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By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the November 8 Anambra State election, Ozo Jeff Nweke, has called on fellow contestants to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement and eschew the politics of calumny and character assassination. Addressing reporters in Awka, Nweke emphasized that the electioneering period should be devoted to presenting concrete plans and programmes to the electorate, rather than blackmailing opponents to gain political advantage. He said: "The essence of political campaign should not be to malign, insult, or engage in needless altercations with opponents. Rather, it should be a season to articulate and present our developmental blueprints to the people of Anambra State. Candidates should focus on how they intend to improve critical areas such as security, education, taxation, economic development, and the welfare of citizens. We should be talking about plan to tackle the rising cases of kidnapping and killings and strategies for addressing the multiple taxation that is crippling small businesses and discouraging entrepreneurship in the state. We should also concern ourselves with how we intend to reform the education sector, boost public welfare, attract investors, and create jobs for our teeming youth population. These are the real issues that should dominate our political discourse, not name-calling or mudslinging.” According to him, anything short of issue-based engagement would amount to politics of bitterness, a practice, he said, the people of Anambra neither need, nor deserve at this critical time. Citing the recent online attacks over a video of Governor Chukwuma Soludo dancing with his son to a song the son composed, Nweke condemned the criticism, describing it as "despicable and unwarranted." “Governor Soludo is a family man. He has every right to share a moment of joy with his child. To ridicule him or the first family over such a harmless act is not only shameful, but smacks of moral bankruptcy,” he said. He urged political actors and their supporters to resist the temptation of using social media or other platforms to denigrate others in pursuit of cheap political gain. He explained that his campaign is focused on rescuing Anambra from the cycle of misrule and setting the state on a new trajectory of progress and inclusive development. “We are rolling out a robust blueprint, and as we engage with the people, we shall continue to unveil more", Nweke said.

By Madu Obi Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of goodwill and birthday wishes he received from across the globe as he marked his 64th birthday. His 64th birthday was marked across Nigeria and other parts of the world on Saturday, with community service and get-together. In a statement he issued from Rome on Sunday, Obi underscored his personal philosophy of eschewing lavish birthday celebrations in favour of redirecting resources to causes that uplift society. “I sincerely thank everyone for the outpouring of goodwill and birthday wishes I received worldwide. I remain deeply grateful to all who marked the day in one way or another - especially Nigerian youths, the Obidient family, and members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, known for their apostolate to the poor", Obi's statement read. Reiterating his long-standing stance on birthday celebrations, Obi noted that he has never celebrated birthdays in a personal or extravagant way, recounting how, during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, institutions and individuals made elaborate plans to mark his 50th birthday, but he redirected their goodwill towards community development. “One institution offered to build me a house in my village, costing ₦120 million. I asked them to, instead build classrooms in Agulu, Ekwulobia, and Abatete. They obliged and the impact was far-reaching,” he said. He also recalled how a group had budgeted ₦20 million for a party, which was redirected to the donation of 200 desktop computers distributed to schools across the state, while a similar gesture saw the provision of buses to various institutions, including the Old Rangers Association. He insisted that his approach remains the same: using the goodwill surrounding his birthdays to champion educational advancement, support for the underprivileged, and strengthening institutions Reflecting on the current state of the nation, Obi stated that the level of poverty and suffering in Nigeria makes personal celebration difficult, adding, “This is why I have once again requested that all who wish to celebrate me should instead channel their resources toward helping the poor or supporting our struggling health and educational institutions.” He further reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria, saying, “On my part, I have chosen this day to renew my personal commitment to continue supporting the institutions of state in the best way I can, especially those that directly serve the people.” “Providentially, I was in Rome, at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, and my birthday coincided with this visit. I used this sacred opportunity, as I always do when I am in Nigeria, to remember you all in prayer. I especially prayed for our beloved country, Nigeria - that God may touch the hearts of our leaders, and awaken in them the realization that public funds are meant for the public good," he said. He called on all Nigerians to remain steadfast in their pursuit of a more just, compassionate, and equitable society, stating, “May we all find strength and grace to keep striving,”.

Mrs. Soludo By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State and founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, Dr. Nonye Soludo has received a merit award from the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, for leading a healthy living revolution and advancing public health advocacy with her nongovernmental organization. The Anambra State branch of NMA presented the award to the state's first lady during its 2025 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Awka. According to the association, the governor's wife earned the rare honour as an appreciation for her tireless efforts as the foremost champion of healthy living and her outstanding contributions to the growth of the health sector in the state. It also noted that Mrs Soludo has consistently used her voice and position to protect child rights, promote infant and maternal health, and support women's empowerment. The NMA further explained that through her widely followed platforms, she is championing wellness, nutrition, and transformative social insights, reaching thousands of people with practical solutions. The governor's wife was the only female to be honoured by the professional association, which the association observed, is a clear indication of the phenomenal ratings that her movement has earned since it took off in the state over three years ago. The state Commissioner for Health and Coordinator of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, Dr. Afam Obidike, who received the award on behalf of the governor's wife, said that such honour could only inspire her to keep using her crusade to touch more lives. Obidike, who was also one of the awardees, commended the NMA for recognizing the efforts the governor's wife, who has used her NGO to make a significant impact by revolutionizing the concept and practice of healthy living across the length and breadth of the state.

By Madu Obi Former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Anambra State, Mr Valentine Ozigbo has said that he has every reason to be grateful to God for blessing him immensely in every sphere of life he had been involved in. The former Labour Party chieftain, who spoke during a thanksgiving Mass to mark his 55th birthday at St Joseph's Catholic Cathedral, Ekwulobia, Aguata local government area of Anambra State, added that despite his humble beginning, he has been richly blessed. Ozigbo, who is still contesting the outcome of the primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State in court, said he knows that God has not finished with him, noting that he will continue to serve God and humanity. He said: "I'm here to thank God for what he has done for me in the past 55 years. Today is not an accident, but a design. Sometimes I wonder why my mother gave me the name Chineto (God glorifies). From the day I was born, God knew what he wants to do with me. My early days were not rosy, but by God's design, I am what I am today. Where will I begin to glorify God? Is it what he did for me at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where I was the best graduating student in my faculty, or during my two Masters degree programmes where I made distinction? In the banking industry, God still did it for me and at Transcorps, he guided me to be one of the most celebrated CEO in the world. I therefore want everyone to thank God for me." Delivering the homily at the Mass, the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, urged Ozigbo to continue doing for people what God has directed him to do. "We give thanks to God for his grace over your life in the past 55 years. By His grace, many things will still happen in your life . We pray that you will continue to be a source of blessing to others. "In the church, you have done so much at the parish and diocesan levels. You have also done so in Lagos and Abuja and we ask God to bless you", the Bishop said.. He also prayed for Ozigbo's success in his political career so that Nigerians will benefit from his benevolence. "You are into politics and we pray that God will reward you as a politician because when you occupy a political position, the state and the country will benefit immensely. It's good that someone like you who wants to govern Anambra State is a good Christian. If one political door closes, another one will open for you and in the end, God will do it for you", the Cardinal prayed.. He, however, reminded Ozigbo that nobody is perfect in the sight of God and he should not cease to continue doing good to mankind, irrespective of obstacles on the way. No fewer than 50 priests, including the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Reverend Jonas Benson Okoye, joined Cardinal Okpaleke in celebrating the Mass. The celebration attracted dignitaries from within and outside the country, including traditional rulers, politicians, captains of industry.

By Madu Obi The Labour Party, LP, in Anambra State has celebrated its 2023 presidential candidate and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, on the occasion of his 64th birthday, describing him as “a moral compass in Nigeria’s political landscape” and “a living example of purposeful leadership.” In a statement, the State chairman of the party, Comrade Peter Okoye, praised Obi’s enduring contributions to governance, national development, and citizen empowerment, noting that his legacy has sparked “a peaceful revolution of conscience and credibility” across the country. Okoye said: “Mr. Obi is not just a symbol of the new Nigeria we all desire, but a living example of what it means to lead with integrity,” the statement read. From his transformative tenure as Governor of Anambra State, to his consistent advocacy on the national stage, Obi has continued to inspire millions through his commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline, and people-focused policies. Recalling Obi’s influence during the 2023 presidential election, the party stated that his candidacy rekindled hope among millions of Nigerians, especially the youths, who connected with his message of character, competence, and compassion. According to Okoye, Obi's campaign was never about tribe or religion, but about values, merit, and the urgent need to rebuild the country. He described Obi as a visionary leader and staunch advocate for education, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment, which were ideals he has consistently championed at both state and national levels. “Today, we celebrate not just the man, but the movement he has ignited,” Okoye said. “The people’s hope lives on", he stated.

By Madu Obi The Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned the recent open threat to the life and security of Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, by the Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, saying the governor is not showing a good example. Governor Okpebholo had, during an event in his state on Friday, urged Peter Obi not to visit Edo State without prior permission and security clearance, warning that his safety cannot be guaranteedif his warning is ignored. The governor's warning followed a visit by Obi to an institution in the state, during which he donated N15 million on the occasion. But describing the action as outrageous, shocking, uncouth and disappointing, the LP caucus emphasized that Mr. Peter Obi, like any other Nigerian citizen, has the constitutional right to visit any part of the country without fear of molestation, threat to life, or harm, as guaranteed under a democratic system. In a statement by its leader, Hon. Afam Ogene, the LP caucus strongly rebuked Governor Okpebholo, urging President Bola Tinubu to call him to order. According to Ogene, the governor's remarks were "uncivil, unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unbecoming of a public servant in such a high office". He said: "Mr. Peter Obi's philanthropic efforts nationwide embody his humanity and empathy for the people, transcending political affiliations, ethnicity, and other divides. Rather than being vilified or incited against, he should be commended for supporting human capital development in the nation. As a champion of democracy, nation-building, and sustainable development, Peter Obi deserves protection and support from all who share these values. It is bewildering to hear such an outrageous outburst from a state governor, particularly one with a background as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The level of conduct, reasoning, and delivery displayed is shocking, especially from a supposedly democratically elected official and chief security officer of a state." He asked: "What manner of example do we set for the younger generation, especially as regards public conduct, civility, respect for human rights and the rule of law, as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? How do we fight violence in the land, if as leaders we openly encourage intolerance, bigotry and anti-democratic tendencies, like the Edo State governor has publicly exhibited?" Speaking further, Ogene added: "If Governor Okpebholo could make such inflammatory remarks in a public setting, one wonders what kind of inciting rhetoric he might be using behind closed doors against opposition party members or perceived enemies of his party. Politics ought not be a game of life or death. And no one deserves to be harmed on account of his or her political beliefs or association. Politics of bitterness, pettiness and violence should never be encouraged in a democracy, or by people that claim to be democrats. It is instructive that Governor Okpebholo uttered his infamous and satanic verses against Peter Obi at the defection ceremony of Hon. Marcus Onobun, a House of Representatives member who he had only days before threatened with the demolition of his house, for allegedly harbouring cultists. It would be interesting to ask Governor Okpebholo if he would still go ahead to pull down Hon. Onobun's country home - which he had marked for demolition - now that he has forcefully coerced him into his political party. In fact, it is only in these climes that a governor would glibly boast about insecurity in his state, as well as lie about the death of citizens, without providing any shred of evidence. We, therefore, urge President Bola Tinubu to call the Edo State governor to order. And we hasten to warn that no harm should come to our leader, Peter Obi, anywhere in Nigeria or beyond." He recalled a similar comment by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State during Peter Obi's visit to the state, stressing that "if the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, thinks it can use scaremongering to halt the ever-growing popularity of Mr. Peter Obi, they better think again." He argued that ensuring the security of lives and property is a fundamental responsibility of government, adding that Nigeria should not be an exception.

Beneficiaries of the SERHA empowerment in Awka By Madu Obi The South East Renewed Hope Agenda, SERHA, whose primary objective is to ensure the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, has empowered 1,100 people in Anambra State with N65 million cash, to enable them improve their businesses. Also at the very colourful ceremony that coincided with the inauguration of the Anambra chapter of the group in Awka, hundreds of other people were empowered with shuttle bus, motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, hairdressing kits and food items. Details of the cash distribution showed that100 people got N200,000 each, 200 people got N100,000 each, 300 people got N50,000 each, while 500 indigent families got N20,000 each. The beneficiaries were drawn from the 326 political wards in the state National coordinator of SERHA, Belusochukwu Enwere, said the objective of the group is to promote President Tinubu's vision at the grassroot level in the South East in particular and Nigeria in general, He said: "We have seen a lot of people who will work with us in Anambra State. As ambassadors of Renewed Hope Agenda, we are working to ensure the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The empowerment we are doing is to showcase the positive initiatives of President Tinubu, particularly for the people of South East through the South East Development Commission. The administration is committed to improving the lives of the people of South East to enable them enjoy the benefits of democracy through the Renewed Hope Agenda." . Enwere said that while there is still much work to be done to meet the people's expectations, President Tinubu's determination to lead Nigeria to greatness is evident. The secretary of the group, Professor Frank Anaeto, explained that the group is not a political party, but a movement and a pressure group established in the six geopolitical zones of the country mainly to ensure continuity of the President. According to him, no single person owns the group, assuring that nobody will hijack it. "We want people who are non partisan to join the group and be empowered. We have got the share of the South East and we have already been to Ebonyi, Enugu and Abia states and we are now in Anambra", he said. Anaeto urged the people of South East to emphasize on what will unite them, rather than what will divide them. "We are not interested in how much money you have or your family background or your position in any political party. We should listen to diverse opinions to enable us make informed decisions in 2027", he stated.. In his speech, the Anambra State coordinator of SERHA, Comrade Chukwudum Muonagolu urged the people of the state not to be left behind in the journey of President Tinubu to improve the welfare of Nigerians. He listed some of the president's achievements to include the establishment of youth empowerment through digital innovation that has trains 500,000 youths to create sustainable employment opportunities and develop human capital through skills acquisition.

Participants at the workshop By Madu Obi The Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NSRII), has organized a 4-day sector-wide approach on leadership, health systems strengthening and planning capacity development workshop for Anambra State health leaders and managers. The event drew participants from the 21 local government areas of the state. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, while speaking on the event, said it was aimed at preparing the health workers on the Ministry’s annual operational Plan. He said that people from every department; including the Primary Healthcare, Health Insurance, as well as Health Education sections at the tertiary and secondary health activities, were assembled to discuss holistically what the Ministry will be doing in the coming year and to ensure that everything is grouped and aligned. "The training is also for efficiency and for producing good results. We are building capacity and people; and planning for programme of activities that will occur next year. We are also reviewing what we have done so far this year to ensure the programmes are aligned together so that there will not be any segregation of activities. The objective is to achieve good results and reduce unnecessary spending of resources because when you align your ideas, you will reduce inefficiency and resource wastage’’, Obidike said. The desk officer of the programme, Dr. Obianuju Okoye explained the rudiments of the training, stating that at the end of it, there will be one plan, one budget and one conversation in the sector across the country. "Every state has a priority area and we should all be speaking one language of development and moving forward together’’, she stated.

By Madu Obi Former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has donated ₦15 million to the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, during which he urged government to prioritize health education for the country's national growth. Addressing students of the faculty, Obi said his visit was prompted by a heartfelt letter from one of the students, explaining that he deliberately avoided notifying the institution’s leadership of his visit in advance to prevent any disruption to academic activities. Moved by the visibly poor conditions of the students’ learning environment, Obi lamented the deterioration compared to what obtained during his time at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Drawing on his educational experience from some of the world’s best institutions, he decried the sharp contrast in academic infrastructure, noting that no nation should allow its children to suffer due to neglect. Renowned for his commitment to education, Obi blamed the deplorable state of health institutions in Nigeria on chronic leadership failure and called for collaborative efforts to improve health education, which he described as indispensable to the survival and progress of any society. “One of your colleagues reached out to me about the challenges facing your faculty and appealed for support. I have come to commend your resilience in striving to succeed in a system that is not providing you with adequate facilities", he said. He recalled how, during his time at UNN, the then President Shehu Shagari visited the school and even spent the night there, testifying to the value that was once placed on education in Nigeria. Obi urged the students to be assertive in demanding better conditions, reminding them that the University of Nigeria has produced many outstanding individuals across various fields. He also recounted how, as governor, he mobilized professionals to build a teaching hospital in Awka within 18 months, just as the Law Faculty at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University was completed in just six months under his administration. He stressed that health is a fundamental component of education that must not be neglected. “We cannot continue like this; things must change. Our children should not be subjected to these conditions", he stated. Earlier, Obi was conducted around the faculty’s dilapidated facilities, including the Phantom Head Lab, Prosthetic Lab, and the Lecture Theatre. The chairman of the fundraising committee for the re-accreditation of the faculty, Mr. Boston Chukwuemeka, noted that the faculty currently has only nine phantom heads and dental chairs but needs at least fifty to meet accreditation standards. He disclosed that a total of ₦38 million is required to upgrade the necessary equipment and infrastructure. Chukwuemeka also appealed for an increased admission quota, from the current fifteen students to at least fifty, arguing that such expansion would only be feasible with improved laboratory facilities. The president of the Dental Students Association, Mr. Daniel Ogba, expressed deep appreciation to Obi for his intervention, describing him as a mentor and father figure to the students.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, AIRS, has reacted to the statement made by the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi, that SABMiller Breweries is the highest taxpayer in the state, describing it as totally false. Obi had, at the LP governorship campaign in Onitsha, said that the brewery built during his administration is the highest revenue yielding establishment in the state. The former governor had compared the brewery with the Fun City recently commissioned in Awka and asked which one is more profitable. But the chairman of AIRS, Dr Greg Ezeilo, while reacting on the claim, said that revenue data for the last two years showed that SABMiller Breweries came a distant sixth position among tax paying establishments in the state. According to Ezeilo, contrary to the claim, SABMiller contributed on the average, N28 million per month in 2023 and N26.62 million per month in 2024, thereby becoming the sixth ranked tax paying company in the state. He said the clarification became necessary to properly situate the claims made by the former governor and to give undiluted information for the members of the public. Ezeilo's statement read in part: “The attention of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service has been drawn to some public domain of claims regarding the fact that SABMiller Breweries is the highest taxpayer in the state. For the avoidance of doubts, while the Service has made very monumental strides in increasing the internally generally revenue of the state from its very low ebb of between N1.5bn to N2.0bn per month, and even much lower in the previous years; the tax collection has consistently moved up to N4bn per month and with an all-time high of N10.5bn in the month of May, 2025. A double-check on the last two years data on tax collections across corporate bodies, including SABMiller, but excluding federal institutions which contribute hugely to the state’s IGR, especially the pay as you earn taxes, showed the position of top six taxpayers in the state. Interestingly, SABMiller company comes a distant sixth position behind Fidelity Bank Plc with a gross tax payment of N656.5 million in two years (2023 and 2024)."

By Madu Obi The Chairman of Orumba South local government area in Anambra State, Mr Shedrack Azubuike, has empowered no fewer than 200 widows and awarded about 100 scholarships for the people of the area. Addressing members of the Anambra State Correspondents Forum, Azubuike said the various support schemes were to enable the beneficiaries cater for their families and become self-reliant and for the students to pursue their studies without difficulties. He also listed other community-based projects executed by his administration to include road rehabilitation, erosion control, solar power installations in health centres, equipment upgrade in hospitals, an ICT centre for youth digital skills, and enhanced security in all the communities in the local government area. According to him, hundreds of farmers were similarly supported with seeds and fertilisers, while youths were trained in vocational and tech-based skills. He said the local government also distributed school supplies, food palliatives, and provided free medical outreach to hundreds of residents. Azubuike expressed confidence that the ongoing mobilisation efforts would further boost the chances of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election, and called on all eligible voters in the state to come out en masse on November 8 and vote APGA for continued development. "Our efforts in Orumba South are aimed at galvanizing grassroots support for Governor Soludo’s second-term bid under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)", Azubuike said. He described Soludo as a transformational leader whose impactful governance had touched every part of the state within the last three years. According to the chairman, the local government has adopted door-to-door strategy for the November 8 governorship campaign because APGA recognizes the importance of the grassroots in electoral victory. "The people in Orumba South have witnessed firsthand the developmental strides of the Soludo administration and are ready to vote for continuity and progress. Soludo deserves our support to consolidate. He has carried out numerous developmental projects across the state for the betterment of our people. We are going from house to house, telling our people that a vote for Soludo is a vote for good governance. If he is re-elected, Anambra will continue to enjoy more dividends of democracy,” Azubuike added.

By Madu Obi A coalition of young tech professionals under the aegis of Geeks and Founders Alliance for Suludo, GEFAS, has expressed determination to mobilize votes for the re-election of Professor Chukwuma Soludo in the November 8, 2025. Speaking at the launch of a programme known as Gen Z Tech Brains, with its innovative keyboard to polling booth in Awka, the convener of GEFAS, Mr. Chukwuemeka Agbata, said the digital hub was created not just as a campaign tool, but as a symbol of their collective belief in Soludo’s tech-forward governance. According to Agbata, the formation of CEFAS is a reflection of the group's commitment to digital progress and what young innovators can achieve when united behind a visionary leader like Governor Soludo. "Soludo's love for the youth and innovation is unmatched. This is a government built on technology and we are building this to ensure he continues,” Agbata stated. He said that the facility has been fully equipped with ICT infrastructure, sleek furniture, and a digital strategy unit, noting that it will serve as the command centre for GEFAS's community outreach, digital engagement, and campaign coordination. Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, who represented Governor Soludo at the event, expressed delight at the initiative and hailed the energy of the youths behind it. He assured the group that there is no vacancy in Anambra Government House, saying, "We’re winning every polling unit in Anambra State on November 8." "What you’ve built is sophisticated and impactful. This hub proves that Generation Z is not just backing Soludo; they’re helping shape his legacy.” Also speaking at the event, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, the Political Adviser to the Governor, Dr Alex Obiogbolu commended the initiative of the group, describing it as a benchmark for youth-led political engagement. “This isn’t just a support group; it’s a movement. If re-elected, Governor Soludo will take digital innovation in governance to the next level,” Obiogbolu assured. The launch attracted tech enthusiasts, influencers, creatives, and party loyalists.