By Madu Obi The Anambra State government has called for intensified health education and public awareness to enable residents make informed decisions about their health with a view to seeking appropriate medical care when necessary. The Director of Public Health in the state Ministry of Health, Dr Cyril Anaeme made the call while addressing participants at the Anambra State Health Promotion Strategic Framework Costed Implementation Plan workshop in Awka. The workshop was organized by the Anambra State Ministry of Health, with support from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the World Health Organisation (WHO), through the Health Promotion Unit. According to Anaeme, there is need for a stronger health education system in the state, stressing that effective health promotion and communication were essential to improving health outcomes and reducing preventable deaths. He decried what he described as the over-reliance on prayers and prayer houses in situations requiring urgent medical attention, citing an incident in which an accident victim was taken to a prayer house by the people around, rather than taking the child to a nearby hospital. He warned that such practices could have fatal consequences, stressing that while prayer could be important to individuals, it should not replace appropriate medical intervention in emergencies. He also highlighted the consequences of pregnant women who ignore professional medical advice, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth and cited cases of pregnant women who disregarded medical instructions, resulting in serious complications. Anaeme also recalled the case of a woman who had undergone two previous caesarean sections but ignored medical advice against attempting a vaginal delivery during her third pregnancy, adding that the woman died in the process while attempting normal delivery against medical advice. "Such tragedies underscore the need for sustained health education so that people would understand the importance of following qualified medical advice", he said. He called on stakeholders to develop a practical and comprehensive health promotion framework that would effectively address the state's health communication needs.

‎ By Madu Obi ‎ ‎The candidate for Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha,DNA, Federal Constituency, of Anambra State under the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Prince Chukwudi Oli, has called on the women of Enugwu-Ukwu community, Njikoka local government area of Anambra State to remain united and continue to promote peace, love and good moral values in their homes and community. ‎ ‎Oli, popularly known as Oba Ezeafia, gave the charge when he graced the annual August meeting of the women of Enugu-Ukwu Community at Obu Umunri Hall where he joined the women in celebrating their cultural heritage and commitment to the development of their community. ‎ ‎The gathering was also honoured by the presence of the traditional ruler of Enugu-Ukwu, HRH Igwe Sir Ralph Ekpeh, whose presence added significance to the occasion and reflected the importance attached to the annual gathering by the community. ‎ ‎ ‎The traditional ruler, while commending Oba Ezeafia for his presence and support for the women, also expressed his appreciation for his commitment to the people. He prayed for him and bestowed his Royal Blessing on Oba Ezeafia, wishing him success in his endeavours and continued service to the people. ‎ ‎Addressing the women, Oba Ezeafia described them as the pillars of every good home and important agents of peace, unity and positive transformation in society. ‎He urged them to use their positions in the family to promote understanding, tolerance and genuine love, stressing that peaceful homes are the foundation of a peaceful community. ‎ ‎He further encouraged the women to be good examples to their children, noting that children learn greatly from the conduct and character they observe at home. ‎He urged mothers to demonstrate good morals, respect, honesty, discipline, kindness and love, so their children would grow into responsible citizens and worthy representatives of their families. ‎ ‎The APGA candidate maintained that the strength of any community depends largely on the quality of its families, appealing the women to avoid unnecessary divisions and continue to support one another. ‎According to him, a united womenfolk has the capacity to influence families positively and contribute significantly to the peace and development of the wider community. ‎ ‎ ‎He also commended the women for sustaining the annual August meeting, describing it as an important occasion for strengthening relationships, preserving cultural values and discussing issues that affect families and community development. ‎ ‎He urged the women to remain ambassadors of peace wherever they find themselves, particularly in their homes, churches and the wider society, adding that mothers have a special role to play in shaping the character and future of the younger generation. ‎ ‎Oli encouraged the women to continue upholding the values of unity, peace, love, respect and good morals, stressing that the future of every community begins with the values instilled in the home.

By Madu Obi Leaders of the Northern Community in Anambra State have dismissed allegations that Mr Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, discriminated against northerners during his tenure as governor. In separate interviews with reporters in Onitsha and Awka, they specifically debunked the allegations by Obi's political opponents that he ordered the demolition of a mosque during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State. According to them, the allegations were politically motivated and intended to damage Obi’s reputation ahead of the 2027 general election. They said that, contrary to the claims being circulated, northerners in Anambra enjoyed a cordial relationship with the Obi administration and benefited from several of its programmes, including free education, agricultural loans and sponsorship for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Secretary of the Northern Community in charge of Anambra and Delta states, Mahmud Ibrahim, a lawyer, and the traditional ruler of the Hausa Community in Awka, Alhaji Garba Haruna; as well as the Chairman of the Northern Community in Anambra State, Alhaji Gidado Sidikki, said all actions taken by Obi during his tenure favoured them. Ibrahim, who has been secretary of the community for decades, explained that the mosque at the centre of the controversy was demolished before Obi became governor. “Our relationship with Mr Peter Obi during his tenure as governor and even now is cordial. We want to make it clear that the rumour that he demolished our mosque while he was governor is untrue,” he said. According to him, the mosque was demolished in February 2006 during a reprisal attack connected with the Sharia crisis, while Obi became governor in March of that year. “In fact, it was Obi who visited us at the Army Barracks in Onitsha where we were staying as refugees. He later escorted us back to the mosque and donated money towards its rebuilding. So, we do not understand where this story is coming from,” Ibrahim said. He also dismissed the allegation that Obi compelled northerners to obtain identity cards as a condition for remaining in Anambra, explaining that the identification cards issued by the northern community were an initiative of the community itself, intended to facilitate the identification of its members. “As for the identity cards, it was the Northern Community in Anambra State that came together and decided that we would issue identity cards to our brothers for identification. The ANIDS card was different. It was for everybody in Anambra State. The governor, his commissioners and everyone else had theirs, including myself,” he said. Also speaking, the traditional ruler of the Hausa Community in Awka, Alhaji Garba Haruna, debunked claims of discrimination against northerners during Obi’s administration. "I never witnessed or heard of any policy that created a distinction between indigenes and non-indigenes under Obi. “Our relationship then and even now remains cordial. My children benefited from the free education programme, and I personally benefited from his sponsorship for Hajj,” Haruna said. He added that Obi had maintained his relationship with the northern community even after leaving office. “He still relates well with us. He comes here for our functions and sends us gifts during Salah celebrations. If there is any former governor who is close to Obi, it is Ngige, who still comes here today despite no longer being governor or seeking any position,” he said. Also speaking, the Chairman of the Northern Community in Anambra State, Alhaji Gidado Sidikki, recalled his personal experience as a beneficiary of Obi’s agricultural loan programme, adding that he received N10 million at that time under the scheme. “The way they gave the loan to me was the same way they gave it to others. There was no discrimination. We are even surprised that before Obi left office, he repaid the outstanding loans on our behalf,” he said. He also recalled that his son who benefited from Obi’s free education policy is currently pursuing a PhD in China. “I came here about 40 years ago. I had all my children here, and today I have five graduates. So, I cannot say that Anambra has not been good to me,” he said. The leaders said their experiences under Obi’s administration were inconsistent with the allegations being levelled against him, describing the claims as politically driven and pledged to mobilize members of the northern community resident in Anambra State to support Obi when political campaigns for the 2027 election commence. They also expressed optimism about Obi’s chances in the election, particularly with the anticipated political partnership involving former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, whom they described as “our brother.”

By Madu Obi The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress( NDC) in the 2027 elections, Mr Peter Obi, has donated N10 million to the Faith Foundation College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka, expressing delight at the progress of projects underway in the institution. Obi, who inspected some of the ongoing projects in the institution, was received by the proprietor of the college, Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Agbo, who expressed appreciation for Obi’s longstanding support for the institution. He also assured the management of the college that he would continue to partner with the institution until it realizes its objective of producing its first set of nurses. Obi said his intervention was part of his broader commitment to supporting education and healthcare, particularly the training of quality healthcare professionals who would contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system. At St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Nsukka, Obi participated in the 68th Annual Conference of Anglican Youths. Addressing the youths, Obi urged them to recognise their responsibility in building a new Nigeria, stressing that the country they desire cannot emerge without their active participation in shaping its future. He urged them to reject politics based on tribe, religion or language and instead insist on electing leaders with proven character, competence, capacity, integrity and strong ethical values. According to him, the future of Nigeria depends not only on the leaders the country produces, but also on the standards citizens demand from those who seek public office. In his speech, Agbo disclosed that the former Anambra governor's earlier financial contributions had played a significant role in giving the institution the confidence to embark on many of the projects currently under construction. The proprietor said the support had encouraged the management to continue investing in the development of the institution and its facilities.

By Madu Obi The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has advocated for leadership that is measured by visible impact on the lives of the people. Obi, who was the special guest of honour during the empowerment programme organized by the member representing Awka North and South federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Professor Lilian Orogbu, commended the lawmaker for what he described as her purposeful and people-oriented representation. During the programme, Orogbu empowered over 500 constituents with cars, shuttle buses, tricycles (Keke), motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, deep freezers, 2KVA and 1KVA generating sets, among other items. Scholarships were also awarded to deserving students as part of the lawmaker's commitment to expanding access to education in the constituency. According to Obi, initiatives like what Orogbu did for her constituents are capable of lifting citizens out of poverty and ultimately contribute to reducing crime and insecurity. He lamented the rising unemployment, poor state of education, weak healthcare system and growing insecurity in the country, attributing many of Nigeria's challenges to poor governance and the mismanagement of public resources. Reaffirming his vision for Nigeria, Obi promised that with competent and accountable leadership, the country could overcome hunger, insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship. He equally called for credible elections in 2027, urging Nigerians to reject electoral malpractice and embrace the principles of equity, justice and fairness. Speaking during the event, Prof. Orogbu explained that the empowerment programme was her way of appreciating her numerous supporters, volunteers and constituents who stood by her during the 2023 general elections. According to her, although over 36,000 people voted for her and more than 5,000 supporters actively worked throughout the campaign, it would be practically impossible to accommodate everyone in one phase of the programme and assured those who did not benefit them that another round of empowerment has been scheduled for November 2026. She charged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the items, emphasizing that the empowerment was designed not merely as a welfare package, but as an economic intervention capable of improving livelihoods, creating employment opportunities and enhancing the living standards of families across Awka North and Awka South federal constituency. She noted that sustainable empowerment remains one of the most effective approaches to tackling poverty, reducing youth unemployment and stimulating grassroots economic development. The Anambra State chairman of NDC, Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, congratulated Prof. Orogbu for fulfilling her campaign promises through impactful representation. He urged the people to continue to support the party, expressing confidence that sustained electoral support would translate into more developmental projects and improved welfare for the people. Also speaking, the Senator representing Anambra Central, Chief Victor Umeh, described Prof. Orogbu as a rare gift to the people of Awka North and Awka South federal constituency. According to him, the federal lawmaker has distinguished herself through quality representation, constituency projects, scholarships, road infrastructure and various empowerment initiatives. "Her vocal contributions on the floor of the House of Representatives have continued to attract developmental projects to the constituency", Umeh said, adding that allowing her to secure a second term would position her as a ranking member of the House, thereby increasing her capacity to attract greater dividends of democracy to the constituency. He equally described the empowerment programme as unprecedented, saying it reflects the lawmaker's genuine commitment to improving the welfare of her constituents.

By Madu Obi The Wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has emerged winner of the health activism category at the 2026 BudgIT Active Citizens Awards put together in recognition and celebration of individuals and organizations making remarkable contributions to civic engagement and social development across Nigeria. The BudgIT Active Citizens Awards, now in its third edition, recognizes changemakers whose work strengthens accountability, democratic values and sustainable development through advocacy, innovation, research, community service and public engagement. Mrs Soludo was acknowledged as showing outstanding leadership in advancing preventive healthcare, community wellness and public health advocacy through her nongovernmental organization, NGO, the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative. At the award ceremony, Mrs Soludo was honoured ahead of Nigerian health and gender rights advocate, Ramatu Ada Ochekliye and Sidney Sampson a Nigerian public health and social impact professional, following a rigorous selection process that assessed nominees on innovation, impact, sustainability, inclusion, leadership and measurable community outcomes. Receiving the award , Mrs Soludo said it is both a humbling honour and a renewed call to serve with even greater passion and dedication. "This recognition belongs to every member of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, our valued partners, healthcare workers, volunteers, community leaders and the resilient people of Anambra State who have embraced the vision of wellness and healthy living. "Like a family driven by one common goal, we have shown that when communities take ownership of their health, lasting transformation becomes very possible. "I sincerely thank BudgIT, Civic Hive and Ford Foundation for this extraordinary recognition. It inspires us to keep expanding our reach, touching more lives and building a healthier, stronger and more prosperous Anambra", she said. Senior Special Assistant to the wife of the governor, Mr. Daniel Ezeigwe, in a statement, said the award reflects the growing national recognition of the transformative work being carried out under Mrs Soludo's healthy living crusade, which, according to him, has become a model for promoting healthy lifestyles and preventive healthcare in Anambra State. According to him, since assuming the role of Anambra First Lady, Dr. Soludo has championed several people-centred interventions, including statewide fitness campaigns, maternal and child health advocacy, nutrition education, environmental sanitation, the Healthy Living Pad Bank for schoolgirls, the distribution of free seed packs to households, as well as the Nonye's Healthy Living Pap Initiative, which addresses childhood malnutrition. "These programmes have touched thousands of lives while reinforcing the importance of prevention as the foundation of a healthier society", Ezeigwe said.. He added that Mrs Soludo's recognition further underscores the national impact of her unwavering commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Anambra people and contributing to Nigeria's broader public health landscape.

By Madu Obi The lifeless bodies of three children have been discovered in the home of a suspected female native doctor at Ideani Community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. Government A fourth person found at her place was discovered alive, and has been taken to hospital for examination, while the deceased children have been deposited in the mortuary. The identities of the children, whose ages ranged between six and 15 years, have not been ascertained, just as the circumstances surrounding their death have not been known. Sources in the community, however, said that the children were either workers of the female native doctor who also rears pigs and birds in her compound, or they might be her biological children. The woman, whose name has not been given, is said to have been arrested by the Police and is currently being detained at Ogidi Police Division in Idemili North local government area. The Anambra State Police command is yet to issue a statement on the incident, although a video circulating in social media showed police operatives at the home of the native doctor after the discovery of the corpses while the woman was seen being taken away.

By Madu Obi Former Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu has formally retired from the Force after 34 years of service. Orutugu was recently promoted Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, and his formal retirement from the Nigeria Police Force was marked with a ceremonial pull-out parade, and the State Executive Council send-forth ceremony organized by the Anambra State government. As part of the events, the Anambra State government hosted AIG Orutugu in recognition of his outstanding contributions to security, peace, and public safety in the State. Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, acknowledged Orutugu's collaborative approach to policing, strategic partnership with stakeholders, and unwavering commitment to combating crime and strengthening public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force. He described AIG Orutugu as an exceptional police officer whose tenure in Anambra State was marked by strengthened police-community relations, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, strategic security partnerships, and remarkable operational successes in the fight against crime and criminality. Also at a colourful ceremonial pull-out parade held at the Anambra State Police Command headquarters in Awka, officers and men of the Command, family members, retired senior police officers, traditional rulers, government officials, friends, and other distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the remarkable career and selfless service of the senior police officer. The ceremony was conducted in line with the age-long traditions of the Nigeria Police Force, symbolizing the formal conclusion of AIG Orutugu's distinguished career after decades of dedicated service to the nation. The ceremony featured the inspection of the parade, ceremonial procession, and conferment of policing honours, as well as goodwill messages from colleagues and stakeholders who commended his professionalism, exemplary leadership, operational excellence, and people-oriented policing philosophy. The Command expressed profound appreciation to the government and people of Anambra State, sister security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community leaders, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout his tenure as Commissioner of Police, Anambra State.

By Madu Obi The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ( NDC) for the 2027 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has faulted the attacks on Catholic bishops who recently visited President Bola Tinubu, describing the development as the growing intolerance of dissent by the Federal Government. In a statement titled, “When a Government Declares War on the Truth,” Obi warned that attacks on religious leaders who speak on national challenges could undermine democracy and distract from the country’s pressing problems. According to the former governor of Anambra State, Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship, insecurity, inflation and unemployment, require sincere engagement with constructive criticism, rather than hostility towards those who raise legitimate concerns. He observed that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has never acted as an opposition platform, but has consistently served as the nation’s moral conscience by speaking out on issues affecting the common good under both military and civilian administrations. Obi noted that the same commitment to truth has been demonstrated by major Islamic and Christian organisations, including Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), all of which have repeatedly expressed concern over rising insecurity, economic hardship and inflation in the country. He argued that religious leaders are often among the first to witness the suffering of ordinary Nigerians because they live and work within local communities where families struggle daily with soaring food prices, unemployment, kidnappings and other security challenges. Drawing from his experience as Governor of Anambra State, Obi said constructive criticism from traditional rulers and religious leaders contributed significantly to the successes recorded by his administration, particularly in education and healthcare. “As leaders, we should be gracious enough to listen to people and organisations that speak the truth to us and genuinely criticize us when things are not going in the right direction,” he stated. He expressed concern over recent attacks on the CBCN and, in particular, on His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, following the bishops’ assessment of the nation’s condition, recalling that when Pope John Paul II visited Nigeria in 1998 and openly challenged the late General Sani Abacha on issues, including the detention of Chief Moshood Abiola, the pontiff was not subjected to public vilification. Obi also pointed out what he described as a contradiction in the Federal Government’s relationship with the Catholic Church, noting that President Bola Tinubu demonstrated respect for the Church during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome by arriving ahead of many world leaders and participated fully in the ceremonies, wondering why that posture appeared to have changed following the recent criticism from the Nigerian bishops. He further accused political actors of attempting to exploit religious and ethnic divisions by portraying the bishops’ comments as a purely Catholic concern, arguing that the issues highlighted by the bishops, including insecurity, poverty, inflation, unemployment and widespread hardship, affect all Nigerians irrespective of religion or ethnicity. “The bishops merely expressed what millions of Nigerians experience daily,” he said, advising government officials to focus on addressing the concerns raised instead of attacking respected religious leaders. "A democratic government should welcome honest feedback from credible institutions", Obi said, insisting that national progress depends on leaders’ willingness to confront difficult truths rather than silence those who voice them.

By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo was full of excitement after experiencing heavy traffic in the commercial city of Onitsha on Monday for the first time after many years of Monday sit at home in the state. The governor banned the sit at home across Anambra State early this year and threatened to sanction traders and transport operators who usually close their shops on Mondays over alleged insecurity after he officially banned it. Soludo, who was a guest at the Delta State economic summit, said he was happy that the business climate in the state has greatly improved after his administration's decisive action. On arrival in Asaba for the summit, the governor apologized for being 15 minutes late to the function because he was stuck in traffic in Onitsha. "Today is Monday, and experiencing traffic in Onitsha on a Monday can only mean one thing: the Monday sit-at-home is over", the governor said. Soludo also spoke on the need for Nigerians to patronize locally made products, arguing that it would boost the country's economy. "We cannot create the jobs we desire if we continue patronizing foreign and imported goods. I am wearing Akwete fabric. My daughter introduced it to me in 2019, and it has since become my daily uniform. "I understand that this choice has boosted both the employment and income of the women weavers in Akwete. I also learned that the First Lady recently announced a N2 billion donation to the community to scale up production, promising to wear the fabric at her inauguration. "If all of us commit to wearing only Made-in-Nigeria goods, more than ten million jobs will be created. We cannot create the kind of jobs we want with all of us using foreign or imported goods. "I look In this room, and I see suits from Europe, America, and China. If all us 247 million Nigerians wear only Made-in-Nigeria, more than 10 million jobs will be created."

By Daniel Ezeigwe When Dr. Nonye Soludo marks her 56th birthday, it will be tempting to reduce the moment to the usual pleasantries reserved for the wives of powerful men. That would miss the whole story entirely. Born on July 31, 1970, in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, into a family of renowned educators, Nonye Frances Soludo built an identity long before she became Nigeria's most talked-about First Lady. A computer scientist by training from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and later a finance graduate of the University of Westminster, she was, in her own right, an entrepreneur who set up one of the earliest ICT training centres on a Nigerian university campus. That early instinct, to build something useful rather than wait to be handed a title, is the thread that runs through everything she has done since becoming Anambra's First Lady in March 2022. The "secret," if it can be called that, is not mysterious at all: it is consistency. Since her husband, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, took office, Mrs. Soludo has poured her energy into a single, coherent cause rather than scattering her platform across disconnected charity photo-ops. Her "Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo" initiative is built around preventive healthcare, nutrition, physical fitness, and environmental sanitation, and she has made a point of practicing what she preaches. She keeps and tends her own vegetable garden at the Light House, the Anambra State government house in Awka, and speaks often about the satisfaction of harvesting what she grows. It is this refusal to treat wellness as an abstract campaign slogan — choosing instead to model it in her own daily habits — that has made her message land differently than the ceremonial advocacy Nigerians have grown used to from public office holders' spouses. That authenticity is precisely why people notice how youthful she looks at 56. It is not an accident or good genetics alone; it is the visible dividend of a lifestyle she has committed to publicly and privately: home-grown, organic produce over processed alternatives, regular physical activity, and a documented preference for clean, sustainable living over convenience. Her advocacy for organic farming and against genetically modified produce is not just a policy position — it doubles as a personal regimen, and the results are the best advertisement her initiative could ask for. In a culture where the pressures of public life often visibly age those who serve in it, Mrs. Soludo's evident vitality has become part of her persuasive power, lending her health message a credibility that no slogan could manufacture on its own. The impact of that movement now extends well beyond Awka. The Healthy Living Garden Project has been replicated in schools and local government areas across the state, and her leadership on maternal and child health earned her national recognition, including the First Lady of the Year honor for Healthcare and Child Support at the Nigerian Humanitarian Awards. Ordinary Anambrans have taken to calling her "Mama Anambra," a nickname that speaks to something rarer than admiration from a distance — genuine familiarity. She is described repeatedly, by residents and observers alike, as approachable and unpretentious, someone who shows up rather than one who merely funds and delegates. Perhaps her most lasting contribution, though, is how she has quietly rewritten what the office of "First Lady" is allowed to mean in Nigeria. For decades, the role was largely ceremonial: ribbon-cutting, pageantry, and proximity to power without a defined public mandate. Mrs. Soludo has treated it instead as a functioning platform for public health policy, environmental stewardship, and community-level change — evidence-based, measurable, and sustained rather than symbolic. At 56, she is not simply aging gracefully in the public eye; she is demonstrating, in real time, that a First Lady's influence can be built on substance rather than spectacle — a template other states may find hard to ignore.

By Madu Obi The national coordinator of the Inspector-General of Police’s Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), SP Orvenonne Ikwen has reaffirmed the IGP’s commitment to preventive policing across the country. Speaking at the stakeholders interactive session in Awka as part of activities to create awareness about the body, Ikwem said it is a proactive strategy for reducing crime by addressing its root causes through advocacy, mentorship, value reorientation, and community collaboration. The exercise is part of ongoing efforts by the Police to strengthen preventive policing through strategic partnerships, youth engagement, and community participation. The event brought together government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, security agencies, educational institutions, civil society organisations, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders who deliberated on sustainable approaches to addressing cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices. Essentially, the event featured open engagements on practical strategies to prevent youth involvement in crime, strengthen community resilience, and enhance collaboration between the Police and the public. To achieve the desired result, the coordinator approved the opening of POCACOV club in schools across Anambra State and urged stakeholders to take ownership of the campaign and guide young people towards productive ventures and responsible citizenship. Addressing the gathering, the state Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who spoke on behalf of the Anambra Police Command, stressed that effective security is a shared responsibility requiring the active support of every segment of the society. According to him, the Command remains committed to fostering stronger partnerships with communities in promoting peace, safety, and sustainable development. There were also goodwill messages from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Traditional Rulers Council, leaders of women groups, among others.