As the 8th Anambra State House of Assembly marked second anniversary on Democratic Day June 12, 2025, the Speaker of the House Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze has described the House as a benchmark for other legislative Houses in Nigeria for enacting the Igbo Apprenticeship Bill.
According to him, the Bill was aimed at preserving economic heritage and offering legal support to the mentorship system that has built countless entrepreneurs in Igbo land and Nigeria at large.
Speaking during a special session to mark the day at the Assembly Complex Awka, the Speaker described the House as the engine room of democracy and have lived up to its calling by passing 31 impactful laws, wherein 30 of them has been granted assent with over 10 of them private member bills.
According to him, the House has adopted 75 resolutions that directly address policy gaps and uplift the lives of Ndi Anambra.
Dr Udeze observed that both the laws and motions underpin security, stimulate economic development, improve access to healthcare, protect workers, and catalyze infrastructure.
“Today, thanks to our legislative efforts, initiatives like Operation Udo ga-achi and the Agunechemba Security Network are restoring peace and safety in our communities.
“The Electricity Law, the Economic Planning Law, and the Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission Law are already paving the way for energy access, strategic development, and resource equity.
“Through the Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission Law, we brought long-overdue justice to resource-rich communities. The Anambra State Economic Planning and Development Law has refined how our government plans, budgets, and delivers infrastructure. Laws have been passed to improve access to primary healthcare, protect artisans, standardize building control, and preserve our traditional medicine heritage.
“Through 29 standing committees, we have ensured transparency and accountability in public service. Our revitalized Public Petitions Committee has become a sanctuary for justice, ensuring citizens’ grievances are heard and resolved.
“We have set plans in motion for the full digitalization of House proceedings, construction of a Legislative Service Commission complex, and creation of more robust civic engagement channels. These are legacies in the making,” said Mr Speaker.
While appreciating house members, their constituents, the executive and legislative staff for their wonderful contributions within the last two years of the 8th Assembly, Dr Udeze however regretted their departed heroes—Hon. Justice Azuka; former Speaker Rt. Hon. Anayo Nnebe; and three dedicated staff members.
Later, the remaining 29 lawmakers took turns to x-ray their achievements both in the House, their various House of Assembly Committees and 29 constituencies within their two years as lawmakers.
Worthy of note is Hon Jude Ngobili representing Ihiala 1 Constituency who echoed that without lawmaking their stay here is a mere jamboree, highlighting various laws and motions the 8th Assembly has passed and moved within their second anniversary.
The House later dissolved into the Assembly Complex field for a Thanksgiving Mass to commemorate it’s Second Anniversary, and was officiated by Rev Fr Dr Charles Ndubuisi, Chancellor Awka Catholic Diocese, representing Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor of Awka Diocese.###
