By Stella Anekwe
The Anambra State Head of Service, Ngozi Anuli Iwouno Esq, on April 1, paid an unscheduled visit to the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare to assess the level of compliance with the directive on environmental sanitation across ministries.
During the visit, she directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Chinwe Achugbu, to ensure full compliance with the circular issued by her office, particularly on the disposal and assessment of defective office equipment, as well as adherence to general cleaning standards. The directive, she noted, follows the recent unscheduled visit by the State Governor to the Secretariat.
The Head of Service expressed concern over the presence of obsolete and defective equipment still littering the ministry’s environment. She described the level of untidiness observed as unsatisfactory and called for immediate improvement and strict adherence to sanitation guidelines.
Despite her concerns, she commended the Permanent Secretary for the impressive staff turnout, noting that it reflects compliance with the resolution of the College of Permanent Secretaries on improved staff attendance and workplace cleanliness.
In her remarks, she stated: “This environment is not as clean as expected, especially from a Ministry of Women Affairs where cleanliness should be exemplary. However, it is a continuous process, and we expect noticeable improvement during subsequent visits. While some areas are clean, overgrown grasses and other lapses must be addressed.”
At the Child Development Department, the Head of Service acknowledged the relative neatness of the office but raised concerns over poor document arrangement and dirty windows, noting that such conditions pose health risks and fall short of expected standards.
She further advised the ministry to designate a proper waste disposal site to prevent indiscriminate dumping of refuse within the premises.
Responding on behalf of the Ministry, the Head of Administration, Mrs. Nkem Chukwura, commended the State Government’s vision of a clean, green, and livable Anambra. She emphasized that the ongoing sanitation exercise is aimed at promoting a healthier environment, adding that efforts are being made to recycle plastics and nylons due to their harmful environmental impact.
“We are fully aligned with the Governor’s initiative for a clean, green, and livable Anambra State. Staff are actively participating in maintaining a healthy environment,” she said.
Also speaking, the Acting Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Chioma Ezechukwu, noted that the Head of Service acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts but encouraged staff to intensify their commitment to environmental cleanliness.
In his remarks, the Assistant Chief Statistics Officer in the Public Relations Department, Mr. Osita Okoro Ikechukwu, described the visit as unprecedented in his over two decades of service. He applauded the proactive approach of the Head of Service and called for sustained efforts to promote clean and healthy workplaces in line with the Governor’s vision.
More photos below.
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