Anambra: Speaker enrols 300 constituents into health insurance scheme, empowers farmers, artisans

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By Madu Obi

The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Somtochukwu Udeze has enrolled 300 people in his constituency into the Anambra State Health insurance Agency, ASHIA, as part of his efforts to expose them to quality healthcare services.

Speaking during a town hall meeting with his constituents at Atani, headquarters of Ogbaru local government area, Udeze, who is the member representing Ogbaru Two Constituency also empowered hundreds of farmers and artisans with farming instruments, sewing and grinding machines to uplift their standard of living.

With the theme, "My Stewardship, Your Voice: A Report to the People," Udeze gave a comprehensive account of his legislative stewardship, infrastructural interventions, and empowerment initiatives spanning his 22-month tenure in office.

He highlighted that under his leadership, the 8th Assembly has passed 42 bills, with 24 signed into law by the governor, noting that some of the key bills beneficial to Ogbaru people, include the Anambra State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission Law (ANSOGPADEC), Anambra State Electricity Law, Homeland Security Law, and others targeted at socio-economic development.

He lamented the negative impact of insecurity in the constituency, particularly in communities such as Ogwuaniocha, Ossomala, Umunankwo, and Atani and said that interventions such as the renovation of police stations, support to the Ogbaru Strike Force, and the establishment of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) and Operation UdoGaChi, have begun to yield positive results.

The Speaker commended Governor Soludo for the construction of the 11 km Atani-Ozubulu road with a new bridge while also referencing ongoing evaluations for the rehabilitation of several failed road portions, including those in Iyiowa Layout and Amiyi-Umuzu.

In the health sector, the Speaker said his achievements include the construction and refurbishment of five health centers, medical outreaches, the enrollment of families into the ASHIA, adding that over 30 health workers were also recruited through his facilitation, with more recruitment expected.

He disclosed that efforts are underway to reconnect Ogwu-Ikpele, Akili-Ogidi, and Obeagwe communities to the national grid, following years of power outage caused by vandalism, while also mentioning other interventions in education, agriculture, and youth empowerment.

The traditional ruler of Atani, Igwe Azuka Ngoddy and Chairman of Ogbaru local government area, Mr. Kenneth Akwuobi appreciated the speaker for his ongoing efforts in developing the area and urged the people to join hands with him in the interest of peace and progress in Ogbaru.

The event attracted traditional rulers in Ogbaru, the Anglican Bishop of Ogbaru Diocese, Right Reverend Prosper Amah represented by Venerable Edozie Onwunyi, Managing Director of ASHIA, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, and the National Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, represented by Honourable Ken Anazodo, among others.