American Markets Justle For Anambra Vegetable Supplies
Arrangements have been concluded for Anambra state to commence exportation of vegetables to the United States of America (USA) very soon.
The hint was dropped by Gov Willie Obiano when he received the Executive Members of the National Council for Women Societies who paid him a courtesy visit in Awka at the weekend.
Gov Obiano revealed that the freight operators responsible for the conveyance of the agriculture produce to the United Kingdom, had recently secured the license to take same into the USA because of the high grade and quality of the vegetables and the sanitary situation of the farms where they were being harvested.
According to him, this was achieved through his administration's deliberate efforts to put the necessary measures in place to ensure traceability of the farmers/products, provision of improved seedlings to the farmers and adequate trainings for them in collaboration with a European Union team on how to meet export standards.
The Governor said the development remains a milestone for the state considering the current naira to dollar exchange rate, and explained that it was also a sure way of coming out of the recession which the country has been plunged into.
He emphasized that issues bordering on the welfare of women have been a priority of his administration and that numerous measures have been put in place to ensure effective women participation in governance and government's empowerment programmes.
These measures he noted included ensuring that 60 percent of the total N1.5 billion the state government distributed through Anambra Small Business Agency(ASBA)to Small and Medium Enterprises, goes to women as well as supporting women to play a key role in the state's now famous agriculture export businesses.
The governor affirmed that he would continue to provide necessary assistance to the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative, CAFEI program of his wife, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu to guarantee greater impact especially on the lives of rural and vulnerable women in the State.
Earlier, the National President of the Council, Chief Gloria Laraba-shoda revealed that the council is at the vanguard of promoting gender-friendly policies and effective women inclusion in policy making positions in the country and explained that the visit was to seek increased partnership with the state government towards improving the lives of women, girls and vulnerable children in the Anambra state.
She applauded the state government's efforts with the four key development pillars especially Agriculture, its recent economic stimulus package as well as the CAFEI Initiative of the governor's wife, adding that the cumulative effect of the well-articulated programmes of the Obiano administration will have far reaching positive implications on the economy and lives of citizens of the state.
2: 2017: 45 COMMUNITIES IN AGUATA UNION ASSURES OBIANO OF REELECTION
*as Gov Obiano discloses massive road projects once rains stops
By Kingsley Ezekwelu
The re-election bid of Gov Willie Obiano yesterday received a major boost with an endorsement by communities in the Old Aguata area.
The endorsement was handed down at a grand reception organized for the governor by the communities at Ekwulobia Township stadium, Aguata council area.
The Old Aguata Region is made up of 45 Communities drawn from Aguata, Orumba North, Orumba South, parts of Anaocha and Nnewi South councils of the state, and controls more than 40 percent of the total population of the entire state.
The Governor was conferred with the Chieftaincy title of "Agunechemba" by the collective Traditional Rulers in the region at the occasion.
It was well-attended by all the big wigs in the region including the former vice-president, Dr Alex Ekwueme, former Governor, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, amongst others.
It was also used to honour eminent sons and daughters of the region who have distinguished themselves in various spheres of human endeavor.
The visibly elated Governor thanked them immensely for the honour and their support towards his administration. He restated his commitment towards fulfilling his social contract with Ndi Anambra.
Gov Obiano announced that the state government will commence aggressive construction of roads in the area immediately the rain recedes.
The former governor, Dr Ezeife, in his remarks commended the governor for his impressive security initiative which has made the State the safest in the country. He also praised his coordinated approach towards development and stressed the need for people of the Region in particular and the state generally to be united so as to remain a formidable force to reckon with in the political arena.
The chairman of the reception Organising Committee, Chief Titus Anigbogu said the event marks a milestone in the quest for political equity in the state, adding that the governor has justified the mandate given him by Ndi Anambra despite the prevailing harsh economic times and as such deserve a second term in office.
A Member of the state Assembly representing Aguata One Constituency, Dr Ikechukwu Umeh; the Provost, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Dr Ego Uzoezie and a Community leader from Achina, Chief Dom Eze in their comments observed that such events which recognises and rewards excellence and service to humanity, will guarantee that the region continues to produce persons of integrity in future.