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By Madu Obi The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the November 8 Anambra governorship election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has allegedly been harassed by men, who were claiming that he owed them N1 billion. Some people were seen in a viral video blocking Ukachukwu’s way as he made to leave Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja with his wife and son to enter his car. The camp of the Anambra State Governor and the candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the election, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo had alleged that the money was borrowed for the purchase of governorship forms and to prosecute the election. APGA National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ejimofor Opara, described as unfortunate, a situation where people who have not been able to clear their personal debt, were coming to contest for the governorship of Anambra State. But a supporter of Prince Ukachukwu, Dr Justin Nwankwo, has debunked the circulating videos, describing it as mere drama. Nwankwo said: “When you see a staged video, you will know. The recent circulating video claiming that Ikukuoma was attacked by people he allegedly owed ₦1 billion is nothing but a poorly scripted political drama, staged and sponsored to discredit a rising force ahead of the Anambra governorship election. First, let us ask the obvious questions: why are these supposed “creditors” shouting about Anambra election instead of quietly collecting their so called debt? Is the highway the new courtroom? Is the street the new bank? If truly someone is being owed ₦1 billion, is it on the road that they intend to recover it? Any serious creditor knows that such a debt comes with legal documents, contracts, collateral, and most importantly, lawyers. But here, there is none. Second, how can a supposed ₦1 billion debt exist without a single document, collateral, court case, or petition? Who in his right senses transacts such a monumental sum with no trace? The logic collapses under its own weight. Even more laughable is the fact that these “debt collectors” came armed with cameramen instead of security operatives or legal enforcement officers. Since when did camera crews replace court orders or policemen in matters of debt recovery? The video is nothing but a choreographed act designed for social media consumption, not reality. Third, where is the official letter of demand for this alleged debt? In real life, no creditor wakes up to chase ₦1 billion on the street with placards and cameras. They go to court, file a petition, and enforce it with the law. The absence of all these only confirms that the video is a political propaganda dressed up as a debt recovery mission.” Nwankwo said the timing is also suspicious, adding that as the election draws closer, Anambra people should expect more of 'these fake shows, cheap blackmail videos, orchestrated harassment, and propaganda staged by desperate politicians. “Let it be clear: the people are wiser than these cheap antics. No amount of staged harassment can stop the wind of change blowing across Anambra. Fake ₦1 billion debts will not decide the election. Real issues will be security, healthcare, education, infrastructure, jobs, and genuine leadership", he added.

By Madu Obi The Director General of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, campaign organization for the November 8 governorship election, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu has said that qualification of the candidates standing for the election, will remain an issue because of the uniqueness of Anambra State. In a statement in Awka, Chukwulobelu, who isthe Secretary to the State Government, however, added that the Soludo-Ibezim campaign organization would remain focused on the future of the state. He observed that although the various political parties and their candidates are exercising their constitutional rights to campaign for the office, some of them were beginning to show desperation with intent to distract or destroy. "We will remain razor-focused on the issues about the future of Anambra, and no number of fabricated obscenities can distract us. We will not take the bait to get into the gutter with them and we will not dignify them either", the DG said. According to Chukwulobelu, part of the fundamental issues for every election is the qualification of the candidates to hold such office, adding that the Constitution of Nigeria prescribes a minimum academic qualification for the office of governor of a state. He said: "For Anambra, a state known for excellence (home to some of the most educated leaders Nigeria has ever had--- Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Akwaeke Nwafor-Orizu, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Prof. Kenneth Dike, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Francis Cardinal Arinze, etc.), it is an important issue in the choice of a governor. The past civilian governors since 1999 include: Dr. Mbadinuju (PhD); Dr. Nwabueze Ngige (MBBS, UNN—Medical Doctor); Mr. Peter Obi (B. Sc Philosophy, UNN); and Mr. Willie Obiano (B. Sc, MBA—UNILAG). Our current governor, Chukwuma Soludo (B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph. D Economics, UNN) is a globally acclaimed Professor of Economics, consultant, and technocrat--- with hundreds of international awards for excellent public service, including the Financial Times of London/Banker award as best governor of central bank in the world. The New African Magazine’s (London) recognition as one of the 100 most influential Africans, and even celebrated by his Alma Mater, UNN, at its 44th Founders’ Day as the University’s Most Distinguished alumnus. His deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, is a Medical Doctor with accomplished public service. Together, both are leading a major social and economic transformation of Anambra State, and the evidence is clear. Our campaign is rooted in over 120 sterling achievements of the Soludo-Ibezim administration in barely three years without borrowing, and a robust plan for the next four years. With dozens of awards of excellence by newspapers, magazines, and institutions, as well as endorsements by every stakeholder group in Anambra, Ndi Anambra are happy and clear about their choice. The last bye election was a mock for the governorship, and APGA scored 75% of the votes. November will be even more emphatic" The DG explained that part of the ethical and moral rebirth that the Soludo-Ibezim administration is executing is to rid Anambra of fake influences on her children/youths, including influences that discourage hard work and enterprise and promote success by magical means. "As a campaign organization, we are focused on the future of Anambra. We do not take the support of Ndi Anambra for granted. We are working hard to earn every vote based upon the value that we have created and will still create for the people. But the issue of who has the basic qualifications to govern Anambra will remain a legitimate issue in the campaign—both now and in the future! Anambra is far too sophisticated", he stated.

By Obi Madu The war of words between the Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo and the deputy governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has taken a new dimension, with the wife of the governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, challenging Ekwunife to paternity tests of their children, to know who fathered them. Governor Soludo recently questioned the genuineness of Ekwunife's PhD which she submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the November 8 governorship election and stated that the American institution that allegedly awarded the degree is not accredited in the United States and the National Universities Commission, NUC. However, Ekwunife dragged the governor's wife into the controversy by linking her personal life with the former governor of the state, the late Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju. Responding to the APC deputy governorship candidate, Mrs Soludo said: "I challenge you, Uche Ekwunife, for us to subject our children to paternity tests. Science has made life easy and there are things you cannot lie about nowadays. To avoid any stories in Nigerian hospitals, let us do it in three reputable hospitals in London. You and your family are often in London, but I will pay the expenses. As a businesswoman, I will pay for you and your family’s travels, as well as for the tests. If after the tests it is confirmed that your husband is the father of all your children. I will congratulate you with a cash award. I can confirm that my family is ready for this test any moment of your choice, preferably between now and end of October/November 2025. As a woman of conservative Catholic upbringing, I pride myself in my chastity. What about you? In the name of God, you must accept the above harmless challenges about your fidelity/chastity as a “distinguished” Senator." According to Mrs Soludo, "since Uche Ekwunife claims to be a converted Catholic, I challenge her for both of us to swear an oath of fidelity and chastity at any Cathedral in front of the Blessed Sacrament. You mentioned screen shooting someone’s name and putting in your Bible. So, you must know the efficacy of the Holy Book. We should also add the Bible with the Sacrament. I will swear (with my children) that in my 55 years on earth, I have known only one man—Chukwuma Soludo. On your part, you should also swear (with your children or your political ambitions) that since you got married, you have never cheated on your husband. Let us do this between now and mid October 2025." Explaining why she had to respond to Ekwunife, Soludo's wife added: "Initially I remarked that one should not exchange words with a madman because passersby may not know the difference. However, when the “madman” is determined to kill/destroy—as she boasted in her viral audio that she would fabricate outlandish lies to destroy my family, we are constrained to respond. "We had shrugged off and laughed at her hilarious tantrums at my husband and I as the “usual Uche’s madness”, but now that her madness has crossed the red line by even dragging my innocent children into the arena and setting to destroy them, Ekwunife has left us with no choice. This is a woman for whom I have cooked and fed, together with her children on several occasions they visited my house. For her to sit down and fabricate/spew all manner of invectives and criminal allegations against me and my children without any provocation from us, shows someone who can even kill. Many people called and asked me to ignore Ekwunife because, according to them, she is like a mad dog which has no shame or character and can therefore say or do anything anywhere. I understand that it has been her rehearsed strategy with every man she had a political fight. I understand that her standard template is to maliciously go after their families—especially their wives. Everyone talks about how she tried to destroy the reputation of an innocent wife of a senator when she had a contest with him. Well, let me assure you Uche Ekwunife, that you are in for a different season with a different woman. My weapons are decency, character, and grace. I am a long-distance runner, and I welcome you to the marathon", Mrs Soludo stated. She said further: "In all my life, I have lived an incredibly quiet family life, shunning publicity. One of the reasons I hate politics is precisely the kind of shameless obscenities from Uche Ekwunife in the name of “politics.” My phone has been inundated with hundreds of calls and texts with “evidence” of what I could use against her. For now, I will still restrain from getting into the gutters with her and focus on the issues and facts. . Before the gloves are off, I will still as a Christian give Uche a chance to repent and ensure restitution by recanting her wilful and malicious allegations within 72 hours and tendering an unreserved apology. Take note Uche that if you fail to do so, I will take every step necessary to ensure justice and restitution. My lawyers have also been put on notice. For starters, let me repeat three verifiable facts. One, I have never worked for anyone in my life. I have been a professional and entrepreneur all my adult life—running my own companies in Nigeria and abroad. Even when my husband was governor of the Central Bank and now as the first lady of Anambra, I have never depended upon public funds. As first lady of Anambra, I do not have any budget from the government. Secondly, I never met Dr. Mbadinuju of blessed memory in my life and in my 55 years on planet earth, I have known ONLY ONE MAN, Chukwuma Soludo. I married him as a virgin and my fidelity to him in 33 years of marriage and for life is ironclad. This may be difficult for an Uche Ekwunife to comprehend". The governor's wife said she watched part of what she described as "hilarious emotional outburst and infantile invectives on my husband" by Ekwunife, describing it as laughable indeed! "You know, and we know the source of your frustrations. But let me assure you that the globally celebrated professor is too clean, too decent, and too sophisticated to waste his time on low lives. Nwoke bu nwoke! Enough said for now", she concluded.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi A Catholic Priest in Enugu, has exhibited one of the Christian values, humility, with his public apology, describing his recent altercation with members of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) in his parish as “regrettable and uncharacteristic.” The priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Godfrey Oleri, Parish Priest of St. Paul Parish, Ibuzo Amokwe in Udi Local Government, was at the center of the incident that went viral on social media showing a physical confrontation between him and several CWO members. The incident which occurred on August 8 at St. Mary Station, Idedu, an outstation of St. Paul Parish, attracted condemnation from many watchers who felt the priest did not behave well. Bút in his apology in a video address, a visibly remorseful Rev. Fr. Oleri, regretted the incident and admitted that his conduct did not reflect the values and discipline expected of a Catholic priest. He said, “I sincerely apologise for what happened. It was a moment of weakness, and I take full responsibility for my actions. It should not have happened." He explained that misunderstandings surrounding the venue of the women’s meeting escalated tensions but emphasized that violence and confrontation should never have been part of the outcome. According to him, “As a spiritual leader, I am called to be a symbol of peace and unity. I fell short of that calling, and I am deeply sorry to the CWO members, the parish and the entire Catholic community." While witnesses described the event as chaotic, with parishioners intervening to de-escalate the situation, there were calls from both the clergy and the laity for the Catholic Diocese of Enugu to investigate it and for an apology and resolution of the matter. Meanwhile, Fr. Oleri in his video address, reaffirmed his commitment to reconciliation and pastoral duties, calling on all parties involved to forgive and move forward in peace.

By Madu Obi Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, is planning to build a new airport in Ndikelionwu, Orumba North local government area, as part of his administration's desire to transform the state into a smart mega city. Speaking during a tour of the site of the proposed airport, the Managing Director of Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport, Umueri, Mr. Martins Nwafor, said that the visit was to identify a suitable and flyable location where the state government can establish an airport alongside the proposed industrial park within an aerotropolis. Nwafor, who also chairs the newly inaugurated Airport and Aerotropolis Committee, described the project as a game changer that would unlock untapped economic opportunities in the state. According to him, the integration of aviation infrastructure with the surrounding commercial, residential, and logistics facilities would create a dynamic airport-driven city capable of attracting significant investment. He added that the development of multiple airports across Anambra will accelerate industrialisation and foster the state’s overall growth. In their separate remarks, the former President-General of Ndikelionwu Welfare Association, Hon. Fabian Nwosu, and the association’s Vice President, Hon. Ifesinachi Chukwurah Onwurah, expressed gratitude to the state government for siting the project in their community. They pledged the people’s full support, security, and cooperation to ensure the successful take-off and completion of the airport. Other dignitaries who were with Nwafor during the tour included the MD/CEO of Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited, Prof. Charles O. Ofoegbu; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Retired Air Vice Marshal Ben Chiobi, founder of Sliding Towers, Architect. Chukwudi Ezenwa; as well as community chiefs and elders of Ndikelionwu. Geologists and geophysicists from the Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited, who carried out mapping of the location were also present.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has held a high-level strategic meeting with Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of the command across Anambra State, during which it reviews its operations in the state. The meeting, which took place at its headquarters in Awka, was aimed at revitalizing operational strategies and reinforcing proactive policing across the state. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the meeting also provided a platform to review the command’s operational framework, strengthen intelligence-led policing, and reassess the progress of ongoing investigations into various cases. The CP, who charged the officers to remain committed to their constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property, emphasized discipline, professionalism, and collaboration with community stakeholders as key drivers of effective policing. He further directed Area Commanders, tactical teams, and DPOs to step up visibility patrols, surveillance, and intelligence sharing to sustain the current gains in security across Anambra State. During the meeting, the CP presented cheques from the Inspector-General of Police’s Group Life Insurance/Family Welfare Scheme to the families policemen who had died. The PPRO said the cheques, totalling ₦59,186,177.62, were given to 38 families of Police officers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. CP Orutugu described the gesture as a demonstration of the Force leadership’s commitment to the welfare of personnel and their families, stressing that the sacrifices of the gallant officers will never be forgotten. In addition, CP Orutugu, on behalf of the officers and men of the command, also extended cash support to the family of an Inspector of Police who lost his life while repelling an attack by insurgents at Aguata. He reaffirmed the command’s readiness to continually support the families of fallen heroes and reassured Anambra people of the unwavering commitment of the Police to ensure safety, law, and order.

By Madu Obi An Anambra High Court sitting in Awka has granted an Order of interim injunction stoping the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, from arresting the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim, over his alleged sale of the land belonging to the church. Some members of the church had accused the Archbishop of illegal sale of the landed property belonging to the church, and embezzling the money. However, it was Prince Echezona Onuigbo, who is not a member of the church, that petitioned the EFCC, which has been investigating the Archbishop. The petitioners also alleged that the Archbishop was involved in what they called voracious wealth acquisition, and shortchanging some of his allies in sharing the proceeds from the sale of the land. Granting the injunction, a vacation judge, Justice F.I Aniukwu stopped the anti-graft agency from arresting the prelate, following an ex-parte motion he filed through his lawyer, Mr B.E. Nwofor, SAN. The Court said that the Order was made upon reading and considering the Motion ex- parte before it, brought pursuant to Order 3,4(a, b (iv) (v) of the fundamental human rights (enforcement procedure) ruled; section 46(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, and under the inherent jurisdiction of this Honourable Court. The ex parte application was filed with an 18- paragraph affidavit deposed by the applicant, praying for an Order of injunction restraining the respondents by themselves and by their staff, servants, officers, workers, agents, or howsoever, from acting on or doing anything whatsoever, based on the 2nd respondent's letter dated 28th July, 2025, addressed to EFCC. The court added: “The interim Order is made to last till such a period that the parties would have fully exchanged processes in respect of the Motion on Notice No: A/1307M/2025 filed alongside the Motion Ex Parte and the Motion on Notice heard or fixed for hearing by the regular Court." According to the Order, unless renewed, the Order of Interim Injunction shall elapse 21 days from 9th September, 2025.

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, for the November 8 Anambra election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has promised that none of the 179 communities in the state would be left out under his administration, if he emerges the next governor of the state. Addressing a large group of people from various parts of the state at his Orsumenyi community in Nnewi South local government area, Ukachukwu said that every part of Anambra would experience unprecedented transformation in line with what he has been doing across the country over the years. He said: "Anambra State is simple to develop and transform. We have enough human and material resources to achieve the transformation within 24 months. I will begin with connecting all the Council Areas to the state capital. All the major commercial and industrial hub of the state would be given special attention. The state will remain a huge industrial site for the four years I will be on the saddle and every community will be active in the whole development activities." Stating that Anambra people are tired of mere rhetorics and grammar, Ukachukwu emphasized that of all the candidates lined up for the governorship election, he is the only one who has chains of investments and factories in different parts of the state, including Awka, the capital. He said that he had demonstrated implicit faith in the workability of the state and her economy, unlike those who "simply breeze in at election times to capture and milk our economy and disappear." He said further: "I have been an investor, industrialist and economic developer all my life. I have visible investments in virtually all states of the federation. It is insecurity that has slowed down my factories in Agu-Awka, Nkpor and Onitsha. Six of my expatriate staff were kidnapped and it was a harrowing experience for them and me too. So immediately after securing their freedom at a huge cost, I shut down the factories and they left. Today, I am involved in hospitality industry which I am using to gradually return. Of what value is a government if it cannot secure her citizens, lives and property? Every citizen is very valuable, and important in the project ahead. Youths and the unemployed shall be rehabilitated and engaged meaningfully and there will no longer be killings and maiming in the state."

By Madu Obi The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, has mounted a three- day training for heads of planning in key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, in Anambra State on ways to enhance resource allocation in areas concerning children's welfare and development. No fewer than 36 persons from the Ministries of Budget and Economic Planning, Youth Development, Women Affairs, Finance, Health, Agriculture, Education, Local Government, among others, are participating in the workshop. A UNICEF Consultant, Dr Sola Omoju, said during the opening ceremony in Awka, that as a very important development partner to Nigeria at both the state and federal levels, the world body has been working within the context of the United Nations to provide support on issues concerning children. "In Nigeria, we are intervening in the areas of education, health, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene, as well as in child social protection. The reason is that UNICEF wants the children to develop in a good environment. UNICEF is supporting the empowerment of those planning budgets that touch the children to link up with how they are spending money on the key areas in the state's annual expenditures", Omoju said. He observed that over the years, UNICEF has been looking at resource allocations in the educational, health, and other areas that impact on children, adding that it was found out that they are not commensurate with the expectations. He explained that it was for that reason that informed the decision by UNICEF to provide technical support to selected states in the country. "UNICEF is so passionate about the children, hence the need to provide the support, so that in the next three years, for instance, the affected states should be linking their resources to the UNICEF focus areas that are of particular interest to the children. One of the things we want to do is to build capacity of the civil servants involved in planning and budget, so that they will see the need to allocate adequate resources to the relevant areas. UNICEF is not trying to force figures on the states, but to build the capacity of the civil servants as we believe that in few years to come, the impact of this capacity building will be felt in Anambra State to the benefit of their MDAs", he added. Welcoming the participants, the Principal Planning Officer in the state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Chinedu Nwankwo said the workshop would center on a review and update of the state's crucial policy documents, namely: the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and the Medium-Term Sector Strategy. He described the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), as a key policy document embedded in the state's budget process, adding that it is instrumental in charting the way forward for Anambra State. "The framework reviews and highlights the government expenditure plan over the next three years", he said, while the Medium Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) is one of the crucial components of the MTEF framework, which outlines the goals, objectives, and strategies of a specific sector over a given period. Nwankwo added: "It is a critical initiative that helps to improve overall sector performance, address sector challenges, and promote sustainable development. The workshop brings together stakeholders from various sectors, and their collective expertise, insights, and perspectives will be valuable in shaping a sector that will be more effective." He commended UNICEF for the continued support to the state, assuring that the collaborative effort would effectively develop a comprehensive strategy that will guide sectoral growth and development. The UNICEF focal person in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Orji Obiananma said the objective of the workshop is to align plans with the current state priorities, including enhancing resources allocation and accountability, as well as strengthening budget planning.

By Madu Obi In what was seen as an act of true leadership, the governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, for the November 8 election, Sir Paul Chukwuma, averted what could have led to a breakdown of law and order by personally driving into Onitsha Main Market to calm down irate traders who were spoiling for war following a clash between officials of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) and some traders in the commercial city of Onitsha. According to an eye witness, things would have escalated but for the prompt arrival of Sir Chukwuma who proceeded to calm the traders, which gradually led to restoration of peace before the police moved in. He said that Chukwuma's action was an action of a statesman and a depiction of true leadership. "True leadership shines through empathy and Sir Chukwuma has once more shown us the traders what it means to truly lead. By driving into the market himself, he calmed agitated traders. His presence alone dissolved what could have turned to carnage," he stated. Meanwhile, the YPP candidate was in Anambra West local government area for his ongoing campaign, noting that it was a moment of honest evaluation. Speaking during the tour, Chukwuma said: "Anambra West is crucial in harnessing Anambra’s agricultural potentials. So for us, Anambra’s comparative advantage in agriculture depends largely on what we do with LGAs like Anambra West, and others who form the Anambra’s agricultural base. We will return Anambra to Ndi Anambra. Allocations meant for Anambra West will remain in Anambra West and will be deployed to fully harness all it's agro potentials."

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), for the November 8 election, Mr. John Nwosu, has promised to restore bursary payments for students across the state if he is elected. Nwosu said bursary revival is not just about welfare, but about securing Anambra’s future in line with goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. “Education is the bedrock of progress. No child should be left behind or denied the chance to learn because of poverty. By restoring bursaries, we will ease the burden on parents and empower our youths to rise, innovate, and lead. Affordable education also strengthens gender mainstreaming at an early stage. Anambra’s tomorrow begins with the education of her children today,” he said. Mrs. Ifeoma Okeke, mother of three undergraduates, said Nwosu's pledge would ease pressure on families and help students remain focused on their studies. She described bursary award as a game-changer due to the rising tuition fees that had left many families struggling. “With bursary restored, education will no longer be a privilege, but a right,” she said.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in partnership with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), has begun the process to recruit Community-Based Health Workers for all primary healthcare centers in the 179 communities in the state. The recruitment interview, which kicked off at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka, is geared towards strengthening access to affordable healthcare in rural areas. The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mrs Chisom Uchem, said the initiative forms part of government's efforts to boost primary healthcare delivery by deploying qualified personnel to communities. According to her, the exercise would also help to bridge the gap between residents and health facilities and ensure that basic services reach the people at the grassroots. She emphasized that the job carries a high level of responsibility and urged successful applicants to carry out their duties with compassion and integrity. Uchem said that least 10 health workers would be assigned to each of the 326 wards in the state to aid address the shortage of staff in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs)," she added. Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Uchebo Obiageli, noted that the workers would assist in caring for the sick, guiding residents to health centres, and supporting expectant mothers to ensure safe deliveries. She explained that the programme is designed to reduce maternal mortality, stillbirths, and other preventable deaths.