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By Madu Obi The Catholic Church, at the weekend, marked 140th anniversary of Catholicism in Eastern Nigeria at Onitsha, with thousands of faithful gathering to mark the historic milestone in the life of the Church. The celebration took place at the Field of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, where worshippers honoured the legacy of the early missionaries and reflected on the enduring impact of the Catholic Church in Nigeria over the past 140 years. Nearly all the bishops from dioceses within Onitsha Province, attended the ceremony. The Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Michael Crooty, who represented the Holy Father, Pope Leo, presided over the Mass, during which some candidates were ordained deacons. Francis Cardinal Arinze was present, as well as his younger colleague in the College of Cardinals, Ebele Cardinal Okpaleke, who is the Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, was also present. Speaking after the Mass, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, described the anniversary as a moment to “look back with gratitude and look forward with hope.” Obi praised the early missionaries, including Rev. Fr. Joseph Lutz, Bishop Joseph Ignatius Shanahan, and Archbishop Charles Heerey, for laying the spiritual and educational foundations of the Church. He noted that their sacrifices remain the seed of a faith that has continued to flourish across generations. He also commended successive leaders of the Onitsha Archdiocese - Cardinal Francis Arinze, Archbishops Stephen Ezeanya and Albert Obiefuna, and the current Archbishop Valerian Okeke - for sustaining the Church’s significant contributions to education, healthcare, and social development. Highlighting the Catholic Church as the largest provider of social services in Nigeria after the government, Obi said its schools and hospitals have shaped countless lives. A proud product of Catholic education himself, Obi added that the values of discipline, integrity, and service continue to guide him. He congratulated the Archbishop, clergy, and faithful of the Archdiocese and prayed for God’s continued blessings on their work. Special Adviser to Peter Obi on Media, Mr Valentine Obienyem, described the event as a truly successful testimony to the leadership of Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Valerian Okeke, adding that anything he leads never fails. Obienyem said: "His organisational strength and his ability to identify and deploy the right people for any task are remarkable. To his purpose, he gives his thinking with a mind that is clear, inventive, and restless - counting nothing done if anything remains to be done. "He brings men to identify with his vision by persuasion. When he preaches, one is always stirred by his flowing eloquence. His knowledge runs deep - in history, as when he speaks on topics like jubilees; in liturgy, when he explains the significance of church dedications; in philosophy, as a seasoned lecturer in ethics; and in theology, where his understanding is thick and profound." According to Obienyem, Archbishop Okeke is evidently a goal-getter, noting that he does not delay once he sets his mind on achieving something. "The speed and excellence with which he executes projects arise from the fact that he thoroughly conceives them long before they appear to the public. He is, in every sense, a Renaissance man. "If you have visited the Holy Family Village at Amansea, Awka, you would understand this. The first time I saw it, I thought the scale of investment there could have launched a university. Yet Archbishop Okeke gave no sign that such an institution was in the works—until suddenly Shanahan University emerged, and in a short time, it secured approval for Medicine and Law. The celebration of 140 years gives us yet another opportunity to appreciate such men who labour tirelessly in the Lord’s vineyard with vision, discipline, eloquence, and ecclesiastical commitment. It reminds us that the growth of the Church, education, and society is the product of such steadfast leadership, thoughtful planning, and enduring faith. In reflecting on this milestone, one cannot help but be inspired to emulate such dedication in our own vocations, whether in service, scholarship, or leadership. Truly, the legacy of Archbishop Okeke and the missionary pioneers continues to shape generations, proving that faith in action transforms both people and communities", Obienyem added.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Mr Ifeanyi Okomma has said that the state's 2026 budget recently presented to the House of Assembly by Governor Chukwuma Soludo for approval, targets the development of mixed industrial city and construction of a five-star hotel. Okomma gave the details while defending his ministry's budget before the House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation. According to the Commissioner, a total allocation of ₦352.512 billion was earmarked for the ministry under capital expenditure, while ₦37,823,579.04 was proposed for recurrent expenditure for the 2026 budget. He explained that the state government has achieved 70 percent completion of the ongoing 850 kilometers road projects awarded under the Soludo led administration. "The Anambra Mixed Industrial City, five-star hotel, and other strategic infrastructural projects are aimed at boosting economic growth in the state", he said, adding that his ministry is operating on all nozzles to ensure rapid infrastructure development across the state. He stated that the newly completed Government House named the 'Lighthouse' and Fun City projects have attracted over 200,000 visitors since their commissioning. The commissioner further stated that the ongoing dual carriageway across the state will significantly reshape Anambra’s physical landscape and open more corridors for development. On concerns about flooding associated with massive road construction, Okomma said the ministry was adopting a combination of traditional and scientific approaches to provide a lasting solution to the observed lapses. He explained that once the state’s master plan was fully finalized, all related challenges will be adequately addressed.

By Madu Obi The candidate of the Young Progressive Party, YPP,, in the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has been elected the national leader of the party by the National Executive Committee - NEC, of the party. The unanimous conferment of the national leadership of the YPP on Chukwuma took place during the 24th NEC meeting of the party in Abuja, By this election, Chukwuma replaced the former national leader of the party, Late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Also, during the NEC meeting, the former Chief of Staff to the Late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Hon. Chigozie Gerald Udogu, was elected as the Deputy National Secretary of YPP, while Hajiya Nana Mahmoud was elected as the Deputy National Chairperson of the party. Other elected officials are Hon. Owoyombo Gbenga Solomon as Acting National Youth Leader, Barr. Uche Levi the National Legal Adviser, Hon. Olatunbosun Abolarinwa National Security Adviser, and Hon. Sani Darma as the Zonal Chairman, North West. The NEC also passed a vote of confidence on the national leadership of the party led by Comrade Bishop Amakiri. On the flip side, the expulsion of Hon. Peter Uzokwe by the National Working Committee over his aleged anti-party activities, was ratified during the NEC meeting. The NEC commented the appointment of General Christopher Musa as the Minister of Defence. YPP also said that it rejects any attempt to drive Nigeria towards a one-party state.

By Madu Obi President Bola Tinubu has appointed Chief Okey Ezenwa as the Anambra State Renewed Hope Ambassador for the 2027 presidential election mobilization Ezenwa, a stalwart of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Anambra State, was among those appointed for the 36 states and Federal Capital Renewed Hope Ambassadors for the 2027 Renewed Hope Agenda Re-election campaign mobilization. Imo State governor and chairman of Progressives Governors' Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma who himself was appointed the National Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors by Tinubu on November 25, performed the inauguration of the ambassadors on behalf of the President in Abuja. Addressing journalists in Awka on Thursday, Ezenwa expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for finding him worthy to be appointed Anambra's Renewed Hope Ambassador for 2027 re-election mobilization. According to him, the president deserved the support of Nigerians , the people of South East and Anambra in particular, given his pedigree in office. The president, he added, has since assumption of office, worked for the upliftment of the South East geopolitical zone through the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), which is working towards the economic and social emancipation of the region. He said: "The President is a bold leader who ensures fairness, equity and transparency in governance. Today many dilapidated and abandoned federal road infrastructure in the South East region are either being rehabilitated or reconstructed. The President is a progressive. He is a visionary leader who is not afraid to take necessary decisions for the long term benefits of the country and her citizens. Such a leader deserves our collective support to enable him accomplish his laudable programmes for the people", he said . "He is tackling head -on both the security and economic challenges he met on ground on assumption of office through well thought out economic policies and systematic engagements across the six geo- political zones which are today manifesting in reduced prices of food and other essential commodities in the markets." He commended the appointment of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma as National Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, describing him as a goal getter. "I am delighted to work under Governor Uzodimma . He is not only a visionary leader, but is a workaholic who has inspired transformative developments in Imo State", Ezenwa said. Recall that while inaugurating the Ambassadors, Uzodinma charged them to go back to their various states and work very hard for the re-election of the President in the 2027 general elections, reminding them that their work starts immediately.

By Madu Obi About two hundred and fifty persons living with disabilities in Anambra State have received the sum of N200,000 each to support their existing small businesses. The programmme, which was supported by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme, provides financial assistance to persons with disabilities across the country, to recapitalize their businesses. The beneficiaries also include members of the Police Officers’ Wives Associationl. Delivering Mrs Tinubu's address during the empowerment programme in Anambra State, the wife of the governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, who was represented by the Deputy Governor's wife, Lady Oluchi Ibezim, said the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked. Mrs Soludo observed that over the past two years, the RHI has supported over one hundred thousand women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, with direct financial grants to grow their businesses. She added that the RHI Social Investment Programmes have provided financial and material support to victims of floods, communal clashes, and disasters, as well as to the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes, notng that through the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, it has so far delivered food items to 22 States and the FCT. In his remarks, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike said the event demonstrates the natural commitment of the Anambra First Lady to ensure that Anambra people are not denied any economic empowerment programme from the federal government. He encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the grants to better their lives, reminding them that the funds can become a seed that will produce sources of livelihood for them if properly appropriated. On her part, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo said that the show of love by the Nigerian first lady reinforces the call on PWDs to continue to strive to achieve their life ambitions, irrespective of whatever physical disability they may be having. In a goodwill message, the Anambra State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, appreciated the implementation of financial support for PWDs which, according to him, is a compassionate programme of Senator Tinubu, effectively implemented in the state by the governor’s wife. He encouraged members of the association who got the support to demonstrate through their actions that empowerment yields impact when used responsibly.

Some of the beneficiaries By Madu Obi No fewer than 1,500 indigent people from Urunnevo Ozom Community in Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka local government area of Anambra State, have benefited from a medical outreach sponsored by an illustrious son of the area, Dr. Charles Dozie Ajaegbu, in collaboration with Urunnevo Improvement Union (U.I.U) At the epoch- making event, the beneficiaries received free eye glasses and drugs, and were also treated for various ailments. The beneficiaries were mainly youths and the elderly of the community, as well as people from neighbouring communities, who besieged the community's Primary Healthcare Centre and Obu Ozom Hall, venue of the event, to receive treatment from a team of 40 medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, laboratory attendants and pharmacists, assembled for the programmme. President General of Urunnevo Community, Norbert Ajaegbu said although the exercise involved huge financial implication, it was necessary that the less privileged among the people were given a sense of belonging, especially at this period of economic hardship. He said: "We realize that health is wealth and that a greater number of people dropping dead was due to poor health care services brought about by bad economy. The problem is that most of the people who might want to access quality healthcare cannot do so as they only manage to sustain themselves with routine drugs. We, therefore, decided that we need to provide free medical access for our people and to be able to sustain it, we decided to establish an outfit where majority of them will have an access to doctors who will get their prescriptions and will be able to put out their routine drugs to enable them sustain themselves. So, this free medical treatment will continue for the next couple of weeks. As far as we are concerned, our target is every indigent who is resident in Urunnevo community. Whatever it will cost, we want to take care of our people, especially those with killer diseases such as malaria, blood pressure and diabetes. We want to make sure that people suffering from these diseases don't lack drugs. This is going to be a regular thing. You know we have a primary healthcare centre here recognized by the state government. Doctors are going to be visiting on a specified number of days. We held a meeting with them and we were given assurance that they will be visiting on regular basis to do checkup for people. And whenever there is the need for this type of outreach, we will organize it at no cost to our people as we will have the drugs available at the Primary Healthcare Centre." The team leader of the Ribbon Care Volunteer Network and Director of Administration at Iyi Enu Mission Hospital, Ogidi, now University on the Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Dr. Nonso Anaene, said the Interest of the doctors and nurses is to ensure that people in the remote villages and communities have access to quality healthcare. "We are determined to ensure that the people are healthy and fit wherever they are in our villages, communities and local government areas. "Every year we make out time to reach a community or village where we can provide the people with free medical outreach. The would- be beneficiaries are expected to provide us with convenient spaces, like halls and other things that will help our work," Dr. Anaene said. The Deputy Mayor of Njikoka local government area, Mrs Fidelia Uju Okafor expressed gratitude to the sponsors, as well as the executive of the U.I.U for remembering the people of the community. "We are happy for what they have done because there are many rich and wealthy individuals within the community, but these sponsors have done what others have not been able to do", she said. The President General of Enugwu Ukwu Community Development Union, Chief Patrick Nwaorji said the outreach will be organized in all communities in Enugwu Ukwu. "We are encouraging others who have not done their own to start now to emulate the people of Urunnevo. Again, the beneficiaries should maintain whatever the doctors told them to be doing, so as to be healthy", he said. One of the beneficiaries, Elder Gilbert Anaeke commended the sponsors for remembering the less privileged in the society "I wish this gesture remains and comes to us always . I know how much I have spent going to hospitals but this one is free of charge; it has brought us much joy and happiness. We are praying God to bless those who have made this possible.' Another beneficiary, Columbus Ogbonnaya Nwobi said: " My prayer is whosoever did this for the poor people, God will do more for him.

By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has called for an end to the discrimination against persons living with HIV and AIDS. In a message to mark this year's World AIDS Day, Mrs Soludo said HIV is not a death sentence, even as she urged people to avoid contracting the virus. She said: "Living with HIV is neither an unfortunate incarceration, nor a death sentence. Yet again, it's really important that everyone remains extra cautious of any affair that can lead to HIV transmission. The key word here is caution, but people living with HIV are humans like you and I. Nothing makes them unfortunate and less humans who should be treated with disdain and hate." She advised people to go for routine medical check, noting that early detection is key, just as she said that everyone has the responsibility to protect and accommodate those living with the disease. She added: "We should also remember that routine tests really help a great deal. Beating that phobia for HIV tests is something you must prioritize. We all have a responsibility to protect and accommodate them, whether at home, school, work, or worship places, or elsewhere. Like most sicknesses, detecting HIV infection early enough can help greatly in managing the disease and, most importantly, guaranteeing your continued existence. Whatever that should be done to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS must really start with us. Let's say yes to action".

By Madu Obi In a bid to foster economic growth and boost international trade in Anambra State, the European Union (EU) has promised continuous drive aimed at facilitating, supporting and promoting agro-business. The EU provides digital market place and is a matchmaking hub - a virtual space where Nigerian agro-business can connect with EU buyers, investors and partners to initiate export trade deals, investments and further collaborations. Anambra State Coordinator of Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Peter Udom made the clarifications while explaining NEPC’s programmes during the Southeast regional sensitization in Awka. According to him, the regional sensitization involves the training of operators of Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, in export procedures, compliance and guidelines on how to access export markets. "We also provide mentorship and technical support for value-chain actors, facilitating trade linkages, business listing and exposure of businesses to foreign markets. The EU partnership spans trade, investment, development, cooperation, agriculture and digital economy. Cassava, cocoa, palm oil, cashew and sesame seeds are among the priority non-oil export products selected by NEPC for boosting foreign exchange earnings and diversifying Nigeria’s export base," he said. It offers market intelligence, data and advisory support, helping businesses understand EU standards, regulatory requirements, export procedures and compliance which is useful for farmers and exporters aiming to tap into EU markets. The platform is aimed at facilitating investment flows, value-chain development practices and export readiness," Udom said. The Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor on Trade and Market, Mr. Eloka Mmaduekwe, in a remark, expressed happiness that export of goods and services from the domestic market to an international market has commenced. According to him, exports are conducted for profit making in which payment arrangements and delivery agreements are established to help a country earn foreign currency which would strengthen the economy and support balance of payments.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police Command confirmed on Saturday, the recovery of two female bodies believed to be among three Cameroonian women who were allegedly kidnapped in the state earlie. According to the police, the bodies were discovered in the Omambala River in Anambra West local government area. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the discovery followed intensive search operations conducted on Friday, 28th November 2025, by operatives from the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in collaboration with professional river divers and local volunteers. “The recovered bodies have been positively identified by the family as Mrs. Bognou Alice and her niece, Miss Sandra,” SP Tochukwu said, adding that both bodies have been deposited in a mortuary for further forensic examination and investigative procedures. The police said two suspects, Nonso Augustine Akpeh, 37, and Kingsley Akpeh, 44, have been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that they are cooperating with investigators. He said that a third suspect, Uchenna Nicholas Mmadu, is at large, with security operatives intensifying efforts to apprehend him. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public of the Command’s commitment to justice and security. He also directed all units to strengthen operational activities aimed at recovering the remaining kidnapped victim.

By Madu Obi The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has continued to reinforce his longstanding commitment to education by donating an additional N10 million to Dominican College, Abatete, Anambra State. The donation coincided with Obi’s inspection of a new boys’ hostel he is funding for the school, reflecting his dedication to improving educational infrastructure in the state. The boys’ hostel project is expected to provide modern accommodation and foster a conducive learning environment. During his visit, he assured school authorities that he would continue to monitor the project closely and make regular visits until the hostel is completed. Speaking with officials of the school, Obi reiterated his belief that investing in education is a key driver of community growth and national development. He encouraged the students to remain focused and diligent, reminding them that a strong education would equip them for future leadership and success. A light-hearted moment unfolded as Obi was about to alight from his vehicle. Students, eager to honor him, began performing the customary musical welcome often rendered for visiting politicians. Obi politely asked that they stop before he stepped out, which he later explained that such performances, while culturally common, could He urged the students not to do things that would distract them from focusing on academics. “I want you to focus on your studies and your personal growth, rather than rituals meant to impress politicians,” Obi said.

By Madu Obi The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Convener of the National Peace Committee, NPC, Most Rev Mathew Kukah, has insisted that there is no persecution of Christians in Nigeria, arguing that genocide is not based on the number of people killed, but the intention. Bishop Kukah recently faced attacks and criticisms primarily credited to him in which he was quoted as urging the international community not to designate Nigeria as a country of particular concern because such a move would increase tensions, sow suspicion, and allow criminals to exploit the situation, potentially harming ongoing interfaith dialogue and government collaboration efforts. Presenting a paper at the 46th Supreme Convention of the Knights of St Mulumba, KSM, in Kaduna, Bishop Kukah stated that on this issue of alleged killing of Christians in Nigeria, he is on the same page with Pope Leo, the Vatican Secretary of State,, president of the Catholic Bishops and all the Catholic Bishops in Nigeria. He said: "They are saying that 1200 churches are burnt in Nigeria every year and I ask myself, in which Nigeria? But the interesting thing is that nobody came to the Catholic Church to get the accurate data. We don't know where the data came from. All the people talking about persecution, has any of you called to ask, Bishop Kukah what is the situation? Surprisingly, the data they are circulating cleverly avoided the Catholic Church because they know that Catholics doesn't indulge in hearsay. Genocide is not based on the number of people who have been killed. You can kill 10 million people and it won't amount to genocide. The critical ingredient that determines genocide is intent. So you don't determine genocide by numbers; you determine it by the intention, either to eliminate a set of people or other means. We need to be more clinical about the issues we talk about. In other words, we are saying, stop killing Nigerians. If you are a Christian in Nigeria and you say you are persecuted, my question is, how? We have a minimum of 80% of the educated people in Nigeria as Christians and up to 85% of Christians control the Nigerian economy. So if you have this and you say they are persecuting you, I say no." He said that the main challenge before Christians is that they succumb to bullies, adding, "Any day we decide to stand together believing that injury to one is injury to all, these things will stop. He added: "Many people are talking about martyrdom. We as Catholics, should we now say that because we are killed in the church, we have automatically become martyrs? In this case whether you are killed while stealing somebody's yam, it doesn't matter. Or once you're killed by the bandits you're a martyr. And I am worried because I probably think differently. Everybody is talking about genocide and I am asking myself, what did I say that is causing all these? What I presented in the Vatican was 1270 pages of a writeup on genocide either in Nigeria or elsewhere. People say that there is genocide in Nigeria and my argument is that it is not proper to say that there is martyrdom in Nigeria." He called on the Knights to always strive to defend the church, saying, you are no longer talking about using swords, but talking about living witnesses.

By Madu Obi Former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has narrated how gunmen attacked his convoy on Thursday in Anambra State, even as he assured the people that he is safe. Speaking when he received the former governor of the state who took over from him, Mr Peter Obi, at his hometown, Alor, Idemili South local government area, Ngige explained how his aides, who were returning from errands, were ambushed around Umuoji by gunmen dressed in police and military uniforms. Ngige said the attackers pursued the convoy, shot at them, killed a woman, and wounded his police orderly before dispossessing him of his rifle and uniforms. Dispelling the rumour of his death, Ngige said: “As you can see, I’m alive; I’m not dead, so there should be no panic.” He added that the gunmen accused the policemen of “serving a zoo government,” a remark he described as troubling, suggesting a possible attempt to seize arms and police uniforms. Ngige said he had briefed Governor Chukwuma Soludo on the matter, adding that the governor assured him that the perpetrators would be tracked down to prevent further threats to public safety. Ngige further clarified that it was uncertain whether the attack specifically targeted at him, noting that his convoy is easily recognisable because his pilot driver of 22 years is widely known. He, however, added that the group might have simply been attacking convoys with police escorts. Speaking on the broader security implications of the attack, Ngige restated his long-held view that the case of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu requires a political solution, emphasizing concerns about Kanu’s health and calling for a more comprehensive evaluation. In his speech, Obi thanked God for Ngige’s safety and expressed deep sympathy to the family of the slain woman, urging authorities to ensure justice and work tirelessly to prevent such tragedies. The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party condemned the attack on the convoy of Dr Ngige, describing it as shocking and unacceptable. Obi stated this on Friday during a visit to Ngige’s country home in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area, where he commiserated with the former governor and his family. Speaking during the visit, Obi added that the killing of a woman who was reportedly recording the incident was a “painful reminder of the needless bloodshed people have continued to endure. He urged security agencies to intensify coordinated efforts as the festive season approaches, noting that citizens of the state deserve to travel and live in peace.