Soludo To Embark On Rehabilitation Of Twelve Kilometers Of Roads In Obosi

By Ejike Abana

Twelve kilometers of roads in Obosi, Idemili North Council Area will he rehabilitated by Anambra State Government.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo gave the assurance when he embarked on physical inspection of roads in very bad conditions in the area.

According to the Governor, his administration understands that embarking on the such rehabilitation will bring an end to the sufferings of the people living and doing business in the area.

The state of the roads are said to have deprived people of the neighbourhoods of their sources of livelihood.

The affected roads include Odume Layout, Ugwuagba, Ibolo, Eze Iweka Road Awada, Owellaja, all in Obosi.

The visit became imperative to get hands-on feel of the state of environmental challenge in the area including challenges posed by flooding in the area.

The Governor said that his government prioritized the needs of the masses, stressing that environment is Anambra's number one existential threat.

He revealed that about three local government areas is currently being faced with flooding challenge, which he said may extend to the fourth council area, thereby creating an emergency situation.

Professor Soludo however added that the state government is trying to resettle the affected inhabitants of those locations, tasking Ndi Anambra on attitudinal change towards the environment, shunning blocking the drainages.

At various locations visited, ABS lens captured residents chanting and expressing optimism that the problems facing the areas would soon be a thing of the past.

The Governor was accompanied by the State Commissioners for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma and his Special Duties counterpart, Barrister Sylvester Ezeokenwa, Chief Protocol to the Governor, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye, among others.

Soludo Recieves New GOC 82 Division, Musa, Commits To His Constitutional Role Of Providing Security

By Ejike Abana

The Governor Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has received the new General Officer commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General U. T. Musa. 

The security chief who is in charge of the five eastern states and Delta state was received by Governor Soludo at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia.

Receiving the entourage, Governor Soludo extended his condolences for the mindless killing of some soldiers at Umunze, describing the security situation in the state as an ongoing war which is being gradually won by the state government.

He revealed that his administration's onslaught on criminals is multi-dimensional, reiterating that the Major General's visit is a partnership for security and development.

The Governor said that unfortunately, in the homeland, there is actually an internal war ongoing, a gorilla warfare, stressing that is plain criminality.

He assured of doing everything within his administration's power to contain it, noting that they have tried to motivate vigilante to join in the business of securing the homeland because security is everybody's business.

Governor Soludo said that Nigeria is destined to be the biggest black power on earth, emphasizing that the few miscreants cannot be allowed to define and prevail over the nation's collective will, saying that the call is a partnership for security and development.

Earlier, Major General Musa stressed that the visit is customary and appreciated the Governor for assisting them.

While expressing optimism that the region and the country at large will be calm, as according to him, security is everybody's business, noting that every fresh attack poses fresh challenges that will be won.

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi RTD were present at the meeting which featured presentation of plaque to the Governor.

SOLUDO'S PRESS SECRETARY, ABURIME CHARGES PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTITIONERS ON PROFESSIONALISM, SERVICE DELIVERY

By Ejike Abana

Press Secretary to the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Christian Aburime has charged public relations practitioners on promoting professionalism in their various chosen practices.

Mr. Aburime gave the charge when he joined the state chapter of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR for a business lecture held in Awka.

During the lecture which had the theme, Understanding the regulatory environment governing NIPR: an exposition on chapter administration, Mr. Aburime stressed that public relations is a professional domain that must be accorded its rightful place in the society.

While assuring of Governor Soludo's support to professionals, the Press Secretary added that the only way that practitioners can be respected is if they respect themselves and do the right thing always, urging them to ensure service delivery.

He commend NIPR for placing professionalism in the front burner over the years, particularly in identifying gaps in the practice and taking strategic steps to close them.

Notable professionals who were present at the event include the former Commissioner for Education, Professor Kate Omenugha, Professor Stella Okunna, Professor Boniface Obiefuna and Dr. Dennis Ekemezie.

The Chapter Chairman, Professor Angela Nwammuo hosted the event while Dr. Wilson Anunike delivered the lecture.

SOLUDO'S PRESS SECRETARY, ABURIME CHARGES PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTITIONERS ON PROFESSIONALISM, SERVICE DELIVERY

By Ejike Abana

Press Secretary to the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Christian Aburime has charged public relations practitioners on promoting professionalism in their various chosen practices.

Mr. Aburime gave the charge when he joined the state chapter of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR for a business lecture held in Awka.

During the lecture which had the theme, Understanding the regulatory environment governing NIPR: an exposition on chapter administration, Mr. Aburime stressed that public relations is a professional domain that must be accorded its rightful place in the society.

While assuring of Governor Soludo's support to professionals, the Press Secretary added that the only way that practitioners can be respected is if they respect themselves and do the right thing always, urging them to ensure service delivery.

He commend NIPR for placing professionalism in the front burner over the years, particularly in identifying gaps in the practice and taking strategic steps to close them.

Notable professionals who were present at the event include the former Commissioner for Education, Professor Kate Omenugha, Professor Stella Okunna, Professor Boniface Obiefuna and Dr. Dennis Ekemezie.

The Chapter Chairman, Professor Angela Nwammuo hosted the event while Dr. Wilson Anunike delivered the lecture.

Soludo Reads Riot Act To Killers Of Soldiers In Umunze

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has strongly condemned the killing of soldiers who were ambushed on a routine patrol at Umunze by yet to be identified gun men in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

"We condemn this wicked and cruel attack in the strongest terms. The perpetrators of this act must pay. We are not going to rest on our oars, including those people that attacked Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and the rest. There will be absolutely no hiding place for them". Governor Soludo vowed.

"Going forward, our actions will show, as these people must surely pay for this heinous and repulsive attack", Governor Soludo further stressed.

The Governor therefore urged Ndi Anambra to remain calm and law-abiding as the security agencies are on top of the situation.

Christian Aburime 

Press Secretary To The Governor

GOVERNOR SOLUDO'S KIND OF ROADS

BY EJIKE ABANA

Road infrastructure is as basic as the air we breathe. It is a linear way for the conveyance of traffic which, to a great extent, has an improved

 surface for use by vehicles; both motorized and non-motorized, including pedestrians. Roads play the very vital role of aiding transportation.

Before now, Anambra State prides as a state with the best network of roads. This entails that nooks and crannies of the state can be easily accessed from community to community without hitches. Sadly, this may no longer be the case, as most roads in the state have become death traps, causing untold hardship to the population.

During the campaign which ushered in the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration, one resounding request across communities was the provision of roads. Thus, when Governor Soludo mounted the saddle of governance, one of the major thrusts and focus of his government centered on how to provide access roads across the state.

However, restrained by scarce resources, Governor Soludo has narrowed the focus and prioritized the construction of strategic roads. By this the Soludo-led administration is constructing roads that link and open up communities, support economic growth and improve the lives of Ndi Anambra.

To achieve this target, Anambra State Government decided to ‘sprinkle’ roads in strategic parts of the state. For instance, Governor Soludo flagged off the construction of nine roads in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area that are approximately 14.3 kilometers. When these roads are completed, they will give the people of the area, who feel they have since been neglected, a sense of belonging.

Work has also commenced on the eleven kilometer Mmiata Anam-Nzam road. When completed, the road will boost agro-economy of the area in particular and Anambra State in general.

Also, Governor Soludo has flagged off construction and rehabilitation of about sixty-point-two kilometers of roads across the state. Works are already ongoing in the sites. These include the twenty-six kilometer Awba-Ofemili-Amansea road. The communities in this stretch who will benefit are as well agrarian communities. They are Amansea, Ebenebe, Ugbene, Ugbenu and Awba-Ofemili all in Awka North Local Government Area. Similarly, the 26.4 kilometer Amansea-Ndiukwuenu-Awa-Ufuma road which links the state Capital, Awka and Orumba North and South axis which is targeted to be completed within four months will not only improve economic activities, but drastically reduce travel time.

Other roads currently receiving the attention of the state government are: the six hundred meter stretch Isu/Igbo, Isuofia/Igboukwu section of the Ekwulobia/Nnobi Road popularly called Isu-Igbo river, the seven point-seven-nine kilometer Akpaka- Basilica road in Onitsha North Council Area, the flood control work at the Ogidi/Ogbunike road, and the rehabilitation of the failed portion of Mmili John road in Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area.

At the last count, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has flagged off over eighty kilometer roads across the state. This is out of the two-hundred and twenty kilometer roads he targets to complete in his first year in office. In his words, in no distant time, Anambra will become a massive construction site. According to the pact signed between the state government and contractors handling the different roads, it is expected that the roads will have a twenty year life span.

These projects are according to the People’s manifesto, Governor Soludo’s promise to Ndi Anambra. He assured that his administration will modernize and maintain existing roads, connect more communities with new roads, build flyovers, spurs and bridges, insist on durable roads, explore alternative business models including concessioning to provide more and better roads. So far, he is fulfilling the promise.

Ndi Anambra, the solution is here!

SOLUDO REITERATES CALL FOR PROMOTION OF LOCAL CONTENT

By Christian ABURIME 

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo has lauded the National Automotive Design and Development Council for their efforts in promoting local contents and automobile industry in Nigeria. 

Governor Soludo made this remark during a courtesy visit to Mr Jelani Aliyu, Director-General/CEO of the Council, which is a subsidiary under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Commerce. 

"I am a promoter, advocate for Made-In-Nigeria contents and already championing this cause by making Innoson Vehicle my official car," said Soludo.

Mr Governor mentioned that the drive and creativity he has seen in the past speaks of the great potential that exists in Nigeria. He advised on the continuous need to look inwards to see how the abundant potentials in the country can be harnessed and improved upon. 

He assured of his support towards the automotive industry policy document which is being updated and would go live soon. 

Governor Soludo also gave his assurances of unalloyed  commitment to promoting the adoption of the policy to ensure that Nigerians and public officers patronize their local industry and Made-In-Nigeria cars are mainstreamed.

The Council made a presentation on progress recorded since inception in 2013, where they are right now and how Anambra have been pivotal in the drive towards the industrialization of the automotive industry. 

The plan for Anambra industrial park is ready, some pre-work have started and the administrative office is 90 percent complete. 

Few weeks from now, a proposal will be sent for the implementation of the Anambra Industrial Park Plan. 

Anambra has been pivotal in the drive towards the industrialization of the automotive industry.

On its part, Anambra Government is required to construct connecting roads, provide solar lights, construct drainage systems, conduct geo-contour and geo-technical survey on the land. 

Governor Soludo during the meeting requested the Council to setup an Automotive Training Centre in the State. The DG in his response requested the State to make available one hectare of land for the training facility.

Governor Soludo promised to swing into action to ensure the Anambra Automotive Industrial Park becomes a reality in the nearest future.

SOLUDO AT FERMA: SEEKS 'FRUITFUL AND PRODUCTIVE' PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AGENCY

By Christian ABURIME 

In continuation of his working visit to the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Abuja, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was at the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) on a courtesy visit to the MD/CEO, Engr Nuruddeen Rafindadi.

Governor Soludo who was received by his host, Engr Rafindadi, commended the Agency in the maintenance of roads and for doing more with little resources.

The Governor also seek for "fruitful and Productive Partnership" with the Agency for the maintenance roads in Anambra State. 

This Productive Partnership with FERMA will be strengthened with Anambra State Road Maintenance Agency to ensure the roads in the State are always in good condition. This strategic partnership will cover areas of financing, identification of the roads that needs maintenance and how it will be maintained for ease of movement within the State 

Responding, Engr Rafindadi thanked Governor Soludo for the visit and thereafter gave a bit of a background of what FERMA is about. 

He stated that the Agency does periodical routine of maintenance of roads with focus on inter state roads.

On the proposed Strategic Partnership with Anambra State, the FERMA boss welcome the idea and said his Agency looks forward on how to immediately harness the partnership as well as the potentials it will bring in ensuring the roads in Anambra are in good conditions.

It will be recalled that last week, Governor Soludo had flagged off more than 80 kilometers of roads in Anambra across the three senatorial zones. 

The Governor had also promised that before the end of the year, more roads will be flagged off to bring the total to about 220 kms. 

He gave a firm assurance that Anambra will be one big construction site with massive road constructions and other developmental projects that will be executed in the journey towards building a liveable and prosperous homeland in the State.

SOLUDO REJOICES WITH BISHOP PAULINUS EZEOKAFOR AT 70

Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR has congratulated the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor who attained the age of seventy (70) years on September 13, 2022.

Governor Soludo in his birthday message, described Bishop Ezeokafor as an exemplary and visionary church leader who has over the years dedicated his life to the Service of God and mankind.

The Governor therefore joins friends and well-wishers to celebrate the Bishop and prayed that God grants him more knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

"On behalf of my family, the government and good people of Anambra State, I wish you more grace, sound health and long life as you celebrate the age of 70 years today," Governor Soludo further prayed.

Christian Aburime

Press Secretary To The Governor

SOLUDO CONDEMNS ATTACK ON SENATOR IFEANYI UBAH, COMMISERATES WITH HIM AND FAMILIES OF HIS DEAD AIDES

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has condemned in strong terms, the attack by yet-to-be identified gun men on Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah's convoy, Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial Zone this evening 

It was reported this Sunday evening that Dr Ifeanyi Ubah narrowly escaped bullets of some gun wielding men who attacked his convoy at Enugwu-Ukwu road in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State

While condemning the attack, Governor Soludo said government is fully determined to wipe out every act of criminality in the State. He reiterated that "this is the last ditched-effort of a sinking boat" by these criminal elements 

He reassured that all security agencies are now on full alert to fish out the perpetrators of this henious attack, who will be made to face the full wrath of the law 

The Governor commiserates with Dr Ifeanyi Ubah and families of his aides who lost their lives as well as the State Commissioner of Police, for the Policemen who also lost their lives

Signed

Christian Aburime 

Press Secretary to the Governor

AWKA DEVELOPMENT UNION COMMENDS GOVERNOR SOLUDO FOR UPHOLDING 'LAW AND ORDER'!

By Christian ABURIME 

Awka Development Union, Nigeria, (ADUN,) the umbrella body of indegenes of the Community has commended the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, for ensuring that rule of law is entrenched in the state, particularly in Awka.

The Commendation was contained in a letter signed by the Traditional Ruler of the Community, Obi Gibson Nwosu, Traditional Prime Minister of the Community, Chief Engr. Ben Okoye, among others.

The letter came on the heels of the State government's position on an individual who is parading himself as the traditional ruler of Awka.

It reads:

Letter Of Commendation To Mr. Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo For Protecting And Preserving Awka Native Laws, Customs And Traditions, Upholding The Rule Of Law And Restoring Order And Sanctity In The Traditional Affairs Of Awka Community

"We write as members of Awka Development Union Nigeria (ADUN), the Eze-In-Council of Awka Traditional stool and on behalf of other progressive indigenes of Awka Community to commend Mr Governor for the proactive actions you deployed towards forestalling the desecration of Awka sacred customs and tradition, upholding the rule of law and restoring order and sanctity in the administration of the traditional affairs of the prestigious Awka community as well as other communities in Anambra State.

We received with immense joy the decisions and executive actions of Mr Governor to nip in the bud the actions of the imposter whom had attempted for years without success to usurp the Traditional Stool of Awka Community. His actions in the past years had become a thorn in the flesh of the good and peaceful indigenes of Awka and had in no small measure cast an untrue image of the customs and traditions of the Awka people.

Our gratitude know no bound with respect to your timely and bold intervention, Mr Governor in these issues. We write to convey our profound gratitude to you. Your good spirited actions have restored hope in the minds of those whom had lost hope in the progress of our community, it has given new strength to the young and old of our community to continue to push forward for the development of our community. Thank you Mr. Governor.

The people rejoice when the righteous come to power; we are doubly confident that Anambra state is in the best hand. The solution is here; Mr Governor must succeed, and the good people of Awka will give whatever it takes to ensure that you achieve your visions for Anambra State and her people. Anambra State will be great again." The letter concluded.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT TO PARTNER NIPEng ON STUDENTS' TRAINING

By Our Reporter

Lagos State Government has approved plan to collaborate with the National Institution of Petroleum Engineers to train students to bridge the gap between the University the industry.

The Commissioner, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Olalere Odusote dropped the hint when the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Petroleum Engineers, Engr. Prisca Kanebi, led some Zonal Chairmen on a courtesy call to the Commissioner.

The Commissioner welcomed his guests and applauded them for their efforts in the profession and encouraged them to pay attention to some grey areas.

In a swift response, Engr. Kanebi stated that they are exoloring restructuring the curriculum at the university with all stakeholders at a breakfast meeting soon, to achieve the gap-bridge goal.

Engr. Kanebi assured that the institution will continue to champion the development of the profession to meet the industry needs.

At the courtesy visit were

Engr. Adebowale Orekoya, Zonal Co-Ordinator, Southwest and The Chairman of The Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, Engr. Sesan Odukoya, Engr. Adebowale Orekoya, Zonal Co-Ordinator, The National Chairman of The Nigerian Institution of Petroleum Engineers, Southwest and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms. Shasore Sholabomi.

Read What Soludo Said While Recieving Cardinal Okpalaeke

By Ejike Abana

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has assured of increased partnership between his administration and the church as well as other critical stakeholders, to drive the vision of a liveable and prosperous Anambra.

Governor Soludo was speaking during a holy mass held at St Joseph Cathedral, Ekwulobia, to recieve Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke who was recently created a cardinal of the Catholic Church by Pope Francis in Rome.

The Governor pointed out that the creation of the Nigerian Cardinal would enthrone fresh ideas and a new phase in Nigeria, South East and the state.

Governor Soludo drew the attention of the congregation to the challenges encountered by Cardinal Okpalaeke in the past, pointing out that in all, God's grace was sufficiently evident in his affairs and thanked God for his elevation. 

On his part, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji congratulated Cardinal Okpalaeke on behalf of all Catholic

Bishops and asked him to always imbibe and portray the spirit of long-suffering in his new elevation in God's vineyard and asked God to fulfill his plans for the state.

Responding, Cardinal Okpalaeke noted that the height he has attained was made possible by God, expressing confidence that he will see him through.

While appreciating Governor Soludo, he said that the Church in Ahiara Diocese remains very dear to him because he remains the second substantive Bishop of the Diocese, thanking God that the Church is still alive.

The mass celebration was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Deputy Governor of Imo State, Placid Njoku Senators, Archbishops, Bishops, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. Paschal Agbodike, the Senator representing Anambra South Federal Constituency, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, former Senator, Victor Umeh, Catholic faithful among others.