By Madu Obi There is mounting tension in Nkpor, Idemili North local government area of Anambra State, following the sudden death of 80 - year old Paul Onwualu, an Igweship aspirant of the community after alleged beating by security operatives. Wife of the deceased, Mrs. Anthonia Onwualu, lamented that her husband was beaten to coma, taken away and died before getting to the hospital. In an emotion - laden statement , Mrs Onwualu said: “On Thursday, the police, in the company of some persons opposed to my husband’s Igweship aspiration, stormed our residence at Umusiome, beating him into a coma before whisking him away to an unknown destination. I was later told that the policemen were on their way to Ogidi Police Station to detain him, but he died on the way. Those who came with the police to our residence scaled the perimeter fence of our compound because the gate is always kept under lock and key." It was gathered that the Igweship tussle is before a High Court in Ogidi in Suit No. HID/72/2026. According to a source, the policemen, who were said to have come from the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, reportedly arrived in the company of some people opposed to Onwualu's Igweship aspiration and stormed the octogenarian’s residence to arrest him. “It was in the process of arresting him that he was beaten into a coma, bundled into a waiting police vehicle and whisked away to Ogidi Police Station. He collapsed on the way to the Police station and was rushed to Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital, Ogidi, where medical personnel on duty confirmed him dead,” the source said. Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the command is aware of the incident, adding that details would be made available later.

Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu By Madu Obi A chieftain of African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the party's running make in last year's Anambra governorship election, Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu, has described the exit of the former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, from the party as painful, stating, however, that the party has moved on and forging ahead. Nwobu, a former state chairman of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, spoke during the consultative meeting of the leaders of the Anambra State chapter of the ADC in Awka. "We wish our brothers, including Peter Obi, who have moved to other platforms well, and we look forward to a day when all of us will come together again to rescue this country,” Nwobu stated. According to him, the spirit within the Anambra chapter of the ADC remains high despite the recent political developments. While wishing those who left ADC well in their new party, Nwobu said: "I am of the opinion that those who are in opposition will appreciate the fact that being divided is not helpful to their cause and the desire to win the 2027 election. "We are bound to tell ourselves the whole truth. What is the purpose of everybody saying, I want to contest and at the end of the day, all of them lose? Yes, aspiration is a fundamental right, but at a point you have to tell yourself the simple truth. They should ask themselves the simple question, which is, will this my aspiration lead to success?" He, however, expressed the belief that between now and end of November, everyone will see the need for the opposition to come together, stating that there is still the possibility that ADC and NDC can work together before the 2027 elections. At the consultative meeting, leaders of the party explained that nine aspirants had picked nomination forms for the House of Representatives, while six others had so far obtained forms to contest for the Anambra State House of Assembly seats. The development , Nwobu stated, clearly shows that the party is growing stronger. The party leaders also reaffirmed their loyalty and support for the national leadership of the ADC headed by Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, and commended the founding national chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, for “his exemplary leadership and selfless role in presenting the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition.”

Governor Soludo with members of Awka Ozo Society By Madu Obi The governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has expressed concern over the long-standing traditional leadership tussle in Awka kingdom, explaining that his intervention in the matter is to restore peace and avoid chaos in the ancient town. Speaking during a high-level meeting with members of the Awka titled men - Ozo Awka Society - led by Ozo Sir Chukwujekwu Eze, the governor said he was worried about the protracted dispute because Awka holds a special place in his heart and the state’s developmental agenda. According to Governor Soludo, despite having the easy choice to ignore the chaos, he felt a duty to intervene, especially when the crisis was also affecting the town union leadership. Addressing the controversy surrounding the claim by Chief Austine Ndigwe, who has been parading himself as Awka Monarch, even when the government - recognized Awka traditional ruler, Obi Gibson Nwosu, is still alive, the governor said he was firm on the rule of law, noting that the state's Commission of Enquiry which he set up, found that Obi Gibson Nwosu was never dethroned, and that Ndigwe was never legally enthroned. "According to the state traditional rulers law, if you parade as a second traditional ruler in a community, you go to jail," Governor Soludo reminded Ndigwe. The governor noted that the crisis, which allegedly stemmed from burial rites and zoning disputes, had become egocentric, pointing out that the community's constitution stipulates that it is the turn of Nkwelle village to produce the next ruler according to zoning, lamenting that the process was disregarded. Soludo challenged the Awka Ozo titleholders, who he noted, are traditionally known for speaking the truth, to show leadership. Drawing parallels to his success in resolving a 20- year crisis in his hometown of Isuofia, he urged Awka professionals and stakeholders to project the city positively and resolve the issue once and for all. One way of resolving the crisis, he observed, is for Awka people to build a grand central palace for the Eze Uzu Awka, similar to those in Onitsha or Ile Ife, and pledged that the state government would contribute to its construction and completion within a year. He also called on the people of Awka to embrace their status as a 21st-century cosmopolitan city, declaring that his administration is very intentional about making the state capital a premier destination. Soludo highlighted his administration's commitment to infrastructure, noting that he has broken a 34-year "jinx" by constructing a befitting Government House and Lodge in Awka. "I am the governor that decided to make Awka a true state capital in the real sense of it. When I campaigned, I promised to live in Awka, and today you are within the Light House, which consists of 57 buildings. We built the Solution Fun City because we want Awka to be a destination", the governor stated. Meanwhile, Soludo has clarified that the annual Traditional Imo Awka festival scheduled for May 23, 2026, cannot hold due to a conflicting statewide event that equally requires security presence. "My only interest is for the betterment of Anambra and for Awka to regain its lost glory. The duty of leadership is to do the uncomfortable thing, sometimes even to save the people from themselves", he added. The governor urged the people of Awka to be awake, lamenting that despite its immense potential, the city has been "punching below its weight." Sir Chukwujekwu Eze, who spoke on behalf of the Awka Ozo Society, assured the governor that they would go home, consult widely and take necessary actions, especially as it relates to the change of date for the Traditional Imo Awka festival, adding that they would thereafter communicate the state government in writing.

Professor Charity Emelie delivering her address during the ceremony By Madu Obi The Anambra State branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society has provided support for healthy living activities to 5,000 people and trained many communities on essential health services in Anambra State. Addressing stakeholders during activities to mark this year's Red Cross Day in Awka, the state chairman of the society, Professor Charity Emelie said the Red Cross also trained and equipped a dedicated group of volunteers under its Branch Rapid Response Team, BRRT, adding that the trainees were deployed to 150 emergencies, including sites of road traffic accidents, building collapses and fire outbreaks. She said that through an ECOWAS -sponsored programme, the Red Cross distributed food items and cash support to 1,000 households in Awka North and Ogbaru local government areas. Similarly, she said that with support from the International Federation of the Red Cross, IFRC, the Anambra branch reached over 1,000 households in Anambra West, Ayamelum and Ogbaru local government areas with cash assistance, non food items and dignity kits for women. She added: "The Anambra State branch of the Red Cross contributes significantly to the downscaling of flood through early warning strategies and early action mechanisms in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency,NEMA, and State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA. We also trained 30 local volunteers in Ogbaru and Anambra West, to strengthen grassroots emergency preparedness. We also implemented impactful community projects, including the renovation of teachers' quarters and the school library at Community Primary School, Obeagu in Ogbaru local government area, while water borehole was constructed in Innoma Community in Anambra West local government area, thereby improving access to clean water." According to her, the Red Cross also partnered with the state Primary Health Care Development Agency to build the capacity of healthcare workers to improve community acceptance of immunization programmed. She called for more support from the executive and legislative arms of government, adding that while humanitarian challenges were getting higher at astronomical rate, the funding is dwindling. "We need vehicles, drugs and financial support for the various orphanage homes to enable us pay the school fees and ensure the upkeep of these orphans", she said. During the ceremony, awards were given to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, Secretary to the Government of Anambra State, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, Mrs Emilia Ezeokenwa, Dr Oforbuike Chibueze and Mrs Amaka Obi for their services to humanity.

Peter Obi with the students and the administrators of the school By Madu Obi Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that if elected President of Nigeria, he would prioritize the strengthening of credible opposition parties, describing them as essential to effective governance and democratic stability. Obi, who recently moved from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), to pursue his presidential ambition in 2027, stated this during a visit to the permanent site of the University on the Niger, Umunya, a faith-based university in Anambra State, where he donated ₦25 million to support the development of the institution. Addressing reporters during the visit, Obi said his movement between political parties had never been for convenience, but a response to persistent internal crises and litigations instigated within such platforms. “People are talking about political parties, but for me, I talk about service. I have never left any party for leaving sake. I leave when I see conflict and unresolved crises. In one case, I was in Labour Party and saw endless litigations. In ADC as well, I experienced similar issues. In most cases, I became the target, and I had to move", he said. According to him, political parties in Nigeria are often driven by the pursuit of power, rather than democratic ideals, stressing the need for tolerance and internal democracy. “Opposition is a critical part of government. If I were in government today, one of my key priorities would be to build a strong opposition, engage them, and take their constructive advice,” Obi said. Responding to questions on his continuous financial contributions to educational institutions despite his presidential ambition, which would require enormous financial resources, Obi said he would not channel resources towards political mobilisation or for votes protection strategies. “People expect me to save money to pay polling unit agents, but I will not do that. Nigerians should learn to protect their votes themselves. I am spending my money on education because I believe in the future of young people,” he said. He urged the students to take their studies seriously, noting that education remains the foundation of personal and national development. “You may choose to go into business or politics, but your future depends on education. Whatever you want to be in future, acquire education first. We want a country where the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. That is possible, and it will happen", Obi added. He lamented the prevailing value system in the country, where, according to him, remuneration for political office holders often exceeds that of academics. “It is shameful that a councillor earns more than a professor. That is part of what we are trying to change,” he stated. Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Chinedu Nebo commended Obi for supporting educational and health institutions across the country, adding that it is due to his concern for a better future for Nigeria.

By Madu Obi The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, has described the first 1,000 days of every child as critical for lifelong health and development. Addressing major stakeholders from Benue and Enugu states during a two-day joint meeting from the two states on "Preventing malnutrition in the first 1000 days of life" at Agulu Lake Resort in Anambra State, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, said because of the critical nature of the period in a child's life, there is need to prioritize impactful investments by the various stakeholders. The Anambra meeting was organized by UNICEF in collaboration with Enugu and Benue states, and funding from the United States Government. Reiterating UNICEF’s commitment to assist states in tackling malnutrition and improving health outcomes in the eight states covered by the Enugu Field Office, Chiluwe commended the two state governments for demonstrating political will towards enhancing the nutrition and health of women and children in their states. She said: "The first 1000 days of a child constitutes a decisive window for shaping lifelong health capacity and economic potentialities. The meeting is, therefore, aimed at mapping out ways of supporting our women and children in our states. "This meeting marks the critical milestones in the partnership between UNICEF and the states to ensure that the well-being of our women and children are supported. "With support from the United States government, the states of Enugu and Benue are collaborating with UNICEF on the child's life, from conception to first 1000 days. "We support this cycle with antenatal care and the necessary vaccines so that they are protected from vaccine- preventable diseases. We also want to ensure that the children are well fed within the period, while the lactating mothers are taken care of appropriately." According to her, the programme takes place in all the states supported by UNICEF office, adding that Enugu and Benue are being showcased based on available support and commitment they made towards the well-being of women and children. At the meeting, representatives of the two state governments also commended their governors for prioritizing the health and well-being of women and children. Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, the Executive Secretary of Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, said the state government allocated N160 million to the Child Nutrition Fund for procurement of essential commodities. She commended UNICEF for supporting the state with nutrition commodities worth hundreds of millions of naira, including multiple micronutrient supplements, Vitamin A supplements, therapeutic foods and lipid-based nutrient supplements. Also Speaking, the Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche described the high rate of malnutrition in the state as unfortunate and commended UNICEF and the United States for their continued support. He recognized the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life to societal development and pledged the state government's commitment to implement and improve the nutritional well-being of women and children in the state.

By Madu Obi Former Chief of Staff to former Governor Willie Obiano and a senatorial aspirant for Anambra North for the 2027 election, Chief Primus Odili has expressed optimism that he would clinch the party's ticket, stressing that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has assured everyone that he had no preferred candidates. Speaking with journalists in Awka, Odili said he, therefore, has confidence in the party hierarchy to organize free, fair and credible primary following the assurance of the governor. He added that having remained a loyal APGA member over the years, he has contributed significantly to the party’s growth in Anambra North and across the state, particularly during his era as Chief of Staff to former Governor Willie Obiano. According to him, only a candidate with broad grassroots appeal and widespread acceptance can win the seat for APGA in Anambra North in the 2027 elections. He said: "I am very optimistic that I will clinch the APGA ticket. Of all the people that are vying for the seat for Anambra North, I adjudge myself as the most grounded in the party. Within the party, they would look out for someone who is a pure party person and who has been consistent with the party. I don't think APGA needs come and go politicians to fly its flag for the senatorial zone. One of the aspirants is jumping into the race because the governor gave him a job, forgetting that some people built the party. People should build the party and then contest election on its platform. We need our party to have representatives in Abuja to work with the governor and build a synergy with him. We are losing because a lot of our representatives in Abuja do not work with the governor because they belong to other parties." On the controversial constituency projects across the state, Odili added: "A lot of people believe that constituency fund is pocket money; it is not. I recommend that there should be a committee for constituency projects around the vision of the governor and the people of Anambra State. "The project committee members should come from all the local government areas in the senatorial zone or House of Representatives or House of Assembly as the case may be. This committee should be responsible for the funds mapped out for constituency projects. It should not be a personal decision of the elected person. Buying bags of rice and cartons of noodles and sharing to people is not constituency project. Many people have misconstrued what empowerment of constituents is in this country".

By Obi Madu Anambra State has been selected as a pilot state for the national HIV prevention plan following the state's steady progress in the fight against HIV and Aids. The Executive Director/Project Manager of the State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr. Nkem Okeke, said during a strategic advocacy visit to the headquarters of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in Abuja, reinforced Anambra State’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s HIV response. He was received during the visit by Dr. James Anenih, Director of Community Prevention and Care Services at NACA, alongside Dr. Sam Anya of UNAIDS. While in Abuja, Okeke assured that he would provide a platform to deepen national collaboration, strengthen technical partnerships, and align Anambra State’s HIV response with national priorities. This, he added , will position Anambra as a leading model for translating national policy into impactful, community-level results. During engagement with NACA officials, Dr. Okeke articulated a forward-looking vision focused on expanding HIV awareness, prevention, and testing services to the grassroots across all the 21 local government areas in Anambra State. He emphasized targeted interventions for key and vulnerable populations, data-driven programming, and community ownership as critical pillars for reducing new infections and accelerating progress toward epidemic control. In response, Dr. Anenih, who spoke for the Director-General of NACA, commended the clarity, energy, and strategic direction of the Anambra HIV/ AIDS response, noting its strong alignment with Nigeria’s new HIV prevention priorities. A major highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of the National HIV/AIDS Prevention Plan (2026–2030) to the ANSACA Executive Director. In his contribution, Dr. Sam Anya of UNAIDS underscored the importance of a truly multi-sectoral response, stressing alignment with the one strategy framework that integrates national and state-level HIV efforts. He highlighted the need for sustained collaboration across government, civil society groups, and development partners to ensure efficiency, accountability, and measurable impact. Okeje's visit was seen as a significant step toward stronger federal-state synergy and signaled a renewed era of collaboration, innovation, and technical support.

By Madu Obi The Kingdom of Thailand has concluded arrangements to set up Sustainable Agricultural Technology Learning Center at the Federal Cooperative College in Oji River, Enugu State. A joint team from Thailand led by the Thai Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Thirapath Mongtolnaun has visited the College during which it inspected the proposed site for the Centre. Ambassador Mongtolnaun said the Thai government would collaborate with the college to enhance the training of youths in agriculture and also boost food production in the country. A two hectare piece of land has been mapped out for the learning center, which will attract students from across the country. Also included in the Thai team were officials of Kasetsart University (KU) in Thailand and Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), who would provide the technical assistance for the project. The Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Dr Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu who guided the officials during the inspection said the college would be prepared to donate more land if the need arose. "By the time you visit here again, all the infrastructure would have been put in place and this site would have become a hub for training. I dedicate this to the millions of Nigerian youths that will be trained here. I want to assure you that the Federal Cooperative College is ready for the take off of the project", Obidiegwu said. At the ceremony, the Thai Ambassador announced that his country has also provided scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students, adding that the scholarship would cover all costs, including flight tickets for the beneficiaries. Officials of Kasetsart University and Thailand International Cooperation Agency made presentations on strengthening technical assistance for catfish breeding and agricultural sustainability in Nigeria during the visit. The 50- year old Federal Cooperative College, Oji River offers National Diploma, ND, and Higher National Diploma, HND, in seven disciplines.

By Madu Obi Governor Chukwuma Soludo has sent 18 names of the first batch of Commissioner nominees to the state House of Assembly for confirmation. The list includes four people who served during his first tenure. The returning Commissioners are Dr Afam Obidike for Health, Dr Law Mefor for Information, Professor Offonze Amucheazi for Lands and Mr.Patrick Aghamba for Youth Development and Sports. The new nominees are Dr. Ben Chuks Odoemena for Agriculture, Mr Chukwukadibia Okoye for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Udoji Amedu for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Dr. Ekene Ogugua for Education, Dr Clem Aguiyi for. Environment, Mr. Izuchukwu Okafor for Finance and Barr Vin Ezeaka for Local Government and Community Affairs Others are Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN as Commissioner for Justice/Attorney-General, Professor Charles Ofoegbu is for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Chijioke Ojukwu for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr Casmir Chinenye Agummadu for Power, Arc Okey Ezeobi for Works and Infrastructure, Hon Eddy Ibuzo for Transport and Mrs Esther Chinyere Onyekesi for Women Affairs and Social Development. The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, who received the list on Tuesday during plenary, referred it to the Committee on Screening and Election Matters for further action.

By Madu Obi Mr. Peter Obi has dumped the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the much publicized coalition platform for the opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi announced his departure from ADC, citing worsening political climate marked by internal crises, external interference, and growing hostility within party structures. In a message he shared, Obi described Nigeria’s political space as increasingly toxic, where intimidation, insecurity, and persistent scrutiny have become the norm, lamenting that systems meant to protect citizens now often work against them, while individuals striving for sincere service face mounting pressure both publicly and privately. Clarifying his decision, Obi stated that his exit was not due to any personal grievances with party leaders, including former Senate President David Mark or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he continues to respect. Instead, he pointed to a pattern of internal division, legal disputes, and what he described as the infiltration of destabilizing forces—similar to challenges he previously encountered in the Labour Party. Obi also decried a broader societal trend where integrity, humility, and adherence to due process are often misinterpreted as weakness. He expressed concern that genuine efforts toward nation-building are increasingly undermined by suspicion, exclusion, and political maneuvering focused more on control than service. Meanwhile, the former caucus leader of Labour Party, LP, and the member representing Ogbaru federal constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives, Hon Victor Ogene, has said that Mr. Peter Obi is the target in all the ordeals being suffered by the opposition political parties in the country. Addressing reporters at Obeagwe, Ogbaru local government area, Ogene, who is the former caucus leader of the Labour Party in the House of Representatives, said developments in the political parties Obi had associated with, preparatory to the 2027 election, shows deliberate efforts to stop him from contesting the election. He said: "I do not think that what is happening in the ADC is targeted at the party. It is targeted at only one person, Mr. Peter Obi. I will give you empirical evidence why I say so. "On April 4, 2025, the Supreme Court in a landmark judgment, declared that the tenure of Barr. Julius Abure in the Labour Party was effectively over. I was among leaders of the party, alongside Mr. Peter Obi, Gov. Alex Otti, our senators, House of Reps members and several others, that took the certified true copy of that judgement to INEC. INEC received us and said that they would study it. They kept studying it, but some of us who are down there have our ears close to the ground. and we got reliable information that for as long as Mr. Peter Obi remained with the Labour Party, the party would not know peace. In one of my discussions with Mr. Peter Obi in September last year, I told him this; that I am aware of this fact. And since the judicial arm had given a judgment; in fact in that judgment they mentioned that people should be gracious to leave the scene when their tenures are over, a remark directed at Julius Abure, yet he refused to hands off the party. On December 30, 2025, we, alongside our leader, Peter Obi, went to Enugu and declared for the African Democratic Congress and four days later, INEC without any compulsion, issued a statement that Abure’s tenure was over because Mr. Peter Obi had said he was going somewhere else. INEC did something they didn’t do for eight months. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had registered with ADC months before Peter Obi’s declaration for ADC, but that declaration did not amount to membership. All of January, nothing happened; February nothing happened to ADC. On March 7, we escorted Mr. Peter Obi to Agulu, his home town, to register. The next day being Match 8, I came to this village to register, ditto my other colleagues, including senators and House members, state Assembly members. As soon as Mr. Peter Obi registered and it was shown to the world, the case of Nafiu Bala which was filed in September, was given life as soon as Mr. Peter Obi registered" When we were telling people that it is the President, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that wants to be coronated as Nigeria’s president without electoral contest, people didn’t believe us. But you heard him tell the Senate President the other day that he would send him to the other side to go and scatter them. Barely three days after, his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, openly told Hon. Leke Abejide, that he should stay there and scatter the ADC; and went ahead to say that he should even invite Nafiu Bala so that they would support them. It was an open admission of government interference which we have always cried about."

By Madu Obi Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has urged the organized labour to make a fundamental shift from traditional "protest unionism" to a model focused on national development and wealth creation. Addressing workers during the 2026 workers' day celebration at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, the governor called for a more collaborative relationship between the state government and its workforce. "I leave a message with you: our labour unions should head towards development-oriented unionism and do away with protest unionism. I know the origin of unionism. We are in the business of making demands and that is why agreements did not work in the past", he said. According to him, for the state to thrive, labour must become a partner in wealth creation, rather than a mere adversary in negotiations, advising workers to be the change they wish to see. "What have you done as a union to ensure that the workers themselves are delivering their services?, he asked the union officials. "Do your own part; don’t abdicate it", he urged them. Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Governor Soludo noted that the feedback from his campaigns in Anambra markets had been overwhelmingly one of gratitude, arguing that the state government policies provide a "holistic benefit" to all the nine million residents of the state, including the organized labour force. He also highlighted key achievements in infrastructure, such as in road construction, healthcare especially the free antenatal care and delivery services, as well as economic stability, noting that the South East is officially "back to work, with the end to the 'sit-at-home' syndrome" in the zone. "When we lift the boat for everyone, the Anambra workers are the greatest beneficiaries," the governor stated, affirming his commitment to continued investment. While acknowledging that resources are not infinite, Governor Soludo signaled that more help is on the way for the social sectors, stating that his administration has already recruited more teachers at once, than total numbers in previous administrations. He promised to recruit more teachers as soon as possible, citing education and health as the pillars of Anambra’s future. "When our resources improve, sooner or later, our schools will get more attention- we must prioritize it", Soludo said amidst cheers from the workers. He also did not shy away from the need for reforms within the civil service, adding that to ensure that productivity matches the state's investments, government would intensify the deployment of technology for monitoring worker attendance. "We must reinvent our public service, but people have to show up," Governor Soludo insisted. He expressed his affinity for the workforce while maintaining a firm stance on productivity: "I love the workers. We will get to it, [but] we have to do more to demand for more", he concluded. Speaking on behalf of organized labour, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, emphasized that the core of their struggle remains the pursuit of fairness, dignity, and equity in the workplace. Comrade Nwafor advocated for fair remuneration, job security, and social protection for all members, lamenting that persistent insecurity has continued to weaken the foundation of development, thus forcing many workers into a survival mode. He called for security to be significantly strengthened to protect the workforce, which informed the choice of the theme. While acknowledging the various challenges, the chairman recognized and applauded Governor Soludo for his bold vision for Anambra State, assuring that organized labour would continue to stand with his administration in a constructive manner. The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, among others.