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Tag: Charles Soludo

  • Gov Soludo Sun newspaper’s award, a welcome development, Ezi-Anam community

    By Ovat Abeng

    The people of Ezi-Anam Community in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State, have congratulate governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on his award as the Sun Newspaper Man of the year 2024.

    They described the award as a welcome development, well deserved and worth of emulation.

    Their congratulatory message was contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka, on Sunday by the President General of the community, Chief Charles Igboanugo Okafor.

    According to Chief Okafor, the award on Governor Soludo shows that he is an excellent figure and a political leader in Nigeria.

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    He said the award is a thing of great joy to the good people of Ezi-Anam community and the state at large as the governor has been developing all sectors of the economy in line with his democratic vision of making Anambra a clean, green, smart, digital, peaceful, secure, livable and prosperous homeland in Nigeria.

    He noted that Governor Soludo’s emergence as governor has brought peace, unity and development into Ezi-Anam community and the entire Anambra West Council Area of the State.

    “Governor Soludo’s developmental strides in the state has endeared him to the people, hence, the Sun Newspaper governor of the year 2024 recognition.

    “I prayed God to continue to bless and reward the governor for piloting the affairs of the state creditably,” the PG concluded.

  • Gov Soludo presents certificates to three Anambra newly elected traditional rulers

    Gov Soludo presents certificates to three Anambra newly elected traditional rulers

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has presented certificates of recognition to three newly elected traditional rulers in the state.

    The ceremony took place at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Tuesday.

    The recipients of the certificates were Igwe Timothy Okwudiri Ifurunwa, known as Igwe Odudu 1 of Ihite in Orumba South Local Government Area, Igwe Francis Ugochukwu Chikezie, referred to as Igwe Ugodinaobi of Azia in Ihiala Council Area; and Igwe (Sir) Obiora Anachuna, popularly known as Igwe Orazulunye of Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of the State.

    Governor Soludo emphasized the importance of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and development. He urged the new rulers to prioritize good governance, their people’s welfare, and community harmony.

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    The event showcased the Anambra State Government’s commitment to empowering traditional leadership for community development. Dignitaries present included Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs.

  • We are committed to raising Anambra’s digital tribe – Gov Soludo

    We are committed to raising Anambra’s digital tribe – Gov Soludo

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed his administration’s commitment to raising Anambra’s digital tribe.

    Soludo stated this at the grand finale of the Anambra Innovation Week, 2024, held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, on Friday.

    The Governor stated that technology and innovation define Anambra’s future, saying that technology is key to his administration’s agenda.

    “The importance of the event has been underscored. The full week-long event, signposts the importance we attach to this journey.”

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    The Governor pointed out that Anambra is on a long journey, saying that the vision is to transform Anambra from a departure lounge to a destination point.

    “We are building the African Dubai Taiwan. Think of our own Silicon valley.

    “We are building a human capital that is productive at home and exportable abroad.

    “I thank all of you who have competed from the 24 states in Nigeria. This will grow from strength to strength. “

    The Governor added that Anambra remains as Nigeria’s major commercial, logistics hub, as well as entertainment hub, emphasizing that his administration is deliberate about the drive to deepen technology and innovation across the state.

    “Technology and innovation define Anambra’s future. Technology is key”; the Governor added.

    The Keynote Speaker and Co-Founder of AI in Nigeria, Ehia Ehabo who spoke on Driving Investment in Africa, through investment in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, revealed that for every challenge in Africa, there are multiple opportunities, adding that the continent has a vibrant youth population to actualize it.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation whose Agency organised the Innovation week, Ms. Chinwe Okoli applauded the Governor for believing and driving the process.

    “This is the first of its kind in Anambra state; holding a week-long event on innovation and technology.

    “Soludo believes in technology. His administration has the mantra of “everything technology, technology everywhere,” and he is deliberately building the ecosystem. “

    Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, tech gurus from AI, Meta, UNDP, among others, attended the event.

    Hundreds of youths, comprising mainly of inventors, were awarded with one hundred million naira cash in the “battle for solution competition.”

  • LG Autonomy: Join responsibilities necessary for grassroot devt in Nigeria – Gov Soludo

    LG Autonomy: Join responsibilities necessary for grassroot devt in Nigeria – Gov Soludo

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo has said a joined responsibilities between the State and Local Government administration is much necessary for grassroot development in Nigeria.

    He said the synergy will create a stronger relationship between the governors and the elected chairmen in one purpose, which is to provide adequate security and welfare of it citizens.

    The governor who stated this while briefing Journalists shortly after signing the Local Government Administration Law at the Governor’s Lodge Amawbia on Tuesday, contended that the attendant challenges before the issue of local government autonomy are such that would certainly deepen the fate of the system and spell doom for the expected beneficiaries of the process.

    He described the absolute autonomy to the 774 Local government areas in the country as an impossibility insisting that it is a recipe for homongous chaos.

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    He said that the section 7 of the constitution against this backdrop comes handy for the enacting of the enabling laws for the administration of the respective local government areas across the country.

    “This is where Section 7 of the Constitution comes handy, and the Anambra State House of Assembly has risen to the occasion. Happily, the Supreme Court did not nullify Section 7 of the Constitution.”

    “The new laws by Anambra House of Assembly are therefore consequential to give operational life to the Supreme Court judgment and not to undermine it. If the State House of Assembly abdicates this constitutional duty, the Local Government will then have no law on the use and management of its finance which the Constitution has given the State House of Assembly (and only the House of Assembly) the mandate to legislate on. Indeed, in many states the House of Assemblies retain the power to suspend or remove chairpersons of local governments.”

    “By the way, isn’t the legislative authority exercised by the State Assemblies under Section 7 of the Constitution similar to the powers granted by the Constitution to the National Assembly over the Federal Capital Territory and its Area Councils?”

    “We inherited a local government system with four-year arrears (2018-2022) of gratuity to retired primary school teachers and other staff of local government. We have restructured their finances back to sustainability. Everyone who retired from the local government and State civil service since my tenure is paid gratuity/pension, and we are on course to clear the outstanding arrears soon”

    “Three years’ arrears on counterpart funding for Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has been cleared, resulting in billions of Naira recently invested in our primary schools. Some 326 primary health centres are being constructed or modernized in all the 326 wards in the state as well as employing hundreds of medical personnel to man the primary health centres.”

    “Most of the local government secretariats have been remodelled and equipped, and the LG system is once again alive. This is not to mention that 3,615 out of the 8,115 new teachers recruited under my administration are for primary schools and they are being paid. We do not want to go back!”

    “Governors are often accused of seeking to “control” LG funds with insinuations that LG funds are mismanaged. Of course, in a society where public office is seen as “dinning table” and public trust is low, people judge others by their own standards: by what they would do if they were in the position. I often ask: control for what?”

    “While I cannot hold brief for every governor, I know that most states are struggling to ensure a solvent local government system. I wish I can be spared the headache, if not for the predictable collateral damage to the system if we abdicate from structured oversight and collective accountability. The challenge ahead can be daunting given the quantum rise in wage bills because of the new minimum wage, as well as consequential rise in future pension/gratuity payments.”

    “Without active collaboration and coordination between state and local governments, many LGs will end up in a huge financial mess, requiring bailouts by state governments or will FGN directly intervene in every case of insolvency among the 774 LGs?”

    “In conclusion, the progressive legislations by the State Assembly are designed to unleash the creative powers of the LGs, encourage peer learning, optimal development outcomes in planning and execution among the LGs, as well as novel accountability and transparency.”

    “The laws are ingenious by creating multiple layers of collaborative oversight whereby the LGs agree on monies to set aside and managed collectively by them for common services or first-line charges, while the rest is appropriated by the Congress of Councillors in each LG.”

    “In an innovative sense, the legislative powers – including powers of appropriation and oversight now largely reside with the local government legislature—Congress of Councillors, which is empowered to make bye-laws, which are in the nature of regulations, for the Local Governments (as it is the House of Assembly that is empowered by the Constitution to enact laws to guide the Local Governments).”

    “Since neither the Constitution nor the Supreme Court judgment prescribes the manner of appropriation, expenditure, and audit/accountability for local government funds, the House of Assembly and the Congress of Councillors fill in the blanks under the new laws pursuant to Section 7 of the Constitution,” he said.

    The governor while commending the state legislators for a job well done, also appeal to the newly elected 21 Council Chairmen in the state to support his administration to moved the State forward.

    It was gathered that the briefing also feature the unveiling of Anambra State Economic Planning Board.

  • Report of my govt planning to borrow N245bn to fund Anambra 2024 budget is fake, says Soludo

    Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has debunked the report that his administration is planning to borrowed N245 billion to fund the State 2024 budget.

    Soludo debunked the publication while briefing Journalists at the governor’s lodge Amawbia, on Tuesday to mark the State 33-years anniversary.

    It was gathered that the governor was reacting following the recent publication by Daily Trust Newspaper that Anambra State government will borrow N245 billion from financial institutions to fund the 2024 budget, and that he (Soludo) had on Tuesday presented a budget of N245 billion to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

    Reacting further on the development, Gov. Soludo urged Ndi-Anambra and the public at large to disregard and considered the report as pure fake news that has no source.

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    According to the governor, the report is purely a fake news. “The current government of Anambra State under my watch has no and never planned to borrowed money to fund the ongoing transformation policies in the state.

    “I don’t not know where this report is coming from. I will interrogate my officials about it.

    “This administration under my able watch have a particularly view about borrowing and we have a very narrow stringing caleteral in borrowing. We can not borrowed for consumption, if we want to borrowed, we will borrowed for bankable projects and programmes that will add value not just for today but for the generation unborn.

    “In 2022, when I came on board, the State House of Assembly where we have our supplementary budget actually approved for us to borrowed a sum of 100 billion and uptil this moment we have not borrowed a Kobo out of that.

    “Last year, 2023, we have explicit in our budget of about ninty something billion deficit but we don’t borrowed a Kobo of that.

    “This year 2024, we also have budget deceit of about 121 billion and till this moment, we have not borrowed one Koko out of that. We are not dreaming to borrowed for fun sake.

    “We are working on projects that will be bankable. We are insisting that we borrowed for bankable projects that will have probability and possibility of generating returns to pay back in future.

    “So, therefore, the Daily Trust report of Anambra State government will borrow N245 billion from financial institutions to fund the 2024 budget in the state is purely a fake news and nothing short of that, the governor clarified.”

    Governor Soludo used the briefing to wish residents irrespective of tribe, ethic political and religion affiliations a happy 33-annivarsary celebration.

  • Soludo to conduct local government elections in Anambra

    Soludo to conduct local government elections in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Ahead of the conduct of local government elections in Anambra state, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has inaugurated the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC.

    Governor Soludo performed the function at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, on Tuesday.

    Magistrate Chinelo Genevieve Osakwe is Chairman of the Commission

    Members are Mrs. Bernadine Obande, Barr. Osita Cyril Igbokwe, Sir Chinedu Anthony Nnalue, Mrs. Helen Ifeyinwa Umeh and Mr. John Emeka Okeke.

    Terms of reference of the Commission include to organize, undertake and supervise all elections and matters pertaining to elections to the elective offices in the Local Government councils in the State, among others.

    The functions of the Commission under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of Anambra Electoral Law 2024 shall include the division of the area of the Local Government, into such number of ward or constituencies as are prescribed by law for the purpose of the elections to be conducted by the Commission, among others.

    Inaugurating the members of the Commission, Governor Soludo charged them to render nothing short of sterling service to ndị Anambra.

    Present at the event we’re the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Sylvia Ifemeje, Commissioner for Local Government and Town Union Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, among others.

  • Soludo flags off farm to feed campaign, as sustainable action against hunger in Nigeria

    Soludo flags off farm to feed campaign, as sustainable action against hunger in Nigeria

    By Ovat Abeng

    Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has launched the “Farm To Feed Campaign” initiative.

    The programme which aims to encourage and mobilize ndị Anambra to venture into farming and a flagged off by the Governor at a farm in Amansea, Awka North local government area, on Saturday.

    Performing the function, Governor Soludo revealed that the initiative is one of the positive steps to move the state and country forward.

    “We are here as part of our own response to the issues surrounding hunger.

    “While others in some places are protesting, Anambra state is not protesting.

    “I want to thank our youths and everyone who are going about their businesses.

    “We are here to take positive steps to move the state and country forward.

    “Our people are not participating in the protest, not because they don’t feel the pain, but because they want to be part of the solution.

    “The youths want to embrace their destinies and I want to commend you for that”, he added.

    “This is citizens’ action against hunger in partnership with government. We want to turn our challenges into opportunities.

    The Governor recalled that his administration has already distributed over one million palm and coconut seedlings, with a target of ten million seedlings before the end of his government.

    “The farm to feed campaign is a simple partnership deal to end hunger within the next 12 months.

    “The citizens have a lot to do, including public servants. The only job allowed by the constitution for public servants is farming.

    The Governor recalled that 40 years ago, the late Sunny Okosun sang a song titled; “Which way Nigeria”, where he noted that Nigerians have been singing songs of lamentations for decades, stressing that it is now time for action.

    “In that song, Sunny Okosun sang that every little thing that goes wrong, people blame the government”.

    “Let’s turn farming and agriculture as the new national pride.

    “I agree there is hunger in the land…do something about it.

    “If everyone starts producing, the pressure on food prices will reduce. Turn every vacant piece of land to farm, rent a space if you can, but plant something.

    “Here in Anambra, we will continue to do more.

    He expressed readiness to collaborate with organisations and work out schemes, saying that soon, his administration will celebrate the farm champions.

    “Local government chairmen, churches, and other stakeholders should take the campaign down to their people.

    “Ndị Igbo aren’t protesting because they believe in hard work.

    “We’ve seen far worse conditions before, but we are resilient people, and by a dint of hard work, we shall prevail.

    “Let us get to work, every citizen, one at a time, protest, but be the change you desire,” the governor added.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor expressed elation at the event and the Governor’s zeal of thinking through the challenges of the times, that is in line with the solution agenda.

    “His mind is at work. This is a progressive idea for ndị Anambra and the nation that will bring comfort to the hardship, “he added.

    Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, among others, told stories of how their farm efforts were successful.

    The wife of the governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim accompanied the governor to the event including the Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi.

  • Anambra 2025: Group endorses Soludo for second term

    Anambra 2025: Group endorses Soludo for second term

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Divine Mandate Actualization (DMA), has endorsed Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for second term in the upcoming Anambra 2025 governorship election in the state.

    The group made the endorsement at the end of its meeting with the State Commissioner for Works, Engr Ifeanyi Okoma, at his Obosi residence in Idemili North Council Area of the State, on Sunday.

    The DMA said that Soludo was adopted as its sole candidate because of his numerous achievements recorded within a period of two and half years in office.

    The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Idemili, who announced the endorsement on behalf of others, expressed his unwavering belief that Governor Charles Soludo is the best person to lead Anambra state for a second tenure.

    Idemili, who is known as “Emma Gold”, stated that governor Soludo will undoubtedly make a comeback in the upcoming 2025 governorship election in the state.

    He emphasized that Soludo has proven himself to be an exceptional leader, who has gone above and beyond in his duties, surpassing the achievements of his predecessors.

    In his remark, the State Commissioner for Works, Engr Okoma, expressed delight in welcoming the group to his home, promised his full support in the campaign.

    He praised the Governor for his remarkable achievements in Anambra state, highlighting the tremendous efforts put into fixing the state’s infrastructure within a short span of two and half years, specifically, he mentioned how areas like Okpoko and Ochanja markets in Onitsha, the commercial city of the state have witnessed significant transformations, with the roads being restored to a level that makes residents proud.

  • Soludo inaugurates Odinkalu, Bianca, Ndubuisi, others As Ojukwu Varsity Governing Council Members

    Soludo inaugurates Odinkalu, Bianca, Ndubuisi, others As Ojukwu Varsity Governing Council Members

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State Governor,  Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurated Prof. Chidi Odinkalu (Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and a renowned philanthropist, High Chief Dr Christopher Ndubuisi as members of the governing council of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, Anambra State

    Soludo performed the function at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Awka, on Wednesday.

    Other members of the council include, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume and AIG Chris Ezike (retd.)

    According to the governor, the government views the institution as the apex of tertiary institutions in the state, and charged them with building an educational system that is fit for purpose, projecting into where the state wants to be.

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    The governor said, “The primary challenge you have is to work hard to reinvigorate and regenerate the university for the times we live and the times yet to come.”

    “Are we preparing our children to be able to dominate the future? The university needs to carve its own unique identity, its own brand.”

    “Fiscal sustainability is part of the challenges but you have to compete and dominate with the little resource base at your disposal,” Soludo said.

    He expressed his passion for the university, saying he looks forward to seeing the university become the shining light, if not the leader in university education in Nigeria.

    While expressing absolute confidence in the ability of the Council, the governor pledged to support the council in whatever feasible way, subject to resource constraints.

    Speaking to Journalists on the development, High Chief Christopher Ndubuisi thanked the governor for finding him worthy and promised he’ll do his best to see the University  named after Ojukwu become a reference point in tertiary education.

    Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Chief Protocol officer to the governor, Hon Chinedu Nwoye, among others were also  present during the inauguration.

  • Soludo’s Aide, Sympathizes With Victims Of Anambra Market Fire

    Soludo’s Aide, Sympathizes With Victims Of Anambra Market Fire

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State on Youth Empowerment Programmes, Dr Nelson Omenugha, has sympathized with his people, those that lost their means of livelihood as a result of the fire outbreak that affected some shops at Afor Nnobi market in Idemili south local government area of the State.

    He appreciated the efforts of Nnobi youths and high-spirited individuals who moved swiftly to put out the fire,

    According to him, upon hearing the news of the unfortunate incident, I rushed to the market to have a firsthand information about the incident and to ensure that the fire was put out.

    “Governor Soludo is committed to the safety and security of Ndi-Anambra.

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    “Relevant institutions are being empowered to work towards a state where emergencies like this are fully contained with minimalising  casualties;”

    “people should always carefully manage their electrical gadgets to avoid such incident, he advised.

    While advocating for quick public response mechanism to curtailed future occurrence in the state, the SA noted that Governor Soludo is assiduously putting all necessary structures in place to contain any kind of emergency in the state.

    He also assured the victims of support within his capacity to curb the effect of their losses.

    It was gathered that the fire outbreak that occurred at the early hours of Wednesday damaged goods worth millions of naira.