Jeff Nweke
Column

ANCISRO Clocks One, Recounts Year of Engaging Momentum

Opinion

Monday, September 1, 2025 marks the first anniversary of Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO).

Established on September 1 2024, in the Office of the Governor of Anambra State by Gov. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, ANCISRO literally hit the ground running. Coming three after the highly vexed Anambra State local government councils’ election, the Office sprang to the task with public and media interventions on the polls. With articles, broadcasts, films, jingles and unprecedented social communication vigour the new office articulated, promoted and persuaded Ndi Anambra to accept the civic event. Bouyed by the boarding success the agency launched ahead, surefooted.

Ever since its creation, ANCISRO has homed-in on several social campaign projects. As the Office marked its first year with the cutting of her anniversary cake, the Managing Director, Chuka I. Nnabuife used the opportunity to address members of the media and friends of the establishment in attendance.

Sir Chuka highlighted about 24 activities ANCISRO has shouldered within the last 12 months and said all credits should be given to Gov. Soludo who initiated and established the innovation social intervention agency and gave him and his team the opportunity to work in it.

The chief executive described ANCISRO as an agency that has come at its appropriate time given the extent of social decadence, internet-promoted false lifestyle and general disregard for noble values in society currently. He emphasised ANCISRO’s keenness for ensuring that the society retains core Anambra values and the real ethical standards of enterprising Igbo people not the current ethos of Yahoo-Yahoo, Yahoo Plus, Oke Ite, doing drugs and other trending misrepresentation of the society in contemporary times.

Nnabuife hinted that with a strong ANCISRO, discomforting trends such as election rigging, vote-selling, vote-buying, voter-apathy would be drastically reduced. Similarly, peoples’ disenchantment with their civic responsibilities would reseed to a thing of the past.

The ANCISRO helmsman said his Office works round-the-clock to evolve creative and innovative ways of making positive changes happen in society.

Nnabuife reeled out ANCISRO’s feats thusly in his account of stewardship entitled, ‘Report on the Activities of the Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO)’. Excerpts:

Period Under Review: September 2024 – August 2025

Introduction

On Monday, 1 September 2025, the Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO), an agency under the Office of the Governor of Anambra State, will mark its first anniversary.

Although no elaborate celebrations are planned, the Office has, within its inaugural year, recorded remarkable achievements. It has emerged as a strong advocate for cultural renewal and values reorientation among Ndi Anambra, championing civic responsibility, social consciousness, and sustainable development.

Through short films, books, lectures, street campaigns, radio jingles, podcasts, and school outreach programmes, ANCISRO has worked consistently to strengthen the relationship between the state and society, instil civic values, and inspire hope—particularly among young people.

This report presents ANCISRO’s key activities over the period under review, arranged chronologically.

Chronology of Activities

August – November 2024

State-wide Broadcast and Podcast Campaign on Local Government Elections
In the build-up to and aftermath of the 27 August 2024 Local Government Elections, ANCISRO produced radio and podcast campaigns in both Igbo and English. The initiative sensitised Ndi Anambra on the importance of grassroots governance, emphasising the local government as the bedrock of development, and encouraging citizens to vote and support democratic institutions.

Newspaper and Social Media Publications
Five articles (four pre-election and one post-election) were published, promoting civic participation in the polls.

December 2024

Short Film on Infrastructural Development
ANCISRO produced a film highlighting infrastructural progress and new policies, encouraging returnees and visitors during the Yuletide to respect state laws and embrace social responsibility.

Public Enlightenment on Burning of Tyres
On 28 December 2024, jingles (in English and Igbo) were released condemning the burning of tyres on tarred roads during New Year festivities. The campaign significantly reduced the practice.

End-of-Year Forum and Inaugural Lecture Series
The Office hosted its maiden End-of-Year Forum, themed “Anambra Values… Marking Yuletide with the Solution Agenda”. Keynote speaker, Dr Akachukwu Maduakolam (LLD), alongside other stakeholders, reflected on core values and the Solution Agenda. This initiative inaugurated ANCISRO’s quarterly lecture series.

 

January – March 2025

Campaign Against Indiscriminate Waste Disposal
Jingles were broadcast across radio and social media warning against refuse dumping in drains and waterways, stressing the health, safety, and environmental hazards.

Jingles on Family and Parenting Values
In early 2025, ANCISRO released jingles advocating discipline in parenting and family value reformation.

Keynote Lecture at Catholic Men Organisation Retreat
In February, the Managing Director delivered a lecture titled “Why Baptised Catholics Leave the Catholic Church: The Role of Fathers” at the Catholic Men Organisation retreat, Awka Deanery 1.

April 2025

Workshops and Community Engagements
Workshops were facilitated with youth, women, and faith-based groups, including St Thomas Aquinas Parish, ASATU Youth Forum (Ayamelum LGA), One Youth Two Skills Solution (Mgbakwu), among others.

Keynote at Ihiala Students’ Forum
The Managing Director delivered the keynote address at the Ihiala LGA Students’ Interactive Forum, Okija.

Book Projects Completed (April – June)

1. A Book of Values for Secondary School Pupils – instilling discipline, responsibility, and civic consciousness.

2. A Book on Governor Soludo’s Leadership – highlighting the Governor’s vision and values-driven governance.

May 2025

Town Hall Forum
The Managing Director presented the keynote at the Ihiala LGA State Constituency 2 Town Hall Forum, held at St Mary Hall, Okija.

International Day of the Boy Child Summit
On 29 May 2025, ANCISRO convened the first South-East event to mark the International Day of the Boy Child, themed “Boys Today, Great Men Tomorrow”. Delegates from secondary schools attended, with experts mentoring boys on discipline, responsibility, and preparation for manhood.

June 2025

Waste Management Seminar
The Managing Director was a panel discussant at the Ministry of Environment/ASWAMA Waste Management Seminar, Meloch Hotel, Awka.

Flood Awareness Campaign
Following severe flooding on 3 June in Awka, Onitsha and other areas, ANCISRO produced a short film analysing its causes, dangers, and preventive measures.

Secondary School Outreach on Social Vices
On 10 June 2025, ANCISRO commenced school outreach programmes across the state. The first phase covered 12 schools (11 in Awka and one in Ukpo, Dunukofia LGA). Topics included drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, teenage pregnancy, get-rich-quick trends, and false lifestyles. The theme was “The Deception of What You See and the Reality of What It Is”.

July 2025

Voter Registration Awareness Campaign
In response to low turnout in voter registration for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections, ANCISRO launched a state-wide mobilisation drive. Campaigns visited markets, motor parks, schools, INEC centres, and held roadshows to encourage registration, yielding significant impact.

August 2025

By-Election Voter Education
Ahead of the 16 August 2025 by-elections (Anambra South Senatorial Zone and Onitsha North Constituency), ANCISRO produced and broadcast a short film encouraging participation. The campaign contributed to an impressive voter turnout.

Kukah Foundation/European Union Election Discourse
On 22 August 2025, ANCISRO participated in a gubernatorial election discourse organised by the Kukah Foundation, the National Peace Committee, and the EU, at Golden Tulip Hotel, Awka.

Lecture for NYSC Financial Inclusion CDS Group
On 23 August 2025, the Managing Director delivered a lecture titled “Money Is a Tool, Not the Meaning of Life” to National Youth Service Corps members serving in Awka metropolis.

Continuous and Ongoing Activities (August 2024 – August 2025)

Media Engagements: Regular television and radio discussions on civic reformation issues.

Conferences and Seminars: Presentations at professional and civic gatherings, including the Society of Nigerian Artists National Executive Conference (TrigPoint Hotel, Nibo) and the Anambra Session of Life in My City Art Festival (Awka Museum).

Digital Engagement: Development of strong online platforms to promote civic and social values.

Publications and Interventions: Numerous articles, blogs, jingles, and commentaries promoting good governance, discipline, hard work, cultural values, and social responsibility.

 

Impact Summary

Over 1 million people reached via radio, television, and social media.

More than 10,000 students engaged through school outreach programmes.

Participation in over a dozen conferences and seminars across the state.

Collaboration with four Anambra-based civil society organisations.

Production of 20+ jingles, films, and publications shaping public behaviour.

Conclusion

In its first year of operation, ANCISRO has established itself as a dynamic institution driving civic and social reformation in Anambra State. By integrating cultural advocacy with modern communication strategies, it has inspired citizens—particularly young people—to embrace individual and social responsibility, discipline, and values-driven approaches to development.

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Willie Obiano birthday

By Ifeizu Joe

Ifeizu is a seasoned journalist and Managing Editor of TheRazor. He has wide knowledge of Anambra State and has reported the state objectively for over a decade.

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