Search Results

By Madu Obi A four-member delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja has arrived Anambra State to assess the commission’s readiness ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election. The team, led by Prof. Rhoda Gumus, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Election Planning and Monitoring, included Mr. Sam Olumekun, Dr. Kenneth Ukeagu (supervising Anambra State), and Dr. Baba Bila, who chairs the Electoral Operations and Logistics Committee. Upon arrival, the delegation was received by the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, and other senior officials at the INEC state headquarters in Awka. The visit will focus on evaluating logistics, operational readiness, and overall preparations for the upcoming governorship poll. As part of the assessment, the team visited Dunukofia (Anambra Central) and Oyi (Anambra North) Local Government Areas to inspect the batching of non-sensitive materials and monitor the ongoing distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in registration areas such as Ukpo and Nteje. After the inspection, the delegation expressed satisfaction with the level of progress achieved so far, commending both INEC staff and residents for their cooperation. They urged voters to remain patient, law-abiding, and orderly as preparations continue. The visiting team is also expected to meet with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), engage transport unions, and observe a mock accreditation exercise before concluding its mission in the state. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible governorship election in Anambra State.

By Madu Obi As part of the ongoing engagements with critical stakeholders ahead of the November 8 Anambra governorship election, the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has intensified the non-kinetic approach to peace - building by engaging key religious leaders and societal influencers, urging them to use their positions and platforms to promote peace, unity, and patriotism across the state. The CP made this call when he received the founder of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere (aka Odumeje), who paid a courtesy visit to the Police command headquarters in Awka on Thursday. Welcoming the prophet, CP Orutugu reiterated that the Police, under his leadership, will continue to engage all segments of the society to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. He emphasized that leaders, especially those with moral and social influence, have a duty to guide their followers towards peace, lawful conduct, and love for the nation, particularly in times of heightened political activity. The CP enjoined the clergy and faith-based organizations to partner with the Police in enlightening their congregations on the importance of peaceful participation and respect for law and order during the election period. In his remarks, Prophet Ohanaemere commended the Police Command for its open-door engagement and prayed for divine protection and wisdom for the leadership of the Force. He assured the Commissioner of his continuous prayers and support towards achieving a peaceful election in the State.

By Madu Obi Members of Agwuzani Family in Umuaroli, Onitsha, have praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for assisting them to recover their 75.5 hectares of land from grabbers, saying for that single act and his excellent performance in the state, they will unanimously vote for him on November 8. Addressing reporters in Awka, they also celebrated the governor for restoring water supply in Onitsha, 25 years after the taps went dry in the commercial city. Mr Sunday Ogoazi, who spoke on their behalf, said Professor Soludo has offered Anambra people good leadership, adding that the people of Onitsha would give him maximum support to enable him to return for a second term. "There was a court matter that lasted over 19 years and after a judgement was delivered, some trespassers started claiming ownership. However, Governor Soludo came to our rescue and, as we speak, we have no more issues concerning the land. We, therefore, thank Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for helping us to recover our land. That is what leadership and good governance is about. We are assuring him that we will vote for him in the forthcoming governorship election," Ogoazi said. He also thanked the governor for returning pipe borne water to Onitsha, adding that water now flows in most houses in the area."It is this same family that gave Anambra State government the land on which the Onitsha Water Works was built, and if you go to Onitsha today we have water. As we appreciate Governor Soludo for what he has done for our family, we should not forget easily that the entire Onitsha North and South local government areas had not had pipe borne water for the past 25 years, but today the Soludo administration has revived the water project and we are now enjoying water supply", he said.

By Madu Obi A non-governmental organization, PanAfrican Women Project, has intensified efforts to boost women’s participation in politics through a sensitization campaign held across major markets in Anambra State. The initiative is aimed at educating market women on their civic responsibilities and encouraging them to play active roles in the forthcoming governorship election. The awareness campaign, which commenced in Awka, drew a large turnout of traders, mostly women, who listened attentively as facilitators discussed the power of the ballot and the dangers of electoral apathy. Declaring the event open, Sir CID Anierobi, commended both the PanAfrican Women Project and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their collaborative effort in promoting voter education, adding that sensitization programmes of this nature were essential in deepening democracy and promoting informed participation in governance. “Exercises like this strengthen our democracy and make people more conscious of their rights and duties as citizens,” he said, urging the traders to put the lessons learned into practice. In her keynote address, the leader of the group, Mrs. Eno Ben Udensi explained that the PanAfrican Women Project was founded to empower women politically and socially by educating them about their roles in sustaining democracy. She emphasized that women’s participation was crucial to shaping policies that affect families, communities, and the nation at large. “The Anambra governorship election is fast approaching. Please go and collect your Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) because your PVC is your power. This election is crucial for women, children, and persons with disabilities. When governance fails, these groups suffer the most. That is why your participation is vital", she said. She warned against vote buying, describing it as a destructive practice that devalues democracy and perpetuates poverty. "Some politicians may offer as little as ₦10,000 on election day. That money cannot even feed a family for a day. Do not sell your conscience or your children’s future for such tokens,” she cautioned. She further advised mothers to discourage their children from engaging in electoral violence and malpractices, noting that the electoral system had become more technology-driven, rendering crude tactics like ballot box snatching obsolete. “Every child listens to the mother. Use your influence to build a better society. Politicians come to you because they know you are powerful—use that power wisely, vote responsibly, and make your voice count", she added.

By Madu Obi.. The Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), have tasked media practitioners on the need to strengthen their capacity for ethical and sensitive reporting on issues affecting children in line with the provisions of the Child Rights Act. A a two-day training on Ethical Journalism and Child Rights Reporting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the journalists were reminded that since the children do not have a voice of their own, the media should be very mindful of the way matters concerning them are reported. Participants at the training were drawn from the South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions and the aim was to build their competence in reporting children’s issues with fairness, dignity, and responsibility. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Head of the Child Rights Information Bureau in the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Falayi Temitope, emphasized the importance of ethical reporting in shaping society’s perception of children. “The media holds immense power — the power to inform, inspire, and hold institutions accountable. But with that power comes the responsibility to report with integrity, sensitivity, and respect for human dignity," he stated. He urged journalists to exercise extra caution when reporting stories involving minors, noting that every word, image, or frame published could have a lasting impact on a child’s life and future. He commended UNICEF for its consistent partnership with the Ministry in promoting children’s welfare, encouraging participants to fully engage in the sessions. In his keynote address, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Port Harcourt, Mr. Anselm Audu, underscored the critical role of ethical journalism in protecting vulnerable groups, especially children and women. According to him, responsible media coverage helps prevent harm, builds public trust, and fosters peace. “Ethical journalism is the antidote to misinformation and hate speech. “Responsible reporting can cool tempers, foster dialogue, and promote peace in times of tension", he said He cautioned against sensationalizing stories or publishing identifiable images of children, warning that such practices could expose them to trauma or stigma. He also urged journalists to always act in the best interest of the child and obtain consent before interviewing minors. Also speaking, UNICEF Nigeria’s Communications Specialist and Acting Chief of Communication, Advocacy, and Partnership, Ms. Susan Akila, reaffirmed UNICEF’s strong collaboration with the media. “We value our media partners because they are the foot soldiers. Children do not have a voice, and journalists are in the best position to speak for them responsibly", she stated.

By Madu Obi The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Awka Branch, has begun an advocacy programme aimed at inspiring secondary school students to take interest in becoming enginers. As part of activities to commemorate the 2025 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, the Engineers carried out an impactful outreach programme at Kenneth Dike Memorial Secondary School, Awka. With the theme, "Engineering Minds, Protecting Our Planet", the students were educated on the critical importance of ozone layer and the role of engineering in sustainable development. The Awka branch chairman of NSE, Engr. MaryJane Okoli, engaged the students in an interactive session. She also quizzed the enthusiastic participants on their knowledge of the ozone layer, thereby sparking a lively discussion on its preservation and the need to protect the planet. "We reaffirm our commitment to driving sustainable development and leveraging engineering expertise to address pressing environmental challenges, starting with the enlightenment of future leaders", Engr Okoli said. In a presentation, the branch Technical Secretary, Engr. Nzube Faith Onwurah and Engr. Dr. Nkemakonam Igbokwe, guided the students through a dynamic and educational demonstration, using placards to illustrate the causes and devastating effects of ozone layer depletion, as well as practical measures to prevent and mitigate its destruction. In appreciation for the students' academic excellence and participation, the Engineers presented the school with a cash prize of ₦150,000 for securing second place in the recent STEMStar Competition, while many students received individual awards for their active involvement during the outreach session. The branch chairman, Engr. Mary Jane Oluchi Okoli, also presented a certificate of acknowledgement to the Principal of the school, Dr. Uju Obigwe in recognition of her unwavering guidance and encouragement during the 2nd edition of the STEMSTAR competition, held as part of the 2025 Engineering Week celebrations. The chairman observed that nder Dr. Obigwe's leadership, her students demonstrated remarkable talent and innovation, distinguishing themselves by clinching 2nd place in the competition. "Their project, which aligned with the theme “Sustainable Solutions,” showcased a strong commitment to addressing real-world challenges through science and engineering", Okoli stated. In her speech, Dr. Obigwe expressed profound gratitude to the NSE Awka branch for the impactful outreach programme and reaffirmed the school's commitment to academic excellence. She also promised that Kenneth Dike Memorial Secondary School will continue to actively participate in future competitions organized by the Society. Many members of the branch, including, Engr.. Paul Okolie, Engr. Stanley Ibemesi, Engr. Chibuzo Robinson Okoye, among others, accompanied Engr Okoli during the visit.

By Madu Obi In furtherance of the inter-agency consultative committee on election security, directives and in preparation for the forthcoming Anambra governorship election slated for 8th November 2025, the state Police command, on Wednesday hosted a meeting of representatives of various security agencies in the state for the purpose of a situation room for the election.. The situation room, established at the state command headquarters, will serve as the central hub for real-time monitoring, coordination, and response to any security developments during the election period. The meeting, presided over by the Anambra State Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Ibrahim Ezekiel, provided a platform for strategic review and coordination of security arrangements ahead of the election, to ensure seamless inter-agency collaboration, effective deployment, and intelligence sharing. Ezekiel reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring a peaceful, free, and credible election in Anambra State. He emphasized the need for synergy among all security agencies, stressing that security during elections is a shared responsibility that requires professionalism, neutrality, and dedication The security agencies in attendance, including the Nigerian Army, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, NDLEA, NIS, Fire Service and Correctional Services, pledged their readiness to work collectively to ensure voters’ safety and maintain public order before, during, and after the election.

By Madu Obi The 16 candidates contesting the November 8 governorship election in Anambra are to sign a peace accord on November 3 at the International Convention Center, Awka. At a pre- election engagement with Anambra stakeholders organized by the Kukah Centre, which is the secretariat of the National Peace Committee, the executive director of the Kukah Centre, Rev Fr Atta Barkindo, said the signing ceremony will be witnessed by the chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubarkar (rtd), the Inspector General of Police and the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. According to Barkindo, once the document is signed, it gives the NPC the authority to mediate on the issues concerning the Anambra election. He said that all the candidates and their party chairmen were invited to the very important event aimed at making it possible for them to commit themselves to peace. "When the people see them sign the peace accord, the people will have the opportunity to hold them accountable. We already have a situation room to record and document all violations and hand them over to the law enforcement agencies", he added. Bakindo said further: "We are expecting the election to be free, fair and credible.. and with the brand new INEC chairman, our expectation is that there will be a transparent election as this will be his first outing. We expect the candidates and their followers to ensure a peaceful atmosphere. There are agencies empowered to handle violations and the candidates should not encourage their followers to take laws into their hands. Nobody's blood is worth spinning in any election and so we expect the candidates who are leaders of their parties to comply with the law and work with security agencies, as well as those in charge of conducting , counting and collation of the results. If they observe irregularities, they should report to the relevant agencies empowered to handle such issues. The voters should also conduct themselves properly and people should avoid posting of fake results and avoid misinformation and disinformation and other issues that have the potential to provoke and incite people to violence. Anambra is one of the most enterprising and progressive states and we appeal with them to give peace a chance during this election." The Programme Manager at the Kukah Centre, Barrister Asabe Ndahi, highlighted the key areas of the document. The 11- point document include acceptance of the election results and prevention of violence by the candidates and chairpersons of their political parties, reaffirmation of commitment to take proactive steps to ensure peace before, during and after the election, as well as sustaining and promoting the unity of the citizens of the state. She said idea of the stakeholders engagement was to ensure peaceful electoral atmosphere, reduce of voter aparthy, collaborate with stakeholders, as well as build trust and ensure accountability. She added that it will also discourage misinformation, promote social cohesion, encourage issue- based campaigns, inspire citizen empowerment and protect leadership. They are also expected to avoid any conduct or behaviour that could endanger the political stability and national security of Nigeria.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi A Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, has sacked all the elected Chairmen and Councillors in Ebonyi State. The court, presided over by Justice H.I.O. Oshomah, in sacking the council officials on Tuesday, nullified the local government and councilorship elections conducted in the state in July, 2024, which produced the affected council chairmen and councillors. Justice Oshomah, delivering judgement, held that the July 2024 local government and councilorship elections in Ebonyi State did not conform with the provisions of the Electoral Act. The judge therefore voided and cancelled the elections and asked the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) and the state government, who are the 2nd and 3rd respondents, not to conduct further local government and councilorship elections in the state except in line with the provisions of the Constitution. Oshomah, who granted most of the reliefs sought by counsel to the 1st plaintiff, Hamilton Ogbodo, and 2nd plaintiff, Chief Mudi Erhenede, granted consequential orders on the matter. Reacting to the judgement, Bar. Hamilton Ogbodo, counsel to 1st plaintiff, Samuel Udeogu, “So, in effect, the local government election that was conducted in July 2024 in Ebonyi State is no more; it has been cancelled by this Federal High Court today. “If the 2nd and 3rd defendants want to do what the law says they should do, they should revert to status quo ante bellum and then obey the court order, but we are waiting for them because the time within which they can appeal this judgement is still running and when it expires, we will know what to do. We expect them to obey the court order. The local government chairmen have been sacked by the order of the court. The court has done exactly what the law says it should do because these things are in black and white. It is when you don’t want to obey the law, you now, read it the way you want so that it can serve your own goals." Also reacting, Mudi Erhenede, counsel to Isu Amaechi, the 2nd plaintiff recalled that, the same "Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, presided over by late Justice Fatun Riman, had nullified the 2022 local government and councilorship elections, which the state government did not obey but went ahead and swore in people as elected council chairmen and councillors across the 13 local governments and 171 wards in the state." Noting that the 2nd and 3rd defendants filed an appeal against the Justice Fatun Riman judgement, and lost, he said, “This is a question of people who don’t want to believe in rule of law and obey the rule of law. The Federal High Court nullified the local government election conducted in 2022 and the state, in defiance of that judgement, proceeded to swear in some persons as Chairmen and Councillors."

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Ministry of Information, in collaboration with Young Women In Enterprise, a mentorship organisation powered by Barr. Chisom Jane Ikechukwu, and other partners, has held a training session in various skills for young women in the state. Speaking at the event, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, appreciated the organisation for empowering youths with various skills, and expressed the state government's commitment towards equipping youths with skills to better their future. Mefor explained that skilling unskilled youths is one of the cardinal policies of the Governor Soludo government, whose aim is to take the youths off the streets as certificates are no longer enough. "The main reason the Solution Government thinks it is important to start the 1Youth 2Skills programme is that we have come to the realization that certificate is no longer enough. You just have to learn one or two skills. Certificates are important, but one has to engage in self development. Always try to improve yourselves with skills. Mr Governor is worried about youths and he believes the future belongs to them That's why you need to be fully prepared to be able to impact that future. Anambra is the light of the nation and that means that our youths have to be the brightest, and you are the brightest. Soludo wants you to be better armed and prepared to be able to inherit and take charge of the future, which he's creating. If you look at his unique achievements, you will see that everything is intentionally geared towards transforming Anambra into a destination of choice. He wants Anambra to be a place where you can live, work, relax, learn and enjoy. It is already happening with the Solution Fun City, new Government House, transformation of Okpoko from urban slum to a New Haven, among others," he said. The Commissioner further advised the participants to learn to be financially disciplined and to utilize the opportunity offered by the Solution Innovation District (SID) to learn digital skills, adding that the governor also believes that Anambra's future is in innovation and tech. In her remarks, Miss Chisom Jane Ikechukwu explained that the programme is intended to help young women acquire skills to better their lives.

CP Orutugu addressing officers during the Onitsha tour By Madu Obi As part of the ongoing security preparations for the forthcoming Anambra State gubernatorial election, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State command, Ikioye Orutugu has embarked on an operational tour and evaluation exercise across the Police Area Commands in the state to assess the readiness of the officers and men for the crucial assignment. The exercise, which commenced with a visit to the Onitsha Area Command, saw the CP leading the high-visibility patrols through major routes and strategic locations within the area. He also addressed officers and men, emphasizing the need for professionalism, neutrality, and strict adherence to the rule of law during election duties. CP Orutugu charged the officers to remain disciplined and committed to upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force, reiterating that the command is fully determined to provide a safe and secure environment before, during and after the election. According to him, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun is committed to free, fair, and credible elections nationwide. During the patrol, the CP inspected operational formations, Police posts, and checkpoints to ensure that the deployed officers were alert and properly equipped. He commended the cooperation of sister security agencies, as well as other security stakeholders in the area, for their synergy and support to the Police always. He further urged residents to remain law-abiding and to report all suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

Chief Kodilinye Okelekwe ( 3rd right) with the cheques By Madu Obi Anambra State - born Abuja - based businessman, Chief Kodilinye Okelekwe has empowered 20 youths in his Nibo Community, Awka South local government area of Anambra State, with N1million each to enable them expand their businesses. Okelekwe, who said he did not know any of the beneficiaries before the empowerment exercise, used a committee he set up to screen qualified persons after submitting their business proposals. Even the eventual beneficiaries did not know their benefactor until the chairman of the screening committee, Chief Douglas Aniemena introduced Okelekwe to them. Presenting the cheques to the youths, Okelekwe urged them to be courageous, disciplined, and determined to become billionaires from the humble support they received. He recounted his difficult childhood experience, recalling how his poor mother struggled to raise funds for his transport to the University of Jos where he gained admission in 1986. He also narrated how he started his business journey with just N100, which he used to print a complimentary card that later opened doors to contracts and opportunities that transformed his life. “I came from a family of the poorest of the poor, but from the outset, I made up my mind that I would banish poverty from my family. Success or failure begins in the heart. Nothing is impossible in life if we have the right frame of mind. The God who made me a billionaire with a N100 complimentary card can make all of you billionaires with this N1 million seed money", he stated. He commended the chairman and members of the selection committee for a transparent and thorough screening process, urging the beneficiaries to replicate his act of kindness by empowering others when they become successful. In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Nibo, Eze M.C Ngene, thanked Chief Okelekwe for his philanthropy and consistent contributions to community development and human capital empowerment. He described the gesture as “a new season of Nibo billionaires,” encouraging the beneficiaries to emulate Okelekwe’s resilience by making judicious use of the funds.