₦airaland Forum

By Ejike Abana

Anambra State government has increased the monthly running cost for Public Schools in the state from 10,000 to 50,000 naira only.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo made the announcement while holding an interactive session with Head Teachers and Principals of public schools in the state.

Part of the aim of the session which was held at the International Convention Centre, Awka was to brainstorm and decipher solutions to challenges making access to quality education in the schools difficult.

Governor Soludo also assured that there will be an upgrade in infrastructure in all public schools in the state in the coming weeks.

He called for more community involvement under the Public, Community, Private Partnership arrangement in the schools such as in engaging in quality assurance and club of patrons to better the quality of education in the schools.

The Governor pointed out that his administration will come up with an independent monitoring team for schools, as well as provide phone numbers for schools as a feedback mechanism.

The Governor expressed optimism that his administration will eventually get to the point where text books for children in public schools will be free, stressing that the aim is to make education accessible to the poorest of the poor, mainstreaming public schools to become smart and the model.

Governor Soludo stated that part of the goal is to end the era of "PTA" teachers in schools, reiterating that the prosperous homeland cannot be attained by creating the vicious circle of the widening difference between the quality of education received by children of the poor and that of the rich.

He said that the primary role of government is to provide qualitative education and stressed that the quality of education in the public schools appears to be the weakest, assuring that his administration intends to bring back the era of using education as an equaliser and ladder of opportunities.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh said that the Governor has the passion to serve and is engendering solutions in all aspects of the State economy

Prof. Chuma-Udeh added that the Governor is working to give the best sustainable education, asking the teachers to rally support for him.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, Commissioner for Local Government, Mr. TonyCollins Nawbunwanne, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, Anambra State House Committee Chairman on Education, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke, Chairpersons of ASUBEB and PPSSC, education stakeholders, among others.

By Ejike Abana

Recently, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo said; "Only if the children of the poor are given the same or better quality education can you cover the gap in the next generation and we are determined to solve that in Anambra State".

Governor Soludo respectively stated this at Premier Primary School, Obosi and Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha when he announced the abolishment of all forms of fees and levies for pupils in Nursery to Primary six as well as students from primary one to Junior Secondary School three, with effect from the First term of the 2023/2024 academic session. Fees payable by Senior Secondary Students were also reduced to five thousand naira; a far cry from the exorbitant twelve thousand naira they used to pay.

In addition to providing free education, the government also announced that it will embark on a massive overhaul of infrastructure in public schools across the state. The Governor promised to rebuild and refurbish schools to meet the required digital standard and provide a conducive learning environment for students.

Conversely, four categories of basic and secondary schools exist in Anambra State including; Private Private schools, Mission Private Schools, Mission Public Schools and Public Schools. Sadly, the Public Public Schools being run by the government appears to be suffering as the weakest link in the chain. Children of the poor were usually abandoned there to rot without the necessary attention.

Anambra State, during the past regime had offered and has been implementing tuition-free education, but increasingly, over the years, pupils, students, their parents and wards have been indiscriminately charged a broad spectrum of fees, thereby making the free tuition non-existent.

For Governor Soludo, his vision is to re-live the years when education will be used as an equalizing opportunity, so that children of the poor and the rich can attend the same school, become taught by the best of teachers and compete favourably.

This decision by the Governor is a major breakthrough in the education sector of the state and will benefit thousands of students from low-income families who are unable to afford the cost of education.

Coming at a time of great economic uncertainties, especially at a time when the cost of education is skyrocketing in the country, the decision is a huge leap now that Education has become a major issue in the country, with many children unable to attend school due to poverty and dearth of resources.
Statistics from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), states that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with an estimated 10.5 million children not attending school.

Since assuming office less than two years ago, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has achieved significant strides in the education sector, most prominent of which is the recent recruitment of five thousand qualified teachers to teach in public schools, as part of the imperative foundation for his innovative vision in the sector. His administration has been implementing policies and programs aimed at improving the standard of education in the state.

Education is an essential aspect of human growth and development. It is believed that education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of individuals and societies. Governments worldwide have recognized the importance of education and have made efforts to ensure access to education for all. In this regard, the decision by Governor Soludo to provide free education for all is an appreciable step towards securing the future of children in the state.

Free education from primary to secondary school level would provide children with an opportunity to receive quality education, regardless of their social and economic backgrounds. This is because the Governor understands that Education has been recognized as a tool for reducing poverty, boosting economic growth, and bringing about social development. When children receive quality education, they are more likely to acquire the skills, knowledge, and competencies that will help them succeed in life. In the future, those who have received education would be better equipped to face the challenges of life and contribute to the development of their societies positively.

Moreover, free education for pupils and students in the government-run public schools would help to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the State. Most of these children come from low-income families, who are unable to afford the cost of education. Providing free education would remove the financial constraints that often prevent them from accessing education. The Nigerian government has set a goal of ensuring that all Nigerian children receive basic education, as part of its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the free education program won’t only help to achieve this goal, but it is a significant step towards it.

Free education will also boost literacy rates in the state. The World Bank estimates that Nigeria has one of the highest illiteracy rates in sub-Saharan Africa, with about 44% of the population above 15 years unable to read and write. The free education program would help to improve literacy rates in the state by increasing the number of children who have access to education. Moreover, it would help to improve the quality of education by providing essential learning materials such as textbooks, stationery, and other educational resources that students need to succeed in their studies.

The benefits of free education are not limited to the individual child or the state, but it is also essential for the overall economic growth of the state. Education is an engine for economic growth, and it helps to shape a country's human capital.

Human capital, being the greatest resource of Anambra state is instrumental in shaping the economic future of the state. An educated workforce is necessary for sustainable economic development and poverty reduction. When children receive free education, they are more likely to acquire the skills, knowledge, and competencies that will help them succeed in life. Educating them will enable them to contribute more effectively to the economy, and they will be better positioned to find better-paying jobs, create start-ups, and become productive members of society.

It is not in doubt that Governor Soludo's decision to provide free education is a significant step towards securing a better future for children in the state. The economic, social, and individual benefits of free education cannot be overemphasized.

Frankly speaking, children who are beneficiaries of the free education program will be better equipped to face the challenges of the future and contribute to the development of their societies positively, even beyond Anambra. They will have access to better opportunities, and their quality of life will be improved. Moreover, they will be instrumental in shaping the economic future of the state through their knowledge and skills.

Free education is a crucial step towards securing a better future for children, and it is hoped that other states in Nigeria and other African countries would follow the example of Anambra State. As enshrined in the Constitution, it is the responsibility of governments to ensure that every child has access to quality education, and that the children are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute positively to the development of their societies. Indeed, the future of Africa depends on our ability to provide quality education to our children, and free education is a critical step towards achieving this goal. It is therefore hoped that other states in Nigeria will emulate this example and invest in the education sector to provide a better future for the children of Nigeria.

In conclusion, this initiative of offering free education in public schools and its attendant infrastructural reamarment, will not only provide equal opportunities for all pupils and students, regardless of their backgrounds, but will improve their chances of a better future. It is a government investment that will undoubtedly yield great dividends, stimulating economic growth and development of the state.

Re-think Framework For Delivering Federal Roads - Soludo Tells Federal Government

By Ejike Abana

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has advised the federal government and the Works Ministry to re-think and bring in new models of delivering federal roads across the country.

Governor Soludo gave the advise when he received the Minister for Works, Engr. Dave Umahi on a courtesy call at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia.

According to the Governor, all federal roads in the state have failed, suggesting a mixture of financing options or infrastructure tax credit scheme, saying that awarding roads from Abuja across the country cannot guarantee delivery as the current system cannot work to deliver for the country.

While appreciating President Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Engr Umahi into the office, Governor Soludo said that in politics, you do not always get what you deserve but what you bargained for, pointing out that the Second Niger bridge without repairing the Onitsha Owerri road may not help the region.

He requested for the possibility of taking a trip with the Minister round the bad roads in the state, noting that the Anambra West-Kogi road that can lead to Abuja in three hours when constructed can be a game changer in the country.

Engr. Umahi expressed disappointment at the contractor handling the Enugu-Onitsha Express road, passed a vote of no-confidence on the consultants and said that the contractors have been summoned to fashion out ways to move forward.

He suggested the use of concrete pavements for roads to last, assuring that they will think outside the box to re-assign and do some roads in the state, commending Professor Soludo for remaining dogged and committed to development efforts.

The Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, among others, joined to receive the Minister and his entourage.

DEMYSTIFYING SOLUDO'S CALL FOR NIGERIA TO REINVENT HER PAST

By Ejike Abana

“The future lies in the past” is phrase that may seem a little counterintuitive at first glance. How can we build a better future by looking backwards ? But as you examine this concept more closely, it becomes evident that there is a great deal of truth to the assertion that the past can provide us with lessons, insights, and inspiration that we can utilize to shape a better future.

The assertion formed the foundation of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s keynote speech at the maiden Dr. Michael Ọkpara Memorial Lecture. Dr Ọkpara was the charismatic premier of the then Eastern Nigeria. Governor Soludo believes that the reinvention of Nigeria’s glorious past which had the likes of Dr. M.I Ọkpara and his ideals, remains the foundation of the country’s future. He emphasized that the seeming ill-preparedness of Nigeria for the opportunities and threats of the future kept the nation on its belly over the years, as such “developing backwards”

For Governor Soludo, dusting up the ideals and visions of the leadership of the country’s founding fathers is the way forward for Nigeria and Africa.

During the premiership of Dr. Ọkpara, the Eastern region developed evenly. Using the tripod of agriculture, industry and commerce, as a Nationalist and humanist with character for self-service and policy entrepreneurship, Dr Ọkpara distinguished the region to be reputed as having the fastest growing economies in the country. Similar ideologies triggered economic growth and regional competitiveness across the country during the era. Thus, it becomes necessary that the country looks backwards to those glorious days and identify the enablers that made them possible and reinvent them to withstand contemporary challenges.

For instance, , by studying how the likes Dr. Ọkpara dealt with issues like economic inequality, environmental degradation, or political instability, we can gain a better understanding of what approaches have worked and what have not, and use this knowledge to shape policies and strategies for the future. The inability to learn from their victories and mistakes will only keep the country in a revolving door of underdevelopment.

Also, our cultural heritage and traditions provide us with a sense of identity and continuity. By celebrating and preserving our shared history, art, and literature, we can create a sense of connection across generations and promote the values and ideals that have guided humanity for centuries. During the lecture, Governor Soludo recalled the old-time values and moral standards that seems to have been eroded today. Therefore, a recourse will help to ensure that our sense of development is embedded in our core values and philosophies.

These are why Governor Soludo found a role model in Dr Ọkpara and describes leadership style as augmented “Okparanomics”. This is obvious in his revival of the palm and coconut revolution. This policy has seen to the distribution of high-yield coconut and palm oil seedlings to not less than one million Ndị Anambra annually. Ultimately, it is expected to create an ecosystem that births new industries, employments, and becomes a foreign exchange earner. Oil palm farming used to be the economic mainstay in the old Eastern region, under Dr. Ọkpara. Already, Anambra is being rightly positioned to reclaim that position highlighting the message of hope and economic boom prosperity while emphasizing the possibility that the past can be reinvented for better results.

The axiom that the future lies in the past is apt because the lessons, insights, and inspiration that we can derive from our shared history can help us build a better tomorrow. By studying the patterns and trends of the past, celebrating our cultural heritage, and drawing inspiration from the struggles and triumphs of historical figures, we can create a more connected, informed, and inspired society that is better equipped to face the challenges of the future. The summary of Governor Soludo’s call is that while we should always strive to become innovative and forward-thinking, we should not forget the wisdom and knowledge that have been accumulated in our journey of collective nationhood because it is this wealth of experience that can guide us towards a more hopeful prosperous today and tomorrow.

Road infrastructure is as basic as the air we breathe. It is a linear way for the conveyance of traffic which, to a great extent, has an improved
surface for use by vehicles; both motorized and non-motorized, including pedestrians. Roads play the very vital role of aiding transportation.

Before now, Anambra State prides as a state with the best network of roads. This entails that nooks and crannies of the state can be easily accessed from community to community without hitches. Sadly, this may no longer be the case, as most roads in the state have become death traps, causing untold hardship to the population.

During the campaign which ushered in the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration, one resounding request across communities was the provision of roads. Thus, when Governor Soludo mounted the saddle of governance, one of the major thrusts and focus of his government centered on how to provide access roads across the state.

However, restrained by scarce resources, Governor Soludo has narrowed the focus and prioritized the construction of strategic roads. By this the Soludo-led administration is constructing roads that link and open up communities, support economic growth and improve the lives of Ndi Anambra.

To achieve this target, Anambra State Government decided to ‘sprinkle’ roads in strategic parts of the state. For instance, Governor Soludo flagged off the construction of nine roads in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area that are approximately 14.3 kilometers. When these roads are completed, they will give the people of the area, who feel they have since been neglected, a sense of belonging.Work has also commenced on the eleven kilometer Mmiata Anam-Nzam road. When completed, the road will boost agro-economy of the area in particular and Anambra State in general.

Also, Governor Soludo has flagged off construction and rehabilitation of about sixty-point-two kilometers of roads across the state.

Works are already ongoing in the sites. These include the twenty-six kilometer Awba-Ofemili-Amansea road. The communities in this stretch who will benefit are as well agrarian communities. They are Amansea, Ebenebe, Ugbene, Ugbenu and Awba-Ofemili all in Awka North Local Government Area. Similarly, the 26.4 kilometer Amansea-Ndiukwuenu-Awa-Ufuma road which links the state Capital, Awka and Orumba North and South axis which is targeted to be completed within four months will not only improve economic activities, but drastically reduce travel time.

Other roads currently receiving the attention of the state government are: the six hundred meter stretch Isu/Igbo, Isuofia/Igboukwu section of the Ekwulobia/Nnobi Road popularly called Isu-Igbo river, the seven point-seven-nine kilometer Akpaka- Basilica road in Onitsha North Council Area, the flood control work at the Ogidi/Ogbunike road, and the rehabilitation of the failed portion of Mmili John road in Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area.

At the last count, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has flagged off over eighty kilometer roads across the state. This is out of the two-hundred and twenty kilometer roads he targets to complete in his first year in office. In his words, in no distant time, Anambra will become a massive construction site. According to the pact signed between the state government and contractors handling the different roads, it is expected that the roads will have a twenty year life span.

These projects are according to the People’s manifesto, Governor Soludo’s promise to Ndi Anambra. He assured that his administration will modernize and maintain existing roads, connect more communities with new roads, build flyovers, spurs and bridges, insist on durable roads, explore alternative business models including concessioning to provide more and better roads. So far, he is fulfilling the promise.

Ndi Anambra, the solution is here!