WEATHERING THE RAIN: A BUSINESSWOMAN’S SEASON OF REFLECTION AND RESILIENCE

✍️ Maureen

The rainy season is here again, ushering in cooler air, greener surroundings, and the familiar scent of wet earth. For many, it is a time to snuggle indoors with warm meals and quiet reflection. But for me, it marks the beginning of one of the most challenging periods in my line of work.

I run a business that deals in building materials like cement, iron rods, and bags of stones, chippings, and sand stacked right in front of our shop. While the rains are a blessing to nature, they bring a different kind of weather report for business: “slow.” Construction sites fall silent, and buyers hesitate to start or continue building projects in the downpour.

Each day of heavy rain feels like pressing pause on the usual rush of activity. And it doesn’t stop at fewer customers. The rain often comes with unexpected costs. Stacks of sand and stones that was once neatly arranged, are brought down by rushing water. We are forced to pay loaders again to rebuild the piles, and the sands? Some of them simply wash away, a loss you can't fully measure until it is too late.

Sometimes I stand at the shop front, watching the raindrops create small rivers that snake through the shop, dragging grains of sand along with them. It’s disheartening, not just because of the physical loss, but because of the invisible cost including the effort and time already invested. Every bag lost is not just money gone, but a setback to progress.

Still, I remind myself that the rainy season is not the enemy. It is nature doing what it must. The challenge lies in how we, as business owners, respond. I have begun to think more strategically: using heavy-duty tarpaulins to cover stacks, raising the base of the piles with heavy rocks, and reducing the number of bags we display at once during rainfall season.

I also  offer doorstep delivery to sites that remain active during the rains. It is a way to keep sales going, even when foot traffic slows. Planning around the weather forecast has become a part of our routine like checking skies as often as we check stock.

The rains will come, just as they always have. But so will the dry days, when construction resumes and buyers return. Until then, all we can do is prepare, adapt, and ride out the season with grace and grit.I believe the rainy season may pause progress, but it never erases potential. And just like the buildings we help construct, we too are made to withstand the storm and rise again after it.

End To Erosion Menace: NEWMAP- EIB Team Inspects Designated Sites In Anambra, Lauds Soludo

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu 

Following Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s efforts geared towards reclaiming major parts of Anambra State lands ravaged by gully erosion, a team of experts from the European Investment Bank (EIB) assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), led by the National Project Coordinator, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, on Tuesday, 11th March 2025, visited some designated sites in the state to ascertain the level of the environmental degradation caused by the menace. 

Some of the sites inspected include: Ndiagu Ikenga Ogidi Gully Erosion site, Nkpor Flyover Gully Erosion site, Ugamuma Obosi Gully Erosion site all in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State and Abagana Erosion site, in Njikoka Local Government Area.

Speaking during the inspection, National Project Coordinator, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks noted that they were in Anambra State on the instance of Mr. Governor to come and assess the state’s readiness to participate in the project or not, saying that they were certain things they needed to confirm to be sure that the state is actually ready, and one of it is the exercise they are doing at moment, adding that they needed to confirm whether the state has some selected sites, whether those sites are priority sites, and whether those sites met the conditions of the criteria to be enlisted as a site.

  His words,  'You can see we have visited about five different sites, and all these sites can be said they are candidate sites. What is very much important about those sites is that they are uncompleted sites that have not been completed before now. They are ongoing sites. It is pertinent that anything that has started needed to be completed 100%. The lack of completion was not a deliberate attempt. 

'The funding of this project was initially by the World Bank, and this is a project that closed as of 30th June 2022, and the resources for that have been exhausted. The government of Nigeria and with state government  both at national and the sub-national understanding the gravity and negative impacts of those challenges with the regards to land degradation did not rest on their aors. They ensure that funding are being secured to continue what has been done before and to complete what has not been completed. 

 'It is also of importance to note that His Excellency Governor Chukwuma Soludo has the passion and the heart to ensure that these sites are completed and, as part of his campaign promises to the people of Anambra State and he has told them that he has come with hope and not only hope and that he is coming with Solution. I can see that part of the solution  is while we are here.

 'He is working to ensure that when the project kicks start, Anambra will not be left behind. He is very much aware of the success story that has been recorded under NEWMAP, and he is aware that whatever has been done before needs to scale up, and it is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. 

'He has a renewed hope for Nigerians to have a sustainable environment and an environment that is climate resilience, and at the end of the day, he wants to leave Nigerians with an environment that is climate smart. So this is a project that is the federal government's priority, and that is why the Anambra State government has also keyed in. This funding is coming from European Investment Bank (EIB) .

Yes , people will be calling World Bank because they are used to that. Going forward, the funding will be coming from EIB. It is going to deepen what has been recorded under the World Bank. We are continuing from where they stopped. The project objectives and strategic approach still remain the same,' the National Project Coordinator concluded 

Mr . Anda assured that most qualified contractors would execute the projects, adding that there would be no room for unqualified contractors.

Corroborating the National Project Coordinator,  the State's Project Coordinator,  Professor Philip Ogbonnaya Phil-Eze, said the Federal government Management Unit released criteria to them to prioritized the ones that have not been completed under the World Bank,  stating that a total of of 13 different sites have been completed in the state, acknowledging that it was of a very low percentage. He thanked Governor Soludo for paying the counterpart funding and for being proactive and concerned towards the plights of Ndi Anambra. 

In their separate speeches,  the Chairman of Ndiagu Ikenga Ogidi, Chief Chigozie Etuka, Mr. Obieze Ifeanyi, a victim whose house caved in at Ugamuma Obosi and Chief Okonkwo Nnamdi, Vice President General of Abagana, showered praises on Governor Chukwuma Soludo and NEWMAP-EIB for coming to their rescue, praying God to continue to bless and protect them.

"Umu Boi" Scheme Of The One Youth Two Skills Initiative Gains Traction With Special Development Training

By Ejike Abana

A transformative workshop aimed at reorienting the Youth Apprenticeship Scheme was held at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women's Development Center, Awka.

The workshop re-orientation attracted hundreds of youths under the "Umu Boi" Scheme of the One Youths Two Skills programme of the state government.

The initiative, organized by the Ministry of Youth Development, seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the apprenticeship programmes and better align them with the needs of the modern workforce.

The Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba stated that the Umuboi Entrepreneurship Scheme which is presently in it's second phase, is one of the most important aspects of one Youth two Skills programme with a lot of innovations like the Use of Talking Book and Online Entrepreneurship Academy.

While stating that the Governor wants businesses to run in a sustainable manner, the Commissioner said that the programme is also a medium to

engage the stakeholders in the market and other segments of the community on the programmes of government, so that everyone will be on the same page.

He added that the workshop will help Umuboi to be successful, not only in the 1Youth 2Skills programme, but also in all endeavors in life, as the society is faced with numerous youth related problems, fundamentally as a result of youth unemployment.

The Commissioner thanked Governor Soludo for

investing heavily in improving the Umuboi Scheme, adding that for the first time in the history

of the State, the government is seriously is giving back to the market, more

than it is taking from it.

The President General of Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association, Chief Humphrey Anuna revealed that it is evident that the Governor has the interest of the youth at heart, especially the apprentists, praising him for delivering, even more than his campaign promises since assumption of office.

Participants engaged in various training sessions that covered various topics, including Setting the right value for sustainable enterprise development.

Attendees were encouraged to share their experiences and brainstorm innovative solutions to common challenges.

As the event concluded, participants expressed optimism about the future of youth apprenticeships under the present administration. 

Many left with new strategies to implement in their programmes with the "training materials shared to them, including the "talking book", and a renewed commitment to fostering a culture of learning and growth.

The state government plans to follow up with additional workshops and resources to support ongoing efforts to enhance the apprenticeship experience for Anambra youth.

With a focus on collaboration and innovation, stakeholders are hopeful that the reorientation of the Youth Apprenticeship Scheme will lead to greater success for both apprentices and local industries in a sustainable manner.

Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, his Culture, Entertainment and Tourism counterpart, Mr. Don Onyenji, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Empowerment Programme, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, President General of Anambra State Association of Two Unions, ASATU, Barr. Titus Akpudo, among others, attended the event.

Anambra's Local Government Election 2024: The Best So Far

By Ejike Abana

Anambra State has been without a local government election for the last eleven years. The last local government election took place in 2013, few months before the then Governor Peter Obi left office- the election was marred with reports of violence and so on and so forth.

The expiration of the tenure of the chairmen and councillors in the twenty one local government areas and three hundred and twenty six wards, respectively, sparked concerns amongst citizens over the lack of accountability and transparency in local government affairs.

Subsequently, it was on this premise that in 2021, during his campaign and at his 2022 inauguration speech, Governor Soludo variously promised to conduct the local government election within his first term in office. Many did not believe.

No doubt, in the last eleven years, the absence of local government elections in the state has impeded the development of democracy at the grassroots level and has left citizens without a voice in the governance of their communities.

Before now, many stakeholders had criticized the government over its inability to conduct local government elections, noting that it is a fundamental aspect of democracy that should not be neglected.

Some believe that the postponement of local government elections is a deliberate attempt by the state government to control local government affairs and divert resources meant for local development to other projects.

Fast forward to 2024, as a man who believes in "process", Governor Soludo spearheaded the arrangement of the institutional mechanisms and legal framework for the organisation of the local government election. The election would have been held in December this year, but for the Supreme Court judgement that almost made it like an emergency for states without Council Chairmen to quickly conduct their election.

Yesterday, September, 28, 2024, Soludo kept the promise he made to ndị Anambra- a transparent election took place where nine political parties participated. From the video evidence and reactions by the people, the election has been described as the best so far. Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC conducted local government elections, which was largely adjudged to be peaceful, free, and fair. The government's decision to conduct local government elections has been well received by more than 60 percent of citizens, who have hailed the move as a step in the right direction towards deepening democracy at the grassroots level.

Speaking shortly after he cast his vote at his ward in Isuofia, Governor Soludo acknowledged that the reports he got, the electoral process was transparent, free, and fair and expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of the election, which he believes demonstrated the state's growth in democratic values. By affirming the transparency of the election, Governor Soludo reassured the people of the state that their voices had been heard and that the process had been fully inclusive.

It is hoped that the successful conduct of the local government elections in Anambra State will serve as a catalyst for the elected Council Chairmen and Councillors in the state to prioritize democracy and development at the grassroots level.

Many political enthusiasts, stakeholders, citizens, civil society organisations and observers commended the Governor and security operatives for their roles in ensuring that the election was violence-free.

The voter turnout was also a testimony of the people's desire for good governance and transparency at the grassroots level. Commendations therefore goes to ndị Anambra for coming out to vote. It is hoped that their votes produced competent and capable leaders at the various Council Areas.

The just concluded local government election marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of democracy at the grassroots level in Anambra State. The people had spoken through their votes and they had decided to elect leaders who would directly represent their needs. By implication, it is believed that the elected local government chairmen would be accountable to their constituencies and deliver the dividends of democracy.

In conclusion, the Anambra State local government election is proof that Governor Soludo is committed to delivering free, fair, and transparent elections to the people of the State. His commitment to transparency and accountability in governance has continued to yield dividends, and the people of Anambra State can look forward to even more development under his leadership. Definitely, the elected Chairmen will tow this path.

APGA Kicks-Off Campaign With Rally, Ahead Of Saturday 28th Local Government Poll

By Ejike Abana

Ahead of the Saturday, 28th September local government election in the state, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA has taken to the streets to officially kick-off its campaign.

A rally led by the party's National Leader and Governor of the state, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, to drum and solicit support from ndị Anambra was held at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka.

Local Government Chairmanship candidates and councillors from the twenty one local government areas of the state, thronged the venue in colourful APGA insignias, seeking to win hearts and minds for the party.

In a speech, Governor Soludo stressed the importance of grassroot election which can further drive development and solicited the people's support for the party to continue its development trajectory across the state.

He added that the conduct of the local government election is a promise made and promise kept, eventhough many did not believe during the campaigns and promised a free and fair election, one man, one vote.

The State Chairman of the party, Barr. Ifeatu Obiokoye emphasized that the party is ready to go in for the elections.

Some people who spoke including the National Chairman of APGA, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, Iyom Bianca Ojukwu, Rt. Hon. Paschal Agbodike, Chief Chinedu Obidigwe, Ozonkpu Victor Oye, Dozie Nwankwo, among others, stressed that APGA is a grassroot-oriented party, generally accepted by ndị Anambra as their development vehicle.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Board of Trustees members of APGA, accompanied the Governor to the event which was attended by a mammoth crowd of witnesses and APGA faithful.

Get Ready As Anambra Gears For Local Government Election

By Ejike Abana

As the State of Anambra gears up for its upcoming local government elections in 26 days time, the stage is set for a showdown between political parties as they vie for control and representation at the grassroots level.

The election, slated for September 28, 2024, will be the first after over one decade; coincidentally under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and political pundits have already started to speculate on its outcome.

Having finalized the date and other modalities by Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, various political parties have hit the ground running, campaigning and strategizing to win over voters.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which currently holds all the seats in the state, is expected to face strong opposition from other contenders, but there are very strong indicators that it'll continue to retain its pride of place in the state.

One of the key issues that the electorate will be looking for is good governance. Many residents of Anambra state are very happy with the current state of affairs in the state, judging by the enormous success stories of massive infrastructure upgrade, youth employment, and adequate health care, as well as other social amenities.

As such, candidates who can articulate a clear vision for improving the quality of life for the people are likely to receive greater support. In this regard, APGA, led by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo is the champion. The "people's manifesto" aptly captures the "future Anambra"; and the present administration is vigorously pursuing its implementation.

Candidates have been reaching out to interest groups across the state, from traditional rulers to civil society organisations, to build support for their campaigns. Over the years, this has been a major strategy employed by APGA, which has made significant inroads into many communities.

Certainly, APGA's dominance is not in any way threatened by the effects of the ongoing family skirmishes in the party as the party is currently embroiled in a battle for control. Despite this, the party continues to wax stronger with each passing day.

Another issue likely to feature prominently in the election is security. Anambra has witnessed a spate of violent attacks in recent months. Candidates who can promise to join Governor Soludo in addressing the security challenges in the state are likely to gain more traction among voters.

Despite these challenges, ANSIEC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a free and fair election in Anambra. The commission has promised to deploy state-of-the-art technology to enhance the transparency of the process and has called on stakeholders to support its efforts.

Observers have also called for a level playing field for all parties, including strict enforcement of electoral laws and the provision of adequate security measures. They have emphasised the need for peaceful conduct by all parties.

Several initiatives have been implemented to educate the electorate on their rights and responsibilities during the election. The Anambra State Government and other organisations have held sensitisation programmes, town hall meetings and other events aimed at empowering voters and promoting civic engagement.

One of the unique features of the upcoming election is the use of certain novel measures to enhance the participation of residents in the process.

This, coupled with the use of manual means, is expected to enhance the credibility of the process and reduce the incidence of electoral malfeasance. ANSIEC has stated that the processes are tamper-proof and will prevent malpractices.

In addition, the commission has promised to deploy adequate personnel, including security personnel, to safeguard the voting process and ensure the safety of voters and officials. The success of these measures will be critical to the outcome of the election.

As Anambra braces for the local government elections, the stakes are high, with political parties and candidates vying for control and representation at the grassroots level. Good governance, security, and other social amenities will be key issues on which candidates will be judged, while the role of certain measures in enhancing transparency and participation cannot be overlooked.

Ultimately, the success of the election will rest on the ability of all stakeholders, including ANSIEC, political parties, candidates, and voters, to play their part in ensuring a peaceful and credible process. Only then can Anambra take another huge step towards a new era of improved governance and development at the local level.

Ndị Anambra! Trust and embrace the process. The future is here.

Anambra State Physical Planning Board/ACTDA, Are Government Agencies Authorized To Enforce Development Control- Barr. Maduekwe

By Ejike Abana

Anambra State Physical Planning Board, ANSPPB and Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, ACTDA, are the only government agencies authorised to issue demand notices and enforce development control in the state.

The Chairman, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Barr. Chike Maduekwe made the disclosure at different locations in Abatete and Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area, during a joint task force enforcement exercise.

The exercise is part of the efforts of the Board to enforce building control regulations in various parts of the state.

This follows concerns about the rise of illegal structures that are not only an eyesore, but also pose a threat to human safety.

During a recent operation in Idemili North local government area, the task force visited buildings that were deemed to be in violation of the building control regulations.

Several buildings were found to have been constructed without the necessary approval from the authorities.

The owners of these buildings were subsequently issued with notices of violation and given a period within which to rectify the situation or risk demolition of their structures.

Speaking, Barr. Maduekwe emphasized the need for all buildings to conform to the building control regulations.

Barr. Maduekwe also reminded the public that the state government has the power to demolish any illegal structures that pose a risk to public safety, pointing out that recently, the board had been inundated by reports of a group of people alleged to be members of COREN who go about placing demand notices to unsuspecting members of the public.

He asked developers to disregard such people as criminals, eventhough the COREN body in the state had discredited the notices making the rounds, adding that Anambra State Materials Testing Laboratory also has a major role to play in development control.

Barr. Maduekwe emphasized that the board would continue to carry out enforcement across the state in order to ensure that all buildings are constructed in accordance with government approved plans.

While calling on property owners to approach the board within the grace period it gave for ratification and harmonization of building plans and approvals, Barr. Maduekwe reiterated that the period will elapse by the end of October, further urging property owners to seek approval from the authorities before embarking on any building projects.

Failure to do so, he warned, would result in legal action being taken against them.

The move has been welcomed by many members of the public who have long complained about the spare of building collapse and lack of enforcement of building control regulations.

They have called on the authorities to take action against those who flout the laws in order to ensure that all buildings are safe for habitation.

It is hoped that the increased enforcement of building control regulations will result in safer and more attractive cities across the country.