# The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for supporting the Anambra State Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up Project (AN-NFWP-SU), describing the initiative as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive governance.
Dr. Mefor gave the commendation while receiving a delegation from the project, led by the State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Hope Okoye, at his office in the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.
He noted that women currently occupy strategic positions in the Soludo administration, including the offices of the Secretary to the State Government and the Head of Service, demonstrating the government’s commitment to gender inclusion.
According to the Commissioner, the governor has consistently encouraged the organization of women into interest groups and the mainstreaming of their contributions to the development of Anambra State.
In her speech, the State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Hope Okoye, explained that the programme is an initiative of the Soludo administration aimed at strengthening the economic empowerment of women, with technical support from the World Bank through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
# The Commissioner of information and Publicity in Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), Awka, Sir. Anthony Nnalue Chinedu has assured that the August 29th local government elections in the State will hold as stipulated by the commission.
The Commissioner, who made the announcement during a chat with journalists in the corporate headquarters of the Commission in Awka, maintained that the commission is taking its time to ensure that all principles of due process are observed during the election for lapses free at the polls.
The ANSIEC Commissioner, who expressed surprise that none of the political parties or their supporters are campaigning for the elections, noted that the commission lifted ban on campaign for the elections a month ago or more.
# Students and staff of Ezi-Awka Community Secondary School, Awka, are calling for urgent government intervention as severe erosion continues to destroy infrastructure and disrupt academic activities within the school.
The erosion menace has already led to the collapse of two classroom blocks, while four additional classroom blocks and the staff room remain at risk of being washed away if immediate remedial measures are not taken.
The alarming situation came to light during an assessment visit by officials of the Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency (ANSEWCCA).
Speaking during the inspection, the school’s Principal, Mrs. Eucharia Ogbunyi, the Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee, Chief Igwedimma Muologwu, and the Senior Prefect, Master Uchechukwu Obi, expressed concern over the worsening condition of the school environment.
According to them, the erosion has forced several students to withdraw from the school, while those who remain, alongside teachers, face constant danger from the threatened buildings, which could collapse at any moment.
During the visit, Engineer Alex Chukwunwike proposed a comprehensive erosion-control project involving drainage construction, concrete works, and landscaping. He explained that the project would channel floodwater away from the school and direct it to Obibia Stream, located about 1.25 kilometres from the site.
Responding, the Acting Managing Director of ANSEWCCA, Engineer Ifeanyi Nwasinoke, assured the school community that the agency would forward its assessment report to the appropriate authorities to facilitate prompt government action aimed at addressing the erosion threat and safeguarding lives and property.
# The Agunechemba security outfit attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Aguata, has reportedly neutralized three members of a suspected terror gang during a joint operation with the police in Anambra State, while several other members escaped with gunshot wounds.
According to a statement issued by the Media Publicity Secretary of Agunechemba, Comrade Nweke Nweke, the operation followed extensive intelligence gathering that led security operatives to the Isuofia-Igboukwu axis of Aguata Local Government Area, where the gang was allegedly carrying out robbery activities.
The statement said that upon sighting the operatives, the suspects attempted to flee, prompting a coordinated pursuit by Agunechemba personnel and police officers, who reportedly blocked all escape routes within the council area.
During the operation, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the security team, leading to a gun battle in which three of the gang members were killed. No casualties were recorded among the security operatives.
Agunechemba said intelligence reports linked the group to a series of criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and attacks on innocent residents across the Anambra South Senatorial District and neighbouring areas. The gang was also alleged to have disguised itself in federal security uniforms and was suspected of involvement in an attack on the convoy of the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakayi, Chairman of the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Internal Security, Engr. Ikenna Ofodeme, and the Head of Operations of Agunechemba, Chief Chinenye Ihenko, described the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat criminality and improve security across the state.
They commended the collaboration between Agunechemba operatives and the police, expressing confidence that the success would further strengthen security operations in Anambra.
# The Anambra State Government has unveiled plans to introduce a compulsory training programme for morticians and mortuary operators across the state as part of efforts to strengthen regulation, improve professionalism, and enhance standards in mortuary services.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, disclosed this during the presentation of the newly developed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to mortuary owners and operators at the Ministry of Health Conference Room, Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.
Dr. Obidike explained that the initiative is aimed at promoting accountability, professionalism, and strict compliance with public health regulations governing mortuary operations in the state.
According to him, all morticians operating in Anambra State will be required to participate in the training programme, which will equip them with the knowledge, practical skills, and ethical standards necessary for effective mortuary management.
He noted that the training will cover key areas including the provisions of the new SOP, infection prevention and control measures, proper handling and preservation of human remains, record keeping, environmental sanitation, and other critical aspects of mortuary practice.
The Commissioner stated that participants who successfully complete the programme will receive certificates of participation as evidence of compliance with the state’s regulatory requirements.
He further revealed that qualified operators who meet the stipulated conditions will subsequently be issued licences to practice, stressing that the licensing process is intended to ensure that only trained and competent personnel operate mortuary facilities within the state.
Dr. Obidike emphasized that the introduction of certification and licensing will improve service delivery, boost public confidence in mortuary operations, and promote dignity and respect in the handling of the deceased.
# The Anambra State Government has intensified efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality by strengthening collaboration with Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) across the state.
This was the focus of a stakeholders’ meeting between Traditional Birth Attendants and the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike, held at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex in Awka.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Obidike clarified that the government’s objective is not to stop TBAs from practicing but to build a stronger partnership between traditional birth attendants and healthcare facilities to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
He explained that the exercise is aimed at identifying, registering, and documenting qualified TBAs who meet the required standards, while also strengthening referral systems to ensure that pregnant women and newborns receive timely medical attention when complications arise.
According to the Commissioner, the initiative forms part of the state’s broader strategy to train and retrain TBAs, improve regulation, and provide supportive supervision. He noted that establishing stronger links between traditional birth attendants and healthcare facilities would help ensure safer pregnancies, deliveries, and postnatal care.
Dr. Obidike stressed that a competent Traditional Birth Attendant is one who recognizes danger signs and promptly refers patients requiring advanced medical care to appropriate healthcare facilities. He described timely referrals as one of the most effective measures for preventing maternal and infant deaths.
Also speaking, the Director of Medical Services, Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, described the engagement as a critical step toward improving healthcare delivery and safeguarding the lives of mothers and children across the state.
Dr. Chukwulobelu revealed that Anambra currently has 407 registered Traditional Birth Attendants, but only 98 have renewed their registrations. He noted that reports of maternal and newborn deaths associated with some unregulated facilities prompted the government’s renewed engagement with practitioners.
The State Immunization Officer for Primary Health Care, Edith Onwuka, highlighted the important role TBAs continue to play in communities, noting that many pregnant women still rely on them for care and support during pregnancy and childbirth.
They also expressed readiness to participate in training programmes, comply with regulations, and collaborate with healthcare facilities to ensure safer childbirth and healthier outcomes for mothers and newborns across Anambra State.
# The Anambra State Urban Water Asset Holdings Corporation (ASUWAHC) has commenced a comprehensive inventory of water infrastructure across the state as part of renewed efforts to improve efficiency, accountability and service delivery.
The initiative was formally unveiled during a management meeting held at the corporation’s headquarters, presiding over by the Officer-in-Charge, Mrs. Emmanuella Okafor.
Discussions at the meeting centered on strengthening asset management systems, enhancing operational performance, ensuring the long term sustainability of water facilities under the agency’s supervision.
As part of the rollout, management introduced a standardized Water Scheme Inventory Form to guide the documentation and assessment of facilities across all water schemes in the state.
The template is designed to capture detailed information on key infrastructure, including boreholes, pumps, generators, treatment plants, storage tanks, solar installations, laboratory equipment, distribution networks, vehicles, and office assets.
# In his examplery nature of ensuring quality delivery, the Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area and Aguata’s candidate for House of Representatives (Aguata Federal Constituency), Dr Chibueze Ofobuike, inspected the on-going construction of the Community Mini Stadium in Ora-Eri, Aguata LGA.
The sporting facility is one of his #AGreaterAguata agenda propelled together with his team – to deepen grass-root sports development in Aguata communuties.
With the facility, budding football talents in and around the community will be easily harnessed, providing a launching platform for Aguata youths interested in sports.
# Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the House of Representatives election for Anambra-East and Anambra-West constituency next year, Hon. Chinedu Benjamin Obidigwe, has stated that Anambra-East and Anambra-West currently have no representative at the National Assembly.
Obidigwe who described the incumbent as a dullard who doesn’t talk, maintained that Anambra-East and Anambra-West are presently at zero levels in terms of representation, stressing that the constituency have had the worst of abysmal representation in the hands of the incumbent.
Obidigwe told journalists at the APGA regional headquarters Awka shortly after collecting his certificate of return, that if elected, he would attract constituency projects and the people would see them, adding that he would also move motions and bills that would truly translate into the yearnings of his people, not the current experience in the hands of the persona representing the two local government areas in the federal House of Representatives.
The former Reps member who thanked and appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo for giving Anambra State a facelift with his legendary infrastructural revolution, also noted that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has continued to grow from strength to strength, emphasizing that he would capitalize on the achievements of the governor in the state to let people know that if they could give him people who would support his vision for Anambra, the state, according to him, would be more progressive and prosperous because he has the right people partnering him to move the state forward.
# The Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU), has emphasized the critical role of security in ensuring the successful implementation of its activities across communities in Anambra State.
Speaking during the security risk management assessment visit to the State, Anambra Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chukwukadibia Okoye, described security as an indispensable component of every development initiative.
Mr. Okoye noted that since the programme’s activities would be carried out across various communities in the selected LGAs of the State, it was necessary to establish robust security policies and standard operating procedures to effectively prevent and manage potential risks and unforeseen challenges.
The commissioner stressed that security is very important. “Everything that this project is planned to do is sitting on a workable secure environment because we are going to the hinterland where if we do not carefully create or craft what the security policy and standard operating procedure is, you leave that to chance and once you leave that to chance, you cannot then manage any eventuality”.
