By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, has restated the determination of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration to leverage technology as a driving force for good governance, economic growth, and improved service delivery in the state; while also restating the Agency’s commitment to building a digitally transformed Anambra where technology drives governance, transparency, and citizen engagement.
Mr. Agbata made this known at the October Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, which held on Wednesday at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, in Awka, Anambra State capital. The event, which attracted journalists, media executives, and ICT stakeholders, featured special lectures and interactions with journalists, also provided a platform to highlight the state’s bold strides in digital transformation, as well as the progress and innovations so far achieved by the ICT Agency under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Agbata, who is also the Convener of Geeks and Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS), traced his early journey in the media as a blogger, columnist with Punch Newspapers, and television host on Channels TV, before taking up the ICT leadership role. He hinted on the pivotal role of technology in reshaping governance and narrated how the Agency has digitized government processes, enabled seamless communication between citizens and government, and embraced the “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” agenda of Governor Soludo.
He cited some key innovations such as the waiver of Right-of-Way charges which has now attracted many private broadband investors, deployment of fibre optic cables, ICT training and distribution of over 2500 laptops, printers and other computer accessories to civil servants in different MDAs; harmonization of that state’s MDAs’ websites with unique website extension; the ongoing expansion of 5G infrastructure which has significantly improved internet access across the state, provision of over 45 free/public Solution free Wi-Fi hotspots across different locations in the state, ranging from public institutions, to urban centres, including Aroma Junction, State Secretariat, among others. Describing these as examples of the Soludo Administration’s drive to close the digital divide, he said they also enhance business and educational activities while also boosting the economy.
Further highlighting other specific projects, the ICT Boss mentioned the introduction of Anambra Cloud for secure digital asset storage, the state’s E-ID Card Platform for integrated service access, smart school programmes, land digitization through ANAMGIS, and advanced cybersecurity frameworks to protect government infrastructure. While confirming that Anambra has largely embraced e-governance, given the digitization of government activities, Agbata also revealed that the era of sharing several papers at the State Executive Council Meeting was long over in the state.
According to him, these initiatives and innovations not only make governance more efficient and inclusive, but also empower youths, entrepreneurs, and communities with opportunities to innovate and compete globally.
Fielding questions from newsmen, he revealed the Agency’s vision and efforts so far towards extending its impacts to such key areas as e-voting at local government elections in the state, crime fighting and tracking, assisting the disability community, improving the free Solution WiFi connectivity and speed, ICT training, as well as ensuring the sustainability of the Agency’s innovations even after the Soludo Administration. He also restated that the ICT Agency remains data-driven and focused on delivering every digital promise in the Governor’s manifesto, as Anambra steadily emerges as a leading digital economy in Nigeria.
Earlier in a lecture, a Mass Communication Scholar, Dr. Azubike Nkala, who spoke on “Beyond the Paycheck: Finding Meaning in Retirement Through Self-Improvement and Entrepreneurship”, highlighted the peculiar challenges facing journalists in Anambra State, noting that the level of urbanization, infrastructural development, and income distribution remains low compared to global media hubs like Lagos, New York, or London.
According to him, these conditions have made journalism in the state not only arduous but economically burdensome, with journalists often facing poor wages, limited pensions, and a lack of resources to practice their profession efficiently. He observed that despite constitutional guarantees of press freedom in Nigeria, including Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, and international precedents from Britain and America, journalists frequently confront systemic hurdles, harassment, and threats while performing their duties. These challenges, he stressed, contribute to the prevalence of unethical practices such as the “brown envelope syndrome,” which is largely a symptom of economic necessity rather than professional compromise.
Recounting his personal experiences, Dr. Nkala, who was also a member of the Editorial Board of the defunct Orient Daily Newspaper and former H.O.D. of Mass Communication at the Paul University, Awka, further urged journalists to plan strategically for their future by embracing continuous learning, capacity building, and entrepreneurship. He advised media practitioners to pursue advanced degrees, diversify income streams, and create financial safety nets, such as cooperative funds, microfinance initiatives, and investment pools, to safeguard against old age poverty and occupational vulnerability.
Highlighting the plight of retired journalists, he warned that many face debilitating health conditions and financial hardship due to the lack of terminal benefits, inadequate funding, and limited societal support. He concluded with a call for unity among media organizations and journalists’ unions to establish sustainable structures that empower journalists to thrive both during and after their careers, emphasizing that self-improvement, education, and forward-looking financial planning are essential for long-term professional dignity and stability.
Also speaking, a stakeholder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and former Chief of Staff to Ex-Governor Willie Obiano, Chief Primus Odili, reassured journalists of his maximum support for the Union while emphasizing the critical role of the press in shaping society. He urged media practitioners to always verify information before publication, and to remain committed to truth and accountability, further reminding them that the voice of the people is the voice of God.
Politically speaking, Chief Odili, who is also the Convener of Okosisi for Soludo credited APGA with significant progress in Anambra, noting that prior to Peter Obi’s administration, some House of Assembly members had not even attended secondary school. He highlighted how Governor Obi began rebuilding the state, laying strong foundations under the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS), which were further advanced by Governor Obiano and are now being excellently continued by Governor Soludo. Stressing the continuity and consistency of APGA governments, he affirmed that Soludo has built on the good work of his predecessors, maintaining the trajectory of development and enhancing the state’s progress. He attested that APGA government has indeed done well in Anambra and therefore deserves to continue.
In her remarks, a Communication Scholar and NUJ Matriarch, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, commended the Union for its consistency in organizing purposeful congresses and described journalists as the conscience of society whose duty must be guided by truth and fairness. She encouraged practitioners to remain committed to ethical standards despite the challenges of the profession, and further urged them to embrace continuous learning and capacity building as tools for professional relevance and sustainability.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of NUJ Anambra State Council, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, expressed gratitude to the guest speakers, stakeholders, and journalists for their participation, noting that their presence and contributions enriched the Congress. He further reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to fostering unity, strengthening professionalism, and ensuring that Anambra journalists remain a formidable force in promoting good governance and societal development.
The Congress also featured presentation of cash prize to the NUJ football team for their exceptional performance in their last outing ahead of 2025 NUJ Week; even as the Council also announced plans to organize debates (tentatively on October 8 and October 15) for the governorship and deputy governorship candidates respectively, ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election in the state.
More photos from the event:
