Anambra Speaker enrols 300 constituents into state health insurance scheme

The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly and Member representing Ogbaru Two Constituency, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, has enrolled 300 constituents into the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIA).The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly and Member representing Ogbaru Two Constituency, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, has enrolled 300 constituents into the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIA).

Udeze also empowered other constituents with sewing machines, grinding machines, and farming inputs to enable them to become self-reliant within the constituency.

The empowerment programme took place on Saturday at Atani, the headquarters of Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state, during a town hall meeting organized by the Speaker to showcase his legislative stewardship within 22 months in office.

With the theme “My Stewardship, Your Voice: A Report to the People,” Rt. Hon. Udeze highlighted that under his leadership, the 8th Assembly has passed 42 bills, with 24 signed into law by the Governor. He noted key bills beneficial to the Ogbaru people, including the Anambra State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission Law (ANSOGPADEC), the Anambra State Electricity Law, the Homeland Security Law, and others targeted at socio-economic development.

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

The Speaker lauded Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for constructing 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 area of health, the Speaker said his achievements include the construction and refurbishment of five health centers, medical outreaches, and the enrollment of families into ASHIA. He added that over 30 health workers have been recruited through his facilitation, with more recruitment expected.

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

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

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