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Gov. Soludo addressing the academic community in Awka By Madu Obi Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has emphasized the need for those in academics to expand their roles beyond traditional teaching. The governor, who spoke during a gathering of Higher Education Stakeholders Forum at the Women Development Center, Awka, challenged the notion that academia is a secluded profession solely focused on teaching. The forum was, more or less, an endorsement of the governor by the academic community in the state ahead of the November 8 governorship election. "As academics, you cannot afford the secluded prestige thing of just teaching. You must have the capacity to multi-task. Integrating teaching, research, and community service into the academic framework and placing particular emphasis on the latter is more important", Soludo stated. Highlighting the challenges faced by educational institutions in a developing country context, Governor Soludo expressed his belief that it is still possible for educators to excel across multiple domains. "You can multitask and still excel in all sectors," he asserted, urging them to recognize their potentials to impact society positively. The governor encouraged educators to move beyond merely producing articles and research, adding, "These contributions are necessary, but not sufficient." He also stressed the importance of translating academic knowledge into practical applications that can address societal needs. "A lot of you have a lot of brilliant things to do," he said, inspiring them to embrace their roles in driving social change. He also promised to continue to contribute his bit in developing Anambra State across sectors. In a keynote address, former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka tackled the critical intersection of education and development in Nigeria, emphasizing the imperative for Anambra State to remain steadfast in its course under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s leadership. He noted the imminent changes on the global horizon, asserting that "the world is about to change," and highlighted Governor Soludo’s understanding of this pivotal moment. Chidoka stated that success is not a matter of luck, but rather a result of focus and perseverance, urging stakeholders to harness these qualities in their efforts to advance education. He also described education as a fundamental justice issue, rather than a mere charity initiative and called for a collective recommitment to the educational transformation already underway in the state. The former Minister stressed the importance of investing in education as a vital component of sustainable development, advocating for another four-year commitment under Governor Soludo to deepen the ongoing changes in the state. The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Professor Kate Omenugha, emphasized the importance of introspection within the current educational landscape. She noted that education and politics are intricately connected, highlighting the significance of leadership in guiding affairs. "Who is at the helm of affairs is important," she stated, underscoring the responsibility of educators to actively participate as leaders of thought. Professor Omenugha called for a collective effort to "build, not destroy," stressing the need for a constructive approach that will benefit future generations. Another speaker, Prof Casmir Ani also lent his voice in supporting the educational revolution of Governor Soludo, which he added, has brought to bear in the sector. He called on the members of the academic community, and indeed, the entire Anambra people, to continue to support Governor Soludo as the state gears up for governorship election on November 8, 2025.

Governor Soludo and members of the electricity regulatory commission after the inauguration By Madu Obi Awka - In a bold move aimed at improving power supply management across the state, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has inaugurated a five - member Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC). The commission is headed by Professor Frank Nwoye Okafor, who will serve as both Chairman and Chief Executive Commissioner. Other members are Engr. Geoffrey Okwuchukwu Nwokoye, Dr. Nnaemeka O. Ewelukwa, Engr. Nosike Emmanuel, and Barr. Chijioke Nnaemeka Obi. The bill for the establishment of the commission was passed by the House of Assembly, which provided the necessary context for the establishment of the commission and its responsibilities for regulating the state's electricity sector. The governor said the appointees would oversee the operations of the commission and ensure effective regulation of electricity supply to meet the demands of Anambra's growing population and economy. He expressed gratitude to the members for accepting their roles and encouraged them to facilitate the transition into the new electricity market. The governor ali emphasized the importance of operating within the legal framework, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds of the appointees. Soludo noted that they represent the best talent available and thanked the House of Assembly for the swift passage of the enabling legislation that outlines the terms and conditions governing their operations. In his speech, the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, stated that the 2023 Nigeria Electricity Act is being domesticated for Anambra, emphasizing that over the years, the state had been strategic in laying a solid foundation for this initiative. The chairman of the Commission, Okafor, assured that the expectations of the people of Anambra will be respected and taken seriously. He emphasized that while the tasks ahead are significant, they are achievable and acknowledged that although Anambra had faced losses in the past, those gaps will now be addressed. He expressed confidence that both the quantity and quality of power supply will see improvements, adding that the commission will also focus on ensuring energy accountability and revenue assurance.

By Madu Obi There is an emerging trend in Anambra State where various communities and groups have been competing with each other in contributing funds to support the reelection of Professor Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim in the November 8 governorship election. In the past, the trend was for the governorship candidates to offer money to groups and communities as they visit them ahead of the election, as a way of soliciting for their votes. However, the ongoing Anambra State gubernatorial campaign is showcasing a startlingly new phenomenon. Since Governor Chukwuma Soludo began his campaign, the various communities in Anambra State have continued to raise millions of naira to support him, so that he will win and continue, in their words, "the good work he is doing across the state". Recently, the people of Oba in Idemili South local government area endorsed the governor for second tenure and backed it up with ₦50 million campaign donation. Similarly, the people of Ekwulobia did the same thing with a donation of N80 million to support Soludo's campaign in appreciation for transforming the town to an urban city. In fact, the financial contributions and endorsements began with Anambra students in tertiary institutions under the auspices of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, who raised N3 million to enable Governor Soludo purchase the nomination form for reelection. This was followed by the Soludo Support Groups who donated N50m. Later, the three Senatorial Zones, namely North, Central, and South, raised N50 million, N70 million, and N100 million in that order, while Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, ASMATA, donated N10 million to him for restoring sanity in all the markets in the state. Similarly, some stakeholders in Idemili North and South raised N70 million, just as Obosi community supported the Soludo campaign with N50 million, while Amichi community also backed the mission with N50 million. The list is long. The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor said the significant endorsement underscores the growing confidence in Soludo’s governance, adding that the remarkable aspect of the monetary support is that it came spontaneously, without any solicitation whatsoever from the governor. Mefor said: "The people are on their own backing Soludo’s development strides and vision for a prosperous Anambra State. As the political momentum builds, the various communities are sending a powerful message ahead of the polls, which is that they would not want to be left behind in the lurch. The governor may end up not contributing a farthing to his own campaign, thereby setting yet another record in electioneering funding in Nigeria. It is so commendable that state resources are not deployed to the campaign. As an exemplary man of the people, Governor Soludo is reaping the reward of the good work of his first term." According to Mefor, "The unique significance of this trend is that while other candidates are borrowing money to buy voters, Soludo’s campaign is enjoying crowdfunding by Ndi Anambra. It is a rare demonstration of love and determination to return a hard-working governor. His opponents have since been left askance, wondering if they can ever get into the hearts of Anambra people who would not want to hear of anybody aside from Soludo." He said further: "The phenomenon of crowdfunding a campaign counts among the disruptive changes that Soludo promised to bring to bear on Nigerian politics. It is incumbent on all politicians to render good works such that the people can back their campaigns with their own money. This way, state resources will not be depleted in running very expensive political campaigns." Soludo is indeed a disruptive and transformational leader. His disruptive change has now reached how campaigns ought to be funded. The Commissioner said the situation on ground is that every community in Anambra State can count on the democracy dividends being delivered by Governor Soludo. "The people and Mr Governor are together, working for the progress of the state that holds aloft the tag of 'Light of the Nation'. Anambra people trust Governor Soludo because he has not borrowed any money at all to undertake his landmark achievements. He is in no way shortchanging the people who see him as a beacon of light, as opposed to some of his opponents that are daily being embarrassed by people they had borrowed money from! For a leader deploying all the resources of Anambra State to work for Ndi Anambra, Soludo is reaping the reward through the crowdfunding of his campaign. The crowds troop out in any community he steps into, backing his campaign with funds they raised on their own. It is always like a carnival with smiles all over the place. The Governor Soludo crowdfunding campaign ethic deserves to be emulated across the Nigerian nation so that the resources of the state should not be dissipated in wasteful orgies of vote-buying", he stated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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