FG Set To Revamp Steel Sector, Overhaul MTI, Onitsha

By Ejike Abana

The Federal Government is set to revamp Nigeria's steel sector to enhance the economy, create employment opportunities and speed towards industrialization. 

Nigeria's Minister of State for Steel, Uba Maigari Ahmadu stated this during an official visit to Anambra State.

During the visit, the Minister paid a familiarisation visit to Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia. 

The Minister said he takes pride Governor Soludo and recognizes Anambra as a cluster of industrial development in the country and extended a hand of fellowship to the State government.

Recieving the Minister, Governor Soludo commended the present administration for putting their hands on what is important, expressing optimism that the present government will put things in place to unleash the great potentials of the country.

The Minister was earlier conducted round facilities at the Metallurgical Training Institute, MTI, Onitsha where he decried the mad rush for certificates among young Nigerians and expressed optimism that the state government would help scale up interest in skill acquisition and liaise with the institute, as a way to eradicate poverty.

He revealed that it was the first facility tour the Ministry was embarking under his watch, saying that the visit was a result of carefully planned agenda.

He added that the present administration is passionate about the steel sector and assured that MTI, Onitsha would get serious attention under the leadership of President Tinubu while thinking outside the box within their limited resources.

Earlier, the Director and Chief Executive, MTI, Onitsha, Mr. Bode Fakuade, solicited for increased government attention towards the Institute by way of putting more infrastructure as well as funding, saying that it will go a long way to impact skills on the young people thereby solving restiveness.

The Minister was also received at Innoson Motors, Nnewi by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma who expressed readiness to support the federal government's drive to reposition the sector.

The Minister and his entourage also paid a courtesy call on the Traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka.

Anambra Judiciary: Senior Magistrate Excel At Justitia Awards, Austria

By Ejike Abana

A Senior Magistrate in Anambra State Judiciary, Neni Division, His Worship Ifeyinwa Nasiah Okoye has made Anambra State proud as she was celebrated as a "Game Changer" in the Legal profession, in far away, Vienna, Austria.

The Justitia Awards to the Magistrate is a cheering news to the State as she emerged tops on the global stage.

She was one of the five shortlisted nominees for the Justitia Awards during the Women in Law conference held in September, 2023.

Periodically, the Justitia Awards receives participants and competitive entries from all over the world.

Out of the four other outstanding female legal Practitioners shortlisted under that category including; Jalila Haider (Pakistan), Joyce Williams (USA), Leah Moletseli (South Africa) and Mehwish Muhib Kakakhel (Pakistan), Senior Magistrate Ifeyinwa Nasiah Okoye became the only Nigerian so recognized.

In addition, recall that in 2022, The BBC service conducted an inspirational story of resilience on Magistrate Okoye who despite being physically challenged and walks with the aid of crutches, has gone ahead to defy many challenges to fulfill her dream of being a voice for the voiceless.

This she had variously demonstrated through her service in the temple of Justice.

She has no doubt achieved many firsts for her state and we are proud of her.

Indeed, His Worship Ifeyinwa Nasiah Okoye, deserves commendation and handshake with the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Chief Judge of Anambra state, Hon. Justice Onochie Anyachebelu and the good people of Anambra State for this feat.

For details of the award and more, visit:

https://www.womeninlawconference.at/justitia-awards-2023/

https://youtu.be/Q00vqK8z6Lo?si=0wvTWYvNFHNes_v2

https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewspidgin/videos/624787468639390/?app=fbl

Soludo Bags Trailblazer Governor Of The Year Award

By Ejike Abana

In a stunning recognition of his contribution towards the state's development, especially in the area of digital technology, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has been awarded the prestigious Govtech Trailblazer's Governor of the year.

The award by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms of the Presidency is in recognition of the Governor's exemplary leadership in advancing Digital Governance.

The ceremony was held at the International Convention Centre, Abuja.

The award comes as a striking recognition of Governor Soludo's leadership in using technology to transform the state's governance, public services, and public safety.

The Governor's skillful use of technology is helping the state quickly move to remote work and online service delivery, minimizing disruptions to public services while keeping state employees safe.

Moreover, Governor Soludo's innovative programs have helped increase access to healthcare and education.

From online doctor consultations and telemedicine to distance learning, the Governor has leveraged technology to provide access to essential services that were previously out of reach for many residents before his advent.

The Governor's focus on using technology to increase public safety has been commendable, as well. He has facilitated the development of tracking systems for first responders, helped to implement a public safety app, and improved communication systems for emergency response teams. These tools have improved response times, increased situational awareness, and helped save countless lives.

According to the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nawbunwanne who received the award onbehalf of the Governor, Professor Soludo's effective use of technology to increase government transparency and accountability has been one of his most visible milestones.

The Commissioner pointed out that the Governor has implemented an open data initiative to provide citizens access to data about state government activities, finances, and statistics; an effort that has helped increase public trust in state governance, and citizens are more engaged in decision-making.

Governor Soludo's tireless efforts to use technology to transform governance, public services, and public safety deserve the highest recognition.

Indeed, the Governor of the Year award is a testament to his vision, dedication, and commitment to the state's development.

Anambra Tops As Best Local Government In Nigeria

Anambra State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs is celebrating a massive win having been awarded by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms of the Presidency under the auspices of Nigeria GOVTECH Public Service Awards as the best local government in Nigeria.

The event was used to honour the Ministry for its outstanding performance in promoting local governance in the country, leveraging technology, implementing and utilizing technology solutions to achieve established goals or objectives within the state.

The ministry was recognized for its efforts in engaging local communities in grassroots development projects, successfully implementing decentralization policies, and championing transparency and accountability in local government governance.

The award ceremony, which was held at the International Convention Center, Abuja, was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from civil society organizations, and the media.

Recieving the award, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nawbunwanne, praised Governor Soludo for his unrelenting efforts in driving local development initiatives and ensuring that local communities have a say in their own governance, deploying technology.

The Commissioner who led the delegation to the award ceremony, expressed his gratitude to the Bureau for recognizing the ministry's efforts and promised to continue working tirelessly in promoting the development of local communities.

He also thanked the government for its unwavering support in providing the necessary resources to enable the ministry to carry out its mandate in line with the manifesto of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

During the event, Anambra Local Government Service Commission was also awarded the best state local government commission in adoption of Information Communication Technology (ICT), while the Transition Committee Chairman for Aguata Council Area, Dr. Offorbuike was awarded the best Digital Local Government Chairman of the year.

In their separate reactions, Chief Ezeaka and Dr. Offorbuike revealed that alot of innovations have been introduced by the present administration of Governor Soludo into the system, saying that his manifesto is the key to a liveable and prosperous homeland.

Earlier, the Director General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, D.I Arabi said the efforts of President Tinubu's administration are geared towards improving the life of the common man on the street, leveraging technology.

The award has been received well by communities across the state, who have hailed the Ministry of Local Government for leading by example in promoting good governance practices at the local level. This was the view of the member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency, Dr. Paschal Agbodike.

Overall, the award to the Ministry is a testament to the government's commitment to promoting good governance practices and ensuring that local communities have a say in their own development.

It is a fitting tribute to the men and women who have worked tirelessly in the ministry to ensure that local communities benefit from the country's development initiatives, using technology.

The theme of the event which featured dance presentation by the Tiv ethnic group is "Advancing Public Service Reforms through digital transformation".

Written By Ejike Abana

Government Taskforce Reads Riot Act To Recalcitrant Developers, Demolishes Illegal Structures In Onitsha, Ogbunike, Airport Road

The joint Anambra State government taskforce has pulled down illegal attachment structures and shops in Marine Modern Market, Onitsha.

The shops which are under construction is located at number 11 Gohehol Avenue Marine Modern Market Onitsha in Onitsha South Council Area.

The Joint taskforce led by the officials of Anambra State Physical Planning Board arrived the Onitsha market at the early hours of Wednesday to stop the action of unidentified developer who go about indiscriminately erecting structures and shops in the market. 

The Taskforce also demolished an illegal structure built by youths of Ogbunike which blocked the original waterways thereby always causing high rate of erosion and destruction of properties in the area.

They carried out a partial demolition at the airport road where another developer was erecting perimeter fencing and structures without mapping out the required distance from the road.

Also visited was Azu Ogbunike in Oyi Council Area where a contracting firm converted a road project that is supposedly dual carriage road into a narrow one.

Recall that the Taskforce had served stop work notice on the developer who remained adamant.

In an interview with ABS the leader of the Taskforce, Barr. Chike Mmaduekwe said that the developer who has been warned severally to stop remaimed adamant instead he went about attaching structures to old ones in such a way that is contrary to the law of the state.

Barrister Maduekwe further appealled to wealthy developers in the state to support the government in developing the state, using the building codes.

He warned that henceforth, any developer who is caught carrying out unapproved structures such as blocking of the waterways and erecting of unapproved structures in the state will be made to face the full embrace of the law.

Speaking with ABS earlier, Chief Raymond Edozie who is a landlord at the Onitsha Marine Market, expressed sadness over the action of the unidentified builder who have been erecting unapproved structures around the area.

He alleged that he also goes about intimidating and threatening anyone who dares speak up and commended government of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for restoring normalcy to the area.

By Ejike Abana