Tag: Anambra State

By Ovat Abeng 

Anambra State Governor’s wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo have been honoured as Mother General of the Red Cross Society, Anambra State branch.

She was also honoured as outstanding performing governor’s wife in the state.

The event which took place at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre Awka, on Saturday, was in commemoration of the 2024 World Red Cross Day.

The event attracted political office holders, traditional rulers, the Police, NSCDC, DSS, Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), parents and care givers among others.

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Speaking at the event, the Governor’s wife represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike said that the state government is working hard to reduce circumstances that could lead to the intervention of the Red Cross in the state by providing adequate security, jobs for the teeming youths, provision of basic amenities, management of ecosystem, among others.

Obidike who is also the coordinator of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, assure the Red Cross Society in the state of government continued support in her humanitarian services to Ndi-Anambra.

The National President of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, said the association has a lot of respect for the Anambra State Branch, because of its vibrancy, adding that apart from disaster and emergency managements, Red Cross equally supports government at all levels in taking care of the humanitarian needs all over the world.

On her part, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Red Cross Society and the Head of Law Department, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, Prof. Charity Emelie, said the objective of the Red Cross is based on seven principles namely; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

The State Secretary of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Engr. Kingsley Chukwunoso Okoye, appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife for their continued support to the organization and urged their members to keep the flag flying by being responsive to their humanitarian work at all times.

Some of the awardees at the event included the State deputy speaker, Hon Chukwuma Pius Okoye, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, the state NYSC coordinator, Mrs Blessed Ekene Iruma, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Maku Olatunde, among others while the theme of this year’s celebration is “Keeping Humanity Alive”

By Ovat Abeng

Anambra State Chairman of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Prof Charity Ifeyinwa Emelie, has said the Society is the largest Humanitarian Organisation in Nigeria with a volunteer strength of over eight hundred thousand, spread across the 774 Local Government Areas in the country.

Emelie disclosed this while briefing Journalists at the State Headquarters Amawbia-Awka, on Wednesday, as part it activities to mark the 2024 World Red Cross Day celebration.

She said the celebration will also feature award presentation to the wife of the state governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo and other Nigerians who have been so kind to Red Cross Society in the state.

She noted that the Society is the largest because of it vision and mission to alleviate the situation of the vulnerable people which include those affected by disaster, epidemics, armed conflicts and the poorest communities in both Urban and rural areas amongst whom are women, children, aged, displaced and vulnerable people.

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According to her, “Under section 5(1) of the 1960 Act, it provides that the society shall be recognized by the Government of the Federation as a voluntary Aid Society, auxillary to the public authorities. This means that we are legally required by the Law and the general conventions of which Nigeria is a state party to help the public authorities in the area of humanitarian interventions.

“The fundamental principles of the Society, ” Humanity, impartiality, independence, voluntary service and universality are key to the movement identity.

“The principles also provides a common bond for the National Societies, which vary greatly in structure, culture and membership.

“Red Cross is not a single organisation, it is composed of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the 191 individual National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

“We provide relief in times of disasters/emergencies, we reconnect families separated by crises, we help to rebuild communities devastate by disasters and the promotion of health and care of the vulnerable people and communities in the World.

On her achievements, Prof. Emelie who is also the Dean, Faculty of Law, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, Anambra State, said  in less than five months in office, the Society have been able to pay four months salary out of the seven months arrears she inherit, and she have been paying staff salary as at when due.

Other achievements she mentioned include, feeding of hundred vulnerable people at Nkpor, Oba and Nnewi communities respectively, during World Love Day, inauguration of special branch rapid response team that attends to emergencies, reactivation of the sleeping and dead divisions and the reformation of national registration and production of National Identity cards  for members, which described as first of its kind in the state.

While commending the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, for his continued support to the Society in the state, the Chairman, also listed donation of non consumable clinical materials to eleven selected health centers, drilling and reactivation of water projects, the distribution of food items, non-food items, renovation of 50 houses, distribution of N61,000 cash to thousands of household affected by flood in some communities in Ogbaru, Anambra East/West, Ayamelum, Awka North, among others as other major achievements the society have recorded so far in the state.

It was gathered that the briefing with the theme” Keeping Humanity Alive” has in attendence representatives from the DSS, FRSC, Civil Defence Corp, Man ‘O War and the media.

By Ovat Abeng

Anambra State witnessed a groundbreaking event as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, a Federal Government program aimed at empowering Nigerian youths with tech skills, hosted a Networking Meetup at the IDK Learning Centre in Awka, on Tuesday.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including the 3MTT Community Manager for Anambra State, Somto Akujuruobi, who expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his Renewed Hope Agenda and to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for his efforts in making Anambra a digital tribe.

Somto Akujuruobi also lauded the Hon. Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for spearheading the 3MTT initiative, along with IHS Tower and NITDA for their significant support in fostering the initiative’s goals in Nigeria.

In his own remarks, the spiritual father of the day, Bishop Alex Okedo, emphasized the importance of integrity in the tech industry, setting the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions and reflections.

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A highlight of the event was the keynote speech delivered by Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, MD/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency, represented by Mr. Castro Ideke, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on MDAs Support.

Agbata emphasized the transformative power of technology and the need for continuous learning and adaptability in the dynamic field of tech.

“The path may not be easy but I assure you it will be a success

“Let us seek knowledge relentlessly and believe in our ability to make a difference. This future is not just happening, it is ours to create,” Agbata concluded.

Attendees were inspired by success stories shared by members of the 3MTT community, including Oghene Kome, a success story from cohort one, who emphasized the importance of goal-setting and continuous learning in achieving success. Another beneficiary from cohort one highlighted the significance of collaboration and mentorship in navigating the tech industry.

The event concluded with a sense of optimism and anticipation for future collaborations and shared successes. With a commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation, the 3MTT Networking Meetup in Anambra set new standards for empowering tech skills and driving positive change in Nigeria’s digital landscape.

By Ovat Abeng

The one hundred and fifty days of Honourable ThankGod Chibuike Anago as the Transition Committee Chairman of Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been adjudged by many stakeholders as a success story of uncommon and purposeful commitment towards transforming the council area in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous state in Nigeria.

As a leader who came prepared with well structured template tagged “Social Contract with the Good People of Awka North Local Government Area” aimed at complementing Governor Soludo’s Manifesto, he has made outstanding impact in various sectors.

In the area of education, Honorable Anago has distributed educational materials to all the primary schools in the ten communities in the council area. These items included exercise books, pencils, biros, erasers, sharpeners and rulers among others.

Schools that benefited from Administration’s schooling empowerment and support programme are Egede Primary School, Achalla; Central School, Achalla; Community Primary School, Achalla, Udoka Primary School, Achalla; Eziogbo Primary School, Amansea; Obuno Primary School, Ebenebe; Uwana Primary School, Ebenebe; Irunese Primary School, Ebenebe; Community Primary School, Ugbenu; Ugbenu-Ime Primary School, Ugbenu; Agueke Primary School, Ugbenu as well as Umuogbuefi Primary School, Ebenebe.

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Others are Community Primary School, Isuaniocha; Community Primary School, Mgbakwu; Unity Primary School, Mgbakwu; Aborgu Primary School, Mgbakwu, Central School, Mgbakwu; as well as Igwebudu Primary School, Urum.

Also Union Primary School, Amanuke; Central Primary School, Amanuke; Community Primary School, Urum; Waterside primary school Awba-Ofemili;

In road maintenance, Honourable Anago has carried out palliative work on rural roads across the ten communities in the council area including the Diffry road Mgbakwu which links Mgbakwu community in Awka North with Ifite-Awka village in Awka South.

He also did palliative work on the Isuaniocha-Urum road as well as Oye Urum-Amanuke which is the only internal road from Oye Market, Urum to Afor market in Amanuke. He also intervened on the Igbariam-Oye Achalla road down to the local government headquarters, Achalla which was devastated by gully erosion as well as Amansea old road by-pass connecting the expressway.

Desilting of drainage systems and cutting of grasses along roads in Awka North Local Government Area is another area Honourable. Anago’s administration has made remarkable impact.

Honourable Anago has also installed solar-powered lights across every strategic points within the council secretariat and plans are at advanced stage to extend solar-powered lights to strategic points across the ten communities of Awka North Local Government Area.

Again, in line with Governor Soludo’s agricultural revolution, Honourable Anago has domesticated the agricultural vision of the Soludo-led administration in the council area through various extension programmes using the platform of the Awka North Local Government Area Value Chain Development Programme.

Honourable Anago has equally reconstructed the abandoned borehole facility and ensured comprehensive reticulation of water within the Local Government secretariat.

He also offered free medical services to the people.

The operation Dobe Awka North Ocha programme of Honourable Anago has ensured regular disposal of refuse in every part of Awka North in order to keep the council area clean, healthy and liveable.

The people of Awka North have never had it this good as the Olu Obodo for a Better Awka North Mantra driven by Honourable Anago aligns perfectly with the ” SOLUDO MANIFESTO” and his leadership is centred on the collective good of the people of Awka North.

The achievements were contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka, on Wednesday by his media aide, Comrade Chibuzor Onukwube.

By Ovat Abeng

Indigenes of Amakor village in Nanka, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State have cried out over the devastating effect of erosion in their environment as a result of sand miners.

Leaders of the village under the aegis of Amakor Njikoka Development Union in a press release signed by its chairman and secretary, Mr. Ilo Obinna Daniel and Mr. Patrick Okole respectively and made available to journalists in Awka, on Tuesday, accused the traditional ruler and president general of Nanka community, Igwe Godwin Ezilo and Rev. Can. Ifeanyi Ezike of being behind the excavation of sand in the village.

This outcry is coming months after the Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo banned the activities of sand excavators in the community.

The community said the destruction of their environment through sand mining by the traditional ruler is part of the marginalization Amakor has faced in the hand of the leadership of Nanka community leaders.

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“We have earlier mounted a gate on the road leading to our village, but the gate was primarily dismantled to facilitate the illegal sand mining going on every night at the Agulu-Nanka-Oko Erosion Site, Amako section.

“It took the mature intervention of the village Chairman – Mr. Obinna llo to calm down the highly provoked people of Amakor on when the gates were being destroyed. The illegal sand miners then had uncontrolled accesses to the already devastated stream beach.”

The community said their marginalization by the leaders of Nanka did not start today. They alleged that because of such marginalization , they have been stoped from producing the traditional prime minister of the community which was rightfully their turn.

“They have even gone as far as trying to create a parallel leadership in Amakor, using some people who are loyal to them, just so that they can be causing environmental hazard to us through illegal sand mining.

“We therefore call on the governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Charles Chukwuma Soludo to come to our rescue by setting up an independent panel or commission of inquiry to look into our complaints with a view of enforcing the rule of law and protecting the rights of the weak in the society.”

When called the President General, Mr Ifeanyi Ezeike who spoke on behalf of himself and the monarch, he said he had received reports that the illegal sand excavators usually cone from neighbouring Oko community.

“I have called the President General of Oko community to tell them to investigate and stop his people from coming here. The Amakor leadership are playing politics by including my name as the one mining their sand.”

By Ovat Abeng

In it continues efforts to curtailed the trending activities of Child Sexual abuse in the society, the Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Health, has sensitized community leaders, security agencies and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), on the need to take action to tackle the menace in the state.

The State Coordinator, Adolescent Health and Gender Equity, (State Ministry of Health), Mrs Ekeh Evelyn Ngozi, disclosed this during a one-day training workshop on creating sexual safety policies for concern residents indigenes and non-indigenes in the state.

Mrs Ngozi during the training workshop organised by the Nigeria COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Project (CorPREP) with the support of the Anambra State Government, NCDC and the World Bank, stated that the fight against child sexual abuse was the responsibility of everyone, especially teachers who spent more time with children as well as community leaders, CSOs and the law enforcement agencies.

She stated, “Child sexual abuse has become a menace to the society and the fight involves the collaboration of all relevant stakeholders to be able to stem the tide and achieve justice in the event of its occurrence.”

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“It also involves teachers who spend so much time with children, police and other law enforcement agencies, National Drug Law Enforcement (NDLEA), social development, and relevant agencies, hence the need for this training. The training is essential because most stakeholders lack the requisite knowledge to prevent, respond or report cases of abuse within their domains.”

She noted that the purpose of the training was to enlighten all concern stakeholders in Anambra State on child sexual abuse.

“The importance of this workshop is to enlighten parents, teachers, and stakeholders on how to prevent, respond and report cases of child sexual abuse and how to secure justice for survivors/victims in compliance with extant laws,” she stated.

“Sex education protects young people from sexual abuse.”

Ngozi who is also the CoPREP Gender Pillar lead Public Health Emergency Operations Center (Ministry of Health Awka), commended the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo and the CoPREP state coordinator, Dr Chuma Ememboli for making the training workshop a huge success.

The Co-Chair/Coordinator, Anambra State Child Rights Law Implementation Committee (ASCRIC), Lovet Uju, on her part, emphasized that the need for everyone to be vigilant because abuse could come in different forms and could be contact (fondling and rape where there is penetration) or non-contact sexual abuse (where children are exposed to sexual content).

She charge parents to stop discussing sex-related matters behind a closed door, stressing that the children should also be involved for them to understand why they should wait for a certain age before they can engaged in sex.

So, the workshop is to promote sexual education in the state, Uju noted.

By Ovat Abeng

In continuation of his drive to help indigenous farmers in Anambra State boost food production and arrest the lingering food crisis in the country, Anambra philanthropist, High Chief JohnBosco Onunkwo, through his Foundation, JohnBosco Onunkwo Foundation, has carried out the second phase of his foundation’s free yam seedlings distribution.

The second phase of the yam distribution took place at Ekwulobia and Umuchu in Aguata local government area of the state last week.

Speaking to beneficiaries by a proxy, Mr. Onyeka Offor (Deputy Chairman, APC Aguata), the philanthropist urged them to cultivate the yam seedlings this planting season and promised to reward those who harvest the biggest size of yams during the new yam festival with cash prizes.

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On behalf of Aguata APC excos, the chairman, Chief Godson Anyadike thanked the founder, Chief Onunkwo for his thoughtful initiative in boosting food production  in his constituency among other numerous interventions and prayed for God’s blessings upon him.

The Foundation have earlier in her first phase distributed the seedlings to farmers in Awka and Onitsha axis respectively.