GOVERNOR OBIANO ON THE STATE OF STATE ROADS

 Governor Willie Obiano has reiterated his administration's commitment to completing all commissioned road works in the State.

Governor Obiano gave the disclosure while accessing the progress of work at the Enugwu-ukwu bye pass road to expressway.

While digging, concreting and fixing of the drainage system, as well as sand filling among others were ongoing on arrival, it was observed that level of work at the site is at intermediate stage.

It was also observed that work is gradually advancing to make the road accessible from the expressway on completion of two other bridges, as some bridges and culverts have already been completed, with caterpillars, bulldozers and men seen working.

The Contractor handling the project, Chief Engineer Anayo Nwandu of Master Holdings was also met on ground supervising the work to ensure strict compliance to the highest standard.

Governor Obiano disclosed his satisfaction at the adherence to specification by the contractor handling the project, expressing optimism that with the speed of work, the project will be completed in record time.

The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, said that as soon as the contractors are through with the drainage system, the ashphalt work will commence down to the link bridge between Enugwu-ukwu and the express, saying that road works will be determined by the improvement of State funds.

Governor Obiano who urged citizens to believe in his ability to deliver on his promises to them, called for their support, especially during the forthcoming election, as according to him, his administration will continue to deliver the dividends of good governance to them.

Some youths that were met on ground chanted words of encomium on the Governor for remembering them at a time like this, saying that the road, being strategic, will open up alot of opportunities for the people of Enugwu-ukwu and beyond, calling for the timely completion of the project.

They pledged their unalloyed support for the present administration, as according to them, it is their only surety and guaranttee for a better life and future.

It will be recalled that in keeping with his promise to continue road construction after the rainy season, Governor Willie Obiano was true to his words as he embarked on massive construction of over one hundred roads across the State.

Recall also that the Enugwu-ukwu bye pass road to the expressway is one of the road projects awarded by the present administration on inception, after years of inaction by previous administrations. 

Report By Ejike Abana

HOW THE CHURCH CAN HELP MY AGENDA: OBIANO

Governor Willie Obiano says his administration will continue to be in progressive partnership with the church.

Governor Obiano was speaking at Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor's Annual Get Together at the Cathedral Church of Saint Patricks, Awka.

According to the Governor who said that the event is an avenue for peace, togetherness and harmony, the Church is a huge stakeholder in the scheme of things in the State and Nation at large, as such, alot of responsibilty of molding better people lies on them.

Governor Obiano said that with the continued partnership that exists between the church and the government, better prospects are in the future for the masses, calling for its sustenance.
                                             

While appreciating the church for always standing by the government, the Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke reminded citizens that life is too short, and should be a major motivator for them to hasten in the contribution of their own quota to the overall development of humanity, as government alone cannot do it all, pledging his administration's decision to continue to make life more meaniningful for the citizens and residents in the State, through agricultural and industrial revolution, job creation, provision of basic infrastructure, enhanced securtiy system, increased attention to the education sector, among others, in the State.

In a remark, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, who thanked God for the strength to host the event annually, harped on the need for the church and the government to continue in synergy, to further advance the education system in the State, pointing out that education which is an avenue through which future leaders are moulded, should not be neglected atall.

Speaking through the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Jonas-Benson Okoye, Bishop Ezeokafor said that people, especially wealthy individuals should at all times strive to give back to the Society, either by construction of roads in their Communities, giving scholarship to indigent students, among others, therby helping out the government.
                                         

Dignitaries that attended the event include,  former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Professor Joe Asike, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service, Barrister Harry Udu, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Sir Willie Nwokoye.

Service Chiefs, Traditional Rulers, House of Assembly Members, the academia, Captains of Industry, and other top government functionaries also attended the event.

Special episcopal prayers for the State, gifts distrubution, Chants, as well as chior renditions by the Chior, formed the hightpoints of the event.


Reports By Ejike Abana

APGA REMAINS ROCK-SOLID: GOV OBIANO

Governor Willie Obiano says the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA party remains the only identity of Ndigbo.

Addressing former local government party chairmen and ward chairmen at the Governor's lodge Amawbia, Governor Willie Obiano asked aggrieved members of the party to sheath their swords and work for the common good of the party and State.

According to Governor Obiano, APGA remains the party to beat in the coming election, as the affairs of the State has faired better under its leadership, calling on the chairmen as shepherds, to help stir the ship in the right direction.

Governor Obiano who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, reminded them that the future of their children and generations lie in their hands, as such should work together to return him for a second tenure to continue his transformation agenda in all sectors of the State economy.

While pointing out that his administration has fulfilled a number of his campaign promises, Governor Obiano reminded them that they joined the party to be part of a process, urging them to help complete it.

The State Chairman of APGA, Sir Norbert Obi pointed out that the party has given ndi Igbo a voice among the Committee of States and tribes in the Nation, as such should be held with every jealousy from going into extinction.

Sir Obi cautioned them against over playing politics and meddling with other parties without proper footholds, calling on people that had been offended in the past, to cool down, as according to him, conflict is part of human existence.

For the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Chinedu Obidigwe, majority of the chairmen present at the event are foundation members of the party since 2002 of the party's inception, expressing happiness that they are still around, calling on them to remember the promises they made to their ward members right from Chief Peter Obi's tenure to work for the good of the party in perpetuity, and abide by it.

Chief Obidigwe who emphasized that APGA has come to stay, went down memory lane on the hurdles they crossed, urging them to ponder on the headway and breakthrough already made in the State by the present APGA administration, which among others includes expunging of godfatherism and judious management of funds, saying that the State has become a glowing example within and outside the State. 

In a vote of thanks on behalf of other chairmen, the Chairman of Chairmen and the APGA Chairman for Njikoka, Hon Paul Anaekwe, appreciated the leadership for the invitation, saying that it could not have come at a better time than this.

He pledged to work for the progress of the party, calling on the government in power to always endevour to carry them along in all its activities, as the experience they have garnered from the field over the years have always proved useful at the appropriate time.

Also present at the event were the Deputy State Chairman, State Women Leader, the three Zonal Chairmen of the Party, among others. 

Reports By Ejike Abana

O&G Department of COOUTH To Be Accreditated

All is now set for the accreditation of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

An accreditation panel from West Africa College of Surgeons, led by Professor JD Seffah from Accra Ghana, are in the State to access the status of the Department to be accredited.

Recieving the team, at the Board Room of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Governor Willie Obiano stressed the importance of the health needs of residents and citizens of the State to his administration, expressing optimism that the visit of the team which is a prelude to the accreditation process will yield the desired result. 

Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, Governor Obiano stressed that with the accreditation, the quality of healthcare delivery will be improved, pointing out that having done alot in the health sector, his administration will do what it can to improve the system, including adequate staffing, among others.

The Governor, while appreciating the management and staff for their commitment to duty, called on them to sustain and even surpass the current effort, in a bid to complement the input of the state government to their welfare.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Akabuike, who emphasized that the government have been very supportive of the institution, recounted them to include the ongoing construction of an oxygen plant in the hospital which has reached completion stage, among others, saying that with the accreditation in place, training of specialist doctors who will be resident in the hospital will commence, pointing out however, that it will further close the gaps currently being encountered in the health management, which will in turn increase the present performance rating of the hospital.

Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Dr Lawrence Ikeakor noted that the accreditation will make the Institutution to get to the standard of what is obtainable in the Country, adding a voice of appreciation for the numerous support they are enjoying from the State government.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Panel, Professor JI Ikechebelu emphasized that the visit is friendly to enable the panel effectively partner the Institution in training of specialists.

While pointing out that their assignment is both regulatory, at the end of which the certification process will commence, Professor Ikechebelu commended the State government for their level of comitment to the health needs of the people, stressing that at the conclusion of the visit, a report will be given.

For the Chairman Board of Management of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, and Traditional Ruler of Ifitedunu, Professor Emeka Ilouno, the State government has great love and concern for the Institution, as it had been giving undivided attention to them, stressing that the residency training in the institution is highly desirable at a time like this.

Signing of the visitation register by the Governor formed the highpoint of the event.

The Governor equally used the opportunity to tour some wards and facilities in the Instititution. 


Reports by Ejike Abana

Anambra commemorates Armed Forces Day, pledges more security initiatives

Governor Willie Obiano has called for collective and individual resolves, to keep Nigeria’s unity, irrespective of sectional, religious and cultural leanings.

Speaking on the occasion of the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations, held at Dr Akex Ekwueme Square,  Awka,  Governor Obiano expressed joy that this year’s  celebration is coming at a time the armed forces are gaining more ground in the fight against insurgency.

Represented by his Deputy,  Dr Nkem Okeke, the Governor noted that no Nation can survive in the absense of peace and unity, calling for stock taking of our uniqueness and sacrifices by men  and women of the armed  forces especially the fallen heroes that paid the supreme  sacrifices of  maintaining peace not only in the Country, but beyond the shores of Nigeria.

According to the Governor, this year’s ceremonies is even more poignant following the increasing gallantry of Nigerian troops fighting Boko Haram and the killings of promising military officers and men in the line of duty.

While commending the military for containing Boko Haram terrorists, the Governor posited that recent events across the country on general insecurity and economic sabotage are  a source of concern to every well-meaning Nigerian, stressing that the breakthroughs in all sectors of the State economy is as a result of the secure environment.

He enjoined, citizens and residents in the State to support and coperate with his administration to build viable and sustainable institutions for generations yet unborn and years to come.

Also present at the celebration were the State Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Barrister Rita Mmaduagwu, Head Of Service, Barrister Harry Udu, Attorney General, Barrister Anali Chude, Service Chiefs, Former Governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Commissioners, government functionaries, among others.

Wreath Laying, gun salute, inspection of the guard of honour, as well as realease of the significant pigeon as a sign of peace were highpoints of the event.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated on January 15 every year in Nigeria, dedicated to the remembrance of officers and men, especially, those who died in service to the nation and their surviving colleagues who retired from active service, as well as to mark the end of the Nigeria Civil War, following the surrender of Biafran troops to Federal troops in 1970.

Reports By Ejike Abana

NDI ANAMBRA RESIDENT IN CAMEROUN DRUMS SUPPORT FOR GOVERNOR OBIANO'S RE-ELECTION BID

State government says Anambra will be self-suffiencent in Rice Production by the end of this year.

Governor Willie Obiano gave the hint when Anambra Citizens resident in Cameroun paid a courtesy visit to him at the Government House,  Awka.

According to Governor Obiano, the State currently produces two hundred and thirty thousand metric tonnes of rice,  as against ninety thousand metric tonnes production they met on assumption of office, expressing optimism that the State will meet the benchmark of producing three hundred and thirty thousand metric tonnes of rice, before commencement of rice export in subsequent years,  as the capacity and potential is there.

Addressing the delegation through the Deputy Governor,  Dr Nkem Okeke,  Governor Obiano revealed that when the feat is achieved,  the clamor for,  and consumption rate of foreign rice in the State will be greatly reduced.

While butteressing the advancements of his administration based on commitment to leadership,  Governor Obiano urged for support, and encouraged ndi Anambra living in Cameroun for the unity exhibited, calling on them, and everyone living in the diaspora, to always think home and invest their resources,  as government has made business environment in the State more friendly and favourable.

Earlier,  the spokesman of the group,  Ogbuefi Melie Onejepu,  who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget Efficiency and Board of Internal Revenue, said that the familiarization visit is in fulfillment of an earlier promise of a return call on him the previous year,  to pledge thier support and loyalty for the Obiano-led administration,  pointing out that his administration has done alot to be appreciated.

The leaderof the group,  Honourable Okey Ejikeme,  who said that they had gone round the State before and during the last christmas holidays and discovered that the level of activities is unprecedented,  requested for clips on the achievements of the present administration to showcased to their brethern back home can, to have first hand information on his efforts in all sectors.

Honourable Ejikeme also made a request for the Establishment of APGA party sub-office,  as well as inauguration of Willie Obiano Support Group in Douala, Cameroun, adding that they are in full support of Governor Obiano's re-election bid, and said that they will do their best to gather more allegiance for the present administration, by engaging in massive sensitization campaign when they get back.

In a Vote of thanks, Igwe ndi Anambra in Cameroun, Chief, Peter Ndu appreciated the tempo of development of all sectors of the State economy by Governor Obiano, saying that the All Progressives Grand Alliance,  APGA, remains the only Igbo identity, which informed and will continue to inform their decision to support the government of the day.

Also present were the Commissioner for Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Mrs. Stella Onuorah,  executive members of ndi Anambra living in Cameroun.

Abandoned Road Projects: Achina Community Calls For Government Intervention

People of Achina in Aguata Council Area have appealed to the State Government to prevail on the contractor handling the Achina-Oneh-Agbudu-Ogboji road to return to site to save the road from the threat of a major gully erosion.

The 7.6 kilometer road which cuts across 5 major agrarian communities in the area, was flagged off earlier in the life of the present administration in line with its continuity stance and has had its first tranche of mobilization cost paid by the Obiano administration.

However, a visit to the site reflected an abandoned project as there was no activity going on, with the drainage system covering about 2kilometer done initially almost lying on the road due to erosion.

Economic activities along the road which also leads to the ongoing Peter University Project of the Catholic Diocese of Awka was also in skeletal form as households and shops were totally inaccessible due to an impending gully arising from improper termination of flood water into a nearby Ezekoro stream.

For some residents along the road including Chief Godwin Mbachu and Mrs Celestina Ozugbo, if nothing is done urgently on the road before the next rain sets in, a major disaster may occur in the community as they do not have any other place to run to.

The Vice-president of Achina Town Union, Mr Henry Ezeuñara who is also the APGA Legal Adviser,Aguata Council Area, noted that some homesteads have already been cut off from the rest of their families and have to go through Oneh, Ogboji, Aguluezechukwu, Ekwulobia, Nkpologwu and Akpo to reconnect with their people and noted that construction of the road will give APGA firm root in the affected communities.

"For us as APGA people in this area, it is important that the government does this all important road.



We have seen many developmental milestones recorded by the Obiano government and all we want is to have something tangible that we can show our people as evidence so that when the time comes for campaign, no one will be in doubt as to the commitment of this government to the people's welfare".

The President General of the Town, Chief Chito Ezeani who expressed worry that the good gesture of Governor Willie Obiano in adopting the project is being cajoled by the contractor's inability to show seriousness towards the project and said when completed, the road will not only improve the face of infrastructure in the area but also give impetus to the Agric revolution initiative of the present administration by ensuring easy evacuation of farm produce from the agrarian communities.

According to him, " That this road is accessible today is due to the community's self help efforts through the Town Union.

Before the Christmas celebrations, I got the information that the contractor has been mobilized to site and I followed it up".

He continued " when I realized that no work can take place due to the busy nature of the road, I begged the contractor to do palliative on the road which he agreed to do.

But he never did that and the Town Union stood up to the challenge.

All we ask is for the government to impress the need on the contractor to expedite work on this road before the next rain because if that doesn't happen, I am afraid it will be difficult for us ".

Chief Ezeani further lauded the efforts of the Obiano administration in the area of grassroot development especially the 20 million naira choose-your-project initiative which the community has benefited from, and pointed out that the community is solidly behind him in his efforts to transform the state.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Godwin Obiora said if the present administration comes to their aid immediately and ensures the speedy completion of the road, it would have written its name in gold in the annals of the community's history.