions of service.

    Nwafor who spoke with journalists shortly after the meeting said: “Seven items were raised before the governor, and they included contributory pension, minimum wage, Labour House, and many others.

    Read Also: Anambra 2025: APC Chieftain vows to unseat Soludo

    “At the end, we are happy to inform you that all the issues were settled amicably. The governor has announced suspension of the contributory pension both for the state and the local government workers.

    “He has also set up a committee that will look into the pension issues as well as investigate why money was deducted and not remitted. The committee will report back in eight weeks.

    “As for the minimum wage, seeing is believing. Ordinarily as NLC chairman in the state we should not make public speeches about this, but for this we are saying something and you know that this issue started long before we came into office.

    “Since 2019 and 2020 when the agreement was signed, it has been an issue and we had believed that minimum wage was based on basic salary, but now we have seen that it is clear that minimum wage is based on take home salary, so going by that, Anambra has been complying with payment of minimum wage. Every other thing is based on the interpretation outside the law. We are happy with the resolution.”

    He said the governor has set up a committee that will harmonize wage issues and make it seamless henceforth, just as Labour in the state awaits the resolution of the national and the federal government on the new minimum wage.

    “He has set up a committee that will look into wage issues in Anambra and see how he can assist workers by increasing their pay. We have people from NLC, TUC, local government workers in the committee, and the SSG, head of service, commissioner for finance and others are part of it from the government side.

    “We are happy that the issue of minimum wage is now coming to an end. The struggle that lasted for five years has come to an end. After the committee must have looked into what the governor asked us to do, he is going to make announcement on increase in our wage.

    “The governor has also graciously approved land where Labour House will be erected for Labour in the state. The committee on wage award has also been set up long before now and they will submit their report in three months and the governor will make pronouncement about our wage increase. We are happy that the meeting was a successful one.”

    Chairman of the committee and Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu told journalists that the Soludo government is supportive of workers, and that his committee will ensure that once the new minimum wage is announced, the take off will be seamless as legislation may take up time at the federal level.