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By Madu Obi Awka- Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has approved 100% implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, CONHESS, 2024 for all categories of health workers in the state. A circular signed by the state Head of Service, HOS, Dame Theodora Igwegbe dated 2nd October, 2025, listed the affected health workers. They are Nurses and Nurses Anesthetist/ Psychiatrist, Community Health Technicians, Dental Therapists, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Pharmacy Technicians, Radiographers and Physiotherapists. The HOS directed all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, the Local Government Service Commission, the Accountant General for the State and the Accountant General for the Local Governments, to ensure immediate implementation of the directive.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Nigerians were on Wednesday, urged to use the opportunity of the celebration of the 65th Independence Anniversary of the country to reflect on God's faithfulness on the country. Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, who made the call also asked the people to hold firmly to the values of unity, peace, and progress which according to him, underpin the country’s continued growth and development. Giwa noted that, despite prevailing challenges, the historic day provides yet another opportunity for Nigerians to be gracious into to God. Felicitating with the government and good people of Enugu State on the 65th Independence Anniversary, the State Police boss reiterates his commitment to peace, security and public safety. The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Daniel Ndukwe (SP), in a statement, said the CP reassured residents of the state of the Command’s unwavering commitment to continually enhancing public security and ensuring the safety of lives and property in this new year of the country’s independence and beyond. The CP, he stressed, further emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation, urging citizens to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive of collective efforts to maintain peace and security across the State. Giwa, expressed the Command's wishes of a peaceful, joyous, and rewarding 65th Independence Anniversary celebration to all Nigerians, especially citizens of Enugu State.

By Madu Obi Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has urged citizens of the state to look back with hope, and not with despairz as Nigeria marks her 65th Independence anniversary. Speaking during the celebration in Awka, Soludo reinforced his belief that, despite present challenges, Nigeria is on the rise. In the address, Governor Soludo described Nigeria's emergence as a symbol of hope, freedom, and the possibility of the black race, urging citizens to see the day as one of sober reflection. He highlighted the indomitable spirit of Nigerians in overcoming challenges, stating that with vision, hard work and faith, no obstacle is insurmountable. The governor acknowledged the pressing issues facing the nation, particularly insecurity and economic strains, but 9 stressed the importance of sustaining Nigeria's investment in its people. "Our greatest resource is our people. Invest in people, invest in the future", he stated. He praised President Bola Tinubu for implementing necessary reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, stabilization of the exchange rate, among others, which he characterized as "necessary medicine for an economy long distorted and pampered over." Governor Soludo acknowledged recent positive developments, noting that Nigeria's GDP has reached 4.28 percent, which is the highest in three years. He emphasized that with good governance laid at the foundation, the nation is poised for accelerated growth and transformation. The governor encouraged the citizens of Anambra and Nigeria at large to stand firm in the face of adversity, stating, "Ndi Anambra and Nigerians should stand firm as a bright future awaits them." He also called for a collective effort and urged individuals to play their roles in nation-building through patriotism by paying of taxes, supporting reforms, and holding leaders accountable.

By Madu Obi Eight thousand, three hundred Anambra youths who have successfully completed the 'One Youth, Two Skills' programme initiated by the present administration, have been empowered by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The graduation ceremony of the beneficiaries was held at the International Convention Centre, Awka. The governor had earlier empowered 5,000 youths from the 179 communities, during which the governor distributed N2 billion for equipment financing and N2.5 billion for working capital. This initiative, launched on October 22, 2022, aims to revolutionize youth empowerment by moving beyond mere consumption to fostering productive, innovative, and exportable skills. Professor Soludo said at the graduation ceremony that the One Youth Two Skills Programme stands out as the largest youth enterprise and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development initiative in Nigeria, adding that it is aimed at making Anambra State a leading skills hub in Sub-Saharan Africa. Essentially, the programme was designed to ensure that a significant percentage of the youths in Anambra State acquires employable skills that can also be exported. According to the governor, the initiative consists of five critical schemes, including the Apprenticeship Scheme, Entrepreneurship Scheme, Cooperatives Formation Scheme, Business Financing Scheme, and Mentorship Scheme, all of which are structured to last for one year. During the recent graduation ceremony, Governor Soludo highlighted the immense success of the first phase, which recorded over 80% success rate in terms of business commencement and expansion among its beneficiaries. Products showcased at the event, included T-shirts and food, which were produced by graduates of the programme, thereby reflecting the initiative's motto of using local resources to produce what is needed. Soludo said the initiative also encourages collaboration among beneficiaries, evidenced by the formation of the Solution Youth- Preneurs Support Group (SYPSG)—a self-driven platform aimed at supporting fellow youths in acquiring skills, explaining that the group is currently training 1,000 Anambra youths at no cost, showcasing the programme's commitment to community upliftment. Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Christian Aburime said that with the commencement of the initiative, Governor Soludo has set ambitious targets, as he plans to empower 20,000 youths and increase training centers from 634 to 1,000 in the next phase. "Governor Soludo encouraged the graduates to take their journey seriously, embracing the entrepreneurial mindset that prioritizes success through hard work and innovation", Aburime said. Also speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, expressed immense satisfaction with the growth of the One Youth Two Skills programme. “It is incredibly fulfilling to see how this initiative is growing from strength to strength. We are witnessing a profound transformation in the lives and future of thousands of Anambra youths", Aghamba stated. On his part, the chairman of the One Youth, Two Skills Entrepreneurship Scheme, Professor Chinedu Onyeizugbe, acknowledged the programm's success, noting a remarkable 48 percent increase in participation. “This initiative stands out as a model for scholars and practitioners alike. Every graduation ceremony marks a vital step towards l achieving our vision where every youth in Anambra is equipped with the essential skills for their survival,” he remarked. Many beneficiaries of the programme from within and outside the state, shared their success stories, highlighting how it has empowered them to become employers rather than job seekers. "With financial support amounting to N3.5 billion available to graduates through the Business Financing Scheme, as well as one year of mentorship from business development experts, the future looks promising for the empowered youth. As Anambra embraces a new era of youth empowerment through the One Youth, Two Skills initiative, the state government aims to build a prosperous society through its commitment to standardization, business fostering, and community engagement. The vision for Anambra is clear: creating a destination for success, not just a departure point for its youth. Together, as one government and one community, the journey toward lasting prosperity continues", Aburime concluded.

By Madu Obi Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to draw strength from the resilience of the past while demanding accountability from today’s leaders, as the country marks its 65th Independence anniversary. In a statement titled, “A Great Nigeria is Still Possible,” Obi reflected on the promise of October 1, 1960, when Nigeria emerged from colonial rule to global acclaim as an African power in the making. He recalled that Time Magazine once predicted Nigeria’s rise as a true African superpower, noting that the founding fathers fought for freedom with passion and determination to build a nation of prosperity and pride. Obi lamented that decades of poor leadership derailed that vision, with the situation worsening under the current administration. “Today, the picture is bleak,” he said, citing Nigeria’s mounting debt of about N175 trillion—nearly 50 percent of GDP—without improvements in the productive sector. He said that Nigeria has slipped to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria, while its democracy is increasingly described as “undemocratic.” Obi criticized what he described as extravagant government spending amidst widespread poverty, pointing to billions allocated for new jets, yachts, luxury cars, and renovations of official residences. Contrasting with meagre budgets for healthcare, education, and science, Obi observed that billions are spent on luxuries that outweigh the combined budgets of teaching hospitals and ministries essential for national growth,” Obi said. He highlighted the impact of reckless borrowing, crippling insecurity, and widespread corruption, which have deterred investment and deepened hardship. He said that UNICEF and the World Food Programme projection that 33 million Nigerians could face acute hunger in 2025, while over 150 million already lack access to healthcare, education, water, and sanitation, is already manifesting. While urging Nigerians not to lose hope, Obi dressed that the vision of a great and prosperous Nigeria remains alive. “A society cannot survive on injustice, waste, and misrule. Yet, just as we overcame colonialism and dictatorship, so too can we overcome today’s failures. A great Nigeria is still possible—one built on justice, fairness, productivity, and the dignity of its citizens,” he concluded.

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of the Action Alliance, AA, for the November 8 Anambra election, Ozo Jeff Nweke, has said that the highly-publicized zoning arrangement for the governorship seat in the state is capable of enthroning mediocrity in governance. Addressing reporters in Awka, Nweke argued that apart from the fact that zoning is not a constitutional matter, it is also not a general consensus reached by Anambra stakeholders. Nweke, who is from Anambra Central, which is not favoured by the zoning for the November election said: "The zoning arrangement was only orchestrated by APGA and there was never a time my party, the AA, consented to that arrangement. And by the way, this zoning arrangement is capable of enthroning mediocrity because the implication is that we are not going to have the best at a particular point in time if that best comes from a zone not favoured to be their turn. We cannot actualize our dream for the best if the way to do that is in the hands of other contestants from another zone. I said it earlier that even if there is any arrangement for zoning, it is purely party based and has nothing to do with the electorate. People are not reasoning today in Anambra based on the idea of zoning. People rather want to see who will give them what they want in terms of governance. They want someone that can provide better infrastructure, better healthcare system and ultimately give them an economy that will translate to better livelihood for the people. That is what they want, not zoning. We in AA believe that we have what it takes to give them that and they believe in us too. That is why we are coming out for the election. We don’t believe that the zoning system is going to work. It had not worked before and will not work even at this political dispensation". Nweke also spoke on the issue of vote buying, accusing political parties and their candidates that orchestrating it, rather than telling the people what they will do for them. "It is the party and the candidates' representatives and those backing them that are involved in it. The people accepting the money for their votes are also the issue because it is a two-way thing", he said. According to him, there is a lot of work to be done in this regard by all the political players, adding that there is need for serious enlightenment to make the people understand the need to shun vote buying at all levels. He said that apart from fuelling corruption, vote buying is marring the country's democracy. "What we are seeing is a situation where the people are driven to hunger and the politicians use money to buy them again and again and the cycle continues. We have to shun vote buying at all levels with all our might", Nweke stated. He also urged his fellow contestants to tone down rhetoric that could fuel violence in the forthcoming election by desisting from making derogatory statements against each other. "I believe that the contest is not a do or die affair. We are here to showcase how we are going to serve our people and our people are here to choose who will serve them better", he said.

Late Miss Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed profound sadness and a deep sense of loss over the heartbreaking news of the tragic death of Miss Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor at the Arise News Channel, Abuja. Maduagwu, a lawyer, who hailed from Anambra State, was brutally killed during an armed robbery attack at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025. In his condolence message, Governor Soludo eulogized Miss Maduagwu, fondly called Sommie, describing her as a shining star whose light has been prematurely extinguished. "At just 29 years old, she had already distinguished herself as a news anchor, reporter, and producer with Arise News Channel, where her vibrant voice and professional excellence connected with audiences across Nigeria and beyond. A lawyer by training and a journalist by passion, Sommie exemplified the industrious and excellence-driven spirit for which Anambra indigenes are renowned", Soludo said. The governor lamented that the circumstances of her death, cut down in the prime of her youth and career by criminal elements, is not only a personal tragedy to her family, but a loss to Anambra State, the journalism profession, and indeed the entire nation. According to the governor, "that such a promising young woman, who worked diligently to inform and educate the public, should meet such a violent and senseless end, is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. On behalf of the government, and the entire people of Anambra State, I extend most sincere condolences to Sommie's parents, siblings, extended family members, friends, colleagues at Arise News Channel, and all who knew and loved her". He also called on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough, swift, and transparent investigation into the heinous crime and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice expeditiously. "May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may God grant her family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss", Soludo concluded.

By Madu Obi The wife of the Anambra State governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has denied the allegation that she was involved in a contract at the state- owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU, saying those circulating the lies are looking for what to cling on. The allegation was said to have emanated from the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, which said that the party is investigating how the University awarded a contract of N38 million to one Mrs Chinwe Umerie, the APGA deputy state women leader who, he claimed, is also an SSA to Mrs Nonye Soludo and works in the audit unit in the University. It further claimed that the alleged contract was awarded to Umerie's company, Autograph & Events Planning, and asked if the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Kate Omenugha, was aware of the contract. Debunking the allegation, the Senior Media aide to the governor's wife, Mr. Dan Ezeigwe, said it was another spurious post by agents of mischief and mongers of falsehood dragging the Governor’s wife's name into an alleged matter concerning Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. Ezeigwe said: "While it has, sadly, become peculiar for the poor opposition in Anambra State to roll in the dirty mud in the name of politics and desperate pursuit of mirage, we wish to advise members of the public to disregard such information, which could best be described as senseless attempt to malign the name and character of a woman whose life reflects decency and straightforwardness." The media aide said that for the avoidance of doubt, "there is no office of the First Lady, and there is no SSA to Mrs Nonye Soludo." According to him, Mrs Chinwe Umerie is not an SSA to Mrs Soludo and does not work for her in any way. "Mrs Soludo is not involved in any contract process in the Anambra State government, not to talk of a N38 million contract at COOU. It is ridiculous", he said Ezeigwe wondered why the faceless individuals are politicizing the recent honorary doctorate degree awarded to Mrs Soludo by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, "A Vice Chancellor does not unilaterally award honorary doctorate degrees. It is the Senate and governing council approve the award of degrees We understand that this is the season of politics, and there’s no level that some people won’t descend in their desperate chase for nothing."

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the November 8 Anambra State, Mr John Nwosu, has said that his two priorities if he wins the election are tackling the issue of insecurity and reduction of tax burden on the people. Speaking with journalists in Awka, Nwosu reiterated his promise to serve only one tenure, adding that four years are enough for any leader to make an impact. “In line with my offer to serve out the remaining four years available for Anambra South, the ADC government is already focusing on the two issues of greatest concern to our dear state, namely, insecurity and over taxation. Coming from the private sector like Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, I believe that governing a commercial state like Anambra State requires determination, planning and focus to achieve results within two years. Already, the people have become very conversant with the ADC’s developmental model and they are eager to see evidence of good governance from day one,” the ADC flag bearer stated. Nwosu remarked that the fact that Anambra State governorship election is coming at a time of great national concern for socio-economic rescue, holds a lot of significance for ADC, stressing that the coalition of patriotic elements would demonstrate their zeal by replacing the tears on the faces of Nigerians, with smiles of relief. He urged Nigerians to take active interest in the forthcoming governorship election to see how far the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has improved in its election management strategies. According to him, while all eyes are on the terminal exit of the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu and how his successor would emerge, the greater interest should be on the commission itself as an institution. Nwosu said a lot still depends on political parties to inculcate internal democracy in the management of their affairs, particularly enlightenment of supporters and voters. The ADC governorship hopeful asserted that due to the existence of mainly two broad alternatives on the ballot for the November 8 election, voters in Anambra State would have it easy to choose their next governor. He said that apart from running a balanced religious ticket comprising a Catholic and an Anglican, he and his running mate, Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu, satisfy the zoning arrangement that guides the distribution of political offices among the three Senatorial Districts of the state. He also stated that among the political gladiators, it is only the ADC standard bearers that are speaking to the issues without maligning anybody, maintaining that when sworn in as governor on March 17, 2026, Anambra people will have something to hold him to account.

By Madu Obi To further strengthen the state’s health sector, Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, wil recruit no fewer than 700 new healthcare workers next week. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, made the disclosure at the close of a five-day workshop on Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiatives (MAMII), held at Neni in Anaocha local government area. According to Obidike, the recruitment drive is aimed at boosting service delivery and improving access to quality healthcare in hospitals and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state. “We recently employed health workers and posted them to hospitals across Anambra. But by next week, we will be engaging another 700 to strengthen our hospitals and ensure better service delivery,” the Commissioner revealed. The Commissioner assured that the new staff will be deployed strategically to areas where the need is greatest, particularly in underserved rural communities. He added that the state government has continued to provide modern tools and medical equipment to hospitals in line with Governor Soludo’s vision of revamping the healthcare system. Apart from addressing manpower shortages in the sector, Obidike said it would reduce the long queues and overstretched facilities in many hospitals. One of the workshop participants said: “This is a welcome development. If properly implemented, it will go a long way in saving lives."

By Madu Obi The deputy governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the November 8 Anambra election, Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu, has said that the Labour Party ticket for the election, held by Dr George Moghalu, is mere tissue paper. Nwobu was asked to react on the issue that the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, Mr Peter Obi, is supporting LP's Moghalu, instead of his party, the ADC. Nwosu said: “From all indications, he (Peter Obi) is campaigning for the Labour Party candidate, George Moghalu, but is that one a candidate? Does he have a ticket? From the best of my knowledge, he (Moghalu) emanated from a primary election conducted by Julius Abure and the Supreme Court has said there was no leadership, and the judgement was delivered a day before the primary election. You can’t stand something on nothing. If you don’t have a leadership, who conducted the primary from where you emerged? I see his running around and campaigning as creating further confusion in the political field. He knows that he is not a candidate.” On why the big names in the ADC coalition have not come out to join him and his candidate, Mr John Nwosu, in the Anambra governorship campaign, Nwobu insisted that the party is supporting them. He added: “We have held our flag-off campaign and we have been going around campaigning. What I can tell you is that it may not be convenient for us to take our stakeholders around for things like local government tours. For example, if we are going on campaign to Ogbaru, it may be unnecessary to take them along with us, considering the logistics involved, and knowing that the people you are referring to are very busy people. We are however planning our round off campaign, and you will see all those big names you’re referring to.”

By Madu Obi The former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, has accused state governors of diverting billions of naira meant for local government administration every month. Speaking at a leadership summit jointly organized by the ADC and the National Coalition Alliance (NCA) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nwosu alleged that governors across the country routinely seize council allocations and release only a fraction to the chairmen. “Each local government receives between ₦300 million and ₦600 million monthly, but chairmen are given as little as ₦5 million or ₦10 million, while governors pocket the rest. In Ebonyi alone, with 13 councils, imagine the billions siphoned every month,” he said. He lamented that despite these diversions, state governments continue to impose heavy taxes on ordinary citizens. "They even tax barrow pushers. It’s wicked. Governance has become a tool for personal enrichment. That must stop,” Nwosu declared. He said that the governors, particularly those under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), are using power as an instrument of oppression and undermining democracy and condemned the reported harassment of ADC supporters by members of the state-owned Neighbourhood Watch security outfit at the initial venue of the summit in Ebonyi State. “You were given power by God to serve as governor, yet you use it to destroy democracy. You block young people from even aspiring to become councillors unless they join cults. But change is coming. A new leadership is emerging from the ADC, built on selflessness and true service to the people,” he said. Nwosu, who also disclosed that he rejected huge financial inducements and attractive political appointments from the APC, said the ADC’s mission goes beyond conventional politics, adding that the party’s vision is to rescue Nigeria from decline and build a nation based on transparency, integrity, and service. In his remarks, the National Coordinator of the NCA, Dr. Sunday Opoke, urged Nigerians to vote out failed leaders in the 2027 elections, arguing that governance in Nigeria has collapsed. “Our education system is in ruins. No Minister or Commissioner of Education has their children in public schools. The health system is broken. Water, electricity, infrastructure — all have collapsed. These leaders have failed. If we hired them, it’s time to fire them,” he said. Opoke emphasized that the ADC/NCA coalition offers the roadmap Nigeria urgently needs, saying, “Globally, every functional nation has a roadmap. Without direction, speed is meaningless." He said that ADC and NCA are offering a clear path towards a functioning Nigeria. "Yes, Nigeria is in darkness now, but this darkness will not last", he said. He called for urgent electoral reforms, warning that without them, the cycle of failure and misrule would persist.