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By Madu Obi The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has called on the church to take a more practical and people-centred role in youth empowerment and community development. Speaking on the theme, "The role of the church in youth empowerment and community development" at the synod of the Enugu Anglican Diocese, Obi said Nigeria’s regeneration depends on the values religious institutions instil in society. According to him, preaching alone is no longer enough in a society weighed down by moral decay, unemployment, and a growing number of unskilled youths, saying the church must move from pulpit to the people. He emphasized the need for the church and other serious religious groups to lead in building character, which he described as the foundation of any meaningful development. Commending the Enugu Catholic Diocese for its practical investments in agriculture, Obi highlighted his recent visit to the diocesan farm with the Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Ernest Obodo, adding that such initiatives provide young people with skills, employment, and a pathway to sustainable community development. Drawing global parallels, he stated how countries with limited natural resources have achieved food security through disciplined productivity, contrasting it with Nigeria, where, he added, its vast arable lands remain underutilized. Obi maintained that religious institutions, while not interfering with governance, must help redirect the nation toward a culture of hard work, responsibility, and productivity. Citing his conversation with Professor James Robinson, co-author of “Why Nations Fail”, he explained that nations stagnate not because they lack knowledge, but because they fail to implement what is necessary for progress. He said Nigeria reflects this reality and needs institutions, including religious organisations to positively drive behavioural and value change among the youth. He also referenced the positive impact of strengthening church–state collaboration in sectors such as healthcare, noting that hospitals like Iyienu and Borromeo in Anambra State achieved higher standards and became teaching hospitals because they were properly supported. Obi also sited the improvement in education consequent upon the involvement of religious institutions, adding that it proves that the church has the capacity to uplift communities and help shape a more disciplined and productive society. Obi also urged the church to intensify its commitment to value formation, mentorship, productivity education, and practical initiatives that uplift communities. Expressing gratitude to Obi, the Bishop of the Diocese expressed gratitude to the former Anambra State governor for his consistent goodness to society and prayed that God would grant him the opportunity to continue rendering greater service to the nation.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Executive Council has approved eleven contracts worth about N4.443 billion for projects in various parts of the state. The Commissioner for Information,Dr. Law Mefor said that also approved was the sum N87.168 million as the annual premium for the provision of asset insurance policy coverage for the new Government House (Light House), Awka, through a long-term agreement of five years in the first instance. Details of the contracts showed that N171.48 million is for modification and completion of the abandoned court building and the upgrade of associated structures within the Court of Appeal Complex, Awka, while N330.5 million is for the rehabilitation of failed portions of the Court Road and Obunagu Road, within the Awka Metropolis. Also approved by the council is N443.4 million for the supply and installation of fire-fighting equipment at the College of Nursing Sciences, Umueze-Isuofia, Aguata local government area and N297.9 million for the supply and installation of additional furniture at the Government House Theatre and the Multi-purpose Hall of Light House, Awka. Others are N346.87 million for the rehabilitation of failed portions of the St. Thomas Aquinas Road, GRA Awka-Min of Lands-Ekwulobia Street-Chief Abose Ejeagwu Lane, N85.3 million for the supply and installation of 32kva solar power system at Country Club of Solution Fun City, Awka and N1.77 billion for the construction of Ikenga-Isuofia-Igboukwu discharge channel. The rest of the contracts are for the construction of the Solution Park & Pay Garage at Ekwulobia, comprising office building, gate house, toilet facility, concrete floor, park gazebo with solar panel stands and park benches and perimeter fence at a cost of N90.45 million. Also the sum of N476.3 million was awarded for the extension of electricity to Iyiora Anam Community and Zion Ministry Psychiatric and Elderly Hospital, Aguleri and N240.25 million for the installation of a 3-way traffic light system at Igwe Orizu Junction and a 4-way traffic light system at the Nnewi Roundabout, along the Nnewi-Ozubulu Dual Carriageway, Nnewi, with pedestrian lights at both locations.

Prof. Bond Anyaehie. VC. Nnamdi Azikiwe University By Madu Obi The 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Bond Anyaechie, has assumed office, promising to change the trajectory of the university. Addressing reporters after receiving handover notes from the former Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Carol Arinze -Umobi, Anyaechie said he is in UNIZIK to serve, stressing that he has no personal interest. He said: "Our vision is to make UNIZIK greater than it is. Nnamdi Azikiwe University should be the best in Nigeria. The work before us is enormous, but we are prepared and we need the cooperation of everybody. We don't have pleasant news about UNIZIK, but we will change the trajectory so that positive news will be coming out of this university. In the next four weeks, we'll be commissioning projects. I am in touch with various stakeholders, including the alumni association, and they will assist us in our work. It's a shared vision. I have no personal interest here. Well work in a way that everybody knows we're working for the nation. I will prioritize the completion of ongoing projects . I presented my vision and mission while applying for the job and I will share it at the University website and use it to develop a strategic plan and then put time on each to know when we will complete them. I will also ask my fellow contestants to give me their own vision so that I can incorporate them in my own for the benefit of the university." The VC also promised to look into the issue of some workers in the university who have been working for the past six years without salary. It's unfair that somebody is working without earning salary and how can that person survive?. I don't know the circumstances these people are owed since 2019 and I wonder how someone employed six years ago is not paid and he is still working. We will set up a committee to see what we can do as fast as possible so that they will earn November and December salaries. It may not be easy for us to pay for all the years they are owed, but we will do what is possible and take as much as we can take so that before Christmas, they will get something to celebrate with others" he said. He explained that among his immediate priorities are the completion of the Vice Chancellor's Lodge and the establishment of a medical center at the Okofia Nnewi campus of the university. "Basically, our mission here is to make things better, but we cannot do much without peace. I came into a battle field and the first thing we have to do is to form a united body. I assure everyone that I will make the environment convenient for people to work peacefully", Professor Anyaechie pledged..

By Madu Obi The Managing Director of Anambra ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Agbata has revealed how his agency protected the votes of Governor Chukwuma Soludo during the November 8 gubernatorial election in the state. Governor Soludo, the candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, won all the 21 local government areas and 320 out of the 326 wards in the state, scoring 73% of the total votes. Speaking with reporters in Awka, Agbata said his agency, as a strong supporter of Governor Soludo, was aware moves by the opposition to manipulate the results from the various collation centers and so applied the technology at its disposal to nip the dubious plan in the bud. He said: "Anambra runs with the mantra, 'everything technology and technology everywhere', and that mantra is what guides Mr Governor. "We as an ICT Agency know this, and we also know that election is a very complex thing, so we decided to look for a way that technology can make things better. The idea was to use technology to manage the process, such that Mr Governor and our party people could be aware of what was happening in all the 5,720 polling units in the state. We also needed a way to ensure that incident reports, results and any other general information was easily captured and we came up with a strategy where we built a two way system command and control centre. So, we had two situation rooms, one in Isuofia the governor's hometown, and one at the Awka Government House. That way, we were able to police the votes of the governor against theft." According to him, the agency used two giant screens, adding that while one coordinated the results tracked from polling unit to polling unit, ward to ward and local government to local government, the other screen was dedicated to IREV. "As INEC was uploading the results, we were also comparing it with what we have on our portal, and also tracking wards where results were yet to be remitted, while our men in the field chased after them to avoid manipulations. By 4pm that Saturday, we were able to get almost all the results. We were sure the governor would win, but we needed to build a system that could help us protect Mr Governor's votes and also ensure that the margin is wide", Agbata said. He also spoke on how the agency used technology to drive the aspiration of the Soludo administration. "Before the election, we conducted a survey, making phone calls to over 200,000 Anambra people, with a set of seven questions, asking where they would vote and why they would vote for any particular candidate. We also incurred over 20 terabytes of data for the election, giving out free WiFi in strategic places and at events. Our research already had a ready result about the voting pattern, and believe me, some of the results we got tallied to an extent with the eventual outcome. That gave us an insight into the voting pattern and what to expect in the election. We knew we would win the election, but what we were trying to do was to see a way to guide against voter apathy. Beyond that, we already had all sorts of metrics that showed that the governor would win. We deployed the Geeks and Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS), mobile tech hub for the election, which went round distributing free WiFi. GEFAS is a support group for the governor, mainly consisting of techies (that is technologically advanced persons), and we used our knowledge of technology to see how we could make the best out of the election," he stated.

By Madu Obi Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department, gender unit, Awka, with the assistance of the local community security outfit, have arrested one Chigbo Umeugokwe of Umuezeiyi Village, Achina, Aguata LGA, for alleged armed robbery and defilement. The 20 -year old suspect, who will appear in court on Wednesday, allegedly invaded a shop in the same community, on 29th October 2025 with a locally made single- barrel gun and a small axe. He was said to have dressed in a red polo shirt which he fashioned into a face mask and abducted a 13-year old girl, took her to a nearby bush where he forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her. The suspect also allegedly carted away the sum of ₦30,000 from the shop. Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said that during interrogation, the suspect made a voluntary confessional statement. Items recovered from him include one locally made single-barrel gun, one small axe and one red polo shirt used as a face mask "He will be arraigned in court on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, as part of the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and bringing offenders to account", Ikenga said

By Madu Obi The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV has listed Nigeria among countries where Christians face discrimination and persecution, alongside Bangladesh, Mozambique, Sudan, and others. The Pope made the remarks via his official X account, expressing concern over frequent attacks on Christian communities and places of worship and urged prayers for peace and solidarity among all believers. The observation by the Pope came on the heels of similar allegation by the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump. “I think especially of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other countries from which we frequently hear of attacks on communities and places of worship. God is a merciful Father who desires peace among all His children!” the Pope wrote. Pope Leo also called for prayers for the families of Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where recent massacres claimed the lives of civilians. “Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good,” he added. The pope’s statement echoes concern previously raised by US President Donald Trump, who re-designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) due to reports of religious persecution. However, the Nigerian government has rejected this classification, affirming that the country remains secular.

By Madu Obi The Mayor of Orumba South local government area of Anambra State, Hon. Shedrack Azubuike, has described the landslide victory of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the November 8 election as a triumph of trust on him by the electorate. In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the local government, Hon. Azubuike said Soludo’s victory was well deserved, describing it as a clear reflection of the people’s confidence in his visionary leadership, proven integrity and unwavering commitment to good governance. According to him, the outcome of the election demonstrated the collective trust of the people on Prof. Soludo’s transformative agenda, which has continued to shape the progress and development of the state. “We in Orumba South are confident that your renewed mandate will consolidate on the gains already made and usher in greater prosperity, unity, and inclusive growth across Anambra State”, he said. Azubuike assured the governor of Orumba South’s full support and partnership as he embarks on the noble task of steering the state to greater heights in the next four years. "This is a victory shared by all APGA members and Ndi Anambra and we say: congratulations, Mr. Governor; congratulations Oku Nyelu Ife Ndigbo, Oluatuegwu Anambra, Odenigbo Aguata na Orumba; congratulations to all of us and let the Solution continue", the local government chairman said.

By Madu Obi The candidate of the Young Progressive Party, YPP,, in the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has said that he will remain in the party. Addressing his supporters at Umueri, Anambra East local government area, Chukwuma said he would not dump the party, a statement some of his supporters described as shocking. “I have taken the time to think through it. I have entertained arguments and efforts to convince me otherwise, but after a careful assessment, I want to say that I will remain in the YPP", he said. Chukwuma said he is comfortable with the YPP, noting that together with his team, he would remain steadfast in building a worthwhile political platform, rather than abandoning the party. A founding member and leading financier of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Anambra State, Chukwuma exited from the APC just before the party’s primaries in Anambra State. Many people had thought that he would return to the APC as soon as the election was over. However, his choice to remain in the YPP, as was communicated to his political family during a meeting, has now put that speculation to an end. Chukwuma's media aide, Dr. Ebuka Obyekwelu said that during the meeting with his supporters, the YPP candidate reiterated his stance that he is carefully observing the outcome of the just concluded governorship election, for appropriate action.

By Madu Obi Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State has got a new Vice Chancellor, in the person of Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie. A press statement by the Acting Director, Information and Public Relations of UNIZIK, Mr Njelita Louis said the new Vice Chancellor will assume duty November 19", 2025, and will take over from Professor Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi. The statement read: "Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie as its new substantive Vice-Chancellor, effective November 19", 2025. "The Governing Council of the University has approved Professor Anyaehie's appointment for a single tenure of five years. "He was appointed by the Pro-chancellor and Chairman, Barr. Monsur Kukoyi Olugbenga, on November 16", 2025. "Professor Anyachie, a renowned professor of Physiology and Clinical Measurements, will take over from Professor Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi, who has been serving as the Acting Vice Chancellor." He obtained his MBBS from Abia State University in 1998, a master’s degree in 2004, a PhD in 2009, and a Master of Public Health in 2011. His academic journey began in 2002 as a part-time lecturer at Imo State University’s College of Medicine, where he later secured a full-time position. In 2007, he joined the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, rising to the rank of Professor in 2013. Anyaechie served as Deputy Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, from 2018 to 2022. He has also been Acting Provost at the College of Medicine, Imo State University, and served as a visiting professor between 2020 and 2022 on a pro bono basis.

The Papal knights and Medalists during the conference By Madu Obi The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, has urged Knights to use selfless service to deepen their lives of holiness by prioritizing the good of others. Archbishop Okeke made the call during the 17th National Conference of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria (APKMN) held at the Madonna Renewal Centre, Nkpor, Anambra State. In his homily during the Holy Mass that preceded the conference, the Archbishop emphasized on the need for the Knights to develop the spiritual sensitivity required to recognize and appreciate the good in others, rather than being preoccupied with personal achievements. Specifically, he advised them to consistently cultivate a mindset focused on the welfare of their neighbours, adding that doing so would inspire hope in the society. “When we think of the good of others, they too will think good of us. Goodness begets goodness; selfishness attracts selfishness. Always try to make others happy. When people are taught this virtue, the entire world becomes a better place. Faith, hope, and charity perfect the human system and lead to authentic transformation,” he stated. According to him, the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity are supernatural gifts from God that perfect the human person and elevate society. Archbishop Okeke observed that no society can progress without sacrifice, noting that personal convenience must never outweigh the common good. "Without sacrifice, societies retrogress rather than progress. Even with intelligence, if one does not believe in God or is unwilling to make sacrifices for others and for the common good, one cannot contribute meaningfully to societal growth,” he added. The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, who was the guest speaker, said faith and love flourish within families, stating that their influence naturally radiates outward into society. He explained that genuine love, deeply rooted in faith, illuminates human relationships and strengthens social harmony. Ezeokafor warned that If faith in God is removed, mutual trust in society would be weakened, while collective stability would be threatened.” Speaking on the dignity of Papal Knighthood, he reminded members that nobility carries responsibility.,noting that Papal Knighthood is not an empty title. "It is a noble order based on merit. To whom much is given, much is expected. As Papal Knights and Medalists, remain focused on charitable works for the betterment of Nigerian society,” he added. Also speaking, the National President of APKMN, Steve Adehi, SAN, said the conference was organized to rekindle the faith and hope of Christians, especially in the face of the country’s current challenges. He noted that since this is the 'Year of Hope', Christians must be encouraged not to lose confidence in God or in Nigeria’s future. Adehi urged the various governments to address the widening gap between official claims of improvement and what is being experienced by ordinary Nigerians. “Our conference seeks to remind Christians that hope is not lost. We must believe that Nigeria can be great again because it had been great before,” he said. The President of the Onitsha Province of APKMN, Peter Anazodo, described the conference as a platform for deep spiritual and moral renewal among members, aimed at strengthening their commitment to God and humanity. Similarly, Prof. Augustine Nnonyelu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and a member of the Papal Knights, described the gathering as “a form of total evangelization for positive change.” He explained that the vision is to spread the work of faith, hope, and charity across the entire nation,. “The theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity lie at the heart of Catholicism. Virtue is our key takeaway from this conference; it is central to everything we practice in the Catholic Church,” Nonyelu said. The theme of year’s conference is, “Hope, Faith, and Charity in Contemporary Society.” The next conference of the association is expected to take place in Owerri, Imo State.

By Madu Obi The wife of the Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo has said that diabetes remains a major health concern in Nigeria, lamenting that millions of people living with the disease are u diagnosed. In a statement to mark the World Diabetes Day, Mrs Soludo said with official data putting the number of people who are living with the disease in the country at over 3 million, there are still millions of undetected cases, making the accurate count even more disturbing. She said: "Controlling diabetes epidemic in our communities is a task that demands both hands. While routine medical checks remain very important to reversing the trend, the primary step is to observe our lifestyles more carefully because lifestyle choices can kill or save. A large chunk of what we consume is really killing us. We must pay closer attention to whatever goes into our body, whether as food, drinks, or whatever. This is where Healthy Living plays the biggest part." According to her, "that diabetes has found its way into our homes today is largely because we've preferred junks and unhealthy foods on our tables, instead of what nature has blessed us richly with. She called on Nigerians to always think back if they are really serious about this ever-raging war.

Peter Obi making a donation at Tansian University Umunya By Madu Obi The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his commitment to educational development during a visit to Tansian University, Anambra State, where he donated an additional ₦10 million to support the institution. Obi, who was warmly received by the university community, was hosted by Prof. Bonaventure Anaeto, who representing the Vice-Chancellor. Anaeto commended the former Anambra State governor for his sustained relationship with the institution, recalling his earlier contribution of ₦100 million and other interventions, including support for the establishment of the School of Nursing in the university. Addressing the university community, Obi expressed satisfaction that the School of Nursing, which he helped set up, has now been accredited as an official examination centre of the Nursing Council of Nigeria. He also acknowledged new requests presented by the institution towards improving both academic and spiritual formation, assuring the management of his continued assistance. Obi emphasized the centrality of education, critical thinking, and civic responsibility in nation-building and urged them to remain committed to Nigeria’s progress despite recent derogatory remarks about the country. He encouraged the students not to echo such sentiments but to interrogate the actions of those in power. He also lamented Nigeria’s rising debt profile and the lack of transparency surrounding major borrowings, particularly Euro bonds, noting that many of these obligations will mature long after the present leaders have left the scene. He warned that the burden of repayment would fall on the younger generation, who are often unaware of the implications. Obi reiterated that true leadership is measured by investments in people—not by vote-buying, citing an example of a friend in London who received medical attention from nurses trained in schools he supported in Anambra, describing such outcomes as the true measure of impactful leadership. The former governor also highlighted his recent visits to several institutions across Anambra and neighbouring states, including schools in Amichi, Nnewi, Adazi-Nnukwu, Agulu, Ogidi, Oji River, Ihiala, Enugu, and Ibada. He narrated how he was moved by the condition of the Practicing School in Agulu, his home town, where pupils were learning under makeshift shelters following a fire incident and pledged that reconstruction work would commence in January 2026. According to him, such progress would be impossible in a system where resources are channelled into vote-buying. Obi concluded by urging the students to embrace truth, discipline, and sacrifice while committing themselves to rebuilding the nation. He stressed that Nigeria is not “disgraced” by external criticisms but by internal failure to invest in education and human capital. The country’s true wealth, he noted, lies in its youth and their capacity to drive meaningful change.