By Madu Obi Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to inclusive governance, declaring that he serves as a governor for all residents of the state, regardless of their religious or traditional affiliations. Governor Soludo made the declaration while addressing the Anglican Diocesan Synod held in Ezira, Orumba South Local Government Area of the state. Expressing gratitude to the citizenry for their support during the last gubernatorial election, the governor emphasized that his mandate transcends sectarian boundaries. "I am the governor of all denominations, Christians, Moslems, and traditionalists. Everyone has the freedom of worship in Anambra. We are all one, and we must celebrate our common humanity", Soludo said. Reflecting on the current state of the world, the governor warned against divisions, noting that humanity is currently under significant threat. He urged citizens to prioritize their shared human identity, expressing concern over the growing fragmentation within the Christendom. Governor Soludo articulated a clear vision for his administration’s recruitment policy, asserting that competence is the sole criterion for public service appointments. "For me, it is about the value proposition you bring to the table. Most of the people I have appointed are chosen because they can get the job done_, he added. The governor further called for patience from the people of Anambra as his administration continues to work towards delivering its developmental agenda, assuring that whoever can get the job done is the person he will hire. He also commended the church for a new nursing school in Isulo, describing such efforts as vital contributions to the state’s progress. "We are building our own institutions, but I encourage you to invest more in education and health. It can never be enough," Governor Soludo remarked. He advised religious leaders to be mindful of the economic realities of their parishioners, urging them to align development projects with the "paying capacity" of the people. Earlier, the Anglican Bishop of Aguata, Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor commended the governor’s development efforts, while seeking for support, with assurance of continuous prayers by the church.

By Madu Obi Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential hopeful and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to children’s welfare, national unity, sacrifice, and hope as the country marks Children’s Day He also preached for peace as Muslims celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir. In separate messages, Obi said Nigeria’s future depends largely on how well the nation invests in its children through quality education, healthcare, and security. He described Nigerian children as the “vibrant pulse” of the nation, possessing enormous talent, resilience, and potential capable of competing globally if given the right opportunities. According to him, it is unacceptable that millions of children remain out of school while basic healthcare and safety continue to be treated as privileges rather than rights. He urged leaders, parents, and educators to prioritise human capital development, stressing that failure to invest in children amounts to “borrowing from the future.” Obi also encouraged children to remain hopeful, curious, and proud of their Nigerian identity, assuring them that efforts would continue towards building a nation where their dreams are protected and their future secured. In his Eid-el-Kabir message to the Muslim Ummah, Obi urged Nigerians to embrace the virtues of faith, sacrifice, tolerance, compassion, and commitment to the common good, which he said are central lessons of the Islamic celebration. He noted that despite Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges, citizens must not lose hope in the possibility of building a functional, just, and productive nation. He further called for prayers for security personnel, wisdom for leaders, and economic relief for Nigerians facing hardship. Obi also appealed for peace, unity, and mutual respect across religious and ethnic lines, expressing hope that the Eid-el-Kabir celebration would bring joy to families, peace to communities, and renewed hope to the country.

By Madu Obi The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has felicitated with Muslims in Nigeria on the festive occasion of Eid el Kabir, urging them to leverage on the essence of the festival. In his goodwill message, Governor Soludo observed that Sallah festival universally holds profound significance and reminds people of the virtues of obedience, sacrifice, and untiring commitment to divine will and the common good of humanity. Calling on Nigerians to use the period to offer prayers for enduring peace, unity, and accelerated progress in the nation, Soludo emphasized the importance of sharing feasts, extending acts of charity, and fostering mutual tolerance and peaceful coexistence among all citizens, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Anambra State, and to creating an environment where every citizen can celebrate in peace in this season and beyond. In another development, the wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo has urged Nigerian children to believe in themselves, reminding them that the future belongs to them. In a message to mark this year's Children’s Day, Mrs Soludo observed that children are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the future of Anambra State. "Today, we celebrate the bold dreams, brilliance, and limitless potential of every Anambra child. With the right education, guidance, innovation, and opportunities, there is no limit to what they can achieve. As we continue to build a smarter, safer, and more progressive Anambra, we must remain committed to creating an environment where every child can learn, grow, dream, and succeed regardless of background or circumstance. To every Anambra child out there, believe in yourself, stay curious, work hard, and never stop dreaming. The future is bright, and it belongs to you. Grab it with both hands", her message read. Mrs Soludo also hailed Nigerian Moslem on the celebration of Eid al-Adha, urging them to use the sacred season fill their homes and communities with peace, love, sacrifice, and renewed hope. She said: "Eid reminds us of the virtues of faith, compassion, tolerance, and kindness to one another. Let's continue to uphold these values as we work together for a more united and peaceful society. I warmly felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters in Anambra State on this joyous celebration and pray that this holy season brings abundant blessings to your families".

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in last year's Anambra election, Mr John Nwosu has said that investing in children is an investment in a stronger, safer and more prosperous future. In a message to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, Nwosu described children as the pride of today and the leaders of tomorrow. According to him, Children’s Day is not merely a day of celebration, but a moment of reflection on the collective duty to protect, nurture, educate, and inspire every child to achieve his or her fullest potential. Urging children to always remember that they are unique, gifted, and full of limitless possibilities, he told them never to allow their background, circumstances, or present challenges to define their future. He said: "I encourage you to take your education seriously, develop good character, respect your parents and teachers, and uphold the values of discipline, honesty, kindness, and hard work. The future belongs to young people who are prepared, focused, creative, and determined to make positive impact in society", Nwosu said. "We are living in an era driven by knowledge, science, technology, and innovation. I therefore urge you to embrace learning, acquire digital and creative skills, read widely, ask questions, and use technology positively and responsibly. Nigeria and Africa need a generation of young minds that can compete globally, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to national development." He urged leaders, parents and stakeholders to continue to create an environment where children can grow in peace, safety, love, and opportunity, adding that very child deserves access to quality education, good healthcare, moral guidance, protection from abuse, and equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of social status, religion, or location. "On this important occasion, I respectfully call on governments at all levels to place greater priority on the welfare and future of Nigerian children through increased investment in education, modern learning facilities, digital technology, healthcare services, child protection policies, and youth development programmes. Our children deserve safe schools, qualified teachers, functional libraries, access to technology, and opportunities that will prepare them to thrive in the modern global economy. To our dear children, continue to dream big and believe in yourselves. Stay away from violence, crime, drugs, cultism, and every negative influence that may destroy your future. Let your lives be guided by faith, integrity, compassion, excellence, and love for humanity", he said.

By Madu Obi Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has called for enduring peace, unity, and infrastructural transformation in Awka, the capital city. He spoke during a historic solidarity visit to the traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, to mark this year's annual Imo Awka festival. The governor, who made history as the first state chief executive to pay homage to the Awka monarch during the traditional festival, stressed the cultural imperative of a unified leadership, emphasizing that in Igbo tradition, it is an absolute taboo for a single community to have two kings. Addressing a gathering that included the Prime Minister of Awka, the President General of the town union, the Ọzọ Awka society, among others groups, Governor Soludo expressed the joy that peace has officially returned to reign in the capital. Describing himself as a man of peace, the governor assured residents that his administration is fully committed to repairing and rebuilding the state capital. The governor announced plans to construct a grand central palace designed to serve the community for generations to come and urged the Awka people to lead the way in partnership with his government. Speaking on the religious dimension of the festival, Soludo said the state celebrates with people of all faiths, noting that because freedom of worship and religion is guaranteed, traditionalists should freely observe their customs, while Christians celebrate theirs in harmony. He commended the President General and the Ọzọ Awka titleholders for guaranteeing a peaceful celebration entirely free of security breaches. In their speeches, the President General of Awka, Chief Fred Chinwuba, and the Traditional Prime Minister of Awka, Engr. Benjamin Okoye, appreciated the governor for his peace overtures, as well as developmental strides in the state, particularly in Awka, pledging to continue supporting his administration.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command has named the officer that was caught in a viral video where he was threatening violence and engaging in conduct unbecoming of a member of the Nigeria Police Force. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, DCP Ngozi Ezeabata said that following a prompt review of the video, the Command immediately identified and arrested the officer involved. She said,: "The officer is an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Newton Isokpehi serving in the Command. In line with the disciplinary standards and ethical code of the Nigeria Police Force, internal disciplinary proceedings have since been activated against the officer. As part of the ongoing investigation, the officer has also been subjected to a drug test to aid the Command in establishing all surrounding circumstances and ensuring a thorough and transparent process". Ezeabata said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, strongly condemned the conduct displayed by the officer in the video, reiterating that "the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution that will not condone misconduct, abuse of office, incitement, or any form of unprofessional behaviour capable of undermining public trust and confidence". The Command assured the people of Anambra State that the outcome of the disciplinary process would be made public and that any officer found culpable would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law and police regulations. "The Command uses this opportunity to remind officers and men of the Command to remain professional, emotionally balanced, and respectful while carrying out their lawful duties, especially in this era where actions and conduct are constantly subjected to public scrutiny. The Command appreciates members of the public, civil society groups, and social media users who continue to assist the Police with credible information capable of improving service delivery and accountability, she added. She encouraged the people to continue reporting incidents or behaviours capable of undermining public peace, safety, and confidence in security agencies.

Mr Peter Obi with the pupils of Agulu Practicing School where he donated N10m to rebuild burnt building By Madu Obi Presidential aspirant of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Mr Peter Obi, has said that government needs to be decisive against terrorists to protect schools and the society. Obi spoke during a visit to the Practicing Nursery and Primary School, Agulu, Anambra State where he donated a cheque of N10 million for the rebuilding of the school's main block gutted by fire in December 2024. He said he is particular about enhancing the quality of education in Nigeria because, according to him, the quality of education in a country determines its level of development. He said: "It's very worrisome that terrorists are attacking schools and kidnapping pupils and teachers. We are already suffering from having the highest number of out of school children in the world and now the little we are trying to do is being distorted by insecurity. We need to do whatever we can as a country to secure our schools and ensure that our children are in school. That is the only way we can be part of the competitive world whereby our children will have the required skills.to build our nation. We do not only need to secure our schools from insecurity, but also the society. I have been in government before and we knew what we did to ensure safety in Anambra. It needs decisiveness and will power of the people in government to defeat them." On the Practicing School, which was founded in 1922, Obi said: "Icame here when the main building of the school got burnt and I promised to assist in rebuilding it to something that is more modern. It is my belief that as a nation, we must invest in education. " I have said it repeatedly that the more a society is educated, the more developed it is. If you remove education, there is nothing else to offer. To have a successful nation, we must build human capital and capacity. I therefore urge everyone, not just government, to see education as an investment".

By Madu Obi Anambra Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, have arrested a 30- year old Okechukwu Chinweko, popularly known as bullet,” over alleged involvement in a case of abduction, rape, and unlawful possession of firearm. The operatives, acting on credible information, stormed an identified hideout in Umudike Community, Awka, where the suspect was arrested. During the operation, the operatives recovered one locally fabricated Beretta pistol and eight 9mm live ammunition. The state Police Public Relations Officer,SP Tochukwu Ikenga said in a statement that preliminary information revealed that the suspect was positively identified in connection with an incident that occurred on 2nd May 2026, where he allegedly abducted and raped a female victim before Police operatives rescued her. The victim, Ikenga said, was found with varying degrees of injuries on her body, while the suspect who has a tattoo on his arm with inscription 'bullet', fled the scene. The PPRO expressed the commitment of the Police Command in ensuring the safety of residents and bringing perpetrators of crime to justice, no matter how long it takes. According to him, the case will be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation.

By Madu Obi The Owerri Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has described lack of political will by the government as the bane of education in the country. Addressing reporters in Awka, the coordinator of the zone, Professor Dennis Aribodor, observed that government has not made the funding of education a priority, despite appeals by the stakeholders. Owerri Zone of ASUU is made up of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) Awka, According to him, ASUU has been apprehensive that the momentum of trust and goodwill generated with the unveiling of the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement on 14th January, 2026 is fast waning and may soon be lost if government’s promise to fully implement the agreement is not kept. Aribodor said: "Our apprehension is predicated on government’s failure to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) expected to shield the agreement from bureaucratic bottlenecks and guide its strategic actualization. "So far, the Federal Government agents have implemented it in a distorted and an uncoordinated manner, while very few state governments have embraced and implemented aspects of the agreement. Administrators of Federal universities are picking and choosing what to pay among the Consolidated Academic Tool Allowances (CATA), Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) and Professorial Allowances (PA), whereas all of these should have been mainstreamed with the Consolidated Academic Staff Salary Scale (CONUASS) as monthly salary packages for the concerned academic staff." He lamented that not withstanding that representatives of Governing Councils of state universities actively participated in the negotiations and signing of the agreement, some state governors, who are Visitors to state universities, have turned their back on the agreement. While commending some state universities in the Northern and Western parts of the country for blazing the trail in implementing the agreement, the Owerri Zone ASUU coordinator said it is sad that no state university in the South East has implemented the agreement. "ASUU Owerri Zone strongly condemns the partial or non-implementation of the salary component of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement by Vice-Chancellors. We call on Federal and State governments to respect the letters and spirit of the agreement for lasting industrial harmony on our campuses. ASUU Owerri Zone shall stop at nothing to ensure that all our members fully benefit from the modest gains of the eight-year long negotiation (2017-2025). The gap created by non-inauguration of the IMC is equally evident in the distorted implementation of another key component of the December 2025 Agreement - the proposed National Research Council (NRC). We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Visitor to Federal Universities, and the State Governors, as Visitors to State universities, to immediately address the vexatious delay in the salary and other staff welfare issues including the pension of our colleagues to douse tensions that threaten the fragile industrial peace on our campuses", Aribodor said. He also regretted a situation whereby the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had concluded plans to establish a National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF) without an input from ASUU. "We are surprised that the Minister’s proposal talks of $500 million without reference to the FGN-ASUU agreement, which calls for at least 1% equivalent of GDP as source of funding research, innovation, and development. While the union is not averse to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other stakeholders making contributions to the development of the legal and policy frameworks of the Fund, ASUU Owerri Zone calls on the Federal Government to be properly guided by the well-thought-out frameworks and objectives set out for it in the new FGN-ASUU Agreement. "We shall resist any attempt to hijack and derail the research and development agenda by external agents and their local collaborators. We are at a loss as to why the Minister preferred to denominate the funding in dollars", he said.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Ben Odoemena and other dignitaries during the inauguration of the processing plant at Akwaeze. By Madu Obi The Anambra State government says it is targeting large scale agriculture in the state to boost food security and make farmers earn foreign exchange from their produce. The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Ben Odoemena, dropped the hint while inaugurating Ideal Agro Allied Produce Limited, a tuber crop processing company at Akwaeze, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. The industry was founded by an industrialist and businessman, Chief Ikenna Okafor. Odoemena promised that the administration of Prof Chukwuma Soludo will support farmers to engage in industrial scale farming across the state, having found out that subsistence farming only produces for consumption. The Commissioner said: "We will encourage farmers to farm in commercial scale as this will not only guarantee food sufficiency, but also earn farmers foreign exchange. With the establishment of tuber crop processing plant, there would no longer be unsold and rotten farm produce because they will be processed and exported. "I am happy that my first assignment after swearing is the inauguration of an agro processing plant that will ensure zero wastage in tuber crop. What we have here is the secret of agriculture in civilized climes. In Anambra, we want to support industries like this because the Soludo administration has plans to support industrialized farming. We have passed the period of planting, harvesting and eating. We want to start cultivating, eating and exporting to enrich ourselves. We want industries like this to drive agriculture and support what we intend to do in agriculture because if you harvest and no one buys them, it will waste. But this company has made the job easy for us to talk about the industrialization in the agricultural sector. This is part of the things Anambra will invest in and we will support businessmen like this. The technology this company has will ensure that produce are processed and exported to guarantee foreign exchange earnings." The Chairman of Ideal Agro Allied Produce Limited, Chief Ikenna Okafor, in his address, stressed that food security is very paramount for any society to succeed, adding that his company recently ventured into yam cultivation in large scale on a 200 plot farm in Ufuma, and has been earning foreign exchange from the produce. According to him, the motivation to establish the tuber crop processing plant was to ensure that there is zero-wastage of farm produce, explaining that the company will process unsold tuber crop for farmers, package them for export and remit proceeds to the farmers, after deducting their processing and handling charges. "We have got the approval of food processing agencies in America, Europe, United Kingdom and also NAFDAC in Nigeria. We will process yams, potato, casava and other tuber crops and will ensure that no part of crop is wasted. We want to use this to create employment, and also help our farmers export their produce to earn", Okafor said. The inauguration was attended by various farmers groups across Anambra State, who were excited that their provide would no longer rot away for lack of patronage. A Director of the company, Dr Esther Okafor described the initiative as novel and commended the chairman for his knack for new discoveries.

Officials of Fidelity Bank during a visit to Dr Law Mefor By Madu Obi Fidelity Bank has pledged to partner with Anambra State on the state government’s planned moral and ethical rebirth campaign. A delegation from the bank made the pledge during a visit to the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, to congratulate him on his reappointment by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The bank's Regional Head, Ugochukwu Anwusi, said Fidelity Bank would back the moral and ethical reformation programme, particularly efforts targeting students in secondary schools. Anwusi described Mefor as a key player in the Soludo administration, assuring that the bank chose to identify with him because of his role in driving the government’s agenda. Receiving the team, Mefor said Soludo’s second term, branded 'Solution 2.0,' began on March 17, 2026, with a mandate to restructure the state, noting that part of the restructuring led to the renaming of the ministry to reflect a renewed focus on value reformation alongside information management. “The governor wants an Anambra built on high moral rectitude and a youth population committed to work and progress, not perversion,” Mefor said. He explained that the addition of “Value Reformation” to the ministry’s name was deliberate. “Mr. Governor is building massive physical infrastructure. But who are we building these for if the youths who will become adults of tomorrow have lost their way? We are embarking on an aggressive ethical and moral rebirth to correct that,” he stated. Mefor called on Fidelity Bank and other financial institutions in the state to support the initiative, which, he said, would soon be rolled out. “We are considering setting up an ‘Anambra Change Brigade’ in secondary schools to serve as agents of change. We want major banks like Fidelity to partner with us in branding and other areas. Any support will be acknowledged in our materials — that’s solid visibility for you,” he appealed.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command has warned that it could be a risky decision for anyone to resist arrest no matter the circumstances. In a statement on Sunday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga noted that arrest situations could quickly turn violent if not handled properly. According to him, such situations may portray a person as hostile or give the impression of resisting arrest, which itself constitutes an offence. Ikenga said: "Do not resist arrest. Even if you believe the arrest is unnecessary, which many times is not true, allow the arrest to take place peacefully and without incident. "Resisting arrest may lead to confrontation that could result in harm, injuries, permanent disability, or even loss of life to either the suspect or the officer involved. "Preliminary findings show that, in many cases, suspects are aware of why they are wanted by the Police. However, if you are unaware, politely request to know the reason for your arrest, as it is your right to be informed. "Where officers have not identified themselves, courteously, ask for their identities, the unit they represent, or the office they are attached to". According to the PPRO, in many arrest situations, the presence of a complainant assisting officers to identify a suspect should indicate that the Police is acting on a report received and not acting out of personal interest or hostility. "Rather than becoming confrontational, it is advisable to allow the arrest process to proceed peacefully and afterwards seek redress or report any alleged misconduct through legitimate and established channels if necessary", he said. Willingly accompanying officers to the Police station may indicate that you have nothing to hide and that you respect constituted authority. Politely ask the officers to inform you of the station you are being taken to, so you can notify a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer about your whereabouts and safety. Avoid Interfering in the Arrest of Others: Do not obstruct or interfere when another person is being arrested. You may not be aware of the nature or seriousness of the allegations involved, and interference could amount to obstruction of lawful duty", he advised.