SUMMARY OF ONE YEAR IN OFFICE ACHIEVEMENTS OF PROF. CHARLES CHUKWUMA SOLUDO’S ADMINISTRATION (THE JOURNEY SO FAR)

Security, Law and Order

To tackle the menace of unknown gunmen, the Soludo Administration established a Ministry of Homeland Affairs and appointed a Commissioner to Head the Ministry.

He also appointed a Special Adviser on Security and set up Anambra State Strike Force under the State’s vigilante law and tasked them to flush out criminals in Anambra especially in 8 local government areas comprising the 7 in the southern senatorial district and Ogbaru. 

Created functional synergy among the security agencies in the State. This cooperation midwifed the birth of a formidable Joint Task Force (JTF) that is the major vanguard of the fight against insurrection and other forms of insecurity. The AVG is part of the operations of the JTF, which, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police carried the war to camps of the unknown gunmen and has tamed them to a large extent. The JTF liberated the hitherto occupied Local Government Areas and life has returned to normal in the affected parts.

In the fight against insecurity, valuable contributions were made by some worthy Ndi Anambra through the Anambra State Security Trust Fund (ASSTF). The contributions were deployed to deepen security related activities. To the glory of God and the combined efforts of security forces, the activities of criminal elements and their shrines have been dismantled and degraded. The remaining criminals left Anambra and some have remained in border towns that are not within the jurisdiction of Anambra state. 

JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION

To promote law and order and the speedy dispensation of justice, the Ministry of Justice embarked on the digitization of Anambra state justice delivery system by establishment of Virtual Hearing facilities in 20 High courts and 4 Correctional Centers in the state. 

In addition, the administration improved power supply to 30 High courts in the state through the installation of solar equipment and battery storage. 

The Ministry also facilitating the passage of a bill in the Anambra State House of Assembly for a state multi-door court house that will enhance access to justice by providing alternative mechanism to supplement litigation in the resolution of disputes.

The Ministry also amended the following laws (listed below):

1.) ASWAMA Law

2.) Traditional Rulers Law 

3.) Prohibition of Open Grazing Law 

4.) States Land Law

5.) Drafted 5 Executive Orders for the State. 

6.) Opened a Register for defendants convicted for rape or defilement. 

7.) Established designated courts at the Magistrate and High court for trial of sex related offenders

8.) Implemented/Deployed case filtering to enable speedy dispensation of justice

Economic Transformation & Infrastructure

* Economic Transformation

Agriculture

Launch of regenerative agriculture as a state policy. The policy aims to produce healthy, nutrient dense natural food in ways that are efficient and sustainable.

Procurement and distribution of choice economic trees such as Ukwa (100,000 seedlings), Ogbono (100,000 seedlings), Akilu (100,000 seedlings), Guava (100,000 seedlings), and Sour Sop (100,000 seedlings).

Procurement and distribution of 150,000 coconut and 220,000 oil palm seedlings to Ndi-Anambra as a poverty alleviation and economic growth initiative.

Mass distribution of free farm inputs to farmers through the FADAMA Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (FADAMA CARES). 5,878 beneficiaries received various agro-inputs and services, which include:

- Fertilizers

- Cassava Stems

- Poultry Feeds

- Day Old Chicks (DOCs)

- Improved rice seeds

- Herbicides and Pesticides

Also 3,762 beneficiaries received agricultural equipment, and 5,688 farmers benefited from agricultural infrastructures for production and processing, to mitigate post-harvest losses.

Attracted $20 Million credit from World Bank, for intervention in Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES). 

Attracted donor agency funded Small Holder Horticultural Empowerment Project (SHEP). 

Industry

Commenced the process of creation of industrial cities that will catalyze fast economic growth of Anambra state. To this end, 53 hectares of land has been acquired in Ukpo for the development of an export emporium, a huge commercial center for exportable goods. The Emporium will provide, transportation, logistics, warehousing, financing in support of exports. A feasibility study and business plan is underway for the implementation of the Export Emporium.

Work has commenced on the wholesale drug market at Oba, Idemili South. A project designed to move the popular wholesale drug market at the bridge Onitsha to Oba, where there will be enough space to create a modern international drug coordinated wholesale center. When completed the project will become the biggest drug distribution center in Africa. The new market will make it easy for drug control, thereby minimizing the possibility of fake and adulterated drugs.

Work has commenced at the 200 hectares Anambra State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Hub in Ogboji, Orumba South Local government, Anambra state. The project will on completion house over one hundred pharmaceutical companies, a pharmaceutical school, etc. The project will provide Ndi Anambra and entire Africa with quality drugs and serve as the major supplier of pharmaceuticals in the continent. 

Progress is being made on the Federal Govts initiative for an Automotive Industrial Park about to be sited on 80 hectares of land donated by Akwaihedi, Unubi and Uga communities in Anambra state. When completed, the park would serve as a one-stop shop for spare parts manufacturers.

The Mahindra Business and Consulting Services of India is currently developing an industrialization strategy for Anambra state.

Petroleum Resources

Anambra state was included as a part of the oil producing states of Nigeria and we started receiving 13% derivation fund from July 2022.

A Ministry of Petroleum Resources have been setup to work with Federal Agencies and private investors to rapidly develop the oil and gas resources of the state.

Two companies, Falcon Corporation and Fradro have come to support the gas to power initiative of the Administration by laying of pipeline infrastructure, around Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka.

The Ministry of Petroleum was created to drive the initiatives in the sector. 

 Infrastructure 

In fulfilment of my manifesto promise to turn Anambra into a liveable and prosperous homeland, my administration declared a state of emergency on roads, so as to significantly improve the dilapidated road infrastructure in the state. To this effect, the administration awarded and flagged off an unprecedented 261 km road contracts since coming into office in the last one year. The roads are designed to last at least 20 years and some of them will have sidewalks on both sides of the road. The road contracts include full scale desilting of drainages, so as to free the drainages to avoid the perennial floods that hit some parts of the state. Virtually all the road contracts awarded so far will be delivered in the next 9 months. The roads under construction include:

Awka and Environs

1. Club (Abakaliki) Road (2.078km).

2. Regina Caeli to Y Junction (1.173km).

3. Millenium Industry – INEC – Ekwueme Square (1.762km).

4. Unizik Temp Site – Okpuno – Isuaniocha Junction (6.847km).

5. Chukwudifu Street (0.297km).

6. PPSSC – NECO office Road (0.473km).

Okpoko

1. Obodoukwu road Obodo-Owerri Rd 5.77km.

2. Oguagu- Ik Onuorah-Anumudu-Mgbuka- Amazu-Owerri Rd -2.97km.

3.Edeh Road-School rd-Awalite – Ojoto-Owerri rd 1.48km.

4. School rd- umuobom Street-Ojoto Street Junction -0.58km.

5. Umuobom st (Ojoto st Junction-Adazi ani street- Owerri Rd- 0.77km.

6. Umenweke st (Obodoukwu Junction)-Umeojiakor st (School Rd Junction)-0.58km.

7. Ojoto Junction-Anumudu (Mgbuka Amazu Junction)0.99km.

8. Uzii st- Mission st (Awaited Junction) 0.54km.

9. Anumudu street (Ik Onuorah Junction )- Gmi Rd- 0.38km.

Ekwulobia and Environs

1. Flyover At Ekwulobia Roundabout.

2. Nanka –Ekwulobia – Aguata local government headquarters road (2.0km).

3. Ekwulobia – Oko road (0.825km).

4. Ekwulobia – Isuofia road (1.125km).

5. Isuofia to Nanka Road with spur to Nanka/Obi Adimorah Road (2.2km and 10.3m wide).

6. Isu-Igbo River that is Isuofia – Ekwulobia Section of Ekwulobia – Nnobi Road – 600m stretch including 1.2km drainage.

Others are:

1.) Mmiata-Anam- Nzam Road (Second Phase) (with bridges, culverts, etc) – 11km.

2.) Akpaka-Basilica Road, Onitsha – 7.79km.

3.) Amansea-Ndukwuenu-Awa-Ufuma Road – 26. 4km.

4.) Amansea-Awba-Ofemili – 26km.

5.) Dredging of 500m of Mmili John River, culvert desilting and widening of water flow.

6.) Flood Control Work at Ogbunike/Ogidi section of Enugu-Onitsha Old Road.

7.) The construction of Oye Agu Abagana to Nimo Road with spur at Nimo road (5.12km and 10.3m wide)

8.) Achina-Onneh-Ogboji Road, - 7.8 kilometers

9.) Selected Isuofia roads, - 9.842 kilometers

10.) Ifite Ogwari Road, 

11.) Savinovo-Umuofor-Bright Street/Nkpor-Umuhu – Ubahuezike Road – 8.29 kilometers

12.) Nnokwa-Adazi Enu-Akwaeze Road.

Also, the administration has intervened in the rehabilitation of the following:

1.) Chisco Park Section of Onitsha – Enugu Federal Highway at Onitsha.

2.) Major interventions on two sections of Amansea axis of the Enugu – Onitsha Old road.

3.) Intervention on Inland Doors axis of Nkpor-Umuoji road.

In addition to major road rehabilitation/reconstructions, the administration embarked on palliative work across the state to make the roads motorable, especially during the last Christmas season.

Electric Power

Electric power supply is critical to all economic and commercial activities in the state and for that reason we have sought to build collaborative relationship with the EEDC and this has resulted in the constant increase in power supply across the state. Today, some feeders in the state are doing an average of 22Hrs daily. 

To sustainably keep our streets lit at night at minimum cost, my administration has converted over 6,380 conventional diesel-powered streetlights to solar across the state. In the Phase 2 of this project, we hope to convert additional 11,000 more street lights to solar. 

Developed a clear road map to 24/7 electricity in Anambra state in collaboration with Power Sector partners

Water

Developed a Concession Plan for Urban Water Supply Schemes conduct of Hydrogeological/Hydrological Mapping in Anambra State.

In support of the victims of the 2022 floods due to Governor's collaboration with UNICEF, government is rehabilitating 98 hand pump boreholes in the 7 flood affected LGA's.

Rehabilitation and resuscitation of water supply at Jerom Udoji State Secretariat Complex.

Transport

Conducted detailed transport studies and preparation of strategic transport intervention plan. The Report proposed the construction of ultramodern mega bus terminals in Onitsha, Awka, Nnewi & Ekwulobia.   

Ensured continued operations of the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport Umueri through prompt resolution of issues and strict adherence to civil aviation safety and operating standards.

Ensured greater harmony and peaceful co-existence among various transport unions and associations in the state, thus engendering peace in the state’s road Transport Sector.

Reduction of traffic congestion in the State.

Land

Contract has been awarded for the establishment of Anambra State Geographic Information System (ANAGIS). When completed it will ensure efficient and effective land administration in the state with the ultimate objective of ensuring that Certificates of Occupancy are obtained within 3 weeks.

Signed 400 C of Os in the last one year.

Implemented a fast-track process for mortgage transactions.

Housing

Commenced work on the 31 years stalled government house project, which includes 25 peripheral structures such as gate houses, police posts, perimeter fence measuring 2.22 linear kilometers and other internal works such as drive ways, parking areas, walk ways, drainages, water supplies, green areas etc. The contract will be concluded in the next 18 months.

Out of the 21 housing estates ear marked by government, four are ready to go to market and will soon be advertised for the general public to apply for allocation.

Human Capital Development & Social Agenda

Education

Ended the era of schools without teachers with the recruitment of 5000 teachers in one fell swoop to fill the teacher gap in our school system. The big deal about this achievement was the recruitment of the most qualified people, through a transparent system, without man-know-man.

 Special Scholarship intervention for 107 indigent students of the Hard-to-reach, disadvantaged and riverine areas in Anambra State.

 Established an education e-Portal to support the supervision of education in the state and academic progress of wards/children by the Ministry and parents/guardians respectively.

Laurels & Awards

Teachers: 

Chukwunedum Sabina Ijeoma won the Overall Best School Administrator in Nigeria – Abbot Girls Ihiala 

Marilyn Ugokwe won the overall best Teacher, Private Junior Secondary School in Nigeria – Susu College, Nkpor. 

Ifetike Chekwube Hope won the 1st runner up Best Teacher, Senior Public Secondary school in Nigeria – GTC, Onitsha. 

Ikegwuonu Eucharia won 1st runner up Best Senior Secondary Public School in Nigeria – Nigeria Science and Technical College, Nnewi 

Okoye Chidubem won 1st runner, Best Science Teacher in Nigeria.

STUDENTS

Anambra State represented the South East and won First Position in the junior categories of ANCOPSS quiz and essay competitions held in BAUCHI 

Anambra State represented the South East and won First Position in the Senior categories of ANCOPSS quiz and essay competitions held in BAUCHI

Anambra Debate Team Wins President’s Inter-senior Secondary Schools Debate Championship, Set to Represent Nigeria at the World Schools Debate Championship in Singapore in 2023.

Anambra Champion from Grundtvig International Secondary School Oba won National Institute For Legislative And Democratic Studies (NILDS) South East Zonal Competition

CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT

Re-introduction of History in the Curriculum.

Overhauling of Existing Curriculum to ensure the best possible standard in our system.

HEALTH

Also ended the era of hospitals without doctors and other medical personnel through the recruitment of about 244 medical personnel to run government’s medical facilities. This includes 46 medical officers, 10 medical consultants, 138 nurses, 25 Pharmacists, 10 medical Lab scientists, 10 Lab Technicians, 5 Radiographers. 

Also upgrading of 3 General Hospitals of Ekwulobia, Enugwu-Ukwu, Umueri is in progress. 

30 Centers of cervical cancer screening and treatment centers. 

Further shared 3.8 million mosquito nets in the state.

Deployed Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) in state hospitals

Deployed an Emergency Response Team that contained the monkey pox outbreak in some parts of the state.

Established State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems (SEMSAS).

Established a fully functional Endoscopy Unit at General Hospital, Onitsha. 

Established Dental Units in General Hospitals for Enugwu-Ukwu, Umueri and Ekwulobia.

Established the Anambra State Hospital Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency [ASHEFAMAA], to eliminate quackery and improve healthcare service delivery in the state.

Established the Ministry of Health taskforce for random inspection of hospitals in the state to ensure good health service delivery and improved attitudes to work.

Established the drugs Quality Control Laboratory at COOTH, Amaku

Started the construction of Medical Oxygen Production Plant at General Hospital Onitsha

Deployed Hematology Analyzers to the Laboratory Department of General Hospitals Agulu and Nnobi 

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Commenced the “One Youth, Two Skills” program designed to provide each youth with vocational and entrepreneurship skills. An essential part of the initiative is the apprenticeship program. The aim of the program is to create 130,000 private sector jobs and 1000 youth millionaires per annum.  

WOMEN AFFAIRS

Established the sexual and Gender based Violence (SGBV) unit for prompt response and quick intervention in SGBV related issues

Established a designated court for child, SGBV cases in Anambra state through advocacy

Established a situation Room for tracking and forwarding of SGBV reports to Federal Ministry of Women Affairs

Established help call lines for reporting Gender based violence (about 95 cases reported; ongoing interventions)

Established a Legal unit with Ministry of Justice to handle matters relating to child and Gender based Violence

GOVERNANCE, RULE OF LAW AND VALUE SYSTEM

Head Of Service

Developed a strategy paper for transformation of the civil service to ANSEC.

Coordinated the restructuring of Ministries in the State to align with Mr Governor’s priorities.

Facilitated the amicable resolution of the Nigerian Labor Congress Crisis in the state.

Finance

Secured FEC approval of refund of IPPIS Federal PAYE outstanding of N8.985billion to ANSG in collaboration with A.I.R.S. 

Secured the funding of the 2022 approved budget:

Achieved the State’s receipt of SFTAS grant of N2.9bn

Achieved receipt of four tranches of the FGN bridge finance of over N12billion+

Achieved the budgeted infrastructure loan finance of N27billion

Obtained derivation refund to ANSG of N509.5million from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers states and the Mbede and Akri fields for March 2022 – June 2022 production

Secured a global offer of N100billion long term loans for the state from A club of banks for infrastructure finance over FY2022-2024

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Ministry has recorded over 97% success rate in Town Union and Chieftaincy election so far conducted

10KVA solar light successfully installed in all the Local Government Areas of the State.

Renovation of Damaged /Burnt Local Government Secretariats by hoodlums Namely;

Aguata LG Head Quarters    –   Completed

Nnewi South LG Head Quarters -Completed 

Idemili North LG Head Quarters   - Ongoing

Ogbaru LG Head Quarters    -    Ongoing

Ihiala LG Head Quarters    -   Ongoing

Ekwusigo LG Head Quarters   -   Ongoing

The Ministry recorded a huge success in area of conflict resolution. Communities with age long disputes and crises have been resolved with parties united for greater good of their respective communities and Anambra State in general.

Training of Accounts staff of the Ministry on ICT/IPSAS for improved service delivery

Management/Clearing of Drainage channels to reduce health hazards and flood.

Training of over 5000 Local Government staff on ICT   -   Ongoing

CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT AND TOURISM

Commenced development of a world-class tourism and leisure park at Agulu Lake in the Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.

Concept design for the leisure park has been concluded and perimeter fencing of the area to be used is under construction.

Bureau of Public Procurement

Saved over N10.4 billion for the state from new contracts awarded by the State Government.

Commenced the Roll out of Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) with four pilot Ministries

The e-GP showcases the inclusivity and openness of Anambra State Government’s procurement processes, allowing SMEs participation.

Strategy Execution & Evaluation Office

Established a delivery unit under the Governor’s office that will help develop a more performance driven public service that can deliver Mr Governor’s manifesto promises.

Significant progress has been made in developing strategic plans for each MDA and performance agreement to be signed by each Head of MDA with Mr Governor.

An execution plan that holds each head of MDA accountable for delivering programmes and initiatives as contained in the performance agreement is currently being developed, after which an electronic score card system will help indicate the performance of each MDA on a periodic basis.

This will help improve service delivery significantly in Anambra State public service.

ICT Agency

Collaborated with NITDA: to launch a digital economy empowerment project titled “The NITDA Digital Centre Project” at the community secondary school Isuofia. The digital centre is expected to provide the students at the Community Secondary School Isuofia with access to modern technology and the skills needed to thrive in today's digital world.

The State after participating in a World Bank Subnational Government GovTech Maturity Index survey has designed a first draft of the Gov-tech strategy that will better position Anambra before the Global partners interested in technology within the State.

Undertook the study, which showed the state of e-government infrastructure in the state. A first-of-its-kind Baseline Study that will serve as a basis for the development of our Civil service into a Digital workforce.

Supported the Ministry of Lands for the deployment of a centralized e-GIS Web portal with supporting ICT Infrastructure, a portal for real-time information on mining activities, and electronic submission of licenses, permits, and certificates.

The Agency has been collaborating with and assisting various MDAs in digitizing their operating procedures and providing digital solutions such as website creation and other technical assistance.

The Agency has been collaborating with other relevant agencies and offices on ways to attract venture capitalists that will invest in promising Technological innovation and attract partners to Anambra State.

The Agency through a PPP is partnering with a telecom company that is in the process of laying 2,000km of fiber that will deepen that State’s public broadband access and ensure internet connectivity in all MDAs and selected public locations.

BUDGET & ECONOMIC PLANNING

Delivered the 2022 Revised Budget & 2023 Annual Budget within the timelines

Developed the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the period 2023 – 2025

Coordinated the receipt $200,000 from UNDP and successfully implemented the Okpoko clean-up and installation of No 96 solar streetlights at three dump sites

Updated Anambra Social Register for poor and vulnerable persons

Developed & validated the draft social protection policy 

Delivered the Anambra Export Emporium Concept Document

Successfully engaged Tony Blair Institute (TBI) to provide technical support for Governor’s Delivery Unit – SEE)

Hosted the 1st  South East Human Capital Development Conference   

Attracted > NGN 2 billion grant to the State by meeting SFTAs eligibility criteria for the 2022 assessment period

Met the eligibility criteria to partake in State Action on Business Enabling Reform (SABER) Program a US $ 750 million Programme. We also met prior result requirements to earn the State USD 4 million

Coordinated the successfully implementation of social programmes like NG-Cares Programme, National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP) such as GEEP, NPower, Cash grants, School Feeding etc.

Met the eligibility criteria to partake in the World Bank National Social Safety Nets Programme – Scale Up (NASSP -SU) a US $ 800 million Programme

Met the eligibility criteria to partake in Nigeria for women (NFW) programme a US $ 500 million World Bank Programme

Specific achievements from Anambra NCARES include:

2438 poor and vulnerable people receiving ₦20,000 bimonthly;

500 women and youth provided short skills vocation training and one-off grants ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000;

41 micro projects completed in 15 communities across 8 LGAs, providing basic services to inhabitants of the communities in the sectors of Health, Education, and Water & Sanitation. Projects ranged from renovation of health centres to construction of boreholes, construction/renovation of toilet facilities, renovation and equipping of schools, fencing of schools and health facilities, etc.

2717 farmers provided with agricultural inputs and assets to boost food production and enhance food security;

Provided 323 firms drawn from across the 21 LGAs grants to support post-Covid loans;

Another 68 firms were provided with IT hardware and software solutions to support adoption and upgrade of digital technology. 

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

1.) Installation of Hardware Server for Tax payer Data storage.

2.) Provision and installation of Wifi Internet network in the AiRS for ease of tax processing.

3.) Digitization of Commercial Transport and Market Traders enumeration and direct payment system.

4.) Creation of Three Zonal Tax Authorities.

5.) Increased Tax payers’ enrollment by 40%.

6.)  Launch and deployment of multi-Agent payment services with over 6,000 agents across the states using POS terminals.

7.) Conceptualized and launched the Free Medical health Insurance services for commercial Transport operators.

8.) Deployment of Do It Yourself tax assessment and payment model.

9.)  Launch, trained and deployment of multi-level digital enforcement process.

10.) Increased IGR from the base of monthly N1.5B to an average of N2.3B monthly. 

Other achievements to crystalize includes; 

1.) Submitted a bill for harmonized Rates for Taxes and Levies

2.) Submitted a bill for the Autonomy of the Revenue Board.

3.) Submitted a bill for the legislation on the collection of consumption tax.

4.) Held the first Auction bid for Revenue concessions in Anambra state leading to transparency jn the Revenue Allocation process.

ENVIRONMENT

Efforts are ongoing to be more efficient in waste management and turning of waste into wealth. Same as de-silting of drainage systems in urban centers to prevent flooding and damage to roads. Efforts are also under way to control erosion by providing pits (umi) where run-off water can collect.

A massive tree planting campaign was launched by Mr. Governor which was extended to major cities and towns in the state such as Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi. An estimated 5,000 trees were planted for Climate Change mitigation as well as beautiful environment.

Preparation of over 5,000 seedlings of different species and planting of trees in reforestation of Mamu, Ossomala and Ebenebe in collaboration with the Federal Government.

For more Updates on the Solution Government

Pls Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083420205019&mibextid=ZbWKwLFacebook

Instagram: https://instagram.com/progressivealliancemedia?igshid=ZGUzMzM3NWJiOQ==Instagram

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alliance70148?t=Ufp_14B3Wm-Hn1DWl93yLw&s=09Twitter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressiveAllianceTVYouTube

#Solutionishere

#progressivealliancemedia