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Author: Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

  • Soludo hails Muslims for contributing to peaceful development in Anambra

     

     

     

     

     

    Muslims

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 17, 2024(NAN) Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra on Monday commended the Muslim community for their valuable contributions to the peaceful development enjoyed in the state.

    Soludo gave the commendation in his Sallah message in Awka, to felicitate with Muslim faithful on the celebration of the 2024 Eid-el Kabir.

    He said the Muslim community also contributed to enriching diversity of the state’s collective social fabric.

    “I felicitate with the  Muslim faithful in Anambra and across Nigeria on the happy occasion of Eid-el Kabir which holds profound significance in the Islamic faith as it commemorates the enduring faith, obedience, and devotion to Almighty Allah.

    “As our Muslim brothers and sisters observe this sacred event through acts of charity and communal prayers, it is a time for us to reflect on these universal values that bind humanity together.

    “In this spirit of unity, I urge Muslim faithful to continue their support and prayers for Anambra government and Nigeria, in order to advance the collective progress, security and the well-being of every citizen.

    “My administration will continue to foster an environment of religious harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among all faiths in Anambra,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/CHOM/VIV

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

     

  • FRSC begins Eid-el-Kabir special patrol in Anambra, deploys 1,020 personnel

     

    FRSC

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 15, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra Command, says it has deployed 1,020 personnel for Eid-el-Kabir special patrol for safety of road users in the state.

    The Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Awka.

    It will be Recalled that the federal government had declared Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 18 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    Irelewuyi said that the special patrol was targeted at ensuring that all road users within and traversing Anambra state travelled in safety and devoid of any traffic hindrances during the period.

    He said that the command deployed personnel to man the identified troubled areas in the flash points of the state including Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Old Awka-Onitsha Road as well as the Upper-Iweka Road.

    According to him, personnel were also deployed to man Aguata axis for vehicles moving towards Imo and other parts of the South East.

    “There is an anticipated increase in traffic volume as a result of Muslim faithful as well as other Nigerians who may take advantage of this period to travel to celebrate with families and friends.

    “The FRSC National Headquaters has strengthened surveillance, effective patrol and adequate monitoring on the highways across the federation.

    “There will be aggressive enforcement to check offences such as speeding, dangerous driving and overtaking, route and seatbelt violations, use of phone while driving, overloading, loading trailers with passengers and illegal use of the Spy number plates.

    “All these interventions is to ensure that all road users within and traversing Anambra state travel in safety and devoid of any traffic hindrance during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” he said.

    Irelewuyi said that operational vehicles and recovery vehicles had been deployed for prompt response to road traffic crashes and clearing of any form of obstructions on the road.

    He urged motorists to be civil and consider other road users as well as cooperate with FRSC personnel to ensure free flow of traffic and reduction in crashes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/OJI/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

  • Mrs Soludo partners NDLEA to eliminate drug abuse in Anambra

    Dr Nonye Soludo inaugurating Operation Clean Anambra of Substance Abuse

     

     

    Drugs

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

     

    Awka, June 13, 2024(NAN) The wife of Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged youths in the state to shun drug use for the sake of their personal health, future and the society at large.

    She gave the advice while flagging off Operation Clean Anambra of Substance Abuse Campaign, in Awka on Thursday.

    According to her, drug abuse has resulted in increased violence and crimes, higher prevalence in Hepatitis B and C virus, HIV/AIDS, and collapse in the social structure.

    “Our homes are losing the sacredness of culture and moral traditions.

    “Our communities have become havens for drug peddlers and manufacturers who use the element of fear and intimidation to silence the people who are willing to assist local authorities with valid information.

    “Healthy Living initiative is championing this fight in schools and communities to break the wall of illicit drugs economy which is booming at the detriment of our society.

    “We have constituted Healthy Living Overwatch in the 179 communities to monitor illicit drug dealers and report same to security agencies.

    “The target is to make everyone a driver of solution to rid Anambra state of this deadly disease called drug abuse and save the lives and future of our children,” Soludo said.

    Mr Daniel Onyishi, Anambra Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said that the agency was working with the Governor’s wife to address the growing drug abuse cases in Anambra.

    According to him, one out of every four user of illicit drugs is a woman.

    “According to recent statistics, Nigeria alone has 14.4 per cent drug abuse prevalence rate and it is projected that by 2030, it will rise to 40 per cent if nothing is done.

    “The major concern is that women, especially young girl are embracing substance abuse. One out of every four drug abuser is a woman and one out of five will suffer substance abuse disorder.

    “Women are key nurturers, moulders and caregivers in the society and should not be involved in illicit drug abuse,” he said.

    The NDLEA Commandant urged community leaders to support the agency with information about drug dealers in their environment.

    In his remarks, Mr Titus Akpudo, President-General, Anambra State Association of Town Union, promised to take the message against substance abuse to the nooks and crannies of the state.

    “As community leaders, we must support the governor’s wife in the fight to eliminate substance abuse in our communities because if we do not act now, it will hunt us in future,” he said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    LCO/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • 1 out of 4 substance abusers a woman – NDLEA 

    Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo launches Operation Clean Anambra of Substance Abuse

     

    Drugs

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says one out of every four users of illicit drugs is a woman.

    Mr Daniel Onyishi, Commander of the NDLEA in the state of Anambra, gave the statistics at the inauguration of the Operation Clean Anambra of Substance Abuse by Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, in Awka.

    Onyishi said that the agency was working with the Governor’s Wife to address the growing drug abuse cases in  Anambra.

    “According to recent statistics, Nigeria alone has 14.4 per cent drug abuse prevalence rate and it is projected that by 2030, it will rise to 40 per cent if nothing is done.

    “The major concern is that women, especially young girls, are embracing substance abuse. One out of every four drug abusers is a woman and one out of five will suffer substance abuse disorder.

    “Women are key nurturers, moulders and  caregivers in the society and should not be involved in illicit drug abuse.

    “As an agency, we are taking the sensitisation and enforcement into the communities because grassroots campaign is the only way to address the menace of drug abuse.

    “We are not spirits, therefore, we urge community leaders to give us information about drug dealers in their environment. Illicit drug dealing is a crime and not a business,” he said.

    In her address, Wife of the Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, lamented that substance abuse had become a pandemic in the society, requiring collective effort to tackle.

    Soludo said that the menace of illicit drug abuse contributed to the high rate of crimes, violence and health complications.

    “Healthy Living initiative is championing this fight in schools and communities to break the wall of illicit drugs economy which is booming at the detriment of our society.

    “We have constituted Healthy Living Overwatch in the 179 communities to monitor illicit drug dealers and report same to security agencies.

    “The target is to make everyone a driver of solution to rid Anambra of this deadly disease called drug abuse and save the lives and future of our children,” Soludo said.

    Also speaking, Dr Afam Obidike, Commissioner for Health, said that the campaign would save the youths from degenerating into a generational tragedy with drug addiction.

    In his remarks,  Mr Titus Akpudo, President-General, Anambra State Association of Town Union, promised to take the message of substance abuse to the nooks and crannies of the state.

    “As community leaders,  we  must support the Governor’s Wife in the fight to eliminate substance abuse in our communities because if we do not act now, it will hunt us in future,” he said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    LCO/DE/VIV

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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Vivian Ihechu

  • Mrs Soludo gives 1000 PWDs free health insurance worth N12.5m

     

    Dr Nonye Soludo addressing PWDs in Awka

     

    Mrs Soludo gives 1000 PWDs free health insurance worth N12.5m
    Enrollment
    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
    Awka, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, on Wednesday sponsored the enrolment of 1000 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) into the state’s Health Insurance scheme to promote their healthcare.
    Soludo made the announcement during a town hall meeting with persons with special needs organised to promote her Healthy Living Initiative in Awka.
    She said that PWDs had the capacity to bring unique values to the journey towards a livable and prosperous Anambra State, when given adequate attention.
    “I invited you because I love you all and look out for you. My husband’s administration also appreciates your undying desire to bring your best to the table of good governance.
    “As I behold your amazing faces, I see strength, tenacity, doggedness and unbeatable ambitions. This is why Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative is giving out 1000 health insurance slots free to PWDs in the state.
    “This is our own way of saying that we care about you and we know that health is the greatest wealth. This free health insurance will be your passport to access the best medicare anywhere in the state.
    “I want you to ensure that you use the health insurance fully to your advantage. When you notice any sign of infirmity, do not waste time visiting your doctor,” she said.
    Soludo urged the PWDs to prioritise their health, eat right, imbibe personal and environmental hygiene to stay healthy and alive.
    Also speaking, Mr Ugochukwu Okeke, Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Anambra, requested for the inclusion of PWDs in the Healthy Living campaign.
    According to him, PWDs are more affected when it comes to the issues of healthy living as a result of different challenges hinging on their various nature of disabilities.
    “Including PWDs in your campaign will help get the awareness and support down to our members, thereby enabling an inclusive society,” he said.
    In his keynote address, Prof. Williams Obiozor, Director, Centre for Disability and Special Needs Research, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, advocated for more support and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society.
    Obiozor said that empowering and catering for the well-being of PWDs was a collective effort and should not be left for government alone.
    In her remarks, Mrs Ify Obinabo, state’s Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, appreciated the Governor’s wife for the demonstration of love to persons with disabilities in the state.
    Mr Simeon Onyemaechi, the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, said the package cost N12,500 annually to get medicines and treatments of health conditions covered by the scheme. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    LCO/COF
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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • Soludo signs bill to conduct LG election, 10 others into law

     

     

    Bills

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra  on Wednesday signed the  state’s Electoral bill for the conduct of the Local Government election in the state and 10 other bills into Law.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bills include the Anambra State Electoral Law 2024, Touting Prohibition Law 2024, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Law, 2024 and Health Facilities and Accreditation Agency Law, 2024.

    It also include the Peace Building and Conflict Management Agency, the Anambra State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission Law, 2024, Market Safety and Protection Law 2024 and Trafficking in Person Prohibition Law 2024.

    Others are the Anambra State Private Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery Law 2024, Amended Anambra State House of Assembly Service Commission Law 2021 and Revenue Administration (Consolidand Harmonisation) Law 2024.

    Soludo said the laws which would strengthen governance in the state should be obeyed to avoid prosecution.

    On the state Electoral Law, he said it would lay the foundation for organising and conducting Local Government Area  election in the state.

    According to him, the extant law his administration met was rickety, and there is  need to make a law that is in tune with the times.

    “We will subsequently set up the electoral commission and when they are done, they will announce the date and time for the local government election. This is a promise made and a promise kept.

    “We have not had local government election in more than 10 years. The infrastructure and basic institutions will be strengthened to have a credible election.

    “I’m excited that we are moving forward to have this foundation. The goal is to reform the local government system to make it viable for new administrations,” he said.

    He appreciated the Speaker, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze and other legislators for living up to their patriotic duty for the good of the people.

    “This assembly is one of the most hardworking and productive in Nigeria. Enacting the laws shows that they are responsive to the needs of the people, ” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/CHOM/MNA

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

     

     

  • Woman dies in Anambra accident

    Woman dies in Anambra accident
    Accident
    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
    Awka, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra said an accident involving two vehicles at Ukpo junction, along Nteje-Awka Expressway, claimed the life of a female adult on Monday night.
    The Sector Commander of the corps, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, said in Awka on Tuesday that wrongful overtaking was the likely cause of the crash.
    He said that there was a collision involving a commercial Toyota bus with registration number NZN116LK and a private Toyota Diana, with registration number ACA529XA.
    “Three male adults and three female adults were involved in the crash. Five of them were  Injured while one female adult was killed.
    “The injured victims were rushed to Boromi Mission Hospital, Onitsha by FRSC rescue team and one female adult was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
    “Her corpse was deposited at the morgue,” he said.
    The sector commander said that the vehicles had been towed to the  Command headquarters.
    While condoling with the family of the dead, he  urged motorists to avoid reckless driving, especially at night.
    “Watch and ensure the road is clear before overtaking. Drive to save lives on our roads,” he said.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
    LCO/SOA
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Don tasks Nigerians on green technologies in food processing, preservation

    Food

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Gregory Onwuka, a lecturer at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia, has called for the adoption green technologies in food processing and preservation to achieve sustainable food security in the country.

    Onwuka, a Professor of Food Science and Technology, made the call at the 10th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit held on Monday in Awka.

    The summit with the theme “Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects’’ was organised by the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), East-Central.

    The sub theme of the summit is, “Green Technologies in Food Processing for Sustainable Food Security’’.

    Onwuka described green technology as the use of science and technology to create, process and preserve foods to improve its nutritional properties and maintain the safety standards for a safer society.

    According to him, Nigeria will overcome food scarcity and high costs of foods if it harnesses the power of technology and embraces innovation.

    “The significance of food processing cannot be overemphasised, as it directly impacts our health and safety. Consuming improperly processed food poses a grave risk to our well-being and even our lives.

    “There is a pressing need for us to revolutionise our food processing techniques. Technology is at our disposal, and we must utilise it in our food processing practices to enhance the quality of our food and preserving our ecosystem.

    “So, the way to go is the adoption of green technologies in food processing and preservation by individuals and industries to achieve a sustainable food security and a safer society,” Onwuka said.

    In his remarks, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, described food security as primary and first step towards security of lives and properties.

    Ikechebelu said the resolutions from the summit could help reduce the dependency on imported foods.

    “In NAU, we recently laid a foundation of food processing industry because we are aware of our role in the development of the society and without sustainable food supply, no society can develop,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    LCO/FEO/ADA

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    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Deji Abdulwahab

     

     

     

     

  • Soludo receives 1,300 defecting PDP faithful into APGA

    Soludo receives 1,300 defecting PDP faithful into APGA

     

     

    Defection

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 10, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 1,300 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithful in Anambra have formally defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

     

    The defectors, who came from across the state, were received by the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo at a welcome ceremony in Awka 

     

    Soludo urged the new party members to take advantage of the on-going APGA electronic re-registration to complete their membership.

    He said: “I am happy that PDP in Anambra has woken up and discovered that joining APGA movement is the only way to the Promised Land.

     

    “I appeal to everyone to join hands with my administration to build the party and make it a vehicle for transformation; and I’m also committed to using the vehicle to enhance development in the state.

     

    “APGA as a party is deliberate about building human capital in a sustainable way. As you can see in some of our policies – free education, free antenatal care and delivery services for women, distribution of palm and coconut seedlings, among others.

     

    “I promise to do more because APGA is the only platform through which real development will be taken to the people, especially the poor and downtrodden.”

     

    Earlier, the State Chairman of APGA, Mr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye appreciated the governor for leading the initiative and creating the enviable atmosphere within the party.

     

    Speaking on behalf of the former PDP faithful, Mr Emeka Anyaenetu, said that Gov. Soludo’s people-oriented policies informed their decision to join the APGA movement.

     

    “We want to help the governor continue and complete his agenda for the development of Anambra state,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    LCO/GOM/AOS

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    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Bayo Sekoni 

     

  • Stop using harmful chemicals for food storage – Soludo’s wife

    Chemicals

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
    Nnewi (Anambra) June 7, 2024 (NAN) The wife of Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged traders to desist from using harmful chemicals for food storage.
    Soludo made the call while addressing traders at Nkwo Nnewi Market, where she continued her ongoing Healthy Living Market outreach.
    She said that using such chemicals could have damaging implications on human health.
    “Many traders use chemicals to store or preserve their food products to avoid spoilage and they are not even aware of the health implications of the chemicals.
    “Many life-threatening diseases that we see today are as a result of the chemicals used to store food items. Some of the chemicals causing slow-killing sicknesses come from foods grown or stored with chemicals.
    “We have to desist from using poisonous chemicals on food items meant for human consumption, to safeguard our health,” she said.
    Soludo also encouraged the traders to imbibe environmental and personal hygiene for a healthier market and state.
    Earlier, Mr Humphery Anuna, the President-General of Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association, said the Healthy Living campaign was impacting positively on the lives of residents.
    Anuna appreciated the governor’s for taking out time to bring Healthy Living crusade to the markets and for devoting her time to the welfare of humanity.
    “The Healthy Living crusade is being felt across the state and has corrected so many negative habits that affect people’s health and well-being.
    “We the traders are encouraged to adopt the message and make it an everyday practice in the markets and in our homes,” he said.
    The governor’s wife donated hand washing buckets, refuse bags, aprons, and disinfectants to help build hygiene in the markets. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    LCO/OIF/JNC
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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma