Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS) has unveiled plans to return over 2,500 children of its members to public schools across the state.
To achieve this, the Education Committee of the association has created a comprehensive database and commenced a demographic study of school-age children of members who are currently out of school, with a view to enrolling them in public schools.
The initiative, tagged “Education for Our Future,” is part of ANIAS’ partnership with the administration of Governor Charles Soludo in support of the state’s Free Education Policy.
Speaking during the End-of-Year Party and Award Presentation organized by residents of Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe States in Anambra, the President of ANIAS, Prince Chigozie Nweke, said the programme is designed to complement the Soludo administration’s free education policy from primary school through Senior Secondary School Three (SS3).
“We are targeting over 2,500 of our children and relatives who are currently out of school. We have made provisions for books and school bags, and by January and February, we will ensure that they return to school. Education is free in Anambra State, and we must leverage what the governor is doing so our members can benefit fully from this policy,” he said.
Prince Nweke added that the Education Committee has already begun intensive work, including a headcount of out-of-school children and engagements with relevant authorities to facilitate smooth enrollment.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the four states resident in Anambra State—Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe—Dr. Daniel Ibrahim Balami, emphasized that the core objective of the association is to promote unity and welfare among its members.
“The primary aim of our association is to live in harmony and promote the welfare of all members. Regardless of our backgrounds, we believe in mutual support, peaceful coexistence and collective advancement. This is the spirit that binds us together,” he stated.
Dr. Balami further noted that membership of the association is open to all indigenes of Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe States (ABTY) residing in Anambra State, urging more people to join to strengthen unity and collective progress.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of Awards of Excellence to nine individuals, including the Assistant Police Commissioner NA Kaila, Commander of MOPOL 29, Awka, and the President of ANIAS, Prince Chigozie Nweke, in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
