₦airaland Forum

THE TRUTH ABOUT ANAMBRA CORONA VIRUS PREPAREDNESS - OJUKWU


- Interview by MING MEDIA



1) Question:

Sir, with regards to the Coronavirus pandemic, do you think the Nigerian government and individual states have taken appropriate measures to protect its citizens?


Yes, Nigeria, in general, is taking appropriate measures, we all watch and read the news, and I can see the country is taking necessary actions. Still, a lot more needs to be done. I am sure most people in central government will agree. They must keep putting more appropriate measures in place to combat Covid-19. This fight will be, for a long time, an ongoing fight.

The truth is none of us, including governments, can ever do too much to combat this threat. Even the experts around the world have admitted that most economies and medical systems, however sophisticated, will struggle under this current pandemic.

But I can really only speak about what is going on in Anambra in detail. Again, a lot more can be done and needs to be done, as I am sure Governor Willie Obiano will agree. But our state has already taken some very positive steps. Let’s not forget that the Governor was among the first in Nigeria to address the state immediately the news of this pandemic became known. I personally am particularly reassured by his decision to personally lead the fight against this pandemic, by surrounding himself with medical experts who can advise him. I have also been encouraged by the Governor’s decision to update the masses regularly about everything the state is doing to improve their safety.

Also, various measures have been taken – starting from the restriction of certain activities to reduce the risk of the spread. The deployment of surveillance teams in the 21 local government councils of the state to help monitor and receive calls from the public is undoubtedly effective. It is being used in other countries in Asia and Europe. This strategy, most likely, assisted the state to follow up 5 Chinese cases in Anambra. If you remember, they were quarantined and monitored by trained medics for 2 weeks until they were deemed to have a clean bill of health. I know, for instance, that the WHO and NCDC continue to train our personnel to ensure readiness. In terms of ventilators, we have about 9 – in Hospitals such as Amaku Teaching Hospital and others, including in the private sector.

A lot more work towards combating this virus is going on in Anambra, which I am sure, you, as a journalist, can find out for yourself.

It is also worth noting that Anambra state is second to none when it comes to providing medical care.

Having said all of this, a lot more, undoubtedly, has to be done, and we as individuals need to come together, to help and encourage our leaders and major stakeholders to do more. This is not the time to rest on our laurels or to denigrate each other. At the same time, though we must take care to ensure that we are pushing our leaders and experts to do more through constructive criticism or suggestions. Now, given recent utterances in the media, I hope you will ask me more about what I mean by constructive criticism, later.


2) Question:

The state Governor has banned all forms of social gathering as part of measures to reduce the risk of possible infection. How effective do you think this measure is to the issue at hand?


Well, we all know that when a pandemic of this nature starts, places, where people gather in large numbers and interact in close proximity facilitates the spread of the illness.

We know from what the experts have told us that we can get infected in the following ways. People sneezing and coughing who have the virus can contaminate others, 2 to 3 metres away. Small droplets from their mouth and nose can land in your eye, mouth or nose. We also know that we can catch the Covid-19 through touching. If someone sick wipes their running nose with their hand, or coughs or sneezes in their hand and shake yours, you can catch it, by touching your nose, mouth or by rubbing your eyes. Again, surfaces, where these droplets have landed, are contaminated. Anyone who touches them, therefore, can get infected. So, one victim of the disease can affect hundreds, and then the speed of spread becomes exponential in communities.

People, therefore, must keep their physical distance. In fact, for the sake of clarity, let’s not use the term social distancing. As well as washing our hands and doing everything we have been told to do on the hygiene level, we must keep our physical distance. We must avoid large events and crowded places, and help the Governor implement his measures by preventing such gatherings when we can.

So, to answer your question, the ban is timely, strategic and necessary. The same measures Governor Willie Obiano has taken is being taken in Europe, Asia and America. We have since seen a decline in infection rates in China and South Korea, so I believe the measures will be effective here. In fact, all the other states in Nigeria should follow suit if they have not done so already.


3) Question:

With the state Teaching hospital, General Hospital and others – do you think Anambra State need more separate isolation centres as a back-up in case of any reported cases?


You know, we are not praying for the pandemic to affect us here as it has sadly done in many parts of the world, but we must be ready. So far, if you look at the states that have created centres as separate entities, you will discover that they already have a handful of cases. It is, possibly, why they felt the need to develop these isolated centres. I must say I think it is a good idea. But how every state prioritises their resources to fight or prepare for this pandemic will differ. As Professor Kim Woo-Ju, the most prominent corona expert in South Korea said, country or regional demographics, culture, age distribution, availability of expertise and other factors have to be taken into account when combating Covid-19. I am not an expert, and I do not have all the facts, they, the state government are basing their actions on. But in Anambra, the government, as I said earlier, created some report centres across the state. So, establishing separate isolation centres, perhaps, may not be necessary at this point in time.

We need to focus on measures, which will restrict the spread of the virus. We need to make sure that if there are cases, they are identified and contained quickly. The state is already taking such preventative measures, and I hope they will go much further.

It may be too early to consider the efficacy of certain drugs being considered for repurposing solutions. But again, based on WHO recommended standards treatment for Covid-19, Anambra state also has credible quantities in stock of medicines such as HydroxyChloroquine and Azythromycine.

However, I say it again, we as individuals must play our part by adhering to all the advice, we have been given to help us maintain our personal hygiene and physical distance from one another. We must self-isolate from each other where appropriate and necessary.


4) Question:

In recent weeks, there have been some prominent Nigerians pointing the finger at this government or at Governor Obiano himself. The accusation is that he is not doing enough. Do you agree with them?


Look, I cannot speak for every other state in Nigeria. But as I have told you, I believe our Governor in Anambra has taken very positive steps. Perhaps I can point you to several communiqués from the state government so that your readers can judge for themselves.

The only thing I want to add is that we’re all in this war together – whether we know it or not. We are fighting a common enemy. An enemy that is threatening to derail our lives. We must, therefore, be united. No government or state can ever be ready enough, let alone be too prepared to face a pandemic of this nature. So, we must all play our part in this fight. We must keep encouraging and supporting our leaders. We must also learn how to be constructive in our critics to ensure we are in the best position we can be to fight this virus.

Some of the criticism I have heard or read about, I feel, is not constructive. Right now, we have to look forward. There is a serious enemy out there, and we cannot face it squarely if we’re busy backbiting. So, this is not a time to play politics – to take advantage of the situation to try and exact personal vendettas under the guise of being concerned about the threat we are facing. I am not saying all such criticism is politically motivated. Still, the Nigerian people, now more than ever, need their leaders to show real leadership and responsibility. I have lived in both the UK and the USA. Both countries have not experienced a crisis as dangerous as Covid-19, since the second world war. They are also facing unique challenges of their own in their fight to contain the pandemic. But when you look at the UK, you sense there is more unity and cooperation. Their leaders, you sense, are mostly putting aside their differences to beat this pandemic. I pray that our leaders and stakeholders will behave in the same way. We need to show the same sort of maturity to avoid using this pandemic to score political points. There is too much at stake.

As, Ndi Anambra and Ndigbo, we have the talent, as well as the innovative spirit and brilliant minds to overcome. Additionally, we have more than enough wealthy businessmen and women to produce many of the equipment and materials needed to fight this pandemic, and any future ones, in every corner of Nigeria.

AFA IGBO BU OFU celebrate Catholic mothers,

....... Supports Dr Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano's Call on Catholic Mothers to ensure Compliance with Coronavirus Guidelines.

The wife of Governor of Anambra State and founder of Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE), an NGO, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme) has called on Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) to ensure compliance with Corona Virus prevention guidelines in the family. 
 
Dr. (Mrs.) Obiano made the plea in a special message in Awka to mark Mothering Sunday in the Catholic communion on 30th March 2020. She made this against the backdrop of the global pandemic consequent upon the outbreak and ravages of Corona Virus (Covid 19).
In her words:
"We are in uncertain and challenging times occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic which has drastically altered our normal way of life. We should be celebrating on this special day, but we are called to put it off and shoulder the responsibility of ensuring the survival of our families and everyone by making sure we do the right things to avoid the threatening Covid-19 scourge."
Osodieme went ahead to say that, "as praying mothers, I have no doubt that once we observe the law to stay at home and practise basic hygiene;  once we kneel in prayers and supplication to our God Who is ever merciful, he would listen to our plea and spare our families. Let us therefore guide our home aright in this trying times and celebrate later."
 
Further more, Osodieme urged the mothers to pray for the Government and all medical professionals who are working hard to ensure our safety, saying, "Let us all stay safe and strong as good Christians in the knowledge that we will come out this present challenge stronger and prosperous in our families,  state and the nation."

Obiano Announces Welfare Package for Anambra People, Commended by Ohaneze and Town Union Chiefs

Four years after he became the first governor to articulate a stimulus package in the midst of Nigeria’s first recession in 25 years, Anambra’s Chief Willie Obiano has announced a welfare package to help ameliorate the economic hardship arising from measures to combat the Coronaravirus rampaging the world.

In a directive yesterday to the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Affairs, Mr Greg Obi, Governor Obi instructed that each of the 179 communities in the state be given 200 bags of the popular brand of Anambra Rice for distribution to people up to 60 years.

Though there are 179 communities in Anambra State, an additional 400 bags will be distributed because Onitsha and Obosi are given double of what every other community receives on account of their large populations.

The distribution will start on Wednesday.

“We will start with any community that first sends its list of elderly men and women in our society”, says the governor.

Chief Obiano has consequently asked the traditional ruler in every community and the president general of every town union as well as the women leader of the Association of Anambra Town Unions (ASATU) in the community to quickly send to the Ministry of Local and Chieftaincy Affairs a list of qualified men and women which has to be signed by them.

Chief Damian Okeke, president of the Anambra State branch of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people, has lauded Governor Obiano for the new initiative which he called “a clear demonstration of solidarity with vulnerable groups in society in these hard times”.

In an interview with newsmen today, Chief Okeke said: “With various state governments locking down their states and with all markets in the state scheduled to be closed down from Monday to protect our people from the Coronavirus popularly known as COVID-19, it is imperative that something be done for these groups.

“We are not surprised that the state administration has done something to ameliorate the plight of the elderly because it has since coming into being six years ago shown an acute interest in the welfare of the people through prompt pension and salary payment and through the annual delivery of a bag of rice to all kinds of people, including all retirees”.

The gesture to the elderly has also earned praise from the president general of the Ihiala Progress Union (IPU), Chief Okey Chukwu.

In a statement in Enugu this morning, Chief Chukwu, an accountant, banker and entrepreneur, expressed delight “that Chief Obiano could provide for so many bags of rice at a time he is building Africa’s largest international conference centre with a 10,000-sitting capacity, which is scheduled to be ready this year, and also building perhaps Nigeria’s largest airport which, according to the Anambra State Council of Elders led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, should be delivered in 15 months’ time.

“It is truly amazing that these capital intensive projects, among others, are being executed without a single bank loan.

“Developments like these ones make each of us proud to come from Anambra State”.

Signed

C. Don Adinuba

Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment.

Charleys:
How come no igbo man has contacted or died of this disease yet?

Are you praying for that to happen?. Well Enugu State has two case as of this morning.

Lastly, with no none case in anambra, why did the state shut down ?[/quote]Prevention is always better than cure, they say. Remember, when this whole coro wahala started in China, America and Britain were like, wetin come concern us, as na China de thing de hala, but today, ...............

Preparedness of Anambra State Government towards the COVID 19 pandemic- INFORMATION.
- By Sir Melie Onyejepu

1. On January 15th, the Ministry of Health in conjunction with other Public Health agencies went into Alert mode on the Lassa fever outbreak and between 19th-29th Jan, 2020 activated a response mode for both Lassa fever and Covid 19.

2.Immediately they commenced and activated surge contact tracing using trained surveillance teams in the 21 local Government councils of the state, hence monitoring and receiving calls from the public.

3.This early activation strategy assisted the state to follow up five (5) Chinese active cases that flew into the country and headed into the state on 25th January 2020, quarantined them and sent trained personnel daily for 2 weeks to monitor these active cases.
Afterwards they were given a clean bill of health.

4. On January 27th, NCDC declared the first index case; an Italian who flew into the country. Through the efforts of the Executive Governor, Anambra state was already in a response mode unlike most states.

5. The Ministry of Health, WHO and NCDC continue to train our personnel to ensure readiness.

6. Facility readiness
(i) Anambra state has identified and upgraded surge facilities in readiness for any surge arising from index and contact cases.
a. Emaculate Health Multispecial Hospital, Aguleri. b. NYSC camp (which is the biggest).
c. Nawgwu General Hospital.

(ii) The state has equally set up activation centers in:
a. General Hospital, Onitsha
b. Amaku Teaching Hospital
c. NAUTH, Nnewi (under collaboration).

7. Anambra state currently has over 500 protective kits with another 5,000 that will be ready by next week. Over 10,000 COVID 19 test kits will arrive in the state as well by early next week.

8. Ventilators - Currently, Anambra state has the following spread of ventilators which are critical machines in the management of COVID 19 patients:
a. Amaku Teaching Hospital - 4
b. St Joseph Hospital Adazi -2
c. Others include those in private and Federal Hospitals who are in collaboration with the state government.
d. NAUTH - 1
e. Life Hospital - 6
f. Crown hospital - 2
g. New Hope - 2

9. Based on WHO recommended standards treatment for COVID 19, Anambra state has credible quantities in stock of HydroxyChloroquine, Azythromycine, Augumentine and other valuable drugs for the management of the virus in case needed.

10. As the State is making serious efforts to ensure that they are ready and highly sensitive towards this public health menace, the major comparative strength and success Anambra is building lies on prevention which is very key in the containment of this sort of pandemic. This is a strategy the state used successfully in the containment of the Lassa fever outbreak few years ago.

11. A lot of commendable work has been done in the areas of developing a prevention and containment strategy which lies squarely in community risk mitigation which is not limited to an awareness campaign, shut downs, promoting hand washing in motor parks by providing facilities for such, enforcement etc.

The Governor who earlier announced the set up of an action committee on COVID-19 headed by himself, has assured the public of "his administration's determination to do it's best to preserve life and restore normalcy within the shortest possible time."

Happy Birthday, your Majesty.

On this auspicious day, we join you to celebrate your birthday we are ushering and offering our best wishes and humble prayers for Your Majesty’s long life and good health—and everlasting peace, prosperity and happiness in your great #Kingdom

May all your desires come true!
We wish you a very happy birthday..
#Long live the Igwe of #Nteje

© #AIBOMEDIA

COVID 19, AFA IGBO BU OFU COMMENDS NNEWI MONARCH FOR KEYING INTO GOVERNOR WILLIE OBIANO'S DIRECTIVES.:

Igwe Nnewi, Dr Keneth Orizu 111 Stops Receiving Visitors.

-Urges Nigerians To Stick to Govt Regulations.

As part of efforts aimed at curtailing the continued spread of the pandemic Coronavirus the Grand Patron Of Anambra State Council Of Traditional Rulers and the Igwe Of Nnewi Dr Kenneth Orizu 111, CON has restricted visitors and the referral of cases to the Palace Arbitration Panel for determination except on extreme emergencies.

According to a statement from the palace signed by Prince Obi Orizu there is also the restriction on visitors and suspension of the sittings of the Palace Arbitration Panels and the General suspension of usual meetings and all occasions involving more than 30 people at the Palace.

#stayathome#

Coronavirus: Anambra State Govt Announces 3 Isolation Centres

...creates additional Surge Centres

The Isolation Centres in Anambra State are:

1. Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital in Nnewi

2. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Awka

3. The General Hospital in Onitsha

Also, there are 3 Surge Centres:

1. The General Hospital in Ekwulobia

2. The General Hospital in Umueri

3. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Awka

The surge centres are created to absorb patients who may not be accommodated in the hospitals with Isolation Centres based on existing facilities.

Coronavirus is Real... Stay Home 2 Stay Alive!

We Happily felicitate with you ,the beautiful amazon of Otimkpili dynasty Mrs Chinelo Obidigwe, mmiri-mma Aguleri, as you celebrate your birthday today 24th of March 2020.

You have been very supportive to your heart throb Hon chief Benjamin' Chinedu Obidigwe, Akaomajideaku,The youth commander of Anambra politics and Member representing Anambra East and West Fedral constituency.

Mama ejima, you have always encouraged your husband to keep up his philanthropic gestures towards humanity most especially the Anambra youths.

We Happily wish you a very happy birthday celebration and pray that the good Lord will continue to bless, protect, provide and guide you, your family and all the people you hold dear.

Happy birthday Mama Ejima

God's choicest blessings on you the beautiful Amazon of Otimkpili dynasty.

From all of us
@AFAIGBOBUOFU

AFA IGBO BU OFU COMMENDS AKPOKUEDIKE GLOBAL FOR HIS PROMPT RESPONSE TO THE CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC......

.......REMARKS BY THE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE AT A PRESS BRIEFING ON WAYS OF CONTAINING COVID-19.


In response to the growing threat of the CoronaVirus Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of Anambra State has come out with the following measures to keep our people safe –

1. Civil servants in the state are hereby directed to proceed on a 14-day work-from-home with effect from Tuesday, March 24, 2020. However, any civil servant may be called upon at any given time to handle an urgent assignment as the case arises. This directive excludes all staff of Anambra State Ministry of Health workers and officers on essential duty.

2. All public gatherings are hereby suspended in Anambra State till further notice with effect from today, March 23, 2020. This includes traditional marriage ceremonies, community festivals, ofala festivals, masquerade festivals, Igbankwu nwanyi, funeral ceremonies, baby christening, new yam festivals, title-taking ceremonies and any meeting of more than 30 participants. Traditional rulers and President General of Communities must ensure full compliance or be held responsible.

3. All nursery, primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary schools are hereby closed with immediate effect. All academic and extra-curricular activities are hereby suspended.

4. All public transport operators are directed to submit the manifest of all passengers coming into Anambra State to the appropriate authorities with their names, phone numbers, residential addresses and final destination.

5. The general public is mandated to maintain a habit of frequent hand-washing with soap and water as well as use alcohol based hand sanitizers.

6. No Keke or tricycle rider should carry more than two passengers at a time.

7. Drivers of shuttle buses must not carry more than 3 passengers at a time.

8. Drivers of township and mini buses must not carry more than 5 passengers at a time.

9. The public is strongly advised to only visit the markets for essential commodities.

10. All night clubs are hereby closed until further notice. People should endeavor to sit at home.

11. Operators of bars and restaurants should not admit more than 30 customers at a time and must adhere strictly to the basic standards of social distancing. They must also provide hand-washing points and hand sanitizers for their customers. Any violation will attract immediate closure of the premises.

12. All persons returning to Anambra State from all countries of the world and states that have Covid-19 cases must go into self-isolation for 14 days and report.

13. Security Agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance.

14. Finally, we have constituted an Action Committee on Covid-19 headed myself to ensure and hands-on attention to the best was of containing this plague. The members of this committee are

1. Dr Vincent Okpala, Commissioner for Health

2. Mr C Don Adinuba

3. Dr Simeon Onyemaechi

4. Prof Igwegbe Anthony

5. Prof Oby Emelummadu

6. Dr Simon Ushie

7. Dr Basil Nwankwo

8. Dr Emmanuel Azuike

9. Dr Ifeoma Njelita

10. Dr Uche Onyejimbe

11. Dr Chijioke Obagha

12. Prof Maurice Iwu

13. Dr Joe Akabuike

14. Dr Ifeanyi Okoye

15. Dr Ernest Ifebi

16. Dr Chioma Ezenyimulu

17. Dr Onyeka Ibezim

18. Chidi Kanu

19. Rt. Hon Uche Okafor, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly.

19. Prof Solo Chukwulobelu

20. Chief Primus Odili

21. Sir Uzu Okagbue

22. Chinedu Aniagboso

All calls related to suspected Covid-19 should be routed to Anambra Public Health Emergency Operation Center on 08030953771 and 08117567363.

I want to assure you that we are determined to do our best to preserve life and restore normalcy within the shortest possible time.

More guidelines on the best practices to be adopted shall be communicated as the need arises.

God bless Anambra State

God bless Nigeria

Willie Obiano
Governor

No Coronavirus in Anambra State

It has come to the knowledge of the Anambra State Government that one unknown person has posted on the social media a claim that seven persons have been infected with the Coronavirus in Onitsha. This information is completely false.

There is no case of COVID 19 in the state, let alone seven of them in Onitsha.

There is no medical doctor with the name of Frank Ndubuisi Obi who purportedly addressed the press on this phantom development in Onitsha.

The Nigerian Medical Association in Onitsha held no event ascribed to it in the fake news.

The Onitsha General Hospital has treated no one with the Coronavirus.

No tests of the Coronavirus have been conducted at the Onitsha General or any other hospital in the state.

And no laboratories in Onitsha or anywhere in the state have reported any case of the virus.

The Anambra State government has not cordoned off anywhere in Onitsha or any other place in the state over the Coronavirus.

While advising ndi Anambra State to always observe personal hygiene by washing their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, by using hand sanitizer, by keeping 6feet away from other persons, and by avoiding handshakes and embraces, the state government assures all and sundry of its preparedness to protect the life of everyone in the state.

God bless Anambra State, the Light of the Nation.

Signed

C. Don Adinuba
Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment.

HAPPY MOTHERING SUNDAY
OSODIEME GLOBAL!

Mummy you have given us (Ndi Anambra) so much, you have showed us undiluted love, blessed us, cared for us, you have even prayed for us, you have shown us a lot of appreciation, many a times you have interceded for us, you have fought for us, defended us, wiped away our sorrowful and emotional tears, encouraged us. You have always been there for us come rain, come shine.

Nne Omeogo, we have not forgotten about your loving kindness towards the down trodden and the widows, and how you gave back life to the lifeless amongst us, neither have we forgotten the numerous houses and the shelter you have given to many homeless widows.

Mummy, your current empowerment program through your pet project "CAFE" is second to none throughout the whole country.

NNEOMA, thanks a bunch for allowing the Almighty God to use you as a channel of blessings towards us.
Our prayer is that this Awesomely Awesome God will always delight in doing good things for you and your unique family.

HAPPY MOTHERING SUNDAY,
MAMA ANAMBRA.

from all of us
@ AFA IGBO BU OFU

Corona Virus: Practice Basic Hygiene

The wife of the Governor of Anambra State and founder of Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE), Dr. (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme), has called on mothers to insist on basic hygiene practice especially at home to stem the spread of Corona Virus.

This plea was made in Awka today as part of sentization campaign on the threats of Corona Virus, and advocacy on what the citizens can do to stop it's spread.

Although the government has issued health advisory guidelines, you can see many of our people still acting ignorantly. Could you imagine that people still shudder when you refuse to shake their hands? Avioding such simple traditional gestures could make a big difference in the spread of this disease, yet our people tend to ignore the warning.

I am talking as a concerned mother. I urge our women to gird their loins at this critical period and manage the homefront by ensuring that everyone observes basic hygiene to safeguard family members. Some complain that sanitizers are now expensive. Thank God the use of running water and soap to wash hands for 20 seconds is still effective. Please adopt whichever suits you.

Teach your household things like:

♤ Don’t touch your nose mouth etc.
♤ No hand shakes, no embrace,
♤ Do not go out if you feel ill, when you feel cold, cough or headache please stay at home and do the hot water therapy."
Note that hot water therapy is simple:
Boil water add rob, aboniki, or any hot balm. Put the bucket or bowl on the floor, sit down near it (be careful not to spill it on yourself) use a blanket to cover yourself and the hot water and inhale and exhale for about 30 minutes. Repeat till you feel better. Drink warm water with slice of lemon or lime till you are well again.

If we all adhere to these basic healthy practices, we will surely avoid the worst.
Mothers were further enjoined to be prayerful and dedicate the wellbeing of our family to the hands of God Almighty. Assuredly that we will all have course to thank God for His mercies through this period of malady and adversity.

AFA IGBO BU OFU women's wing under the able leadership of Hon Amarachi (Golibe) held their Local Governments women Leader's meeting today at Awka.
They commenced with a wonderful and melodious, but full of divine messages songs for the first family of Anambra State.

It will be recalled that the Entire State and local government Exco of the group paid a message sending visit to Her Excellency, Chief Dr Ebelechukwu Obiano, ( Osodieme Global) at the country home of the first family of Anambra State at Aguleri, where the first lady welcomed and endorsed the group officially.

Open the link below to listen to the songs.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08L7aj0qEeM

Members of the AFA IGBO BU OFU MOVEMENT, (AIBO), has commended His Excellency, the action Governor of Anambra State, Chief Dr Sir Willie M. Obiano Akpokuedike Global, over the proactive steps he has in place to ensure that Ndi Anambra are safe from the devastating effects of the Coronavirus epidemic ravaging the whole world, as part of his administration's primary duty to protect the life of everyone in the State.
It will be recalled that His Excellency earlier this week rolled out some measures to be taken to by all that will help us checkmate the spread of this CONVID-19.
Some of the measures to be taken, includes the directive to all the schools, both public, private and mission schools in the State to close on or before the 27th of March,2020 till further notice.
The suspension of all manner of public gathering that will have up to 30 persons in attendance, with effects from Monday, 23rd March 2020.
He also directed all markets, hotels and restaurants in the State to make sure that they provide hand washing stations and sanitizers at their various entry points.
The AIBO members rising from their monthly meeting, unanimously agreed that truly and indeed, WILLIE IS NOT ONLY WONDERFULLY, WILLINGLY WORKING, but he is also CONFIDENTLY AND POSITIVELY CARING.

ANAMBRA STATE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR WILLIE M. OBIANO

(1) PUBLIC GATHERING

All public gathering is banned ‪from 23rd March 2020‬ until further notice .
 
(2) MARKETS

Traders and Ndi Anambra who go to the markets should wash their hands frequently, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and allow it to air dry.

The use  of hand sanitizers is strongly recommended if the hands are not visibly dirty.

Hand shaking, hugging and all other forms of contact salutation is strongly discouraged.

A distance of 6-feet should be maintained between customers and traders.

Leadership of the markets are advised to buy infra - red  thermometer to test any cases of their member or customer falling sick in the market.

(3) TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Students of Anambra tertiary institutions must proceed on vacation effective 20th of March 2020 until further notice.

(4) PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

All inter-house sports competitions are hereby suspended until further notice.

The management of all schools in the state must provide hand wash stations at entrance of all schools. They must ensure that all students and visitors wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, allowing their hands to air-dry. It is desirable for parents to provide hand sanitizers for their wards.

DAY STUDENTS

Management of all schools must on arrival to school, take the temperature of their day students. Temperatures above 37.9 degrees Celsius must be reported to the nearest hospital.
 
BOARDING STUDENTS

Schools management are encouraged to take the temperature of their boarding students at least once every day. Temperatures above 37.9 degrees Celsius must be reported to the nearest hospital.

All Primary and Secondary Schools in Anambra State  must go on indefinite vacation effective 27th March 2020.
 
(5) RESIDENTS

All residents in Anambra state are advised to avoid handshaking, hugging and all other forms of contact salutation.

They are to avoid unnecessary travels.

Every body must keep a reasonable social distance when conversing with each other.

All residents returning from countries and states with active COVID-19 cases, must self-isolate for 14-days and contact the Anambra state Public Health Emergency Operation Center immediately (PHEOC). During self-isolation they must take their temperatures twice daily.

PHEOC numbers are ‪080309531; 08145434416;0810446408‬. 

 
(6) HOTELS, EATERIES AND NIGHTCLUBS

All hotels must provide a handwash station and sanitizers. Guests are encouraged to wash their hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds.

Management of all hotels must take the temperature of guests and visitors with a non-contact infra-red thermometer.

Temperatures over 37.9 degrees Centigrade must be reported to the PHEOC.

Management of all hotels, restaurants and nightclubs must check the temperature of all their staff on daily basis.  Staff with temperature more than 37.9 degrees Centigrade should not be allowed to serve and must report to the hospital.

Restaurants must avoid overcrowding patrons at the table. Hotels are encouraged to maintain a database of their guests.
 
(7) LUXURIOUS BUSES

All luxurious bus owners and operators must maintain a travel manifest for inbound and outbound passengers to Anambra state.

All luxurious bus owners must maintain hand wash stations and provide hand sanitizers in their buses.

Passengers are encouraged to wash their hands with soap and running water.

All intrastate buses are encouraged to have hand sanitizers in their buses and encourage passengers to use same.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020.

State and Local Govt EXCOS of AFAIGBOBUOFU pays a Statement making visit to Her Excellency, the first lady of Anambra State, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, Osodieme Global.

12th March 2020, a very remarkable date in Afaigbobuofu movement as
Her Excellency Chief Dr Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano Osodieme global,Wife of the executive Governor of Anambra state Chief Dr Sir Willie Obiano Akpokuedike global officialy Endorsed Afaigbobu ofu movement @ her crystal country home Agulueri.
Her Excellency thanked the leaders and members of AFAIGBOBUOFU movement and implored them to remain stead fast and focus with the vision and objectives of the movement and that of Ndi Igbo

She further explained that Apga has come to stay in Anambra and also maintained that Ndi Igbo should guard their only party with every desire.
She applauded the courage and vigour of the movement innitiators and expressed happiness over the movements activities so far. She assured AFAIGBOBUOFU movement of her support and partnership.
She further gifted members of Afaigbobuofu pieces of APGA cloths and ended by imploring the movement to go grass root and spread the good news.

Reacting after her speech, the founder and national leader of AFaigbobuofu movement, Hon Onyedika Chukwuma(Aco Barry UK) thanked her Excellency for all the good humanitarian services she has been rendering to Ndi Anambra and assured her in strong terms that AFAIGBOBUOFU movement is for Ndi Igbo and therefore since APGA is an Igbo party, the connection of the two is sacrosanct and non negotiable.

It was indeed a powerful statement making visit.

6th Anniversary: Senator Umeh Commends Governor Willie Obiano

“No doubt, Governor Willie Obiano has done very well in the provision of various Infrastructures in Anambra State!

“I have been here over the years and therefore in a position to compare and contrast! When everything is put together in all the Sectors for everybody to see, his Record will be difficult to beat!

“May the Almighty God help him to achieve his remaining Goals for the State in the remaining two years of his administration!”

—Senator Dr. Victor Umeh , KSJI, KSS, OFR.

Akpokuedike Aguleri Dalu

Exemplary And Purposeful Leadership In Anambra

Exemplary And Purposeful Leadership In Anambra


No doubt, even a blind man can see that Anambra state has been so transformed in the last six years in which Governor Willie Obiano has piloted the affairs of the state. This is partly because a good leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. Above all, according to the scripture, when the righteous is in authority, the people rejoice. Since Obiano was sworn-in on March 17, 2014, he has shown that leadership runs in his blood. Thus, he has been exhibiting welfarist leadership in Anambra.

Beacons are visible and the performance indicators show that Akpokuedike is God sent. The picturesque new Awka with dazzling motorways and gleaming flyovers announce the birth of hope. The influx of investors leading to the attraction of over 5 billion dollar-worth of investments shows that Obiano has been making bold efforts to transform Anambra.

Same goes for the increase in and prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensions when most states owe months of salary arrears. Graciously, the alert Governor and the Most Worker-Friendly Governor in Nigeria has been living up to his promise of paying salaries by 25th of every month. Anambra under Obiano is the only state to have severally increased workers’ salaries across board in the last six years and is equally the only state in Nigeria to have yearly given a bag of rice to every worker and pensioner in the state. The governor is also paying special allowances to teachers in hard to reach areas and those teaching special courses.

The state is leading in security, agriculture and education, while industrialization is doing well. The impressive growth in Internally Generated Revenue to make up for the drying allocation from the federation account as well as the offer of scholarships to thousands of students is exemplary.

Truth be told; Governor Willie Obiano has shown a great leadership trait that deserves an applause and encouragement. His vision of making Anambra State the first choice investment destination and the most preferred location to site new industries and his MISSION of creating a socially stable, business-friendly environment that will attract both indigenes and foreigners to seek wealth creating opportunities in Anambra State, indicate a perfect assessment of the needs of Ndi Anambra and their capacity to achieve them.

And in keeping with his usual drive for excellence, Sir Willie has achieved his promises, especially his four Cs – Continue, Complete, Commission, Commence new projects. Hence, Obiano has not abandoned any project from his predecessor. There is massive construction of new legacy projects such as roads, bridges, international conference centre and provision of road infrastructure such traffic lights in different parts of the state, thus making Anambra number one in terms of road network in the country. Night life has returned to Anambra, thanks to the glimmering street lights in all communities, making it a one-community-state.

The Obiano administration also introduced a health insurance scheme, ASHIA, in collaboration with the European Union, EU, in order to enhance the living standards of the citizenry. This scheme provides healthcare to people, almost free, including laboratory, drugs and surgery. Akpokuedike constructed the biggest oxygen plant at COOU Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka as well as equipped the hospital with modern health facilities and personnel.

Again, for the first time in the country, a government started a people- oriented program known as “Community Choose Your Project Initiative.” Under this arrangement, each of the one hundred and eighty-one communities in the state was given twenty million naira to execute any project of its choice. With this development, no community has been denied direct democracy dividends by the government. The third phase of the scheme is currently on going

Equally, there is hardly another state that has established socio-economic outfit akin to the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, ANSIPPA and Anambra State Small Business Agency, ASBA, in order to attract investors, and empower small and medium scale entrepreneurs. Sir Willie attracted Appeal Court to Anambra, 29 years after the creation of the state. Anambra is today the safest state in Nigeria and the only state in Africa to install Close Circuit television, CCTV in major towns and cities across the state. This gesture bestowed Anambra the honour of hosting, for the first time in South East, the just concluded 12th Biennial Police Games.

Governor Obiano celebrated the final burial rites of our dead brothers and sisters during the Nigeria/Biafra war, tagged OZOEMEZINA. Akpokuedike also enrolls all the war veterans and former Rangers players into the health insurance scheme of the state. Apart from appointing the Ex-Rangers into sensitive political positions, Governor Obiano pays all of them monthly emolument, despite their state of origin.

For all these rare and outstanding achievements of Governor Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano, Akpokuedike Global has received numerous awards and encomiums, the latest being Knight Commander of the Pontifical Order of Saint Gregory the Great from Pope Francis. At six, the best Ndi Anambra can do is to continue to support his government by being alive to their civic responsibilities. Bravo, your Excellency; ride on.

The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme Global) Visits and Gives Succour to Rescued Baby at Oko.


In a spirit of charity reminiscent of years of humanitarian work, the wife of the Governor of Anambra, Dr. Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano(Osodieme) today paid a visit to the discarded baby who was rescued at Oko and is undergoing treatment at Chukwunonso Hospital, Oko Orumba North Local Government Area.
The wife of the Governor who is the founder of the NGO, Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE) stated while cuddling the baby that her visit was a follow up to her earlier plea to the young and recalcitrant mothers not to discard their new born for any reason, but should ensure their safety.
In her words: "The miracle surrounding the survival of this baby girl and my visit which coincides with the commemoration of my husband's sixth year in office show that the baby means well for ndi Anambra. As a girl she is a bearer of good tidings because women are soft, kind prayerful." 
Osodieme expressed happiness that the baby is well taken care of and applauded the selfless action of the hospital which gave priority to the survival of the baby girl. She also advised the grandmother of the newborn who came to greet her to ensure that the baby and the young mother are catered for, stressing that though mistakes have been made, the lessons therefrom should guide others against future occurrence.
Speaking at the scene, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala said that the Governor's wife has exemplified passion for good deeds, adding that the present health insurance structure provided by the Anambra State Government has made both antenatal and prenatal demands easy and accessible for the people. 
On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Indigenous Medicine and Herbal Practices, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, described the story of the little girl as a miracle, and commended the doctors at the hospital for giving her the best of their medical attention.
In the same vein, the member representing Orumba North at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Aforka affirmed that the visit by Osodieme to a hospital in his Constituency on the sixth anniversary of Governor  Obiano administration explains the progressive actions and synergy that have made Anambra State the centre of excellence.
Earlier, the Medical Director of Chukwunonso Hospital, Dr. Kamtoochukwu Obi thanked the wife of the Governor for making time to visit and support the new born and her family.
The Governor's wife also presented cash and a variety of baby care products to the baby. 
Also present at the hospital during her visit were,
The Medical Director of Chukwunonso Hospital, Dr. Kamtoochukwu Obi,  

Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala, 
 Special Adviser to the Governor on Indigenous Medicine and Herbal Practices, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim.
Member representing Orumba North at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Aforka.

Here's why Anambra has the best road network in Nigeria:

Dr Chris Ngige is said to have built about 800km within 3 years...

...Most of these roads are still there and failed portions are being maintained on daily basis by Gov Obiano

Chief Peter Obi said he built over 800km in 8 years...

...though most of these roads failed; some of them were reconstructed by Gov Obiano

Chief Willie Obiano has built over 1000km in just 6 years...

...and provided road infrastructures on all the roads, lit them up and presently beautifying the roundabouts

So in Anambra, you can drive for a steady 48 hours and more, on different tarred roads...

...it takes Common Sense to understand this!

#DEO_AnambraState

Electricity: Nkwo Nnewi Gets New Transformer


Following the constant disruption of electricity and breakdown of transformer in and around Nkwo Nnewi Triangle, Anambra State government has donated a 500KVA transformer to solve the electricity challenges of the area.

The transformer which was mounted at Diocesan Church Center, St. Andrews Anglican Church, Nkwo Nnewi, was handed over to the Vicar of the Church, Ven. Christian Okechukwu Emeribe.

Speaking during the brief handover ceremony, the Governor who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Implementation, Hon. Sir Ogbuefi Melie Onyejepu, said that the transformer was donated to the area (Nkwo Nnewi) following the outcry of residents of the area due to the constant disruption of electricity supply.

According to him, the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, directed that a new transformer should be installed in the area to bring an end to the issue of electricity supply in the area.

He urged the residents of the area especially the church to jealously guard the equipment to avoid hoodlums taking advantage of the facility, he assured the state government will continue to better the lives of Anambrians.

Speaking also, the Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nnewi North, Hon. Chike Agwucha commended the governor for responding to the outcry of residents of the area, noting that the party will continue to put smiles on the faces of the populace.

Thanking the Governor, the Archdeacon of Diocesan Church Center (DCC), Archdeaconry and Vicar of St. Andrews Anglican Church, Nkwo Nnewi, said that the Governor has shown that he is responsive to the plight of the people, he prayed for more wisdom and God’s blessing on the Governor.

#NnewiTransformer

A THUNDEREOUS AND WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY WISHES TO A WORTHY LEADER AND BENEFACTOR!!!

Sir, as you celebrate your birthday today, we want to reassure you that you are and will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Be assured that nothing can erase God's plan in your life. May God's grace be sufficient for you in all you do. His mercy is unceasing, His love is genuine, His promise is sure. He's too faithful to fail, He will give you reason to smile forever in Jesus name.

We also pray that this will be your best birthday ever.

Happy Birthday and Congratulations!

From all of us
@ grassrootsig
*Bona Ogbonna
Founder/Leader*

GOOD NEWS, JEFFREY IS + 1 TODAY!

It has pleased God to bless one of our core and hardworking member with an additional year on this Earth.
Lets thank God and at the same time, celebrate Comr Chikwuma Jeffrey Ugochukwu today.

Jeff, our collective prayer is that the Awesomeness of this Awesomely Awesome God will continue to be made manifest in your life and carrier.
No matter the season you will always stay fresh and green. You will never suffer dryness in your life. If today is sunny, it will brighten your day, if it rains, it will be a shower of blessing upon you. If it is dry, it will dry up your tears. If windy, it will blow away your sorrows in Jesus Wonderful Name. Amen.

Happiest Birthday to you Ugoo, may the good Lord bless your new age abundantly and gracefully always.

Anyi si ka obinigwe welu aru ike walu gi oji o.

CONGRATULATIONS!

From all of us
@ grassrootsig

We Are Yet To Meet Our NPFL Target-
FC IFeanyi Ubah Chairman

The Chairman of FC Ifeanyi Ubah Prince Chukwuma Ubah says his team did not meet his expectations for the first half of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Anambra Warriors, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, finished fourteenth on the NPFL log for the first half of the league season but currently seat ninth having beaten Sunshine Stars in Nnewi on Sunday 3-1.

According to Ubah, most of the teams that started very well and had the intentions of moving forward lost energy after match week 15.

He said the first half of the season was very competitive for his boys and that they intended to beef up their squad.

“First of all most of the teams that started the season started very well and had the intentions of moving forward but after the match week 15, energy started taking charge of the game and tactics because most of the teams started settling down”.

When asked the why clubs in the NPFL have recorded 25 away wins in the league so far this season the astute football administrator said it’s as a result of improved officiating on the part of referees.

“For the away wins, it shows officiating has obviously improved but these are still humans, there are certain human factors which affect games as well”.

“We haven’t really done well in our away games and when you look at 3 or 4 of our games we lose the game at the 93rd minute, 94th minute even there was one we lost in the 97th minute just to show you the human factor in officiating as well so I wouldn’t want to complain about that. You know in such games I feel so bad because its jut one more shot to get there and probably one mistake or the other from a player or official, you lose it and you come back and re-plan”.

“Officiating has really improved in the Nigeria Professional Football League”, Ubah stressed.

THE ANAMBRA STATE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT COMMISSION BILL PASSES 2ND READING

On Thursday, 13th February 2020, I led the debate as the Sponsor of THE ANAMBRA STATE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT COMMISSION BILL

(A Bill for a law to establish the Anambra State Youth Development and Empowerment Commission, Implementation of Sustainable Youth Policy and other Related Matters 2019)

The commission will be saddled with the responsibility to empower the youths in life-changing scalable skills, self-development, entrepreneurship training, and qualitative economic empowerment to start up. The bill when passed will provide solutions to the myriad of problems and challenges facing the youths of the state.

The main goal of the bill is to institutionalize youth development and empowerment in the state and put it on first line charge. It will ensure that youth empowerment becomes a routine program of the commission and not a one-off event of government. The commission will have the responsibility of articulating sustainable empowerment and development programs for the state government that is designed to create job opportunities for the youths in the state.

Areas like enterprise and entrepreneurship development, technical and vocational education training, skill acquisition, activating youth-related public institutions and facilities, exploring the entertainment and sports industry, Go-to-Farm policy, ICT training, giving soft loans to SMEs, providing funds for start-ups and other empowerment programs will be focused.

This bill will technically reduce anti-social vices such as armed robbery, kidnapping, stealing, prostitution and cultism.

The commission will be managed by professionals especially from the private sector with representatives from government ministries and agencies.

The bill when passed and implemented will provide a sustainable plan for youth development in Anambra State. It will also help in improving youth economic development, attract investors/donor support and increase the Internally Generated Revenue of the State.

I am so grateful my distinguished colleagues for their strong support to this bill which goes to show their commitment to youth development and empowerment in Anambra State.

Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor,
Member Representing Nnewi North in Anambra State House of Assembly.

THANK YOU ALL FOR THIS WONDERFUL SHOW OF LOVE AND AFFECTION.

On behalf of this great forum Grassroot Initiative we celebrate our amiable leader

Today is the birthday of @⁨Bona⁩ who is spreading joy and positivity all around us. May your birthday and your life be as wonderful as you are!

Going down memory lane all the moments spent with you and your constant advise and guidance towards achieving greatness is Gold and a great feeling that we all will live with in our hearts for years to come.

You are very special and that’s why you need to float with lots of smiles on your face. We urge you as you add one more year to your life may you grow in wisdom and health and may you never depart from your Good ways.

Happy birthday once again Mr Bona

***Coach Bona, because you're the person who is always there for others. You feel a lot. You have depths within you, an ocean for a heart, and you sometimes fall for people who are too afraid to swim. You give and you give and you give. You never know how to stop yourself from pouring into those you love.
There are moments where you are left wondering if someone will ever give you the love you so freely give to others, moments where you wonder if there will ever come a time when someone asks how you are doing, and how you are coping.

Because you are the person who is always there for everyone else, you also needs someone to be there for you. Being a person who encourages everyone around you, you needs to be told that you are appreciated, that you matters, you need to be encouraged.
Because you're the person who is always there for others, we want to let you know that your heart is rare. Know that you hold within you an ability to calm storms in people. Know that you give people hope, that you inspire them by acknowledging the pieces of them most people ignore, that you make people feel wanted, that you make people feel like they have purpose.
We want to remind you that you deserve to take all of the energy you put out into the world and invest it back into yourself from time to time. We want to let you know that you are worthy of all the love you have been giving to everyone else.

Happy Birthday Sir!

God bless your new age!

From all of us @
HOPE LAND FOOTBALL CLUB, NNEWI.

#To all the sweetest besties who showed me love on my Birthday, I want you to know how grateful I"m that you're in my life. Nothing joys and glads the heart like knowing that someone is somewhere thinking and praying for you.Life is not about the quantity of friends you have, It's about the quality of friends you have. You people have made me to realize that, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of others praying for us.
Friendship is priceless, but has values. Because of you people, I make bold to proclaim that friendship is a beautiful bond that does not arrest or squeeze, but embellishes the soul of us. Priceless, but has values, has affection, has smiles, has hugs, has presence, has heart.
It's not bought, it is conquered, it is built, it is blessed by God... I'm Happy to have such true friends like you all.

THANK YOU IS NOT ENOUGH.

None of you will ever regret being kind because happiness is a cologne, and you can't pour on others without getting a few drops on you.

OBRIGADO!
OBRIGADO!!
OBRIGADO!!!

Humbly yours,
Bona Ogbonna
Founder/Leader

DEATH IS INDEED A THIEF, IT HAS DEALT US A BIG BLOW.

We the members of the GRASSROOTS INITIATIVE GROUP, (grassrootsig) just lost one of its strong benefactor, MAZI OZO VINCENT AZUMAH,(AKA OKOCHA, PAPA EJIMA) the Deputy PG ORSUMOGHU town union, IHIALA LGA, to the cold hands of death few hours ago.
His remain has since been deposited at the mortuary. While we awaits the announcement of his burial arrangements by the family, we that God will give him eternal rest in His bossom.