Anambra Declares Environmental Lockdown, Sets Up N200bn Investment Fund

The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) has reaffirmed the state of emergency on the environment, approved the establishment of a N200 billion investment fund, endorsed the second cohort of the Code Anambra Digital Talents Mastery Programme and approved funding for the restoration of electricity to parts of Uli community.

The decisions were reached at the fourth meeting of the second-term State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the Light House, Awka, according to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor.

As part of efforts to tackle environmental degradation, the council announced a statewide environmental sanitation exercise to begin on Saturday, July 4, between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., during which movement will be restricted to enable desilting of drains and evacuation of waste.

"The Council reaffirmed the state of emergency on the environment due to widespread environmental devastation."

The statement said only security agencies, health workers, ambulances, journalists, the fire service and other personnel on essential duties would be exempted from the restriction.

The council also approved a N200 billion capital base for the Anambra Development and Investment Corporation (ADIC), with the state government committing to invest up to 30 per cent of the capital.

According to the statement, identified state assets will be transferred to ADIC to strengthen its operations, while the corporation is expected to launch a government-private sector partnership to mobilise development funds and provide an attractive investment platform for individuals and corporate organisations.

The council further approved the commencement of Code Anambra Digital Talents Mastery Cohort 2 to be implemented by the Solution Innovation District (SID), following the success of the first cohort and the growing demand for digital skills.

"SID is the Soludo Government's hub for technology and innovation. It trains, incubates, mentors and supports innovators, startups, tech companies and entrepreneurs to deliver solutions for Anambra's survival, growth and technological future."

In addition, ANSEC approved the release of N315.46 million for the restoration of electricity to parts of Uli community and the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Chinweoke Mbadinuju Campus, Uli.

The statement said the contract for the electricity restoration project was awarded to Urban Prime Nig. Ltd.