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By Madu Obi Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Monday celebrated his 65th birthday with patients at Psychiatric Hospital, Nawfia, St Charles Borromeo Hospital, Onitsha, Iyienu Hospital, Ogidi, as well as the inmates of the Correctional Center, Onitsha. It was, indeed, a busy day for the governor, as he shuttled from one facility to the other, showcasing compassion and empathy. At each facility, Governor Soludo engaged the patients and the inmates in heartfelt conversations, bringing smiles to their faces. Emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness at Nawfia, the governor said: “Mental health is just as important as physical health. We must work together to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and ensure that those who need help receive it". He called on the people, especially the youths, to be mindful what they consume, for the sake of their mental health. The governor announced that the construction of a mental rehabilitation facility is ongoing at Nibo in Awka South local government area. At the Correctional Centre, Onitsha, he spoke to the inmates about hope, redemption, and the importance of rehabilitation, noting that everyone deserves a second chance. He said: "Our facilities should not only serve as centers of confinement, but as places of transformation. There is need for you to take advantage of the vocational training programmes that empower inmates with skills for reintegration into society upon your release. We want our youths to find purpose and opportunity without having to turn to crime,." At the Borromeo and Iyienu hospitals, Soludo spoke on the challenges faced by the country's healthcare sector and commended the patients and healthcare workers for battling inadequate resources and overcrowding facilities while providing services. “Healthcare is a fundamental human right that should be provided by government, and we must ensure that every citizen has access to quality care,” he stated. He expressed his administration's commitment towards improving healthcare services across Anambra State. Reflecting on the visits, the governor said: “This is just the beginning. My 65th year will be driven by a renewed sense of purpose – to uplift the underserved, empower the vulnerable, and promote healing in every corner of Anambra.”

By Madu Obi The former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, and the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. Somtochukwu Udeze, have felicitated with the state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo on his 65th birthday, commending him for contributing immensely to the development of the state. In a goodwill message personally signed by him, Obi described Governor Soludo as a "dear elder brother and a leader whose contributions to the development of Anambra State and the nation at large are well recognized." Obi's message read: “Your Excellency, my dear elder brother, my family and I join other men and women of goodwill in rejoicing with you as you mark another year today. May God continue to bless you with strength, wisdom, and good health, as you serve our dear state and nation.” He wished the governor continued success and divine guidance in the discharge of his duties and prayed for enduring peace and progress in Anambra under his leadership. In his message, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Udeze said Governor Soludo has proved to Anambra people and Nigerians that his primary purpose of coming into politics was to fast -track development in Anambra State and provide a better life for the citizenry through impactful administration. Udeze noted that Soludo has distinguished himself among his colleagues in the country in all aspects of governance, expressing immense satisfaction that the Governor has done the state proud, "through the unprecedented milestones he has recorded in all sectors of the State economy." The Speaker, who stated that the state legislature's resolve to continue to accord necessary support to Governor Soludo's administration was predicated on his remarkable achievements in the state. He lauded him for running a transparent, purposeful and inclusive government where the citizenry are not in doubt of his genuine actions and development initiatives. He also enumerated some of Governor Soludo's accomplishments in the state to include construction of the first and befitting Government House and Governor's Lodge, the Solution Fun City, massive road infrastructure across the state, improved education and health care system, agricultural revolution, massive employments, improved security architecture, as well as youth development, among others. According to him, the governor has applied his prudent management prowess in achieving good governance in the State without borrowing money, despite the legislatures' approval. Udeze observed that since Governor Soludo has performed creditably in all departments of governance, Anambra people should reciprocate by appreciating him accordingly, by ensuring that he is reelected during the November 8 governorship election in the state. He appealed to politicians in the state, irrespective of their party affiliations, to see Governor Soludo's reelection as a collective responsibility. While wishing Governor Soludo more fruitful years ahead, he prayed God to keep watching over his life and endeavours and give him and his family peace at all times.

By Madu Obi Former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has donated N25 million for the construction of a boys hostel at the Dominican Sisters College, Abatete in Idemili North local government area of Anambra State. The foundation stone of the hostel, estimated to cost about N100 million, was laid by Obi at a ceremony that coincided with the graduation ceremony of the school on Sunday. Thanking the Sisters for helping to improve the standard of education in the country by establishing high quality institutions in this part of the country, he recalled the situation at the early days of the institution when it was struggling and finding it difficult to meet its obligations. He said that this initial donation was for work to start, hoping that in the near future, it would be completed with the assistance of other people who also love education. Addressing the students, Obi urged them to take their studies serious because their success in education would go a long way to determine what they would become in future. "It is education that propels people to become what they will be and that is why it is important for people and government to invest heavily in education", he said. The first Principal of the college, Rev Sister Mary Pia Folashade Adesanya, said Obi has always come to the rescue of the school. "Obi has been like a father to the college; it was he that also built the girls hostel at a time the school was facing so much difficulty. At a time we could not pay salaries, Obi came to our rescue and paid three months salary arrears. When a bank wanted to celebrate his birthday and was ready to spend N120 million to build a house for him, Obi asked them to use the money to build hostels in three schools in the state and we are lucky that our school was one of those selected. That building was a turnaround for this college because as soon as it was in place, everything turned around positively for us. He is very passionate about education, especially where Reverend Sisters are involved. When he was governor and was donating buses to all schools in Anambra State, Dominican Sisters got two. We pray that God will reward him abundantly."

By Madu Obi Awka- The governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, for the November 8 Anambra election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has promised that his administration would carry everyone along, stating that one does not need to possess a degree to make meaningful contributions to the success of his government. Ukachukwu spoke during the launch of Ikukuoma Sustenance of Faith in Governance ( I - SOFIG Family), a support group that has permeated the 326 political wards in Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election. At the event, the Ikukuoma SOFIG Family group donated the sum of N50m to support the APC governorship campaign. Addressing members of the group, Ukachukwu allayed the fears that only highly educated people occupy sensitive positions in government, insisting that there will be work for everyone as there are many positions to fill. He said: "From where I am standing in this hall, I can see Commissioners, Local Government chairmen, Councillors, special advisers and assistants among you. You don't have to possess degrees before you become anything. In our government, those who can't speak English will become Commissioners because the important thing is what they will contribute in the development of the state." He commended the promoters of the support group for the wonderful thing they've done, saying that this is the first time a support group is supporting him financially. "I will never trade our people for money. As we work, we will also be ensuring that our people's welfare are utmost. I was in APGA, but I left because I want a better Anambra State that will be fully connected with the center", he stated. He asked the promoters of I - SOFIG Family to use the money raised to campaign from house to house and ward to ward to ensure that APC emerges victorious in the November election. He, however, urged the group not to see the N150 million as money to be shared, but money to be properly used. "For this singular honour, we will not forget. It's my money, but I want you to manage it. However, I must know how the money is spent.. What I expect you to do is to penetrate all the nooks and crannies of the state to spread the message that our people need to be liberated. The voters are out there and we want you to go and convert them to our side", Ukachukwu said. In her speech, the deputy governorship candidate, Senator Uche Ekwunife said that Anambra is overdue to be part of the party controlling the government at the center, adding that everything points to a brighter Anambra State. "Ukachukwu's time has come. Let us support him to bring smiles on your faces. This is the time for APC in Anambra", Ekwunife said. In his speech, the President of SOFIC, Kingsley Ezekwelu said the mission of the group is: to redefine the political narrative and champion the emergence of purposeful, people-driven, and God-fearing governance in Anambra State. He said that the story of SOFIC began in 2019, when visionary professionals brought together 21 wise men and women representing various professional bodies, political affiliations, religious groups, and communities. Ezekwelu said: "What began as the Restoration of Faith in Governance (ROFIG) has since evolved through divine providence, resilience, and strategic foresight into the formidable platform we proudly celebrate today as Sustenance of Faith in Governance (SOFIG). At inception, we resolved to build a credible structure that would penetrate every corner of Anambra State reaching all 326 political wards with a growing membership exceeding 32,000 strong and counting. Our grassroots engagements revealed a simple but enduring truth: the problem of Anambra State, and indeed Nigeria, remains fundamentally a problem of leadership. We came to understand that with the right leadership, Anambra's boundless potential would be unlocked. This realization brought forth a vital question: Who is this right leader, and where shall he or she arise? In our characteristic tradition of transparency and objectivity, we undertook a painstaking search devoid of bias or sentiment. We identified twenty distinguished Anambarians and subjected them to a rigorous process of people-centered scrutiny through an independently administered questionnaire. Fifty copies per ward, across all 327 wards, were distributed and collated. The overwhelming outcome of this exercise was crystal clear: Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu emerged as the people's preferred choice. Armed with this mandate, SOFIG stood resolute in its decision to support Prince Ukachukwu's gubernatorial ambition."

By Madu Obi Former Minister of Aviation and Vice Chairman Anambra State Educational Council , Chief Osita Chidoka, has endorsed the re-election bid of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, urging the Anambra electorate not to drop the spoon when the soup is tasty. Speaking at a rally organized by Anambra Central Senatorial Zone for the endorsement of Governor Soludo for the November 8 election, Chidoka said the governor has excelled in transformational leadership, prudent financial management, and vision for the future of Anambra State. “In 2025, the question is no longer ‘Is it broken?’” The real question is: why drop the spoon when the soup is tasty? Ndi Anambra, the pot is still on the fire. The aroma of progress is in the air.” “Let’s not break the rhythm. Let the Solution continue. Let him finish the course. When sleep is sweet, you don’t wake up, you roll over and enjoy it again. Soludo is the only son of Anambra who has kept money for the whole of Nigeria and today, he is keeping Anambra’s money with care, vision, and discipline.” He hailed Soludo’s achievements in urban renewal, digital governance, education reform, and infrastructure, calling for continuity to sustain the gains of the past three years.

By Madu Obi As the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State draws near, the Labour Party (LP) in the state has unveiled an ambitious plan to mobilize supporters across all 326 wards of the state. The state chairman of LP, Mr. Peter Okoye said in Awka that the mobilization would also be used for the party's forthcoming congresses, national convention, and future elections. At a meeting with members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) political committees across the state and the various local government areas.of Anambra, Okoye said the ward-to-ward sensitization tour would strengthen the party’s grassroots structures. He also said that plans are afoot to establish a non-governmental organization that would promote the party’s welfare-driven ideology. “The Labour Party belongs to Nigerian workers, and they must be represented at every level of the party—from the ward to the national structure,” he said, urging members to be proactive as the party prepares for key political activities. Reaffirming loyalty to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and the Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party, Okoye commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Victor Umeh, and Dr. Tony Nwoye for what he described as their exemplary leadership. On the party’s internal leadership tussle, he warned that members still associating with former National Chairman Julius Abure, were “daydreaming,” arguing that the Supreme Court judgment of April 4 had stripped Abure of any role in the Labour Party. The meeting was attended by former NLC state chairmen Charles Onyeagba and Jerry Nnubia, who now serve as chairman and secretary of the NLC political committee in the state.

By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has insisted that the state has a zoning system for the governorship of the state, saying that the November 8 election cannot disrupt it. Soludo, who spoke during an endorsement rally organized for him by the people of Anambra Central senatorial zone, added that those contesting against him for the election are merely organizing fund- raising activities for themselves as there is no vacancy in Anambra Government House for the next four years. He said: " There has to be order in the governance of Anambra State and the zoning system is already in place. After Anambra South where I come from, the governorship will go to Anambra Central. Therefore, for anyone coming from Anambra South to say he is contesting the November 8 election, that person is only trying to keep the governorship in that zone for 12 years, which is not acceptable to our people." “The zoning system in Anambra started with the Central zone with Peter Obi. When he finished, everyone agreed that for the state to maintain an order, fairness and equity has to be institutionalized. After that, it went to the North and for eight years, Willie Obiano from that zone was governor and after that it went to South and I have done the first four years. I don’t know who else is contesting this election, but we heard that some people are contesting. What I want to assure you is that after South, power will shift to Central. If anyone else from South gets to power, he will stay for eight years and that will delay the turn of the central. So, four more years for Soludo is better than eight years by anyone else, so that central can take their turn.” He said that his administration is planning to build three new cities in the state, while a railway system to crisscross all parts of the state is also in the offing. Soludo promised to continue to work for Anambra people and insisted that get rich quick through the dubious native doctors must end. "Let me announce to you that I have officially moved into the Anambra Light House City (New Government House). I moved there officially yesterday and I slept there last night, woke up this morning and simply strolled to this venue. You have not seen anything yet, we have more in line for Anambra people.” We are targeting to win at least 90 percent of all the electoral wards in the Central Senatorial Zone,” Soludo said. Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka assured Soludo that Anambra Central stakeholders have spoken with one voice that Soludo will continue. He commended the governor for the work he is doing in the 109 political wards in the zone. The Anambra Central rally was the second endorsement for Soludo after the one held in Otuocha, Anambra East local government area a fortnight ago, where stakeholders from Anambra North declared Soludo as a consensus for the governorship election

Late Mr. Ikechukwu Akaneme By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command has reopened the case of cause of the death of Mr. Okechukwu Akaneme, a former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce. Akaneme sustained life-threatening injuries following an enforcement operation allegedly carried out by a contractor with the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), accompanied by armed police officers, on 11th October 2024. In the course of enforcing waste management revenue drive,. Akaneme suffered spinal cord injury, which ultimately led to his death on 10th July 2025. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Mr. Akaneme and recognizes his significant contributions to the state’s socio-economic development. He acknowledged that an internal inquiry was previously initiated surrounding the circumstances of the injury sustained by Mr. Akaneme in October 2024, adding that preliminary findings at the time suggested that the actions of some individuals involved in the said enforcement operation fell outside the standard operating procedures of law enforcement personnel. According to Ikenga, with the unfortunate passing of Mr. Akaneme, the command considers the matter reopened and had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, to immediately review the case file and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the events of October 11, 2024, and any subsequent actions or inactions by individuals or agencies involved. His statement read: "The command wishes to reaffirm that no officer of the Nigeria Police Force is above the law, and any personnel found to have acted unprofessionally or unlawfully in the discharge of their duties will face appropriate disciplinary and legal measures. The command is also in touch with relevant state agencies to ensure full cooperation in unraveling the truth behind this matter." He said the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has assured that the command remains committed to upholding justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights, "and will leave no stone unturned in this renewed investigation."

By Madu Obi The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has fixed August 9 for the flag off of its campaign ahead of the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State. The membership of the council was composed of people from various political parties in the spirit of the coalition from the three senatorial zones of the state. The governorship candidate of the party, Mr John Nwosu, while speaking before the inauguration of a 22-member Campaign Committee headed by Engr Ike Iwenofu, described ADC as a coalition party composed of people of proven character who had been chosen to work in the committee. He said the coalition was the best thing to happen as it came aboard before the launch of the ADC campaign and called for team work in order to achieve set goals, while stating his trust in the members. ‎"What is important is that we should avoid gossip, trust ourselves and sort our differences amicably and in the right quarters. We have no time left and our work is at the grassroots," he said. ‎Nwosu, an ICT guru, urged members to assimilate the ADC manifesto, which, he said, was anchored on seven pillars which he gave as security, health, education, economy , environment, market and social welfare. He ‎said that the party has learnt a lot from its recent tour of the local governments, noting that the main complaints given by people against the incumbent government in the state were high cost of rent, insecurity and over taxation. Stating that his party has taken note of those issues, ‎Nwosu further disclosed that the campaign committee has been split into three zones to cover the three senatorial zones of the state, with each having a zonal director. ‎"Our office here is for meetings; after this, it is field work. Be true ambassadors of the party and be of good character so people can believe you," Nwosu charged the members. ‎In his acceptance speech, the chairman of the campaign committee, ‎Engr Ike Iwenofu, said it was a privilege to serve the party and pledged that the committee would not disappoint. He underscored the importance of God in any human endeavor and praised Nwosu for championing that. ‎Iwenofu charged members to dwell on issues in their campaign and said technology would be deployed for effective campaigns. In his remarks, the deputy governorship candidate, Chief Ndubisi Nwobu, called for unity of purpose and commitment, while underlining the need for partnership. He said the campaign organization was aware of their sacrifices, which, he said, would be rewarded. ‎ ‎‎The ADC Chairman in the state, Comrade Patrick Obianyo, said the day marked the beginning of great things for the party. He recalled that the party was founded by a son of the state, Chief Okey Nwosu, and charged members to ensure the party won, starting with the coming state and national assembly bye-elections. "Be very serious in this onerous task," he urged the committee. ‎ A former speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Ben Chuks Nwosu, was named the Chief of Staff, while Chief ‎Bonny Okoye was appointed Campaign Manager. A journalist, Mr Sunny Igboanugo, is to head the media and publicity.

By Madu Obi The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) , an umbrella body of youth groups drawn across the six geopolitical zones of the country, says is deeply distressed by the alarming disappearance of Mr. Benjamin Ezemma, the Chairman and CEO of GSS Real Estate and Investment Limited, who has been missing since November 12, 2024. In a statement, President General of CONYL, Comrade Goodluck Ibem said Ezemma is not just a prominent businessman, but a devoted father of three young children, all under the age of five, who are anxiously awaiting their father’s return. According to Ibem, the pain inflicted on his family is immeasurable, adding that the impact of his disappearance still reverberates throughout the country. "We are calling on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action by mandating Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetogun, and other pertinent security agencies to investigate this distressing case. We urge the authorities to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the circumstances surrounding Ezemma's disappearance and to ensure that he is returned safely to his family", he said. Ibem added that the safety of citizens, especially those engaged in legitimate business activities, is paramount and that it is the duty of government to provide a secure environment where individuals can thrive without fear of violence or abduction. He said further: "We are reminded that Ezemma’s disappearance is not just a personal tragedy; it symbolizes a larger crisis that affects the integrity of our society and the rule of law in our nation. As representatives of the youth in Nigeria, we are committed to advocating for justice and accountability, and we will not remain silent in the face of such injustice. We stand in solidarity with Ezemma’s family and call upon all relevant parties to act swiftly and decisively. Every moment counts in this critical situation. CONYL, therefore, urges the government and law enforcement agencies to prioritize this case and take meaningful steps to restore safety and peace to the lives impacted by this harrowing event."

By Madu Obi Problems being encountered by voters during elections in Nigeria came to the front burner at a training workshop in Awka on Thursday, with emphasis centering on ways of giving proper voter education to women voters. The training, which was organized by the Nigeria Women Trust Fund, was funded by the European Union, EU. Participants were drawn from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, The Programme Officer of the Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Malliya Manu, said the training is aimed at getting women to participate effectively in the electoral process. "With the senatorial election coming up on August 16 and governorship on November 8, in Anambra, we want to mobilize grassroot women, CSOs and faith- based organizations that would step down voter education to more women at the rural communities so that they will come out in their numbers during the elections. Each of the women trained by us will further step it down by training 50 more women in their areas to get a good reach across the state. It's also aimed at curbing voter apathy often witnessed in the country. In selecting the participants, we worked directly with INEC and Social and Integral Development Center, SIDEC, which is a local CSO in Anambra State. According to Manu, INEC provided 20 women, while SIDEC provided 10 for the training, adding that the participants are influential women who have interest in the nation's electoral process. One of the resource persons, Venezia Gregory, said that essentially, the objective of the training was to familiarize the participants with voter education and its role in the electoral process Additionally, the aim is to provide participants with the necessary knowledge to conduct Voter Education Forums at the local levels." The training identified problems associated with voting which include double registration, difficulties related to transportation, resource limitations, limited number of resource persons required to carry out voter education, among others. She said: "Voter and civic education is crucial for ensuring that all voters, regardless of gender, understand their rights. obligations and the political system. It is important that voters are well-informed about the issues they are voting on and know how and where to cast their ballots in every election. For an election to be successful and democratic, voters must be aware of their rights and responsibilities, have the knowledge to vote legally. and actively participate in the electoral process. In Nigeria, where geopolitical zones and states may face fragility, conflicts of post-conflict situations, and where elections can have a significant impact on citizens and the country's future, voter and civic education becomes even more essential Voter education is also essential to assist election administrations in conducting free, fair, effective, and credible elections. It provides voters with the necessary information to cast their ballots on the designated voting day(s) and increases awareness of the importance of voting. By educating voters, citizens develop attitudes, behaviours, and knowledge that strengthen democracy This education helps in organizing and engaging voters in supporting political parties or causes, promoting peaceful elections, accepting election results, and fostering tolerance towards competition and opposition." She noted that while education alone cannot sustain democracies, it plays a vital role when citizens are supported by a responsive and democratic state. According to her, an educated citizenry can even compensate for deficiencies in administrative preparations for an election. "The focus of voter education is to encourage and prepare voters for active participation in elections. It covers topics such as the connection between fundamental human rights and the right to vote, voters’ roles, responsibilities, and rights, as well as more complex information about voting and the electoral process. Voter education should target everyone, including men, women, and persons with disabilities. It should emphasize the right to vote and foster an inclusive electoral process where women and people with disabilities are encouraged to participate in the governance process" Gregory said.

By Madu Obi Former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, on Thursday replied the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo who banned him from visiting the state unless he ( Obi) obtained clearance from him, stressing that he is not afraid of visiting any state. Obi spoke at Onitsha where he presented a cheque of ₦50 million to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), for infrastructural development. The donation, made in collaboration with some fellow Old Boys of the school, was aimed at supporting educational development and improving learning conditions at the institution. CKC, founded in 1932, had produced three governors namely, Dr. Peter Odili of Rivers State, Peter Obi and Willie Obiano, who both governed Anambra State. Speaking during the presentation, Mr. Obi said: “I am not afraid of visiting any state in Nigeria, particularly when the purpose is to support causes that contribute to nation building, such as education, health, and poverty alleviation." He emphasized that his visit to Benin, which he would repeat if need be, was solely to support the development of healthcare services and expressed disappointment that such an act was politicized “I went to Benin to invest in a better life for the people. If they have good doctors and nurses, life will be better for them. What I expect the governor to do is to complement efforts aimed at improving society,” he added. On the donation to CKC, Obi noted that the gesture was motivated by gratitude to the institution that shaped the formative years of both himself and the other Old Boys who contributed to the donation. “This school helped form the values I and many others still hold dear today - discipline, moral grounding, and academic excellence. Supporting it is a way of giving back,” Obi said. He used the occasion to call on fellow alumni of CKC and other schools to support their alma maters in whatever way they can, noting that the burden of educational development should not rest on government alone. The Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, also an Old Boy, who received the donation on behalf of the school, commended Obi and the other Old Boys for their commitment to education and nation-building and offered prayers for them and urged others to emulate their example. Also speaking at the event, the Senior Prefect of the school, Master Ejike Ekene, expressed gratitude to Mr. Obi, describing him as a role model and an inspiration to students.