“Shaping a fair new world order” - Tinubu…Onitsha Garri seller wants to go to University…South East Digest…ANINVEST Special Edition – Action has commenced

Photos of The Week

Was President Tinubu alone in India?

 

Overzealous Lagos traffic managers eat humble pie

 

New Women Affairs Minister gets not so-good social media reception

“Shaping a fair new world order” – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday told the G-20 leaders that Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s largest economy and democracy makes it capable of playing a major role within the bloc and contributing to shaping a more equitable world.

“Nigeria is poised, able, and willing to be a major player in this family of the G-20 and in shaping a new world, without whom, the family will remain incomplete,” Tinubu said when he addressed world leaders at the 18th G-20 Leaders’ Summit holding in New Delhi, India. 

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Saturday titled ‘President Tinubu to G-20 leaders: As Africa’s largest market, economy and democracy, Nigeria is ready to play vital role in G-20.’

While acknowledging the vital role of the G-20 in shaping a rules-based world order that promotes shared prosperity and security, Tinubu argued that most of today’s pressing issues are “international in character and cannot be addressed without multilateral cooperation.”

Therefore, stronger collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships among diverse regions are the pathways to a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for the world, he added 

Tinubu said this explains why the role and contributions of the G-20 in shaping a fair new world order cannot be over-emphasized.

A world that lives as one family, but is divided by staggering income inequalities and uneven access to basic social goods by the vast majority of our people cannot result in a peaceful and secure world where shared prosperity is achieved,” Tinubu observed.

He said such rules and global governance structures of the world’s collective dreams must be collectively designed, owned, and managed.

This is consistent with the true spirit of One Family, mutual respect, and sustainable development,” he noted. 

Soludo for rehabilitation of Federal Roads in Anambra

By Christian Aburime 

Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has said that all federal roads in the state have failed and are begging the attention of the federal government.  Governor Soludo was speaking at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia when the Minister of Works and Housing, Engr. Dave Umahi paid him a courtesy visit.

The Governor stated that two billion naira was approved for repairs of a section of Onitsha-Owerri Road. He lamented the collapse of the entire road

He added that this is the scenario playing out in most federal roads across the state, due to poor maintenance.

He said the Onitsha-Owerri road is very strategic due to the numerous states in the South that the road is linked to, stressing that the second Niger bridge may not be fully utilized if the road is left in that  deplorable state.

"In Anambra West, the road leading to Idah, Kogi state, there's a direct route from Nzam to Lokoja. When that is constructed, travelling from Anambra to Abuja will be around 3 hours. That is a major game changing project that is worth venturing into.

"With you, Engr. Umahi in office, you are a perfect round peg in a round hole. Please keep showing your leadership.

"Once we rethink the framework for delivery of infrastructure, Nigeria will be a totally different place. Nigeria is a federation. You cannot stay in your state, clap with one hand and expect noise. You need the other hand which is the federal government, for things to work" Soludo remarked.

Governor Soludo urged the Federal Government to work with state governments to develop a more efficient framework for delivering road infrastructure.

He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for appointing Engr. Umahi as his Works Minister.

"In politics you don't get what you deserve but what you bargain for with votes. Giving the totality of votes we contributed from South East and looking at the ministerial portfolios, we may not have the basis to begin to demand for "juicy" portfolios but the President graciously gave us one of our finest and best, one of the few engineers who pioneered concrete pavement as current standard for road construction.

"What you said about the possibility of coming back again for us to move around in Anambra State will be fantastic because we have fundamental challenges on road infrastructure and especially how it's delivered by the Federal Government. 

"The Federal Government is staying in Abuja and trying to award road contracts in all nooks and crannies of the country. Sincerely speaking, the entire Federal roads are all gone. We are currently spending up to 20 billion naira on Federal roads," Governor Soludo emphasized. 

Speaking earlier, the Minister for Works and Housing, Engr. Umahi, bemoaned the challenges posed by erosion in the state. 

He expressed his disappointment with the state of the Enugu-Onitsha Road project, saying that he has summoned the contractors and consultants and will be meeting with MTN under Governor Soludo's chairmanship.

The Minister said that the basic reason for the failure of the road is due to asphalt, and that the introduction of concrete pavement is the best because of poor maintenance culture.

While enumerating the roads currently under construction in the state including the Ukpo, Dunukofia road, the rehabilitation of Ibaji section of Otuocha, Abali Ofieli, Orie Ama Etiti - Umuawulu road, Omor-Umuoikpa, Oba - Nnewi Road and Osammali - Ogwikpele road, Minister Umahi eulogized President Tinubu as a man of justice and equity, who decided in his good mind, to appoint someone from the Southeast to become the minister of works.

Engr. Umahi urged Governor Soludo to continue showing leadership and voicing the truth at all times, utilizing his God-given wisdom and humility to continue in the service of the state and Country.

The Chief Of Staff to Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye, among others joined to welcome the Minister and his guests.

(A digest of latest reports on the Economy, Industry, Politics, Sports, and developments around the South East of Nigeria)

ABIA STATE

Abia Govt dismisses report on sack of 10,000 workers

The Abia Government has dismissed a report on the sack of 10,000 civil servants.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Umuahia on Wednesday.

“The report on the sack of Abia workers by Gov. Alex Otti is fake and unfounded,” he said.

He said that the government introduced certain measures to address the issue of ghost workers, adding that in line with its agenda to sanitise the civil service removed names of ghost workers from the payroll of the government.

“Some workers whose names were thrown up during the verification embarked upon by government as illegally employed were affected too.

“This group, comprises of those who were illegally employed from December 2022 up until March and April this year,” Kanu said.

He said that some of the civil servants that fall in this category had their appointment letters backdated.

“The employment of these individuals can be best described as surreptitious and a bait used to pile underserved pressure on the present administration, adding that no responsible government would allow such a situation to continue,” he said.

Kanu also said that there were no waivers applied in the employment of workers from December to April.

He said there are established processes for the employment of workers into the Civil Service in Abia.

He said that due process was not followed with regards to the employments and urged the people of Abia to disregard the fake story about the alleged sacking of 10’000 Abia workers.

Kanu said that the commitment of the state government to the welfare of the workers both those working now and the retired ones, remains unwavering, and further, reiterated the resolve of the government to pay all salaries and pension arrears.

ANAMBRA STATE

Walk for Healthy Living

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo has encouraged Anambra youths to equip themselves with relevant skills to compete favourably in the future.  Governor Soludo was advising youths at the Awka Township Stadium during the September edition of Solution Walk for Healthy Living, spearheaded by the State Sports Development Commission.

People of all ages trouped out in their numbers to attend the event whose aim was to promote healthy living and reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases in the state.

Speaking shortly after the walk, Governor Soludo said that a healthy youth, adult, senior citizens, Anambra as well as Nigeria, is vital for prosperity.

The Governor congratulated all those who came out to participate, announcing that henceforth, the exercise will be a once in a month routine.

While harping on the importance of togetherness and unity in achieving progress, Governor Soludo also said he was informed that about one hundred corps members participated in the "One Youth Two Skills Program", and revealed that by the end of this month, over four thousand successful participants of the initiative will be benefit from the disbursement and become truly empowered. 

He said a corps member today can become an employer of labour tomorrow, and that the one hundred of them can be the future millionaires and billionaires whereas some of their mates, would still be searching for jobs.

He expressed optimism that all who have an entrepreneurial spirit will blossom, pointing out that with one youth two skills, the future belongs to them.

The Governor also announced that the contract to build a 9km Amansea-Ifite-Youth Village-Aroma road with a flyover linking the highway has been awarded, declaring that Awka will be a real capital.

"From next year, when Anambra will be celebrating its 33rd anniversary, the Governor will officially relocate from Amawbia to Awka. The New Governor's House and lodge will be completed," he said.

EBONYI STATE

Onitsha Garri seller wants to go to University

Obasi Precious Chigozirim, a young lady, who is the lastborn in her family, is begging for more patronage so she can train herself in university, having recently gotten admission. Obasi Precious Chigozirim makes a living selling garri in Onitsha.

Obasi Precious Chigozirim the Ebonyi state indigene says she solely caters for her upkeep despite having parents as well as siblings. She also shed light on her future aspirations. Obasi Precious Chigozirim wants to continue her garri business in school. 

Unlike many people who would resort to pity parties, the young lady says that she just needed exposure for her business. While it is clear financial support would aid her academic cause greatly, Precious already has a positive outlook on life and was not going to cry about her situation. She intends to continue her garri business in school. "I'm into garri business and I want to use it to sustain myself in school. Please I only need exposure," she said.

ENUGU STATE

Mbah restates commitment to Enugu renewal

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, yesterday, restated his administration’s resolve to move the state forward, stressing that his government produces over 25 million litres of potable water daily.

Mbah, who addressed the people of the state in a radio broadcast to mark his 100 days in office as governor, explained that the volume of water is the highest the state had achieved in the past 20 years, adding that his administration aims at generating 70 million litres daily by the end of next month, as part of the commitment to making water available to residents in 180 days as promised during his swearing in.

He said: “At this rate, we are ahead of the curve in our race to deliver water to Enugu people by the end of November, which will mark 180 days since our inauguration, in line with our promise.” Mbah stated.

He also said that in the next few weeks, work would commence on 81 urban roads across the state, and two flyovers (at Abakpa and Holy Ghost-Ogbete-Old Park axis) and priority roads, many of which will be reconstructed.

On the achievements recorded in the past 100 days, Mbah stated that the government had tackled the Monday sit-at-home order in Enugu State.

“We were resolute in making sure that we eradicate it from our state. As we all can see, we have made tremendous progress in this regard.

“We have also backed up this thrust by boosting security presence in Enugu, working with the Nigeria Police, the Army and all other security forces. We have launched the Distress Response Squad in the state and have already procured a number of vehicles to enhance their effectiveness and mobility.

“We are not stopping at this, we are about to commence the rollout of a statewide CCTV camera network, which will provide 24/7 surveillance of the state and facilitate swift security responses to any breach of peace,” he said.

In the area of energy supply and management, he said the government had successfully signed the Enugu State Power Law, which domesticates the Electricity Act 2023 that now gives the state regulatory power to establish an Enugu State Electricity Market and to attract investors to expand power generation and distribution across the state.

IMO STATE

Imo plans mass housing scheme in three zones

Imo State government has announced plans to develop mass housing schemes in three zones, Umuoma-Nekede (Owerri zone), Amara (Okigwe zone) and Mgbidi (Orlu zone) for different categories of beneficiaries, including workers.

Governor Hope Uzodimma has already appointed the State Commissioner for Housing, Love Ineh, as the chairman of the State Mass Housing Committee, to oversee the projects.

Other members of include, the Commissioner for Lands Survey and Physical Planning, Noble Atulegwu; the General Manager of Imo State Housing Corporation, Chinedu Obi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects; Special Adviser to the Governor on Private Partnership Infrastructure and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, who is a member/ secretary of the committee.

Ineh disclosed that the project would create new cities and boost the economy of the state, as well as make housing affordable. She urged all host communities to cooperate with the government.

She promised that the people would benefit from the scheme as this is the first of its kind in the history of the state. Ineh commended the governor for the initiative.

Meanwhile, the state’s panel on recovery of land has accused former governor, Rochas Okorocha, of forceful acquisition of the lands belonging to Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education (AIFCE), Owerri and allocating them to some individuals and institutions.

Submitting their report, the Chairman of the panel, Prof. Vitalis Ajumbe and B. F. Anyanwu, as Secretary, alleged that Okorocha administration used force to dispossess the occupants of the lands and buildings located at Shell Camp, allocated them to some of his associates, recommended that the government take back the lands and hand them over to the authorities of the AIFCE, Owerri, and thereafter issue them with a certificate of occupancy within six months.

The panel accused the ex-governor of using some hoodlums and military to dispossess the occupants of the lands, who are the members of staff of the institution and demolished 101 buildings after confiscating their property.

The beneficiaries, who have also been asked to vacate include Okorocha’s son -in -law, Dr. Uzoma Anwuka; former House of Representatives member, Kingsley Uju; a former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Dr. Acho Ihim; among others.

The panel also recommended that the college pay compensation as agreed to the Orji indigenes, original owners of the land, while soldiers should vacate shanties erected within the vicinity and relocate to their barracks in Obinze, Owerri West Local Council.

Receiving the report, Uzodimma commended the members of the panel for executing the assignment within a record time. He promised that the government would take all the necessary steps and processes to implement the recommendations for the interest of peace and justice.

“Ajuju” at ANINVEST!

Tidbits

·         The International Conference Centre, Awka, may be named after Chief Willie Obiano, Anambra State’s Immediate Past Governor, if Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s has his way.

·         Awka Shopping Mall, thought long dead, has resurrected.  It will open in 15 months under a new investor.

·         New Minister of Women Affairs, though an eloquent speaker, needs to work on her Communication to ensure that her audience understand her very well – her suggestion on school children having at least one day less of schooling to concentrate on learning a trade (match sticks and tooth picks making, for example) has not gone down well with most social media commentators.

·         The organisation and execution of ANINVEST was top notch. 

“Ajuju” at ANINVEST!

An old friend of mine, Sule, when commenting on the dribbling skills of outstanding footballers like Jay Jay Okocha would usually say “de tin wey man sabi, e turn ajuju!” (which is a way of saying that when you have mastered your art, people would suspect you of using extra ordinary powers).  Michelangelo Buonarroti puts it better when he said:  “If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it would not seem so wonderful at all.”

We have already said that the organization and execution was top notch.  Two of the presentations/performances at that event stood out outstandingly – that by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and the one by Mark Okoye, MD/CEO, ANSIPPA.

 

Although Governor Soludo had his computer notepad opened, he barely glanced at it for most of the duration of his address.  Quite unlike him, he didn’t speak for long, and everything flowed very well.  No doubt, he was well at home with all the issues!

 

Same too must be said of Mark Okoye.  His speech and his MOU/Agreements citations were also flawless and without having recourse to notes.  The import of these points is that all the proceedings of the day and their expected outcomes had been well researched.  Take the MOU/Agreements for example, we are told that all the funds are in, and that all the timelines are more like on concrete.

OMAA is first to kick-off

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on Friday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for Kojo Motors Auto Assembly and Natural Gas Facility in Umunya, Oyi Local government area.

The plant, which is the second automobile company after Innoson Motors and first CNG manufacturing automobile company in the state, will also house the first CNG station located at Umunya.

Performing the function, Governor Soludo said that it was a sign of progress for the state and a testament to the commitment of his administration to industrialization.  The Governor revealed that the plant would create jobs and boost the economy of the state, urging other investors to come and invest in Anambra state.

 

Where do we go from here?

We bring you two viewpoints – one by our Special Correspondent, Dr Ifediora Amobi, and the other by the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu:

Anambra Investment Summit – Growing Anambra’s Physical Capital

By Dr Ifediora Amobi 

No state economy can grow without growth in its physical capital. Think back to Economics 101, physical capital is one of the factors of production (along with land and labour) that, in combination, can be used to produce goods and services. So, physical capital (e.g. equipment, structures, intellectual property) increases productivity, which helps drive economic growth. With that in mind, the idea behind organizing an investment summit in Anambra is primarily to grow Anambra State’s physical capital, which will become the foundation for realizing the objective of building a prosperous and smart Anambra Mega City.

 

On Thursday, 7 September 2023 the Anambra Investment Summit (ANINVEST 2023) took a bold step towards laying that foundation. There was a lot to discuss and deliberate upon that the one-day allocated to this historical Summit was grossly insufficient. However, despite this challenge the Summit lived up to its billing. First, it gave the audience a clear roadmap of what Governor Soludo intends to do and the journey so far. Secondly, it demonstrated that Anambra State walks its talk through the live signing of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) between the state government and up to 10 investors.

Mr. Governor’s roadmap highlighted quite a number of initiatives from addressing the state’s infrastructural deficiencies to developing industrial hubs that will champion Made-In-Anambra products, create jobs, increase the State GDP, and improve the livelihood of Ndi Anambra. His agenda included providing more electricity utilizing available gas and investing in gas pipelines, a light rail master plan, internet access via fiber optics, urban and rural water schemes, industrial parks and industrial cities, an export emporium and shopping mall, creating an export free trade zone, the Onitsha River Port project, agricultural rejuvenation, developing a new economy through sports, leisure and entertainment, the Solution Fun City and Entertainment Leisure City projects, and a $250 million Diaspora Bond, amongst others. In addition, a very important partnership was established between Anambra State and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) that will enable Anambra grow its physical capital and achieve this transformational objective.

In other areas, the state will encourage the emergence of MSMEs, from project development to project execution. For land, Certificates of Occupancy will now be obtained within 3-5 days. Environmental and gully erosion issues are being addressed, and the state is re-creating its Land Bank for industrialization and investment. Mr. Governor also promised that gas and power will be provided to all the industrial parks and export free zones in the state. All these deliberate and bold initiatives will encourage investors and help their businesses prosper as well as minimize the risks of investing in Anambra State.

To demonstrate that the Summit was more than just a talk shop, MOUs were signed for the development of (1) Onitsha River Port by Universal Elysium Ltd (2) Neni Water Scheme by Birsa Water Ltd and Neni Development Union (3) AUU Automative Industrial Park by OMAA Global Technology and Engineering/Kojo Motors (4) NKO Agro Park by NKO Farms Ltd (5) Green Village Solar Hybrid by GVE Projects Ltd (6) Awka Shopping Mall by Sundry Markets Ltd (7) Master plan for Anambra Intra-City Rail, connecting Awka, Ekwulobia, Nnewi and Onitsha by CPCS Transcom Ltd (8) Ikenga Mixed-Use Industrial City Masterplan by Mahindra (Artelia) Consulting Engineers Ltd (9) Anambra Pharmaceutical Hub by the group of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals, Dozzy Group, Green Life Pharmaceuticals and Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria, and (10) Provision of project preparation and advisory services, including a potential debt financing programme of up to US $200 million by Afreximbank.

Spearheaded by the Mark Okoye-led ANSIPPA, these projects will significantly increase the stock of physical capital that Anambra State would require as added fuel to continue on its upward trajectory to propel the state into the future. Also, this will, in the words of Mr. Governor “Transform Anambra State from a Departure Lounge to a Business Destination”, as well as achieving the bold objectives of the Anambra Vision 2070.

ANINVEST 2023: An Investment Summit Like No Other

By Paul Nwosu

The world of big business converged at the International Convention Centre, Awka on Thursday, September 7 for the Anambra Investment Summit (ANINVEST). The signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) with high net-worth business concerns was the high point of the momentous event.

The MOUs were signed with requisite timelines and cognate deliverables. Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, presided over a summit like no other in which his vision of delivering a liveable and prosperous homeland earned resounding endorsement of organisations from diverse  economic sectors.

A collaborative MOU was signed with AfreximBank on financing viable infrastructure projects on a scale of up to $200m. It will entail jointly evaluating the opportunities with Anambra Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) to prioritize the strategic projects from project preparation funding and development to bankability.

A consultancy contract MOU was entered into for Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City Masterplan Development. The engagement contract was signed with the President of Mahindra Consulting Engineers Limited. This involves the development of the feasibility study, masterplan and outline business case as well as the production of governance policy documents and regulations for the project.

An engagement contract for Anambra Intra-City Rail was signed with the senior executive of CPCS Canada that had undertaken five jobs in Nigeria through varying stages, from design to execution. The delivery of the Anambra Intra-City Rail will connect Awka, Ekwulobia, Nnewi and Onitsha. 

It’s worthy of celebration signing the MOU of co-promoter and anchor agreement with OMAA/Kojo Motors for the AUU Automotive Industrial Park. The equity investment is geared to develop the AUU Automotive Industrial Park. OMAA aims to set up a world-class auto assembly plant to produce CNG-powered and electric mass transit vehicles at the AUU Automotive Industrial Park.

Anchor agreements have been signed with Evans Pharmaceuticals and Dozzy Group to set up pharmaceutical manufacturing and other allied businesses at Pharmaceutical Industrial Park, Ogboji.

A crucial MOU was signed with the CEO of Sundry Markets Limited for the development of Awka Shopping Mall through a Joint Venture Partnership. The promoter restated his commitment to complete the Awka Shopping Mall within 15 months. 

For the Neni Water Scheme, a Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) MOU was signed with the President-General of Neni Community and the CEO of Birsal Water Limited. This is a flagship PPCP project aimed at catalysing other communities to emulate the good work done by ndi-Neni.

A collaborative MOU was signed with NKO Agro Park CEO on developing regenerative agriculture, agro processing and agro institute. It is based on a recommendation from the draft PWC forensic audit on ANSIPPA MOUs. The promoter had deposited $1.5M in a no-interest yielding account since 2016 as per the instructions from ANSIPPA. The promoter is willing to invest the funds and more in Anambra State, and is ready to commit to investing in yam and cassava cultivation and processing. The promoter is setting up an agriculture training institute, and is a proposed anchor for the Anambra Export Emporium.

The Green Village Electricity (GVE) Joint Venture Partnership MOU was signed with the CEO of Green Village Energy on power distribution to underserved communities in Nzam area while utilizing renewable energy sources. GVE Solar Hybrid Isolated Mini-Grid project will develop a 2MW Solar IPP to provide uninterrupted power supply to 10 communities in Anambra West LGA. 

The MOU was signed with Universal Elysium Ltd for the development of Onitsha River Port and the dredging the River Niger to improve the viability of the Port. The dredging will help tackle the issue of seasonal flooding in numerous communities in Anambra State.

Governor Soludo gave the assurance of Anambra State’s willingness to partner with more investors on “bankable projects.” Mr. Governor informed the guests that Anambra has the highest population density per square kilometre in Nigeria. He also stressed that Anambra ranks as the number one out of the 17 southern states of Nigeria on the ease of doing business. He described Anambra State as a “locational hub.”

The Chairman of AfreximBank, Dr. Benedict Oramah, represented by Executive Vice-President Kanayo Awani, in his keynote speech highlighted the fact that Governor Soludo has ushered in a new lease of life into the state's growth trajectory, stating the readiness of AfreximBank to partner with Anambra State in a $400 million dollar industrial city project to bring export-oriented businesses into the state.

The Managing Director of ANSIPPA, Mr. Mark Okoye implored multi-faceted investors “to seize the wealth of investment opportunities and boundless opportunities in the state.” 

The Anambra Investment Summit which had the theme "Laying the Foundation for a Prosperous and Smart Mega City" featured panel discussions on “Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones”, “Unlocking Financing for Bankable Infrastructure Projects”, “Gas and Sustainable Energy Technology”, “Innovation and Business Incubation”, and “Role of Corporate Governance in Building Sustainable Businesses.”

The Summit was graced by Deputy Governor Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Captains of Industry, the Resident Coordinator of United Nations in Nigeria Mr. Mathias Schmale, World Bank Country Director Shubham Chaudhuri, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. CUI Jianchun, Minister of Women Affairs Barrister Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, Chairperson Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi Chapter, Lady Ada Chukwudozie etc.

 

 

 

 

 

You can reach us on 0803 246 9817 or obimeze@gmail.com