By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has shut down Onitsha Main Market and declared total crack down on what he called economic sabotage by the traders. A government statement said: "Following the protracted economic sabotage cloaked at “Monday sit at home”, the Anambra State government has moved in to crack down on all who aide and abate it. This first announcement will last for one week. If by next Monday the market is not open, the shutdown will be extended to one month". Despite a stern directive by the state government that workers who fail to be at their duty places on Mondays will henceforth lose their pay, many schools and offices remained closed in the state.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State government has announced a partnership with a Chinese agricultural firm to boost farmers' capacity for the purpose of increasing rice production in the state. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, made this known while speaking with reporters at the Anambra State House of Assembly Complex in Awka, shortly after the ministry’s 2026 budget defence. According to Ihejiofor, the partnership with the Chinese consortium is targeted at scaling up rice production in Ayamelum Local Government Area, which is one of the state’s major rice-producing zones. He explained that the state government is mainstreaming a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to enhance productivity in rice cultivation within advantaged farming communities. “The partnership deal being struck with the Chinese consortium will enable our farmers to adopt modern farming techniques that significantly improve crop yield,” he said. The commissioner noted that while rice farmers in Anambra currently produce between three and four tonnes per hectare, Chinese farmers have been able to achieve nine to 10 tonnes per hectare, a gap the partnership seeks to close. He explained that no fewer than 2.2 million oil palm and coconut seedlings have been distributed to about 180,000 households as part of its agricultural empowerment drive. He further said that the state government is investing in irrigation infrastructure to support year-round farming and mitigate the effects of climate change and irregular rainfall. “We are working on irrigation infrastructure in multiple locations across the state to make it possible for farmers to produce food throughout the year. This will help combat the challenges posed by climate change,” Ihejiofor stated. He added that the government is also introducing smart agricultural technologies to improve soil nourishment and moisture retention for crops. He explained that the initiative has long-term economic benefits, noting that the seedlings would begin yielding within four to seven years and continue producing for over 60 years, potentially lifting beneficiary families out of poverty. “In 2026, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has proposed to empower an additional 100,000 households with these economic seedlings. This household-based model aligns with the state’s land tenure system, where most families own small plots of land,” he said. The commissioner also disclosed that the governor has approved ₦500 million for irrigation projects at Ifite-Ogwari, adding that rice production on the axis is expected to commence within the next two months. “With this intervention, we will be able to produce rice up to three times a year in that area,” he added. Ihejiofor recalled that in August 2025, Governor Soludo launched the ‘Farm to Feed’ programme to address rising food costs by empowering farmers and encouraging increased local food production across the state. He said several local government areas have since embraced the programme and strengthened farmers’ capacity to boost agricultural output. Meanwhile, the state government, through the Ministry of Information, had in April 2025 partnered with the Amansea Cattle Market to sensitize youths on the dangers of substance abuse as part of efforts to enforce the state’s anti-drug abuse policy.

By Madu Obi The Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 8, 2025 Anambra election, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has said that the party could have performed better if it had receive the expected support of the federal government during the election. Speaking during stakeholders’ meeting convened to review the party’s ongoing electronic membership registration exercise in Awka, Ekwunife added that as the ruling party, even a minimal backing could have made a lot of difference. She, however, said that despite the setback, APC has gained firm footing in Anambra State going by the strong commitment among members at ward and local government levels. “If we had received at least 20 per cent federal support, we would have gone far. APC is no longer a fringe party in Anambra; it has come to stay,” she said. She described ward leaders as the backbone of the party and urged the chairmen to take the e-registration exercise seriously, warning that laxity could isolate them from the party’s growth. Expressing confidence that future elections in the state would yield better results, Ekwunife said APC is targeting over 336,000 new members through the e-registration exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections, with a minimum of 1,000 new members per ward. In his remarks, the state chairman of APC, Chief Basil Ejidike emphasized that politics is a game of numbers and added that the party is funding its activities internally without external financial support. According to him, the weekend meeting was aimed at strengthening participation in the e-registration exercise to boost the party’s relevance at state and national levels. At the meeting, cash awards were given to the best-performing local government areas in the e-registration exercise, with Njikoka getting ₦500,000, Awka South ₦300,000 and Onitsha South ₦150,000.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State government has taken a decisive action against the Monday sit -at -home, warning that henceforth, workers in the school system who absent themselves on Mondays would lose their pay. The directive was the outcome of a meeting held by authorities of the state Ministry of Education with Heads of Departments in the Ministry. A circular from the Ministry of Education signed by the Permanent Secretary read: “Sequel to the State Exco retreat held on January 21, 2026 presided by the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, I am directed to inform you that the state government has decided that the protracted Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State has been abolished with immediate effect. “By this directive, any staff, both tutorial and non-tutorial, that fails to attend school or office on Monday, will either receive 20 per cent of his/her salary, or forfeit it entirely.” The Executive Order on termination of Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State was sent to permanent members of the State Education Board, education officers overseeing the state’s 21 local government areas, zonal directors, and heads of departments. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, said the state government's firm stance on full compliance with Monday work resumption by all public servants, is now fully in force, emphasizing that absenteeism on Mondays will no longer be tolerated. According to the Permanent Secretary, the state Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, made the government's position clear and unequivocal during a recent Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) meeting. Agbaizu said that to ensure compliance, attendance registers will be personally signed by staff and carefully monitored for any irregularities in signatures, adding that the registers will further undergo thorough scrutiny by the Ministry of Finance prior to the processing and payment of salaries. She further explained that attendance on Mondays has been established as a key benchmark for salary payment. "As posited by Mr. Governor, salaries will henceforth be tied to actual presence and days worked," she stated. The Permanent Secretary stated that the directive extends to private schools, insisting that no school in the state is permitted to remain closed on Mondays. "Principals, head teachers, and teachers are required to be fully present at their duty posts," she added, adding that payment of salary will now be calculated based on the number of days present at work. The Ministry of Education called on all staff, school administrators, and educators to align fully with the policy to support the state government's ongoing efforts to promote discipline, productivity, and accountability in the public service. Recall that the Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State and other parts of the South-East began on August 9, 2021, when the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, instituted a weekly shutdown as part of its campaign for the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. IPOB had, however, since abolished the Monday sit-at-home, but many residents in the region have continued to obey it, apparently out of fear of the unknown.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State chapter of the Labour Party, LP, has congratulated the national leadership of the party on the historic judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, affirming the Nenadi Usman–led Caretaker Committee as the valid leadership of the Labour Party. The party said the landmark judgment was anchored on the previous decision of the Supreme Court, describing it as a victory for constitutionalism, internal democracy, and the rule of law in political party administration. Anambra State chairman of LP, Peter Okoye, in a statement in Awka, said that by directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately recognize the Nenadi Usman–led Caretaker Committee as the only valid authority to represent the Labour Party pending a national convention, the court has conclusively resolved all leadership disputes. The Federal High Court had, in its ruling, affirmed that the tenure of the former national chairman of LP, Julius Abure, had expired and dismissed claims that the matter was non-justiciable. Okoye said: "Justice Lifu’s ruling confirms that the Caretaker Committee is lawful and necessary, arising directly from the Supreme Court’s pronouncements and resolutions of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). The Anambra State chapter regards this judgment as a watershed moment and a reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to justice, order, and progressive ideals. It is a call to unity, organisation, and collective advancement in service of Nigerians who see the Labour Party as the vehicle for national renewal. We urge all party members in Anambra State to remain steadfast and focused. The storms are behind us. The future is bright. With unity and disciplined mobilisation, the party is well-positioned for decisive victories in Anambra State and beyond. History has shown once again that the Labour Party stands on the side of justice—and justice has prevailed". While congratulating the national leadership of the Labour Party, he assured its members that a new chapter has begun.

By Madu Obi The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has congratulated the renowned diplomat and former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, on the occasion of his 93rd birthday. In a message, Governor Soludo described Anyaoku as an eminent patriarch of diplomacy, a statesman of global reckoning, and a national treasure whose life’s work has brought immense pride to Nigeria and, in particular, to his beloved Anambra State. "His illustrious tenure as the third Commonwealth Secretary-General remains a master class in international leadership, conflict resolution, and the steadfast advocacy for democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. Across the world, he embodied the finest values of our homeland: wisdom, integrity, and an uncompromising loyalty to the common good", the governor said. He observed that at home, Chief Anyaoku has continued to be an inspiration to many, adding that "his counsel, borne of profound experience and deep love for selfless service, remains an invaluable asset in our collective quest for a progressive Anambra and united Nigeria." The governor noted that Anyaoku is being celebrated not just because he is aging gracefully, but because of the extraordinary impact and legacy he has bequeathed to Nigeria, Africa and the world. .

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police operatives attached to Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu have arrested one Friday Akonobi, 28, in connection with the abduction and murder of a six-year old girl, in an ongoing case linked to an Enugu State based native doctor, Obieze Ezeani. Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in the abduction of Late Miss Ozioma Nwankwo, the six-year old girl who was abducted on 10th May, 2025, from Ikwo local government area of Ebonyi State. In a statement, the PPRO said: "During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to committing the crime in collaboration with four other accomplices currently at large. He stated that the victim was taken to Enugu to the native doctor Obieze Ezeani, and claimed that he and his accomplices acted as agents for him as he paid them the sum of One million Naira (₦1,000,000.00) each for any virgin girl brought to him. He further stated that the victim was murdered and used for rituals. The suspect also stated that the said native doctor has since been arrested by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, a development that has generated public attention following the circulation of related videos on social media." Ikenga assured that the Anambra State Police Command would intensive efforts to arrest the remaining suspects and ensure that all those involved were brought to justice.

By Madu Obi The Mayor of Awka South local government area of Anambra State, Prince Chinedu Okafor has described the autonomy being enjoyed by the local governments in Anambra State as the best thing that had happened to the third -tier of government. Addressing reporters in his office, Okafor said that the autonomy had made it possible for the chairmen to execute meaningful projects that touch the lives of the people at the grassroots. According to him, Awka South has keyed into Governor Chukwuma Soludo's policies, adding that in line with the state's local government law, his administration has been handling issues of insecurity, cultism, drug abuse, prostitution, and other social vices because the resources are available. He said: "Since the new local government law came into force, we have been working in synergy with the state government. We do our projects together . We have a mutual working relationship with the state government. In the local government law, everything about the system is properly spelt out and that is the way we are functioning. There are common services we do with the state and we follow legal process in executing the common services. In this local government, despite the fact that it is the seat of power, we do our own projects, including erosion control, upgrading of health facilities and infrastructure in schools. We embark on street lighting especially in the black spots and we build mini markets. We have also declared operation zero potholes in the entire capital territory. During the Christmas, we did palliative work on all the roads in the 20 political wards in the local government area, which ensured easy drive during the festivities. We sunk boreholes in the nine communities in Awka South and we have also procured computers for all the offices and installed solar light to make working environment conducive. As a local government, we awarded scholarship to 20 indigenes in Awka South who are studying in the universities. In the primary schools we've been providing infrastructure to support the free education being Implemented by the Soludo administration. We now prepare our budgets and send to the councillors for approval, and we have to account for every Kobo approved by the council." The chairman explained that beneficiaries of the scholarships were students from poor families and hoped that it will be sustained even after his tenure. Our belief is that anybody who enjoys such scholarship would never be a burden to the society 'the education would always come handy in the person's life", he added.

By Madu Obi Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has called for an end to self-marginalization by the youths of the South East, urging them to enlist in the Nigerian Armed Forces and embrace their roles as "co-owners" of the Nigerian project. The governor made the call during the wreath-laying ceremony marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Awka. Reflecting on the 56th anniversary of the end of the Nigerian Civil War, Soludo noted that the "no victor, no vanquished" philosophy must remain a guiding light for the nation. He described the three years civil war as "needless", emphasizing that the day's ceremony was a solemn tribute to all who have paid the supreme price. "We are remembering, not just members of our armed forces who died during that needless war, but all those who paid the supreme price after. This is the year we set aside as a nation to remember and to say: never again", the governor said. He paid specific tribute to the widows, widowers, and families of fallen heroes, while also celebrating the gallantry of officers currently in active service—particularly those stationed within Anambra State—who work tirelessly to ensure peace and security. Specifically addressing the people of the South East, Governor Soludo lamented the low enlistment rates of Anambra indigenes in the national security architecture, describing the lack of participation in the Armed Forces as a form of "self-marginalization." He also challenged the youths to see the military as a platform for national service and a way to secure their stake in the country. "We must participate as co-owners of Project Nigeria," he asserted, reminding the audience that the civil war ended over five decades ago and that the region must fully reintegrate into all national institutions. On the current security challenges in the region, the governor pleaded with those currently involved in violent agitation and "living in the bushes to end it. "The terror era is over and I call on our brothers in the bushes to come out. We will help you to become useful citizens of the state. To Ndi Anambra and the rest of the South East, this is the time to remind ourselves that the war has ended", he stated. The governor commended President Bola Tinubu and the various service commanders in Anambra for their steadfastness, acknowledging that the security problem has festered for a long time. He expressed unwavering confidence that the current wave of terror would be decisively dealt with soonest.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command says it has arrested some members of the gang that attacked the convoy of the former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, killing two of them in a gun battle. In what the command described as a major operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property, it said operatives attached to Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, laid ambush to the five - man armed suspects at Enugwu Agidi junction and engaged them in a gun battle. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operatives, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, engaged the hoodlums, who were suspected to be armed robbers, cultists, and linked to a proscribed secessionist. The PPRO's statement read: "Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects engaged the officers in a fierce gun battle that lasted for two hours which resulted to fatal gun shot injuries on two of the armed suspects, while the other three fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. "The operatives also recovered one T.06 rifle, two pump-action guns, 24 rounds of T.06 ammunition, 15 live cartridges, assorted criminal charms, one cult red beret and one black Toyota Highlander vehicle." Ikenga said that while in deep agony, one of the armed suspects confessed that the gang members were part of those who launched an unsuccessful attack on the convoy of the former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige. He added that the suspect also confessed to belonging to the striking squad of Vikings confraternity on a mission to retaliate the killing of one of their members by another rival cult group. Commending the operatives for their gallantry, the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, charged them to intensify efforts to arrest other gang members, particularly those who fled with gunshot injuries during the encounter. He advised hospitals and related medical facilities to admit anyone with gunshot wounds or related injuries, but endeavor to report such to the nearest Police Station.

By Madu Obi The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has insisted that the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah's contributions to the building of the recently dedicated Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in the industrial city, was not in any way ignored. The clarification came on the heels of the controversy trailing comments by one James Okoye who claimed that the church did not recognize Ubah's contributions during the dedication ceremony. The publicity chairman of the dedication committee, Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghulor, said the church appreciated the immense contributions of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah and others towards the building of a beautiful edifice for the worship of God. “The church has for months composed prayers for the dedication of the cathedral, revered our benefactors, raised those who have passed on before the Lord, amongst whom are Ifeanyi Ubah and Ajulu Uzodike, who were part of the cathedral building committee from day one. The Bishop of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye, mentioned Cardinal Francis Arinze, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, and others during the service. Dr. Ubah was mentioned on page 10 of the dedication brochure. He was also mentioned copiously from pages 7–9,” Rev. Fr. Aghulor stressed. He, however, clarified that the former senator was a major benefactor to the diocese, but did not either build the cathedral singlehandedly, or initiated the building project. Fr. Aghulor also pointed out that people who give in the church do not do so to have their names engraved on marble, but added quickly that the church normally prays for her benefactors. “As at the last count, twenty churches have been built by individuals in the diocese and none of them has been immortalized; we didn’t build monuments for them. The church, I must however say, has her own way of immortalizing her benefactors. We have one hundred and forty-seven parishes in the diocese. People who give to the church are giving to God, not the Bishop or priests, and the appreciation of those individuals is a continuous process, unlike what is obtainable in government,” he added.

By Madu Obi The senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial district, Senator Victor Umeh has disbursed the sun of N64 million to 326 indigents students in tertiary institutions as part of his ongoing scholarship scheme. The beneficiaries of the funds, who received their alerts on the spot from officials of Fidelity Bank during an impressive ceremony at the Cana House, Awka, were brilliant students who gained admissions into the institutions, but could not pay their school fees. Addressing the beneficiaries and some of their parents, Senator Umeh said he was inspired to invest in education of the youths by his political leader and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party ( LP), Mr. Peter Obi. He said that though he started assisting indigent students even before joining politics, he later decided to set up the scholarship scheme which is being handled by trusted individuals. According to him, the scholarship beneficiaries cut across all parts of the South East ,although the majority are from Anambra Central senatorial zone which he represents in the nation's upper legislative chambers. Umeh said: "The beneficiaries are usually selected from all the communities in the senatorial zone. "We started with 76 students who were selected from the seven local government areas of Anambra Central senatorial zone. We then added six who were of special needs. Those 76 had doctors, engineers, lawyers, accountants and other professionals and by 2023, all of them had graduated. In 2024, I increased the number to 223 and increased it again to 326 this year. We get the students through the town union Presidents who gave us two students each from the 58 communities in the zone before I considered candidates from stakeholders and people who encountered me in one way or the other and I saw they need to be empowered educationally. I also reached out to major stakeholders, including Bishops of the various denominations who sent names to us". According to him, the programmme is part of his constituency project because, as he added , he made scholarship part of his project for the youths. "Having been inspired by our leader, Mr Peter Obi who is a champion of empowering youths through education, I realized that with education, people are liberated from the shackles of poverty and ignorance, thereby building a better society. I have the highest number of classrooms developed anywhere in the senatorial zone, in addition to the scholarship. Education is important to the overall development of the state." He said further: "From the N37 million we paid in 2024, we have increased it to N60 million and I chose the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu Ebonyi State as my agency to apply for the funds. Although the money has not been made available from the budget, I had to source it elsewhere to enable those enjoying the scholarship to pay their school fees. Most of the students wrote to me asking for their school fees and I had to take a loan to implement this. Empowering youths to acquire education gives me joy and in this programmme, we do not discriminate."