The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has approved the release of N6.154 billion as counterpart funding for the state’s Universal Basic Education (UBE) matching grants for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
This was disclosed in Awka by the Chairperson of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Vera Nwadinobi, during a briefing with journalists.
According to Nwadinobi, the state’s contribution will enable Anambra to access an equivalent amount of N6.154 billion from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), bringing the total intervention fund to N12.308 billion.
She explained that the funds would be deployed for a wide range of basic education improvement projects across the state. These include the construction of new classrooms, renovation of existing but dilapidated structures, provision of furniture, and installation of water and sanitation facilities in both primary and junior secondary schools.
“In addition to infrastructure, the funds will also support the provision of perimeter fencing, ICT equipment, agricultural education tools, and sports facilities, all aimed at creating a more conducive teaching and learning environment,” Nwadinobi said.
She commended Governor Soludo for his steadfast commitment to the education sector, describing his support as a major boost for the board’s mandate.
“Governor Soludo has continued to demonstrate unwavering support for basic education in the state. His prompt approval of these funds is a testament to his administration’s resolve to uplift educational standards and ensure every child has access to quality learning,” the Chairperson added.
Mass Burial of Communal Crisis Victims
In another development, Governor Soludo, approved a N15 million fund to support the mass burial of 43 victims who lost their lives during the communal crisis that erupted in Ogwuaniocha community, Ogbaru Local Government Area, in 2021.
The crisis reportedly began following the discovery of oil in the community, which led to violent clashes among rival factions disputing control over the oil proceeds. The unrest was further aggravated by the kidnapping of the community’s traditional ruler, Oliver Nnaji, in November 2021. His whereabouts remain unknown to this day.
The State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Anthony Ifeanya, on Saturday, presented the cheque to Vitalis Ekweanua, President-General of the Ogwuaniocha Progressives Association, on behalf of Governor Soludo. The presentation took place in Awka, attended by community elders and other key stakeholders.
Commending the community for its efforts to end the conflict and restore peace, Commissioner Ifeanya stated, “The governor is committed to visiting Ogwuaniocha with developmental projects. The state government assures that Ogwuaniocha will receive everything due to it as the host community under our watch.”
In his response, President-General Vitalis Ekweanua disclosed that the community, in a bid to foster reconciliation and healing, sourced funds independently to hold the mass burial for the 43 deceased on April 20, 2025. He expressed profound gratitude to Governor Soludo for the government’s support.
However, Ekweanua lamented that despite the restoration of peace, Ogwuaniocha remains largely deserted. “While the N15 million support is a welcome development, the community urgently requires more government intervention in infrastructure and social services,” he said.
He revealed the devastating impact of the crisis on the community’s social fabric: “Our children no longer attend school, as all primary and secondary schools were destroyed during the conflict. Approximately 90 percent of houses, including mine, were destroyed beyond repair. Our healthcare facilities have also been severely affected.”
Ekweanua further highlighted environmental and economic challenges facing Ogwuaniocha. “Since the commencement of oil operations, farming and fishing, the community’s main livelihoods, have ceased due to oil spillages, with no compensation paid,” he added.
The President-General called on Governor Soludo to urgently intervene, rebuild critical infrastructure, and construct a bridge over the Ulasi River to connect Umunankwo to Ihiala Local Government Area, stating, “This development would help the community regain its lost glory.”
He concluded with a pledge of political support: “Governor Soludo is a God-sent leader for Anambra. We will support him with 100 percent votes to ensure his victory in the November 8, 2025 governorship election.”
The cheque presentation was also attended by Owelle Nnaji, representative of the kidnapped traditional ruler, community women’s leader Mrs. Appolonia Ezenwa, and the youth president, Uchenna Onyedi.