By Madu Obi The member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Professor Lilian Orogbu, has been honoured with the Legislator of the Year award at the 5th edition of the Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) award ceremony held in Awka. Orogbu said the recognition represents more than a personal honour, adding that it is an acknowledgement of a journey that has taken her from the classroom to the National Assembly, where she has continued to combine scholarship, grassroots connection and legislative responsibility in serving the people of the Federal Constituency. She expressed profound gratitude to the organisers of the award and commended the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Rev. Sr. Prof. Adaoma Igwedibia, and her team for creating a platform that recognizes individuals whose contributions have continued to impact the society. Dedicating the award to the people of Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Orogbu said the honour reflects not only her individual efforts, but also the shared journey of the people she represents in the national assembly. “From the classroom to the chamber, my journey continues and I’m just getting started,” she said. She assured that the award would not make her complacent, but would rather spur her to do more for the people of the constituency. "This honour comes not as a conclusion of my public service journey, but as an additional responsibility and motivation to deepen my engagement with the people. It will also strengthen my legislative interventions and continue pursuing initiatives that promote opportunities, empowerment and development across Awka North and South Federal Constituency", the lawmaker stated Some of her constituents who accompanied her to the event acknowledged the lawmaker's growing visibility in constituency representation and legislative engagement and promised her their continued support.

By Madu Obi The 47 - year old woman, Mrs Dim Ebere, who was accused of flogging a 12- year old pupil to death at Adazi Ani, Anaocha local government area of Anambra State has surrendered herself to the Menu Station in the local government. Following the incident, the Anambra State Police Command’s Safe School Protection Squad, in collaboration with officers of the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters, and continuous engagement with stakeholders and community leaders in Adazi-Ani, sustained manhunt for the suspect. Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the suspect voluntarily presented herself at the Neni Police Station, adding that she is currently in Police custody. According to him, Ebere will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, where investigation is ongoing. He commended the people of Adazi-Ani community, the traditional institution, and other stakeholders for their cooperation, noting that their support contributed to the suspect’s surrender. The PPRO assured the family of the deceased and members of the public that the Command remains committed to ensuring that justice is served The Police command further urged members of the public to remain calm, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and continue to provide useful information that would aid ongoing investigations. Following the report of the incident last week, Police operatives rushed to the scene and rushed the victim to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. The body of the victim is still in the hospital morgue waiting for autopsy.

By Madu Obi Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr. Peter Obi, has marked his 65th birthday with a message of reflection, gratitude to God, and a renewed commitment to service. In a statement, Obi urged Nigerians to place greater emphasis on improving the lives of others rather than celebrating personal milestones extravagantly. In a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate his birthday, Obi described turning 65 as an opportunity for deep reflection on life’s journey and on how the remaining years could be devoted more meaningfully to the service of God and humanity. According to him, while birthdays in countries with stronger institutions and better living standards may naturally attract elaborate celebrations, Nigeria’s present realities call for sober reflection and greater commitment to addressing the challenges confronting millions of citizens. He said that despite Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, many people continue to grapple with poverty, ill health, unemployment, insecurity, and limited opportunities, stressing that such conditions should inspire greater compassion and service rather than lavish personal celebrations. Obi reiterated his long-held philosophy of treating birthdays as occasions for thanksgiving, reflection, and service to humanity. “The greatest celebration of life is not what we receive from others, but the lives we are able to touch positively. "This conviction had shaped my conduct throughout my years in business, the corporate sector, and as Governor of Anambra State, where I consistently regarded public office and personal privilege as opportunities to improve the lives of others," Obi said. He recalled that whenever individuals or organisations sought to honour him with expensive gifts or elaborate ceremonies, he encouraged them instead to channel such resources into projects with enduring public value, noting that this approach had, over the years, resulted in the construction of schools, hostel blocks, educational support programmes, and other facilities that continue to benefit the less privileged. “The greatest honour anyone can receive is not found in gifts, ceremonies, or public admiration, but in knowing that one’s life has contributed, however modestly, to making another person’s life better", he added. As part of the birthday activities, Obi attended a Mass of Thanksgiving in Onitsha, where he expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His grace, protection, guidance, and blessings throughout his life. After the Mass, he visited St. Raphael’s Hospital, Umueri, a rural healthcare facility in Anambra East Local Government Area, where he donated ₦10 million to support the hospital’s efforts to provide quality healthcare to the people. Reflecting on his visit to the hospital, Obi said that interacting with patients reminded him of the vulnerability shared by all humanity and reinforced the need for compassionate leadership. According to him, true leadership is demonstrated by caring for people, especially those who are unable to repay acts of kindness. He reaffirmed his belief that investments in healthcare and education remain among the most meaningful contributions anyone can make to society. “A hospital preserves life; a school shapes the future,” he said, adding that supporting both sectors is not merely an act of charity, but a lasting investment in humanity and in the future of Nigeria. Former Anambra guber candidate of ADC celebrates him The former governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the last Anambra election, Mr John Nwosu, has congratulated Obi on his 65th birthday. In a message to Obi on the occasion, Nwosu said: "We celebrate not only the gift of your life, but also your enduring commitment to integrity, visionary leadership, and the pursuit of a more prosperous, just, and inclusive Nigeria. "Your steadfast dedication to the ideals of good governance, accountability, and national development continues to inspire millions of Nigerians, particularly the younger generation. "As you mark another milestone, I pray that Almighty God grants you continued good health, divine wisdom, renewed strength, and many more years of impactful service to our nation and humanity." He prayed God to continue to guide his steps, bless his endeavors, and crown his efforts with lasting success.

By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo has taken care of the medical bills of the 10- year old Anambra boy, Chizitetem, severely abused by his guardian following his discharge from hospital after about one month admission. Mrs Soludo also promised to support his mother financially. Chiziterem's physical abuse and torture attracted wide condemnation, leading to the intervention of the wife of the governor. Mrs Soludo said weekend that although the boy still requires further medical care, emotional support, proper nutrition, and close monitoring, his improvement within a short period is encouraging. Speaking during a visit to Chizitetem, the governor's wife said: "My heart is filled with immense gratitude as Chiziterem leaves the hospital fully healed. His journey reminds us that kindness, compassion, and collective love can restore hope even in the most difficult situations.* "I sincerely thank everyone who was touched by his story; those who visited him, prayed for him, sent gifts, offered words of encouragement, and stood with his family throughout this period. Your generosity and empathy truly made a real difference. "As promised, I have taken care of all his medical bills, and we will also support his mother with the means to start a sustainable livelihood so she can provide a better future for her children. "May Chiziterem's recovery keep reminding us that every act of kindness has the power to change a life forever." Chiziterem's parents originally entrusted him to a couple living in Awada area of Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state with the expectation that he would be provided with a better future. However, the boy was allegedly subjected to severe maltreatment, which came to light last month when a disturbing video circulated on social media, showing Chiziterem with extensive bodily injuries and severely scalded skin. Worried by what the boy was passing through and witnessing his conditions, neighbours confronted the guardian and reported the matter to the police. The Anambra State Police Command subsequently arrested the guardian who allegedly confessed during interrogation to using burning plastic materials to inflict agonizing burns on Chiziterem. The guardian's husband, Chukwudi Chukwuyere (40), was also detained as a co-suspect in the abuse. Chiziterem was placed under state protective care and taken to the General Hospital, Onitsha for treatment and Mrs Soludo, through her NGO, the Healthy Living initiative, took full responsibility for his medical bills, rehabilitation, and long-term welfare. On July 19, 2026, Mrs Soludo announced Chiziterem's discharge from the hospital and promised to provide his mother with financial means to establish a sustainable livelihood to help care for her children. Meanwhile, the state Police Command is still investigating the matter, assuring that there will be diligent prosecution of the suspects to ensure full justice for Chiziterem.

By Madu Obi An Anambra High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced a self-acclaimed prophet and native doctor, Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as Onyeze Jesus, to six years' imprisonment. The court also imposed a ₦20 million fine on Okocha in line with the provisions of the Anambra Homeland Security Law. The conviction is part of the state government's ongoing crackdown on alleged fraudulent spiritual practices and criminal activities linked to some self-styled native doctors. The court found Okocha guilty of deceiving members of the public by falsely claiming to possess supernatural powers and operating controversial spiritual schemes, including the widely publicised Oke-Ite rituals. The prosecution had alleged that the native doctor's premises were used to facilitate unlawful activities, contrary to the provisions of the Anambra Homeland Security Law. The conviction is the latest in a series of prosecutions undertaken by the Anambra State government as part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo's campaign against criminality, ritual-related offences and fraudulent practices allegedly perpetrated under the guise of religion and traditional worship. The renewed enforcement drive had led to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of several high-profile native doctors across the state, with the government insisting that no individual involved in activities that threaten public safety or exploit vulnerable citizens will be spared.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command has commenced a manhunt for a teacher that allegedly flogged a 12- year old student, resulting in the victim's death at a school in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state. To properly handle the matter, the command has activated its safe school initiative headed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operation, ACP Harrison Oruruo. The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said that on receipt of the report, Police Operatives attached to Neni Division responded promptly and rushed the victim to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment. According to the Police spokesman, the body of the victim has been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy. He said that photographs of the deceased were taken, adding that preliminary observations revealed visible marks of violence on different parts of the victim’s body. "The case is under active investigation and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice. "The command has expressed deep concern over the tragic incident and assured the family of the deceased and members of the public that the it will conduct a thorough, diligent, and transparent investigation", Ikenga said. He reiterates the commitment of the command to the protection of school children through the safe school Initiative and urged members of the public with useful information that could aid the arrest of the suspect to report to the nearest Police Station.

By Madu Obi The management of the Anglican Church -owned Paul University, Awka, has suspended a member of its academic staff, Venerable Cornelius Eze, over allegation of sexual molestation in the institution. Eze, who is a Practical Biology Technologist in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, has been placed on indefinite suspension pending the outcome of both the university's internal disciplinary process and investigations by relevant law enforcement agencies. Public Relations Officer of the institution , Rev. Godisplan Onukwufor said in a statement on Friday that investigations into the allegations have already commenced. A video circulating on social media showed the alleged suspended staff dressed only in his boxer shorts and allegedly fleeing from his office after the incident. A statement by the institution's Public Relations Officer read: "The management of Paul University, Awka, wishes to inform the general public that it is currently investigating allegations of serious misconduct involving a member of staff, Venerable Cornelius Eze, a Practical Biology Technologist in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences. " The allegations were brought to the attention of the university management on Tuesday, 14th July, 2026. In line with its duty to ensure the safety and well-being of the members of the university community, management immediately intervened and invited the relevant security agency to take over the matter to forestall a breakdown of law and order, as tensions had risen among students following the incident. "As a preliminary administrative measure and without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing investigations, the university management has placed the staff on indefinite suspension, pending the conclusion of both the internal disciplinary process and any investigation being conducted by the appropriate law enforcement authorities. "Paul University is a faith- based institution founded on the principles of integrity, discipline, moral uprightness and respect for the dignity of humanity. " The university wishes to state unequivocally that it does not condone sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, immoral behaviour, abuse of office, or any conduct capable of endangering the safety, dignity or welfare of students and staff. "Any member of staff or student found culpable of violating the university's regulations or laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will be dealt with in accordance with due process." The university said it is mindful of the emotional and psychological impact such allegations may have on those involved, noting that arrangements were being made to provide appropriate counseling and therapeutic support to the affected students and any other concerned member of the university community. While urging members of the public to refrain from speculation, misinformation or actions capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigations, the university assured parents, guardians, students and staff of its commitment to maintaining a safe, secure and morally sound learning environment. It added that further information would be communicated as investigations progress and when it becomes appropriate to do so.

By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving two new Federal road projects in Anambra State, describing the development as a turning point for Igboland and national integration. The two roads are the 108km Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road, which links Anambra to Kogi State and would open a direct route to the North Central region of the country, as well as the 150km Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube/Okigwe Junction Road, which is a corridor that connects Anambra and Imo states to the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, with direct linkages into Abia State. Soludo's Senior Special Assistant on Media, Dr Ebuka Onyekwelu, said in a statement in Awka that apart from reducing travel time, the new roads would lower the cost of goods, improve security through increased movement, and unlock investment across three geopolitical zones. "The joy in Anambra, in Igboland, and indeed across the South East is palpable. The reason is simple: Gov. Soludo took to his social media handles to announce that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the two major federal road projects that will alter the economic geography of the region", Onyekwelu said. He observed that for too long, the narrative about the South East and the Federal Government had been defined by what is absent, adding that that narrative is changing. According to him, the President, who reclaimed land from the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos, is now turning his attention to reclaiming lost ground in national integration, adding that by prioritizing South East infrastructure, he is signaling that post-civil war reconstruction is not just a talking point, but now a policy agenda. "For those of us in politics, this is the ultimate validation. Politics must deliver. It must build alliances, negotiate in good faith, and return with results that improve the daily lives of citizens. "History will be kind to the new brand of progressive politics binding President Tinubu and Governor Soludo — not because of speeches, but because of roads built, economies connected, and wounds healed," he added. Onyekwelu said that these are not just state roads, but regional economic corridors that feed directly into one of the busiest trade routes in the country — the Enugu–PH Expressway, noting that there are moments in politics when policy ceases to be rhetoric and becomes concrete. He further said that the governor has assured that there are several other foundational projects underway across the South East that deserve to be named and celebrated in due course, adding that the new road projects mark a significant step.

By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo has said that the greatest investment any administration can make is in the skills acquisition, creativity and potential of the young people. In a message to celebrate the World Youth Skills Day, the governor's wife argued that when youths are well equipped with the right knowledge and practical abilities, they become job creators, problem solvers and agents of positive change in their communities. "As we continue to promote healthy living, education, innovation and entrepreneurship, I encourage every young person to embrace lifelong learning and never stop acquiring new skills. "Every skill mastered today is a step towards a more confident, productive and prosperous tomorrow. "To our young people across Anambra State and beyond, keep learning, keep creating and keep believing in yourselves. Your talents are your greatest assets, and the future belongs to those who prepare for it", she said.

By Madu Obi A ninety -six year old man, Elder Stephen Okoye, on Wednesday led hundreds of people of Umuenu in Umuawulu, Awka South local government area of Anambra State, to protest an alleged move by the state Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, to intervene in a land matter that had since been decided by the Supreme Court. Speaking during the protest, Okoye, who is the eldest man in Umuenu Quarters of Umuawulu, said their neighbours, Enugwu Quarters, have been fighting over the Agu Umuenu land because it is very fertile. In an emotion- laden voice, Okoye said the greed to grab people's land was not like that when he was growing up and prayed God not to allow them succeed. He said: "This land dispute started during the colonial era and after a protracted litigation, it was acknowledged that Umuenu is the owner of the land. We are surprised that people who are not indigenous to this area should be claiming our land." According to him, the people of Enugwu , which is one of the three quarters in Umuawulu, served as witnesses to the people of Awgbu when they were in court over the land and wondered how they should turn round to claim that the land belongs to them and going to the extent of writing a petition to the Deputy Governor to intervene. "Enugwu people are only trying to ignite crisis in Umuawulu. They are not original people of Umuawulu and we wonder how they want to claim land that was there before they came and we gave them where they live. "They want to manipulate the issue by using the Deputy Governor because he is in charge of boundary disputes in the state. It is dangerous to twist this matter and the Deputy Governor should not be talking of sharing our land after all the courts have decided on the matter", the nonagenarian said. Going down memory lane, the President of Umuenu Quarters Assembly, Mr Bernard Mbolu, said that litigation over the land lingered from local authority court to customary court from 1927 and it got to the Supreme Court which decided on the matter in 1963 when it was decided in favour of Umuenu Quarters . He added: "We are the rightful owners of the land known as Agu Udo Umuoma and Agu ofuu, which were collectively named Agu Umuenu. There is no other quarter contesting the ownership of the land with us until 2020. "During the litigation, Enugwu quarter was testifying in favour of Awgbu that they were the rightful owners of the land. When we defeated Awgbu in court and Awgbu people wanted us to have a permanent boundary demarcation , we did and signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with them. "Surprisingly, Enugwu people invaded the land after they had testified for Awgbu people that it was their land. That was why we took the matter to Igwe - in -Council and the then President General of Umuawulu, Ozo I.K Nkala set up a 20 - man committee, with Umuenu and Enugwu quarters nominating 10 members each, while the neutral quarter, Agbana, produced the chairman, Professor Ezenwaji , with Cyril Ezeofor was the secretary. "After hearing from the two quarters, the committee decided that the land is owned by Umuenu people. Surprisingly, Enugwu people rejected the decision and in 2024 when our people went there to farm in line with the court decision, they attacked our people with dangerous weapons and in the process, cut off the hand of one of our brothers, Mr Humphrey Obi who later died following the injuries he sustained during the attack."

By Madu Obi The Anambra State government says it would approach the State House of Assembly for an amendment to the extant traffic law to impose tougher sanctions on dangerous driving across the state. Rising from its weekly Executive Council meeting at the Light House, Awka, the state government also announced plans for the digitization and standardization of all motor parks in the state. "Offences such as driving against oncoming traffic and driving across dual carriageway to shorten U-turn distances will attract very heavy fines and a 'Mental Status Examination (MSE)', "the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor said after the meeting. According to him, the measure is intended to curb recklessness and protect lives on Anambra roads. Mefor added that to improve the quality of transport services, all motor parks in the state will be standardized and digitized. He explained that the proposed modernisation will ensure a minimum infrastructure benchmark for motor parks and streamline intrastate and interstate commuting, warning that parks that fail to meet the set standards within the stipulated grace period will be phased out. The Commissioner said further that following the state of emergency on the environment declared two Saturdays ago, the Council resolved to deepen the intervention at the grassroots, noting that communities will be mobilized to take proactive steps against erosion and to enforce compliance against practices that worsen it. He warned that dumping of refuse in drainages, channeling runoff water from homes directly onto roads and building on water channels, have been prohibited, adding that offenders would be seriously sanctioned. Mefor said that primary and secondary schools will play a central role in the mobilisation to entrench environmentally responsible behavior among young people. The state government also reaffirmed its commitment to open governance and welcome constructive public criticism, but strongly condemned what it called the spread of fabrications and falsehoods on social media. Describing them as criminal defamation, government advised public servants whose character and reputation are injured by such fabrications to seek legal redress. It also cautioned content creators to distinguish between fair criticism and criminal fabrication. Meanwhile, the Council has reviewed progress on the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), which is a Federal Government initiative supported by the World Bank and aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of rural and peri-urban women. Mefor said that strategies have been mapped out to ensure that women targeted by the programme in Anambra State receive the full benefits. "As the first standalone programme dedicated to women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria, NFWP seeks to bridge gaps in opportunity, skills, and resources", Mefor stated.

By Madu Obi A blogger and owner of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, Ejike Ofoegbu, who confessed to fabricating reports against the Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo and his family, has been remanded in a Correctional Center in Anambra State after arraignment in a Magistrate Court in Awka. Chief Security Officer to Governor Soludjo, O.K. Nkuma said in court that Ofoegbu's telephone was tracked to Imo State where he was eventually arrested and brought to Anambra State. The relevant sections of the law relied upon by the prosecution include Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 (specifically Section 24 1B regarding cyber stalking and Section 38 regarding identity theft), Criminal Code Act, Section 373 and 375 (regarding defamatory matter), 2024 Amendment to the Cybercrime Act. Testifying as a witness in the case, Nkuma said: "The governor drew my attention to the publications by Igbo Times Magazine owned by Ejike Ofoegbu, the defendant. I visited his Facebook page and INews platforms which contained the despicable and unverifiable postulations with total disregard to the governor, his wife and family. "Following the review of the publications, and some of the information credited to Ozonna, the governor's son, the despicable publication was annexed to the police. "We had to go the extra mile by tracking his telephone and eventually found him in Imo State where he was arrested." The prosecuting counsel, AA. Nwanna prayed the court to remand the defendant in the Correctional Center to enable the prosecution perfect the charges. Refusing to grant the bail application by Ofoegbu's lawyer, I. C. Machie, the presiding Magistrate, C. O Ezekwere ordered the compilation and transmission of the original copy of the police case to the State Attorney General, as well as records of the hearing in the Magistrate Court to the Director of Public Prosecution, for further action. " From the matter presented, I have no jurisdiction to handle the matter", he added The Magistrate, however, advised the defendant to proceed to the High Court, Awka to seek bail, as the Magistrate Court lacks the jurisdiction to try the matter. The Anambra State Police command said the arraignment of Ofoegbu followed the receipt of the suspect from the Department of State Services, Awka, and the conclusion of Police investigations into a petition alleging the publication of false information capable of causing reputational harm and inciting public disaffection. "The suspect has been remanded in a Correctional Centre in the state. The command also notes that it will refrain from making further comments on the matter, as this may prejudice the ongoing court proceedings. The command also advised members of the public, media practitioners, and publishers to exercise due diligence in verifying information before publication and to adhere to the ethics of responsible journalism and the provisions of extant laws governing the dissemination of information. The defendant alegedly published fabricated claims, including, the Governor "disowning" his son, the son calling his father a "drunkard who beat my mom," a "drinking competition" between the Governor and a minister. The matter was adjourned to 27th July, 2026 for hearing.