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By Madu Obi The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has again disowned the use of his name and image in various online promotions and business endorsements, describing such actions as fraudulent and deceptive. In a statement released on Thursday, Obi expressed concern over the activities of individuals and groups who persist in exploiting his identity to promote commercial ventures, thereby misleading unsuspecting members of the public. “My attention has been drawn once again to the activities of individuals and groups who persist in using my name to promote or endorse various online businesses and ventures. Despite earlier clarifications issued by my aides, some persons have continued to exploit my identity for personal and commercial gain. Such acts are fraudulent, deceptive, and aimed solely at exploiting public trust,” Obi cautioned. He categorically stated that he has no connection whatsoever with any of the businesses or endorsements being circulated online, stressing that he has never authorized anyone or any platform to use his name, image, or likeness for commercial purposes or profit-making ventures. The former governor of Anambra advised Nigerians to be vigilant and disregard any online claims or advertisements that suggest his involvement in business dealings or investments. He emphasized that any genuine information concerning him or his activities would continue to be shared only through his officially verified channels. Obi reiterated his commitment to transparency and urged the public to report any fraudulent use of his name to the appropriate authorities.

By Madu Obi The Onitsha Traditional Council, has strongly condemned the alleged use of masquerades to endorse a political candidate in the ancient town ahead of the November 2025 Anambra governorship election, saying that such a thing is alien to Onitsha. In a statement signed by Chief Osita Anionwu, the Chief of Staff to the Onitsha Traditional Council, the Ime Obi Onicha described the act as a “blatant desecration” of the revered cultural and spiritual heritage of the Onitsha people. The council expressed concern over the viral videos and photographs showing masquerades openly displaying political allegiance, warning that such action amounted to “a dangerous precedent that threatens the sanctity and neutrality of Onitsha’s cultural institutions.” Anionwu said; “For centuries, the people of Onitsha have preserved their unique cultural heritage while embracing modernity. Masquerades, as sacred embodiments of the ancestors play a vital role in our spiritual and communal life. “Their association with political movements or candidates undermines the spiritual authority and communal purpose they serve. These masquerades are alien to Onitsha and have no place in our cultural landscape. We appeal to our subjects to remain united, vigilant, and committed to protecting the integrity of our traditions. The Onitsha Traditional Council remains steadfast in upholding and defending the cultural values that define us as a people." He decried what he called the increasing interference of external groups in Onitsha’s traditional practices, particularly the alleged deployment of masquerades from outside the community, to influence local customs and sentiments. While calling on security agencies to collaborate with the traditional authority to prevent a recurrence, the council further urged political aspirants and their supporters to respect the cultural sanctity of Onitsha, warning that politicizing cultural symbols could fuel division and conflict among the people.

By Madu Obi The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of one Garuba Mohammed Duku, a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), for corruption and money laundering involving the sum of ₦318 million. Duku was sentenced to 24 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, after being found guilty on a six-count charge of corruption and money laundering. The case was filed by ICPC in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022. It was gathered that between 2012 and 2013, Duku fraudulently diverted ₦318,250,000 belonging to AMMC into his personal account, which was domiciled at Fidelity Bank Plc. Further findings showed that he received multiple payments totaling the said sum, including ₦56.25 million, ₦71 million, ₦53 million, ₦54 million, ₦46 million, and ₦36.3 million, which were subsequently transferred to Bureau de Change operators and expended for unauthorized purposes. During the trial, ICPC demonstrated that the defendant’s method of fund release and withdrawal was fraudulent and in violation of extant government financial regulations. In the course of the trial, the Commission also refuted Mr. Duku’s claim that the funds were disbursed to his superiors, as no evidence was produced to substantiate the assertion. Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the totality of evidence and witness testimonies presented by the Commission proved the defendant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The court sentenced him to four years imprisonment on each of the six counts, or an option of fine equivalent to five times the amount stated in each count, totaling approximately ₦1.6 billion. The sentences are to run concurrently. Spokesman of ICPC, Demola Bakare said the conviction underscores ICPC’s unwavering commitment to holding public officers accountable and ensuring that those who betray the public trust through corrupt practices are brought to justice.

By Madu Obi The Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has described cancer as a generational threat, calling on Nigerians to collaborate to fight it. The governor's wife, who is the founder of the Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo Initiative, which focuses on wellness education, nutrition, and preventive health care, said In a statement to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month in Awka, that all hands must be on deck to save the victims. The Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. Mrs Soludo expressed worry that despite the increased awareness in society, there are still cases of breast cancer and other forms of the disease, noting that early detection remains the most effective way to treat and reduce the impact of the disease. She said: “The statistics are alarming, but we can all play our part to reduce the impact. The two major steps are to learn how to perform self-examinations regularly and to go for periodic screenings in reputable hospitals. We must do more as concerned stakeholders to strengthen awareness and extend cancer education to every community." Mrs Soludo observed that while October is globally recognized as a time to promote breast cancer awareness, the commitment to combating the disease should go beyond the commemorative period. She also reaffirmed her commitment to promoting healthy living among women through her pet project, Healthy Living initiative.

By Madu Obi Thirty one students of Anambra State origin have gained admission at the Federal Government Academy, Suleija, out of 200 students admitted in the school for the next academic year. The school, which is fully sponsored by the federal government, is a national center for gifted and talented children to foster academic and moral excellence. Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who announced the state's performance in Awka, said Anambra teachers need to be celebrated for making the state proud in producing the gifted children. Speaking in Awka: "We are celebrating our teachers who did us proud. Anambra leads in education. At the presidential prize giving day in Abuja, the overall best school happens to be from Anambra. Anambra brought the bus together with nine prizes and that was the highest this state ever had. "The Minister also gave me the news that out of 200 who were admitted in the Federal Government Academy, Anambra has 29, plus its national quota of two for each state, making it 31 for our state. So, we are on the lead and we have every reason to celebrate our children and teachers who are making us proud." According to the governor, there is no good educational system without good teachers and the future of a society is intrinsically linked to the quality of its teachers and the quality of teaching they provide. Also addressing teachers during their celebration in Awka, Soludo recalled that in order to combat historical neglect of the education sector, his government successfully recruited 8,115 teachers through a competitive process that drew applicants from 18 states across Nigeria. “Literacy and numeracy have improved by over 40 per cent, and enrollment rates have surged since we assumed office. This reflects on the progress made under my administration", Soludo said.

By Madu Obi The governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has mourned the death of Mr Alphonsus Nweze, a journalist with Apex News, an online newspaper. Nweze was said to have boarded a vehicle from Head Bridge, Onitsha to Asaba in Delta State where he resides, after the close of work on Tuesday, when the vehicle conveying him lost its break, leading to a summersault In a condolence message to the Anambra State Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Soludo described the loss of the journalist as tragic and untimely. The message, which was signed by the Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, read: "Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo deeply expresses profound grief and condolences to the Anambra State Correspondents’ Chapel on the tragic and untimely demise of its member, Mr. Alphonsus Nweze, a dedicated journalist with Apex News, an online publication. Mr. Nweze, was a committed member of the Correspondents’ Chapel, who lost his life in such a painful fatal road accident on Tuesday along the Onitsha-Asaba Express Road, leaving behind not only his dear family, friends and colleagues, but also memories of his passion for truth, integrity, and public service through journalism is tragically painful. We will continue to remember him as a diligent and courageous reporter whose work contributed meaningfully to the information landscape of Anambra State. Alphonsus Nweze was more than a journalist; he was a voice for the truth and an advocate of responsible reporting. His untimely death is not only a loss to his family and colleagues but to our entire state. We will miss him."

By Iheanyi Chukwudi The Movement for the Actualization of the State Of Biafra (MASSOB), on Wednesday, condemned the use of pro Biafra activism to create political instability and chaos in Igbo land. Condemning the actions of those it described as disgruntled and sponsored persons residing in diaspora and using online directive "unleashing their personal minded narratives," using the pro Biafra activism and even trying to use the upcoming Anambra governorship election as a yardstick. MASSOB Leader, Uchenna Madu in a statement, assured that the group would never allow such deceit to scale through. Insisting that the Anambra State governorship election must be peaceful and credible, he warned "anti pro Biafra activists including those hiding in diaspora to stay clear of Biafra Land now." Madu's statement reads on parts, "Several times during elections in South East, they always come up with this sympathetic deceit of sit at home during election days with claims that such futile exercise enhances Biafra actualization but MASSOB always countered and stop them. This time they will fail. MASSOB assured residents of Anambra State that the November 8, governorship election in Anambra State must hold because we have gone a long way underground mobilizing and sensitizing the state residents including members of pro Biafra groups to engage in the upcoming governorship election. MASSOB members and other pro Biafra groups are coming out to participate in the election with our massive support to the competent and credible candidate that is full of Igbo blood. MASSOB also encouraged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to go ahead without distraction in conducting the governorship election." Explaining why the group is in full support for the election to be conducted MASSOB said, "Having studied the political, economical, religious and social implications of not having a credible election in Anambra State and the political instability and chaos that may erupt, we insist that the Anambra State governorship election must be peaceful and credible That MASSOB advised the people of Anambra State and other residents in the state to exercise their fundamental and constitutional rights of choosing their next governor because Anambra political space will never be in vacuum. That MASSOB position on Anambra governorship election is for the interest of Ndigbo, we can never allow or give unfortunate legal room for outsiders to dictate our political and economic future. That MASSOB position does not mean derailment of the Biafra self determination for actualization and restoration. We must always consider the overall interest of Ndigbo first before a group or individual interest."

By Madu Obi The people of Umueri, Anambra East local government area of Anambra State, have debunked the claim that the chairman of Air Peace Airlines, Chief Allen Onyema, paid the community N100 million for a proposed Maintenance, Repair and Overall (MRO) facility at the state- owned Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport in the community. In a statement titled, "Umueri community sets the record straight", the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Bennett Emeka said Umueri never allocated any land to Chief Onyema. The Royal Father said his community was made aware of the malicious claims attributed to the owner of Air Peace, which, he added, was trending on social media and elsewhere. Igwe Emeka's statement read: "The false claims allege that Chief Onyema decided to site his N32 billion Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos because the local community refused to provide land for the project, even after he had paid them N100 million for the purpose. The Umueri community categorically states that these claims are false and misleading. As records show, the Umueri community cooperated with the Anambra State government in the establishment of the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, situated at Ivite-Umueri in Umueri, Anambra State. The airport was officially launched in 2017 and inaugurated for commercial operations on October 30, 2021. Today, the airport serves several neighbouring states, with airlines operating flights to and from Abuja and Lagos. The Anambra State government acquired the entire land for the airport in lots: A, B, C and D. It latter released Parcel D to Umueri community." The community said it was aware that Chief Onyema applied for land to build an MRO facility at the airport, adding that his application was approved by Chief Willie Obiano, the then Governor of Anambra State, who also approved another piece of land for the Nigerian Air Force. We are further aware that the land allocated to Chief Onyema for his proposed MRO facility sits next to the Cargo Apron and Control Tower. The said land is in Parcel A, which the state government acquired. The story that Umueri community warned Chief Onyema off their land can only have come from an imagination intent on tarnishing the good name of our community. It is not true that Chief Onyema paid the Umueri community N100 million. We never allocated any land to the man. The Anambra State government did. We, therefore, cannot have demanded or received any payment from him. We assert that we have documents that disprove the airline owner's claims, and we are willing to make them available to relevant authorities and the public", the statement added. Igwe Emeka said his community has always been supportive of development initiatives and will continue to work with stakeholders to foster economic growth and progress in Anambra State. He, therefore, urged the public to disregard the false claims and recognize the community's commitment to cooperation and development.

By Madu Obi Awka- The various ethnic groups from the 35 states of the federation residing in Anambra State, have endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo for a second tenure, with the excited governor saying that from what is happening in the state, the people have taken over his campaign. At the event organized by the Patriots, a support group, the leaders of the ethnic groups said Soludo deserved a second tenure to continue the "wonderful" work he is doing. The International Convention Center, Awka was filled to capacity, with leaders of the groups eulogizing Soludo for his performance so far and promised to mobilize their people to vote for him on November 8. Addressing the gathering, Soludo said he was humbled by their action, and promised not to disappoint them. He said: "I'm deeply humbled by the outpouring of sentiments expressed by various tribes. I appreciate your support for us to go for second tenure. I do not take this for granted". Appreciating the people for being good citizens of Nigeria, the governor, who emphasized his belief in one Nigeria, added: "God didn't make a mistake in puting us together as people of the same country with potentials to be the leader of the black race. . So, wherever we find ourselves, we should accept each other and work the talk. We should live it out everyday of our lives. What should concern us is what each of us can offer, not the language you speak or where you come from". He said further: " I've been in public service at the national level and I am now in Anambra State and we live out the same principles. I don't care where you come from. Some of my best friends are Moslem from the north. The best two drivers I ever had were from the North. Two of them are from Kogi and it didn't matter to me where they came from. Some of the finest friends I've had were not of the same religion with me. They are not Igbo, not Christians. That is why in Anambra, we have one state, one agenda. We don't have boundaries. Religion,, location, local government is not our concern. Once you live in Anambra, you are of Anambra." Noting that Anambra has never experienced this type of endorsement before, the governor said it was gladdening that the people are spending their money to enable him continue his service to the state. He stated: "When it was time to pay for nomination form, several groups paid for it such that at a stage I wondered if it was not just one nomination form. When the campaigns began, the three senatorial zones held endorsement rallies and even added chieftaincy titles. The North senatorial zone gave N70m, the South senatorial zone gave N 100 million while Central also gave N70 million. By the time I finished spelling my name, communities started giving cheques. Obosi- N50m, Igboukwu - N50m, Oraifite -N100m, Ojoto - N 50m, Abatete- N20m, Ekwulobia - N80m and many more." According to Soludo, what used to happen in the past was that the candidate would hire a crowd, pay them to attend rallies, but this time around, people themselves are the ones paying for him. "I will never take this your support for granted and for me, it's a call for even greater dedication to service. We are on the march and all I can say is that we are only at the introductory stage of our development. Over the nest four years, once you renew my contract on November 8, then be rest assured that after the next four years, anybody who comes to Anambra would be able to recognize that something marvelous has happened. I am joining hands with you in building a state where I want to personally live. I want to retire and live here, take a walk on the streets. It is personal to me that we must build a place we call home. It is the same for all of you who are residents here. Anambra will be a destination; it will no longer be a departure lounge. The solution is here. We must make everywhere liveable in Anambra", he stated.

By Madu Obi The federal government has described Anambra State as a leader in environmental initiatives, commending the state's efforts in combating erosion, waste management, and other forms of environmental degradation. At the launch of the €175 million Nigeria Climate Adaptation , Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balaraba Abbas Lawal, observed that Anambra is the most proactive and effective state in advancing environmental sustainability across Nigeria. Speaking during an interactive session with the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, the Minister said that NEWMAP, which is a collaborative initiative between the European Investment Bank and the Nigerian government, targets the critical challenges of flooding, gully erosion, and land degradation that affect vulnerable communities nationwide. According to him, with a total funding of €175 million, the project aims to scale up climate adaptation strategies across the country, with Anambra poised to receive substantial support under the programme.. Highlighting the state’s achievements, Minister Lawal praised Anambra for its “unprecedented community-driven initiatives, rapid and effective response to erosion threats, and exemplary waste management systems.” These efforts, he stated, serve as a model blueprint for environmental governance throughout Nigeria. “Dr. Odimegwu stands out as one of the most dedicated and results-oriented Commissioners for Environment in the country. Under his leadership, Anambra has reversed years of ecological damage, setting a new benchmark for sustainable environmental management," Lawal said. Responding, Dr. Odimegwu attributed the state’s progress to the collaborative efforts of the citizens of Anambra, government agencies, and development partners. “This recognition belongs to every community that chose action over apathy. We remain steadfast in our commitment to urgency, innovation, and sustainable environmental protection.” he stated. Anambra, which has the highest number of erosion sites in the country, has made significant strides through climate-smart urban planning, decentralized waste recycling programmes, and grassroots sustainability projects that have transformed its environmental landscape. The Commissioner reassured both the Federal Government and the European Union delegation of Anambra’s unwavering commitment to advancing progressive environmental reforms and building climate resilience.

By Obi Madu The wife of the Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has congratulated Anambra State for the state's performance at the 2025 President and Schools competition in Abuja, where the state won nine awards. The awards include the overall best school in Nigeria won by Woliwo Primary School II, Onitsha, first runner-up for best approved private School in Nigeria won by Pinkberry International School, Odume, Obosi. Others are first runner-up, for approved private Senior Secondary School in Nigeria won by Emmanuel Ndibe of St Theresas Secondary School, Enugwu Ukwu, and first-runner up for best approved private Primary School Teacher in Nigeria won by Nkechi Ikedi of Pinkbery International Primary School Odume, Obosi. The awards for the first runner-up for best public Junior Secondary School in Nigeria was won by Girls’ Secondary School, Ojoto, first runner-up for the best Public Primary School Teacher in Nigeria was won by Cosmas Nwata of Igbariam Farm Settlement Primary School, while the first runner-up for best public Senior Secondary School Administrator in Nigeria won by Amaka Ubaka of Prince Memorial Secondary School, Onitsha. Equally the award for the first runner-up for best public Junior Secondary School Administrator in Nigeria won by Ngozi Okafor of Community High School, Nkwelle Ezunaka, and first runner-up for best public Primary School Administrator in Nigeria was won by Nnenna Edozieobi of Model Primary School, Akabor, Ojoto. Describing the awards as another phenomenal feat, Mrs Soludo said: "I’m super excited to learn that Anambra State won historic 9 awards at the 2025 President and Schools Excellence Award held in Abuja. All of these great awards represent the fruits of our investments in Anambra’s education sector. Our 2025 budget dedicated 101% of the spending to the sector alone, representing the largest budgetary allocation in terms of sectorial breakdown. The rewards are paying off, and it’s all credit to the right vision and deliberate target." According to her, education is the backbone of the state's human capital master plan, noting that Governor Chukwuma Soludo's Dubai-Taiwan journey begins from the classroom. She congratulated all the schools and teachers who made the state proud again, saying, "May your flame of glory take you farther than it already has."

By Madu Obi The gubernatorial candidate of the African Development Congress (ADC) for the November 8 election, Mr John Nwosu, has vowed to dismantle the current revenue collection system in Anambra State, as well as end multiple taxation. Describing some of the revenue collectors as "street terrorists", Nwosu said he would do away with them from his first day in office. The ADC candidate, who made the promise during an online interactive session with Anambra indigenes residing abroad under the umbrella of ASA USA, expressed deep concern over the alleged overreach of the tax collectors. He described the activities of the revenue agents as a "sad commentary" on the current administration, arguing that it has brought a lot of tears to the people. He said: "Multiple taxation is a problem that is common, especially in Anambra State and I will end it. I will operate 100 per cent full E-government system to streamline revenue collection and eliminate the need for physical enforcers on the streets. Under our E-transport system, whoever registers will be free of any sort of harassment. You’re not supposed to be seen on the road harassing anybody as you like. We’ll remove them 100 per cent from the streets. Technology-driven approach would not only end the harassment, but also tackle corruption and improve government transparency". For interstate taxation, particularly those affecting commercial transporters, Nwosu proposed a collaborative approach through the South East Governors Forum, noting that a computerized sticker system, modeled after one used in the South West, would be used to prevent multiple levies across the region. "It will be done in such a way that if you register in Anambra State, 50 per cent of the tariff will be remitted to the state, while 50 per cent will be shared among the other states. The sticker will have features that would enable a smart phone to authenticate its genuineness", he explained. Nwosu, who is an ICT expert, also spoke on his commitment to a modern governance model, indicating a willingness to engage consultants and professionals from the diaspora to implement sweeping reforms.