By Madu Obi The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State, has suspended Professor Ifeanyi Odinye of the Department of Chinese Studies for a period of three months over alleged sexual molestation of a student, which , it said, violated the university’s General and Academic Regulations. The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie approved the suspension of Prof Odinye with half salary in the first instance, following the recommendations of the six- man special investigative panel which submitted its preliminary report on 21st August 2026. The student involved in the unfortunate incident, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu, according to the directive of the Vice Chancellor, has been referred to the student’s examination misconduct committee Odinye was physically assaulted and stripped on 15 August by some angry students over an alleged attempt to sexually molest a female student of the university. A video clip that went viral showed a female student coming out of Odinye's office with his clothes, claiming that the lecturer attempted to assault her sexually in the office. She was heard shouting that the lecturer had attempted to rape her, while other people believed to be students were seen pursuing the lecturer who boarded a tricycle that drove out of the premises The embattled lecturer wore an academic academic gown at the time of the incident after the student left his office with his dress. The viral video also showed some men hitting the lecturer, who was completely stripped within the university premises, while the female student, who was seen crying after running out of the lecturer’s office. She was said have pretended to agreed for a sexual encounter until the lecturer had removed his clothes, which she ran away with. The Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Aloysius Attah said in a statement that the Vice Chancellor has also extended the duration of the committee for another two weeks to enable the team complete its assignment and address in full, the five - point terms of reference. Attah said the panel, chaired by Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, in the preliminary report, dealt on two issues out of the five for determination and indicted Prof Odinye for contravening Section 5.8.3 of the General and Academic Regulations (GAR) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University by failing to, not only record and submit the case of examination misconduct against Chikamso Favour Okechukwu on the prescribed examination misconduct Report Form, but also gave back the offending phone recovered during the examination to the student on the same day in total disregard to section 5.8.1(iv) of the GAR. According to him, the other three issues for determination by the committee are to be addressed within the two weeks. The issues to be determined are whether there was sexual harassment, identify the persons involved in the assault meted to Prof. Odinye and whether there was any incident of kidnapping in the matter. "The committee members are expected to conclude their findings with recommendations to the Vice Chancellor before a final verdict is initiated, including possible criminal prosecution", the PRO said. He added that the Vice Chancellor reiterated the stance of his administration’s prioritization of staff/ student’s welfare and zero tolerance to unethical practices, while upholding the principles of transparency and fair hearing.

By Madu Obi The member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Hon Victor Ogene, has commissioned six solar boreholes, six classroom blocks at Girls Secondary School and a fully - equipped Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, center in Okpoko area of the constituency. The commissioning ceremony attracted a large number of the constituents who commended the lawmaker for quality representation. Speaking during the commissioning, Ogene, who is caucus leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, legislators in the House of Representatives, said the projects align with the values of the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi. “My choice of projects is inspired by the leadership philosophy of our NDC presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, who prioritises the welfare of ordinary people, and the future of children and the unborn generation,” he said. Ogene, who is seeking re-election in 2027 on the platform of NDC, assured the people that he would continue to attract meaningful projects to the constituency. Monsignor Theophilus Ndubuisi Odukwe, the Parish Priest of St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Parish, Okpoko, described the interventions as people-centered and timely, adding that they will ease hardship of the people in the area. "For the residents, the boreholes mean an end to daily struggles in search of potable water", he said.

By Madu Obi A Nigerian building construction and consultancy company, the Sliding Towers Global Ltd, has attributed the incessant flooding in various parts of the country to the failure of the authorities to adhere strictly to building and urban planning standards. In a statement in Awka, the company observed that flooding has become one of the recurring images of Nigeria’s rainy season, noting that while the rain may trigger the crisis, the scale of the damage often begins with decisions made long before the first drop falls. Describing 2026 as particularly significant in terms flooding, the company recalled the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency’s annual flood outlook which identified 14,118 communities across 266 Local Government Areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory as high-risk flood areas. "Every rainy season, the images return. Roads disappear beneath water. Cars stall. Homes are submerged. Businesses shut their doors and entire neighbourhoods become temporarily inaccessible. "Yet rainfall alone does not explain why one storm passes relatively unnoticed while another becomes a disaster. The answer is often on the ground. "Natural waterways are built over. Wetlands disappear beneath development. Compounds are almost completely paved. Drainage channels become blocked or undersized. New buildings are inserted into the landscape with little consideration for how water naturally moves through it. "Flooding, therefore, is not simply a drainage problem; it is also a question of planning, architecture and the way we build our cities. And that means flood resilience should begin much earlier than the emergency response. It should begin on the drawing board", the company said. According to Sliding Towers, good architecture does not simply occupy land, but responds to it, advising that before deciding where a building sits, architects and developers should understand the topography of the site, existing drainage paths, soil conditions and potential flood exposure. The statement read: "In vulnerable areas, relatively straightforward decisions can make an enormous difference. Finished floor levels can be raised. Entrances can be protected from direct runoff. Electrical equipment, generators and other critical services can be positioned above likely flood levels. "Water needs somewhere to go. When almost every surface becomes impermeable, rainfall that would once have soaked gradually into the ground is rapidly converted into runoff and directed towards already stressed public drains. "Permeable paving, planted areas, rain gardens, landscaped depressions and rainwater harvesting can all become part of the architecture of a development. Roof water can be collected and reused, while site levels can be designed to slow and safely direct excess runoff. "Flood resilience does not mean putting every Nigerian building on stilts. It means designing each building according to the realities of its site. The principle is more important than any particular solution. Buildings should be designed with water in mind; not designed first and defended from water afterwards Sliding Towers reminded Nigerians that good drainage simply means constructing more concrete channels because no drainage network performs well when every roof, driveway, road and paved compound sends water into it at the same time. "A well-designed house is still vulnerable when the street outside is under water. A carefully drained office building cannot function when the surrounding road network becomes inaccessible. Flood resilience must therefore operate at four scales namely, the building, the street, the neighbourhood and the city. "Natural drainage corridors need protection. Wetlands should not automatically be treated as empty land awaiting development. A park, for example, can remain a recreational space for most of the year while temporarily receiving storm water during severe rainfall", it said.

By Madu Obi A United States of America, USA, - based Nigerian Chamber of Commerce is to organize a 12- day cultural fiesta in Abuja in November this year. The Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the Chamber, Mr Gregory Ihenacho said in Awka that the organization, which was established in 2002, connects business communities in the US and Nigeria for the purpose of uniting them for greater successes. According to him, the Abuja Afrocentric Cultural Expo will be the largest global cultural platform in the country, adding that it will showcase the rich African cultural values and traditions that will involve Nigerians, Africans from the mainland, and Africans from the diaspora—including Brazilians, Caribbean residents, Americans, South Americans, Europeans, and Asians. Ihenacho said the Chamber has already secured partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), the Arewa New Agenda (ANA), and numerous federal government parastatals to ensure the success of the programme. He said the project is expected to have a direct economic impact of at least $250,000,000, adding that the organizers have already sold over 1,000 exhibition booths to food vendors and medium and large-scale companies. He added::"This festival, originally conceived to be held in Lake Skinner Park, Los Angeles, was frozen after obtaining the necessary usage permit. Last year, I revived the idea and pitched it to Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who immediately adopted the project and promised to partner with the chamber. "The event will take place from November 7-18, 2026, at the Mashood Abiola National Stadium Complex in Abuja and 12 simultaneous events will be held. The stadium will be transformed into a 24-hour city during the festival. "The programmes will feature Afrocentric music festival, fashion week, custodian of African Heritage Awards, African Women Are Gorgeous, University Intellectual Debate, Food Expo, Health Fair, Dance Your Culture, Cultural Festival, Football Tournament, FIlm Festival, Global African Business and Investment Forum". He further said: "It is now imperative that we take control of our narratives and embark on a process of recalibration. The time has come for us to unite and reclaim the narrative, thereby effecting a complete transformation of the erroneous perceptions and detrimental public relations that have persisted unchecked. "As one people, arts serve as a powerful unifying force. We have established a comprehensive cultural platform that accommodates all. Anthropology upholds the principle of cultural equality, recognizing the inherent value of each culture. Regardless of one’s heritage or race, we invite you to join us in celebrating our shared humanity. "As a Nigerian that has lived in America for 39 years, I’ve witnessed America’s blessings. It shaped me into the person I am. I often say I’m more American than Nigerian. I urge my diaspora brothers and sisters to return. Africa awaits you! For my African brothers and sisters, book your flights and head to Abuja. On why Abuja was chosen for the fiesta, he stated: "Abuja is renowned for its beauty. It is an ideal city with world-class highways and road networks, a thriving hospitality industry, a diverse array of restaurants, and numerous tourism attractions. Abuja houses the highest concentration of foreign missions in Nigeria and serves as the capital of the nation." According to Ihenacho, the Afrocentric Cultural Expo was meticulously curated to serve as the preeminent African cultural authority, facilitating the activation of creatives, fostering economic development, and empowering individuals through the transformative power of cultural exhibitions and trade. "The Cultural Expo was conceived to shift the prevailing narrative in our favour. Through cultural exchange, the world will gain a profound appreciation for the richness and depth of our heritage. It is imperative that Africans take the initiative to narrate our own stories. "Africa, as a global leader in music and fashion, presents an opportunity for unity and addressing challenges. The continent’s economic boom awaits, and we must seize it to establish a stable and prosperous future and failure will lead to external influences and disarray", he said.

By Madu Obi Anambra billionaire, Chief Emeka Offor, has called for stronger support for vulnerable persons in society, especially widows. Offor, who is the chairman of Chrome Group of Companies and Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), made the vow at Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the state during his quarterly rice distribution exercise to widows of the community by his foundation. He called on the various tiers of government to place stiffer sanctions to people who fight vulnerable people in society, stating that in Oraifite community particularly, he has taken up the welfare of widows by ensuring that they get four full bags of rice per year. Stressing that he is open to engage anyone who attempts to subjugate widows or dispossessed them of their property, the oil magnet said: "My foundation, Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, has a lot of support packages for diverse people, but the one that is most dear to me is the quarterly distribution of rice to widows. "That is why I say people must never joke with widows because if I ever hear that anyone abused or dispossessed them of their belongings, we will fight it. We will hire lawyers and we will use any means that is lawful to ensure that such acts don't stand. "Four times every year, I ensure that widows in Oraifite get rice from our foundation. We have built several houses for widows, and this year we are giving out additional 20 bungalows to widows." He apologized for his unavoidable absence for this programme in May this year for the second quarter distribution, adding that for this third quarter, all the 3,000 widows in this foundation would get two bags each, to make up for the one they didn't take in May. "We are doing this because we want the welfare of vulnerable people, and we call on Anambra State government to ensure stiffer sanctions for people for fight the vulnerable, especially widows", Offor said. In his address, the chairman of the foundation, Mr Tony Obi, observed that Sir Emeka Offor has been diligent in ensuring the welfare of widows in the community, adding that the exercise has been a blessing to the businessman, more than what he described as the endless sponsorship of politicians for offices who do not show gratitude. "Sir Emeka has revealed to me that since he commenced this exercise, he feels more fulfilled, and thinks is a better thing to do than to sponsor politicians to public offices, which he was always doing. The founder has been happy sponsoring this, and feels happy with the show of appreciation by the women", Obi said. Earlier, the President General of Ozubulu Community, Hon. Vin Dike described Sir Emeka Offor Foundation as one of the biggest foundations in Nigeria, but has decided to carve a niche for itself by targeting the vulnerable demography, especially widows for support. He said: " I can speak of what he has impacted in Oraifite community because I'm the President General of the community "He has done a lot in this community, especially in the area of road construction, educational scholarships, building for widows, health and medical assistance. The welfare of Oraifite is his concern and we pray that God continues to strengthen them."

By Madu Obi The Nigeria Reset Movement, NRM, a nongovernmental organization has accused the governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke of betraying his supporters and his reputation by reasserting his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for next year's presidential election. Public Relations Officer of NRM, David Jones, in a statement in Awka, lamented that Adeleke's support came after he spent months warning and mobilizing the public against the alleged threat of possible election malpractice by the All Progressives Congress, APC, -controlled federal government. He recalled that many people allegedly died in Osun during the election, adding that the issue was not even mentioned during Governor Adeleke’s victory speech after being declared winner. "Under the normal circumstances of Nigerian politics, Adeleke’s sacrilegious treachery against the people of Osun, his own integrity as a man, and his Yoruba ancestry, would go unchallenged, and eventually disappear into the ether of the next news cycle. "Nigerians, ravaged by poverty, insecurity, and the calcified culture of gross impunity that characterize the behavior of establishment politicians, and the business elite, would have no form of real recourse on the matter. As such, the system of moral decay, materialism, and self-centeredness that has plagued Nigeria since independence, perpetuates itself, leading us closer to societal annihilation", Jones said. Explaining the role of NRM in the polity especially as campaigns have begun, Jones described the organization as a people driven, nonpartisan, objective, political vehicle dedicated to the reset of Nigeria as a first step in resuscitating the harmony, dignity, and precolonial socioeconomic governance systems of the 371 ethnolinguistic nations that comprise Nigeria. According to him, NRM was created as a rallying point and a mechanism for all Nigerian citizens to meaningfully check the establishment and hold them to account for their various betrayals and destructive actions against the nation. "Our tool for ensuring accountability harkens back to tradition whereby if the honor of a village member was called into question, they were summoned to the village square to be held to account and face judgement. "The village square in 21st century Nigeria is a call for people to come and debate their action or stance on an issue, not in front of a compromised press, but one on one against a member of NRM in full view of Nigerians. "No longer will the wolves among us be allowed to hide among the sheep. Refusal by those invited to come and debate and account to the people should be interpreted for what it is; cowardice and an admission of guilt", he added. He urged Nigerians to mete out justice by withholding their respect, adulation, and service to those who have been found wanting when called to defend their honor through debate. "The message is clear; the establishment of Nigeria can steal our collective wealth, and sully our heritage, but we in turn, will demolish their status in society, and without that, their power, wealth, and very being becomes meaningless. "The tide is turning in Nigeria, and NRM boldly announces itself as a new force to drive the transformation that our country craves", Jones concluded.

By Madu Obi Panic pervaded the sleepy ancient Nri community in Anaocha local government area of Anambra State, following the murder of a prominent traditional title holder in the area, Oba Maduka Arubaluezeama, It was gathered that when he made to enter his car to drive out, one of the gang members pulled a gun and fired him severally, first on his waist and later on his head, spilling his brain. The incident has created tension in the area especially as his murder is being linked to the controversy around the community's traditional stool that became vacant about eight years ago after Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoof Nri joined his ancestors. A source in the community said that Arubaluezeama, who held the traditional title of "Oba Muozuluaru" was murdered at about 7 pm last Tuesday where he had gone to supervise workers building a house for him in an estate located around the WAEC office area in Nise, a neighbouring town to his Nri community. The source said: "That estate where Oba Muozuluaru is building his house is also under dispute because there are other millionaires who also purchased their own plots of land there to build their own houses, but, most people are pointing their fingers at the controversy around the Nri traditional stool because a gang of suspected cultists had attacked Chief Sunday Alike, and, inflicted severe matchet cuts on him just as he was stepping out from Oba Muozuluaru's house in the evening about three years ago. "Just last year, the commander of Nri Central vigilante, Ogazi was, also assassinated in the evening, and, many people are suspecting the controversy around the traditional stool as the cause of the unfortunate happenings. "Also, members of the Nri traditional society were attacked few years ago, while they were holding their meeting at Agbadani village hall, and fingers were pointed at the traditional stool controversy as the reason for the attack." It was gathered that his alleged assassins had on that Tuesday night warned him to leave his building site immediately. The source further said that the community was relying on the professional investigation of the security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly act. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga said that he was not aware of the murder, promising, however, to make inquiries about the report.

By Madu Obi Anambra First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, through her non-governmental organization, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, has launched a free one-month computer training programme designed to equip secondary school students and young people with essential digital skills. The programme is part of the NGOs commitment to empowering young people with practical skills that can improve their opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven world. The training, which focuses on simple computer basics, is scheduled to commence on August 24, 2026, and will hold three times weekly at the Healthy Living Complex located at Udoka Housing Estate in Awka. Details of the programme show that the free training is open to secondary school students and young people who want to develop their foundational computer skills and gain the confidence needed to participate more effectively in today's digital economy. A statement from Her Excellency's office noted that access to digital skills is increasingly important for education, employment, entrepreneurship and personal development, making it necessary to expose young people to basic computer knowledge early.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police Command has killed two suspected armed robbers and recovered one AK -47 during a shootout at Eziowele in Idemili North local government area of Anambra State. The Police command said that its Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu received credible information that a group of suspected armed robbers and kidnappers were sighted in the area, adding that the operatives swiftly mobilized to the area and confronted them. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Tochukwu Ikenga said that on sighting the Police team, the hoodlums opened fire on them, leading to a gun duel. He said that during the ensuing encounter, two of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries, while other members of the gang fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. According to him, the Police recovered one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing four live rounds of ammunition, one pump-action gun and five live cartridges from the scene. Ikenga stressed that the command remains resolute in its determination to sustain intelligence-led and proactive operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of residents across the State. He said that the command has commenced further investigations and intensified efforts to track down the fleeing members of the gang.

By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Dr Nonye Soludo has called on Nigerians to always exhibit the spirit of compassion for the less privileged in the society. Mrs Soludo spoke on the occasion of this year's World Humanitarian Day, which she celebrated with the less privileged, motherless babies and people living with disabilities She said: "Today, we honour the spirit of compassion that moves people to stand with others in moments of vulnerability, crisis and need. "Humanitarianism reminds us that every life matters and that our shared humanity calls us to care, support and uplift those who need a helping hand. "Whether through protecting vulnerable children, supporting women and girls, addressing malnutrition, promoting access to healthcare, or creating opportunities for people to live with dignity, every act of kindness can make a meaningful and lasting difference. "As we mark this day, let’s remember that humanitarian action is not only about responding to emergencies; it’s also about building communities where no one is left behind." ,She encouraged everyone to look beyond their environment, extend compassion to those around them and become a source of hope wherever they found themselves. "Always shine your light for the world to see and show a little kindness", she advised.

By Madu Obi There is a growing concern at Ebenesi, one of the villages in Nnobi community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, following an ultimatum given to the residents to vacate their homes ahead of the planned demolition of no fewer than 250 buildings to pave the way for a transmission line planned for the area by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). Chairman of Ebenesi, Chief Okechukwu Oraka, complained during a peaceful protest by the people in the area that neither adequate relocation arrangement, nor compensation plan, was made to assist those who would be displaced from their ancestral lands for the project. According to Oraka, the planned demolition is causing considerable unease among residents, adding that although the community was not opposed to the project, there is need for the Federal and Anambra State governments to consider the plight of those affected. He urged the authorities to explore alternative options where possible to save residents from the impending losses. Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Ebenesi, Chief Patrick Nwanyaku, appealed for a human face in the implementation of the project, particularly in the resettlement of those whose ancestral lands would be affected. He suggested that, where feasible, the power line could be routed underground to reduce the impact of the project and cushion the losses to the community. Addressing the people, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Reformation, Dr Nelson Omenugha, said the Federal Government project being executed by the TCN, predated the Soludo administration. He observed that Anambra needed adequate power infrastructure to support its developmental plans, acknowledging that development, sometimes comes with costs. He urged the affected residents to articulate a compensation proposal that would adequately address their concerns and provide a basis for dialogue with the government. The President-General of Nnobi, Comrade Aloy Olubialu, who received the protesters, expressed dismay over the situation, noting that Nnobi is a densely populated community. He, however, pledged to work towards ensuring that the affected residents were not adversely impacted by the project.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State government has said that it would institute a code of conduct on environment for its citizens as part of measures to control erosion menace that is adversely affecting many communities across the state. At the weekly Executive Council meeting held in Awka, the state government reviewed the devastating impact of erosion in Anambra State and resolved to strengthen immediate remedial actions. Accordingly, the Council resolved to enforce the environmental law of the state which provides that all individual actions contributing to erosion and environmental degradation, are to be stopped forthwith. Speaking after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor said the state government has directed that there should be mandatory construction of catchment pits in all buildings, including residential, commercial and religious houses across the state, as expressly provided for in the environmental law, warning that appropriate sanctions will apply for non-compliance. "With immediate effect, all houses channeling runoff water onto roads shall be sealed until catchment pits are constructed within their premises to ensure that storm and runoff water no longer enter public roads and drainages", Mefor said. He added that government has also directed every community to constitute environmental teams to identify and report erosion sites to government and coordinate community remedial action. "Henceforth, government intervention will be contingent on full compliance with environmental health standards. Communities that neglect environmental restoration will not receive priority intervention from government. "Communities that demonstrate commitment to environmental health will be prioritized by the state government", he stated. He assured that the Soludo administration remained committed to 'Solution 2.0' agenda, which places emphasis on building a smart megacity that is livable, prosperous, and sustainable.