Anambra state government says it will launch a special action against crimes and criminalities any moment from now so as to uphold ease of doing business in the state.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo made this known during the grand finale of 2024 Press week and Man of the Year award of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra state council, at Godwin Ezemo International Press Center, Awka.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, Governor Soludo said that government is aware of all the plans by hoodlums to disrupt the peaceful environment being enjoyed by Ndi Anambra but said that he can no longer allow them to ruin what he has achieved so far.
The Governor said that the state was bedevilled by insecurity before he assumed office and he has been on his toes to bring the situation under control and announced that some time soon, he will unveil a plan that will bring lasting solution to the problem of insecurity in the state.
He said that Anambra will experience yuletide like never before by the time he unveils his plans against insecurity, urging all to continue to support and pray for his administration as he brings to bare, his lofty plans for the state.
He continued that even in the face of the insecurity, his government has not relented in dishing out dividends of democracy to the people as has been working on infrastructural development of the state in terms of road construction, provision of pipe borne water, creating employment, award of free education for basic and secondary school students, free antenatal and free delivery, all to make life easier for state citizenry.
The Governor said he will continue to partner with journalists in the state to ensure that Ndi Anambra are well abreast of his programmes and policies.
In a keynote speech, Dr Monday Ashibong who dwelt on the theme of the event “The Media, and Trajectories for Anambra’s Future in a Dwindling Economy” said that the media as critical stakeholder in the economic recovery of Anambra state and Nigeria in general, has a role to play in reshaping the economy through their reportage.
The National President of NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, represented by the Vice President South East of the Union, Comrade Emma Ifesinachi, noted that the role of the media in driving the society cannot be overemphasized, calling on government at all levels to support the media in its work.
In a goodwill message, the Anambra state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, saying that Anambra NUJ is doing very well in terms of dissemination of information, and called on government to support the council’s programmes and policies.
The Chairman of NUJ, Anambra state council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu while receiving those who came to felicitate NUJ, highlighted some of his achievements in the past three years and, appealed to government and individuals to the council in some critical areas that need attention.
The Chairman on the occasion and the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria, Professor Stella Okunna in an opening speech, explained that the media is very vital to the socio-economic well-being of any society, urging journalists in Anambra to continue with the good work.
The Chairman of the planning committee of the 2024 NUJ Press Week and Man of the Year Award , Mrs Njideka Ezeonyejiaku said though the planning was very stressful she is happy that it was a successful outing, appreciating all who was part of the process.
The wife of Anambra state Governor Mrs Nonye Soludo received the Most Supportive Wife of the Governor award and Voice of the Voiceless in the South East; the Traditional Ruler of Alor, Igwe MacAnthony Okonkwo was awarded with the NUJ 2024 Philanthropist of the year while, Prince Chinedu Umeadi was awarded NUJ man of the year 2024.
Emma Elekwa of the Nation Newspapers won the 2024 Professor Stella Okunna Ethical Journalist award.
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