Search Results

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Ministry of Information, in collaboration with Young Women In Enterprise, a mentorship organisation powered by Barr. Chisom Jane Ikechukwu, and other partners, has held a training session in various skills for young women in the state. Speaking at the event, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, appreciated the organisation for empowering youths with various skills, and expressed the state government's commitment towards equipping youths with skills to better their future. Mefor explained that skilling unskilled youths is one of the cardinal policies of the Governor Soludo government, whose aim is to take the youths off the streets as certificates are no longer enough. "The main reason the Solution Government thinks it is important to start the 1Youth 2Skills programme is that we have come to the realization that certificate is no longer enough. You just have to learn one or two skills. Certificates are important, but one has to engage in self development. Always try to improve yourselves with skills. Mr Governor is worried about youths and he believes the future belongs to them That's why you need to be fully prepared to be able to impact that future. Anambra is the light of the nation and that means that our youths have to be the brightest, and you are the brightest. Soludo wants you to be better armed and prepared to be able to inherit and take charge of the future, which he's creating. If you look at his unique achievements, you will see that everything is intentionally geared towards transforming Anambra into a destination of choice. He wants Anambra to be a place where you can live, work, relax, learn and enjoy. It is already happening with the Solution Fun City, new Government House, transformation of Okpoko from urban slum to a New Haven, among others," he said. The Commissioner further advised the participants to learn to be financially disciplined and to utilize the opportunity offered by the Solution Innovation District (SID) to learn digital skills, adding that the governor also believes that Anambra's future is in innovation and tech. In her remarks, Miss Chisom Jane Ikechukwu explained that the programme is intended to help young women acquire skills to better their lives.

CP Orutugu addressing officers during the Onitsha tour By Madu Obi As part of the ongoing security preparations for the forthcoming Anambra State gubernatorial election, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State command, Ikioye Orutugu has embarked on an operational tour and evaluation exercise across the Police Area Commands in the state to assess the readiness of the officers and men for the crucial assignment. The exercise, which commenced with a visit to the Onitsha Area Command, saw the CP leading the high-visibility patrols through major routes and strategic locations within the area. He also addressed officers and men, emphasizing the need for professionalism, neutrality, and strict adherence to the rule of law during election duties. CP Orutugu charged the officers to remain disciplined and committed to upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force, reiterating that the command is fully determined to provide a safe and secure environment before, during and after the election. According to him, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun is committed to free, fair, and credible elections nationwide. During the patrol, the CP inspected operational formations, Police posts, and checkpoints to ensure that the deployed officers were alert and properly equipped. He commended the cooperation of sister security agencies, as well as other security stakeholders in the area, for their synergy and support to the Police always. He further urged residents to remain law-abiding and to report all suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

Chief Kodilinye Okelekwe ( 3rd right) with the cheques By Madu Obi Anambra State - born Abuja - based businessman, Chief Kodilinye Okelekwe has empowered 20 youths in his Nibo Community, Awka South local government area of Anambra State, with N1million each to enable them expand their businesses. Okelekwe, who said he did not know any of the beneficiaries before the empowerment exercise, used a committee he set up to screen qualified persons after submitting their business proposals. Even the eventual beneficiaries did not know their benefactor until the chairman of the screening committee, Chief Douglas Aniemena introduced Okelekwe to them. Presenting the cheques to the youths, Okelekwe urged them to be courageous, disciplined, and determined to become billionaires from the humble support they received. He recounted his difficult childhood experience, recalling how his poor mother struggled to raise funds for his transport to the University of Jos where he gained admission in 1986. He also narrated how he started his business journey with just N100, which he used to print a complimentary card that later opened doors to contracts and opportunities that transformed his life. “I came from a family of the poorest of the poor, but from the outset, I made up my mind that I would banish poverty from my family. Success or failure begins in the heart. Nothing is impossible in life if we have the right frame of mind. The God who made me a billionaire with a N100 complimentary card can make all of you billionaires with this N1 million seed money", he stated. He commended the chairman and members of the selection committee for a transparent and thorough screening process, urging the beneficiaries to replicate his act of kindness by empowering others when they become successful. In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Nibo, Eze M.C Ngene, thanked Chief Okelekwe for his philanthropy and consistent contributions to community development and human capital empowerment. He described the gesture as “a new season of Nibo billionaires,” encouraging the beneficiaries to emulate Okelekwe’s resilience by making judicious use of the funds.

By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has urged the state's electorate to ensure that the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, wins in all the polling units on November 8 governorship election. Addressing a mammoth crowd during his campaign to Awka South local government area, Soludo dismissed his opponents allegedly planning to introduce one form of rigging or the other during the election. The campaign was attended by members of his immediate family, the deputy governor , Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the former national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye and other top officials of the party and stakeholders, including traditional rulers and Presidents General of the town unions. He said: "Our target is to win the 5720 polling units and our opponents who say they have written the results will be disappointed. Nobody can do that in Anambra and succeed because this is APGA fortress. If the people are determined, nobody can thwart their will . They're planning to import thugs into Anambra and we must not allow them to overwhelm us. We're following them; we know who they are planning with and we know when and how they want to come. We are waiting for them. In 2021, we won massively and in 2025 we will sweep the votes in all the polling units. We don't see our opponents winning any polling unit because we're not taking anything to chance. What we're looking out for is the margin of our victory. In the past, voter aparthy was so much and our expectation is that the November 8 election will be different as we expect every voter to participate effectively." Soludo expressed confidence in the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct free, fair and credible election "We will cooperate with INEC to ensure that the Anambra election will become a model. Let the electoral umpire allow the people to vote; they should count the votes and announce the real result . We don't want anything more. We are mobilizing the people to protect their votes." Speaking on the now famous rotation arrangement for the governorship in the state, Soludo added: "Any candidate coming to campaign in Anambra Central wants to disrupt our zoning arrangement as it is this zone that will take over from me after the next four years. We don't want the governorship to remain in Anambra South for the next twelve years. Anyone from Central voting for another person should have his head examined." He described the November 8 election as very consequential, adding, "Let there be no voter aparthy. Let us not take anything for granted because every vote is important. I want all of you to come out and vote." He announced that with the contributions from communities and individuals, towards his campaign, he will institute prizes for best performers as an incentive. "Once APGA wins, the ward wins N1m. Any ward that comes first will also get N5m. It will be calculated in terms of percentage of the number of registered voters", he stayed. He said further: "The foundation we are laying is being noticed and our state is being recognized on the global map. When you renew our mandate on November 8, I promise that people will no longer recognize Anambra after the next four years, as dual carriage ways, smart schools, shopping malls and well laid out cities will be the feature of the new Anambra. He expressed love for the people of Awka South for being good hosts to the seat of government, adding that with their endorsement,he is optimistic that APGA is not going to lose any vote in Awka South. On the detained native doctors, the governor said: "The dubious native doctors will not be tolerated in our state because they engage in dangerous activities. They deceive our youths by making them to believe that one can become rich without working hard. "We must build a society where we celebrate our children. We will no longer condone those who deceive our youths that they can get wealth through magical means. Here in Anambra, we celebrate hard work and enterprise.and integrity. We're building a new society to be inhabited by people who have sound values. A new Anambra is no longer anyhow society. Our state is on the rise and there must be qualitative human beings living in it." He informed the people that who his administration has done so far is only the introduction, stating that the real development will be witnessed during the second tenure. The state governor, Dr. Ibezim presented cheques totalling N103,500,000 donated by the local government to support the governor's campaign. campaign.

By Madu Obi The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the November 8 Anambra election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has promised to transform the economy of the state if elected. Addressing the people of Unubi in Nnewi South local government area, Ukachukwu also promised to create job opportunities, provide agriculture loans and grants to farmers. According to him, areas that would engage his attention as governor include road construction and creation of conducive environment in the state.. While appreciating the zeal and commitment of citizens of the area to his course, Ukachukwu emphasized his commitment to gender balance and inclusivity, citing his choice of Senator Uche Ekwunife as his running mate. He also highlighted his opposition to armed groups presently terrorizing the state, assuring his readiness to secure and prosper Anambra. The people of Unubi and the entire Nnewi South Council warmly received him and him entourage expressing their full support and confidence in his leadership. Ukachukwu's promises to the people, including building a university in Nnewi South and institution of scholarship awards for students, as well as empowering farmers and ending herdsmen from terrorizing farms, excited the people. He also informed them that good reward awaits those who deliver their wards to APC during the election. Responding on behalf of the people, the secretary of APC campaign council for Nnewi south, Mr. Kingsley Umenwa urged the people of Unubi community to vote for Prince Ukachukwu on November 8 governorship election.

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. John Nwosu, has reacted to the massive donations made by some groups and communities to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election in Anambra State. Speaking with reporters in Awka, Nwosu described the development as deeply troubling, warning that it raises serious concerns under the nation’s electoral laws, as well as moral and legal questions. “I’m aware of reports that some groups and towns have made humongous donations to Governor Soludo and APGA in purported support of his campaign. Such donations raise real concerns about compliance with the Electoral Act, morality, and the rule of law”, he said. Nwosu also questioned reports that certain local governments had joined in the donations despite having little to show for the funds received from the federal government. “If cash-strapped local governments are donating millions to the governor’s campaign, that is a charade and a blatant display of official dishonesty,” he said. Urging the electorate to reject inducements and defend their democratic rights, the ADC candidate added: “Those who sell their votes are selling their patrimony, freedom, and future. Elections should be won by popular choice, not through purchased loyalty,” he concluded. He appealed to Anambra people to vote for the ADC and "restore honesty, fairness, and people-centered leadership in government".

By Madu Obi The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has promised to halt action against Most Rev, Dr. Alexander Ibezim, Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anglican Communion on the petition brought against him over the alleged sale of church land, pending the determination of the prevailing suit on the matter. Chief G. Tagbo SAN, who is counsel to the petitioner, Echezona Onuigbo, had submitted a petition dated July 28, to the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, complaining that Bishop Ibezim had no right to sell any church property as he allegedly did because the Board Of Trustees (BOT) of the church is the only legal custodian of such assets. When the case came up, counsel to the EFCC, Mr C. A. Okoli, told the court that the anti graft body would maintain the status quo and refrain from any further action against Ibezim, pending the court’s decision. Okoli explained that the invitation letter to Ibezim, dated October 7, was issued before the commission became aware of the pending court case. “We are law-abiding and will stay all actions pending the determination of the substantive application. We are however, requesting a date for hearing,” he said. Earlier, Ibezim’s counsel, Mr Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN), informed the court that both parties had agreed that the EFCC would refrain from inviting, arresting, or taking any further action against the Archbishop while the case is pending. Nwofor also urged the court to suspend the EFCC’s invitation letter dated October7, and which was signed by Mr. Farouk Abdullah on behalf of the Acting Zonal Director, Enugu, until the case is determined. The presiding Judge, Justice Peace Otti, consequently directed that a hearing notice be issued to the second respondent, Mr Echezona Onuigbo, who was absent in court. Otti adjourned the matter to November 27, for hearing of the substantive application and any other pending motion.

By Madu Obi No fewer than 10,000 women from the various local government areas of Anambra State, who are members of Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo Initiative, stormed Awka, the capital, on Saturday to exercise with the founder and wife of the state governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo. They began the walk at the popular Aroma area of the city, with the aim to promote physical fitness and raise awareness on healthy eating, living and disease prevention. In addition to the women, there were also government officials, health workers and students who walked through the major streets in the state capital and later converged at the Awka Township Stadium for more physical exercises. Addressing the participants, Mrs Soludo described physical fitness and healthy eating as a preventive measure against diseases, stressing the importance of good nutrition for both children and adults. The governor's wife expressed excitement that communities in the state are now understanding that physical exercise should be viewed as medicine for healing and well-being. She said: “Part of our efforts at ‘Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo’ is leading an intense advocacy for physically fit, safe, healthy, and secure homes and communities in Anambra State. This is what I do every day, I start my day with a walk out, and this has been going on in the whole of Anambra State. My initiative, ‘Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo’ and all the local government areas do physical exercise. Communities are doing it too and I am so happy that our people are embracing it because health is the greatest wealth. For me, whatever you do in life, you should take your health as number one job. And the people of Anambra are doing that, so, I am so happy to see the people of Anambra enjoying taking care of their health. She said that she will be organizing the the programme in the various local government areas, adding that she might just go to any local government any day to exercise with them. Physical activity helps prevent lifestyle-related ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Health is the greatest wealth, and a healthy body is the foundation of a productive life. We must learn to care for ourselves through consistent physical activity and healthy choices," she stated.

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu has expressed deep interest in promoting the rich Igbo culture and tradition, promising to rebuild the traditional institution if he wins the November 8 election. Ukachukwu spoke when he visited the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe during the 2025 Ofala festival. He described Igwe Achebe as a distinguished traditional ruler whose values have strengthened Igbo culture and praised the festival as a remarkable cultural treasure that must be preserved for future generations. According to him, from its humble beginnings, the Onitsha Ofala festival has grown into a brand that stands as a major attraction in Nigeria’s cultural calendar, drawing visitors/tourists and scholars from across the globe. He commended Igwe Achebe’s unwavering dedication to preserving the traditions and values of his people, emphasizing that the monarch’s leadership has elevated the festival to an international height. Ukachukwu also underscored the importance of leveraging cultural heritage to promote tourism and socio-economic development, revealing plans to work closely with traditional institutions across the state to showcase Anambra’s rich history and vibrant culture. “The Ofala festival is not just a celebration; it is a gateway to presenting our people, values, and traditions to audiences both locally and internationally,” he said.

By Madu Obi The founder of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and leader of the Biafra Independence Movement (BIM), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has instituted legal action against the Imo State Police command and the Nigeria Police Force over what he described as a politically motivated invitation aimed at curtailing his fundamental rights. Uwazuruike's invitation came eight days after he announced his preparedness to join the planned peaceful protest on October 20 to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The suit, filed at the High Court of Imo State, Owerri Judicial Division, seeks the enforcement of his fundamental rights to liberty, freedom of movement, and peaceful assembly as guaranteed under Sections 35, 41, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap 10, LFN 1990. Respondents in the case filed through his counsel, Mr. M.O. Anyanwu, are ACP Oladimeji Odeyiwa (Commander, Tiger Base, Owerri), ASP John Ebute, ASP Eze Jet, Inspector Alice Zakari, the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Police Service Commission. In the originating motion, Uwazuruike is seeking, among other reliefs: * A declaration that the police invitation dated October 16, 2025, directing him to appear at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base), Owerri, on October 20, 2025 — the same day slated for the nationwide peaceful protest demanding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu — constitutes a gross violation of his constitutional rights to liberty and freedom of movement. * An order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further harassing, inviting, or attempting to arrest or detain him over what he described as a “concocted allegation” of criminal invasion, forgery, and willful damage. * An order of compensation mandating the respondents jointly and severally to pay the sum of ₦100,000,000 (One Hundred Million Naira) as general damages for the violation of his fundamental rights. In his supporting affidavit, Uwazuruike said that he had lived peacefully in Owerri for years without any police invitation until after his public declaration on October 8, 2025, to join the peaceful protest for Nnamdi Kanu’s release. According to him, the sudden invitation, delivered to his residence on October 16, was clearly intended to prevent his participation in the October 20 rally. “I have not committed any offence by volunteering to join a peaceful protest. The invitation is a mere ploy to arrest, detain, and intimidate me because of my public stand for peace and justice," Uwazuruike stated in the affidavit. His counsel, in a written address to the court, argued that the police invitation violates the provisions of Sections 35 and 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee personal liberty and freedom of movement, adding that the timing of the letter “reveals a deliberate intent to restrict the Applicant’s civic and constitutional rights.” “The action of the police, coming just days after Uwazuruike’s press statement in support of a peaceful protest, is unconstitutional, unlawful, and a blatant attempt to silence a voice of peace,” his lawyer said. No date has, however, been fixed for the hearing of the case.

Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe dancing during the ofala festival in Onitsha By Madu Obi The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, has cautioned Nigerian politicians against abandoning governance in pursuit of political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such actions tend to worsen the country’s economic and social crises. Speaking at the 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, the monarch observed that political attention across the country had already shifted towards 2027, while millions of Nigerians continue to face hunger, poverty, and insecurity. “The attention of the political class has become literally diverted to the 2027 general elections. New alliances are being forged as political fortunes rise and fall. There is a distinct impression that these efforts are largely for the self-preservation and material benefit of those in the game,” Achebe said. He expressed concern that ordinary Nigerians were paying the price of neglect as hardship deepens nationwide despite ongoing economic reforms. Quoting the latest World Bank report, the Monarch said: “Our poverty rate has risen from 40 percent in 2018 to 46 percent in 2023, translating to about 104 million Nigerians now classified as poor,.”. "The reality on the ground is dire. The unending violence in most parts of the country continues to affect the agricultural sector very seriously. Government must ensure that relief materials and support reach the intended beneficiaries directly, without being sidelined by bureaucracy or corruption,” he cautioned. Turning to the South East, the monarch expressed deep worry over the continued insecurity and its economic impact on the region, citing the recent conviction of Finland-based separatist agitator Simon Ekpa as a possible turning point. “The scourge of violence and kidnapping in the South East continues to mutate in different forms. We pray that the recent conviction in Finland of Simon Ekpa will contribute to the general reduction of violent crime in the region,” he said. Achebe cited an SBM Intelligence report titled “Four Years of Disruption,” which estimated that the South East economy had lost about ₦7.6 trillion since 2021 due to insecurity and sit-at-home disruptions. “This is the moment for deep reflection among Ndigbo. Nigeria and the world are leaving us behind due to the deliberate actions of a few purveyors of violence among us,” he warned. On the upcoming Anambra off-cycle governorship election slated for next month, the monarch called for peace, transparency, and voter participation, lamenting the apathy shown by residents of the South East in ongoing voter registration exercises. “In the first week of the INEC registration exercise, only 2,482 persons pre-registered online across four South East states, excluding Anambra, compared to 848,359 in the South West. This is alarming and demands urgent mobilization by our leaders,” he said. While acknowledging that the Federal Government was implementing “laudable macroeconomic stabilization measures,” the Obi urged authorities to adopt transparent and corruption-free approaches in distributing palliatives to the most vulnerable citizens. Expectedly , the 2025 Ofala Festival retained its traditional glamour and splendour, with dignitaries, traditional rulers from within and outside the state, as well as visitors from within and outside the country in attendance.

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, for the November 8 Anambra election, Sir Paul Chukwuma has said that his three- point agenda of Human capital development, Infrastructure and Security, HIS, will elevate the state from its poor level. Speaking during an interaction with a cross - section of workers in tertiary institutions in the state under the aegis of 'Academics for better Anambra', Chukwuma said that he would pay special attention to skills acquisition, fight insecurity and upgrade infrastructure. He said: "As governor, I will pay attention to other forms of schooling, such as apprenticeship where youths learn for some years and are then settled. I will set up a special agency for for the empowering people. There will teachers' quarters in every school and I will prioritize the welfare of teachers because they are the ones responsible for proper upbringing of our children. I will build a Sea port at Ose Akwa in Ihiala local government area, which has the shortest nautical miles to the Atlantic Ocean in Nigeria and we will do this in liaison with the federal government to ensure that the sea port is easily realized. After the sea port, we'll find a solution to the problem of power. As governor, Anambra will have uninterrupted electricity in my first two years as I have seen that our people are prepared to pay once they see the light. I will set up security committee across all the communities to liaise with traditional security agencies. And once the federal government sends the security vote, we use it appropriately. One of the things fueling insecurity is that more than 90% of houses in the cities are not documented and once I take over, we will number all houses even if they were built with mud. We will map out the entire state and ensure that occupants of every house is known. I will also fix the problem of gully erosion. The problem of the state is not just building roads. The LGAs will be building roads because their allocations will be going to them directly. As governor, I will have a listening ear" Chukwuma, who is from Anambra North senatorial zone also faulted the state's zoning arrangement, arguing that poverty and insecurity have no zones. "We cannot be hiding under the rhetoric of zoning when our state is in trouble", he stated, adding that if everything is okay, he would not have declared interest to contest. He stated that the problems facing the state are man-made, assuring that he is prepared to solve them. He said that under his administration, the local government system must be independent and that civil servants will be well taken care of. "Our people must know the truth at all times and there must be freedom of speech and worship. I will be governor for all", he promised.