The Anambra State Government has issued a ban on all social events, including weddings, burials, and entertainment shows, from being held on public school premises.
News About Nigeria reports that this directive was announced on Saturday by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu.
The statement mentioned that the government intends to protect school properties from damage, warning school principals and head teachers against using school facilities for commercial purposes.
“This is a warning to all principals and head teachers to desist from using school premises as commercial ventures,” the statement read.
The commissioner further cautioned that any school official found violating this order would face severe consequences.
In a separate development, the Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has declared an indefinite strike following the kidnapping of a medical doctor, Dr. Stephen Ezeh, who has been held captive for nine days.
The NMA issued the strike order across all private and public hospitals in the state after the ultimatum given to the state government and security agencies expired without Dr. Ezeh’s release.
In a statement signed by the NMA’s Chairman, Dr. Princeston Okam, and Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Obiaeli, the association urged all doctors to withdraw their services until their colleague is released.
The NMA also stated that it would monitor compliance with the strike and take action against non-compliant hospitals and members.
The association called on the state government to activate all necessary security measures to ensure the timely and unconditional release of Dr. Ezeh.
While acknowledging the hardship the strike may cause, the NMA appealed to the government to expedite efforts to secure the doctor’s release to restore normalcy in the healthcare system.
The NMA commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, for their efforts in improving healthcare delivery and security in the state and also praised the doctors for their dedication to providing quality healthcare to the people of Anambra.
