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The Papal knights and Medalists during the conference By Madu Obi The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, has urged Knights to use selfless service to deepen their lives of holiness by prioritizing the good of others. Archbishop Okeke made the call during the 17th National Conference of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria (APKMN) held at the Madonna Renewal Centre, Nkpor, Anambra State. In his homily during the Holy Mass that preceded the conference, the Archbishop emphasized on the need for the Knights to develop the spiritual sensitivity required to recognize and appreciate the good in others, rather than being preoccupied with personal achievements. Specifically, he advised them to consistently cultivate a mindset focused on the welfare of their neighbours, adding that doing so would inspire hope in the society. “When we think of the good of others, they too will think good of us. Goodness begets goodness; selfishness attracts selfishness. Always try to make others happy. When people are taught this virtue, the entire world becomes a better place. Faith, hope, and charity perfect the human system and lead to authentic transformation,” he stated. According to him, the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity are supernatural gifts from God that perfect the human person and elevate society. Archbishop Okeke observed that no society can progress without sacrifice, noting that personal convenience must never outweigh the common good. "Without sacrifice, societies retrogress rather than progress. Even with intelligence, if one does not believe in God or is unwilling to make sacrifices for others and for the common good, one cannot contribute meaningfully to societal growth,” he added. The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, who was the guest speaker, said faith and love flourish within families, stating that their influence naturally radiates outward into society. He explained that genuine love, deeply rooted in faith, illuminates human relationships and strengthens social harmony. Ezeokafor warned that If faith in God is removed, mutual trust in society would be weakened, while collective stability would be threatened.” Speaking on the dignity of Papal Knighthood, he reminded members that nobility carries responsibility.,noting that Papal Knighthood is not an empty title. "It is a noble order based on merit. To whom much is given, much is expected. As Papal Knights and Medalists, remain focused on charitable works for the betterment of Nigerian society,” he added. Also speaking, the National President of APKMN, Steve Adehi, SAN, said the conference was organized to rekindle the faith and hope of Christians, especially in the face of the country’s current challenges. He noted that since this is the 'Year of Hope', Christians must be encouraged not to lose confidence in God or in Nigeria’s future. Adehi urged the various governments to address the widening gap between official claims of improvement and what is being experienced by ordinary Nigerians. “Our conference seeks to remind Christians that hope is not lost. We must believe that Nigeria can be great again because it had been great before,” he said. The President of the Onitsha Province of APKMN, Peter Anazodo, described the conference as a platform for deep spiritual and moral renewal among members, aimed at strengthening their commitment to God and humanity. Similarly, Prof. Augustine Nnonyelu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and a member of the Papal Knights, described the gathering as “a form of total evangelization for positive change.” He explained that the vision is to spread the work of faith, hope, and charity across the entire nation,. “The theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity lie at the heart of Catholicism. Virtue is our key takeaway from this conference; it is central to everything we practice in the Catholic Church,” Nonyelu said. The theme of year’s conference is, “Hope, Faith, and Charity in Contemporary Society.” The next conference of the association is expected to take place in Owerri, Imo State.

By Madu Obi The wife of the Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo has said that diabetes remains a major health concern in Nigeria, lamenting that millions of people living with the disease are u diagnosed. In a statement to mark the World Diabetes Day, Mrs Soludo said with official data putting the number of people who are living with the disease in the country at over 3 million, there are still millions of undetected cases, making the accurate count even more disturbing. She said: "Controlling diabetes epidemic in our communities is a task that demands both hands. While routine medical checks remain very important to reversing the trend, the primary step is to observe our lifestyles more carefully because lifestyle choices can kill or save. A large chunk of what we consume is really killing us. We must pay closer attention to whatever goes into our body, whether as food, drinks, or whatever. This is where Healthy Living plays the biggest part." According to her, "that diabetes has found its way into our homes today is largely because we've preferred junks and unhealthy foods on our tables, instead of what nature has blessed us richly with. She called on Nigerians to always think back if they are really serious about this ever-raging war.

Peter Obi making a donation at Tansian University Umunya By Madu Obi The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his commitment to educational development during a visit to Tansian University, Anambra State, where he donated an additional ₦10 million to support the institution. Obi, who was warmly received by the university community, was hosted by Prof. Bonaventure Anaeto, who representing the Vice-Chancellor. Anaeto commended the former Anambra State governor for his sustained relationship with the institution, recalling his earlier contribution of ₦100 million and other interventions, including support for the establishment of the School of Nursing in the university. Addressing the university community, Obi expressed satisfaction that the School of Nursing, which he helped set up, has now been accredited as an official examination centre of the Nursing Council of Nigeria. He also acknowledged new requests presented by the institution towards improving both academic and spiritual formation, assuring the management of his continued assistance. Obi emphasized the centrality of education, critical thinking, and civic responsibility in nation-building and urged them to remain committed to Nigeria’s progress despite recent derogatory remarks about the country. He encouraged the students not to echo such sentiments but to interrogate the actions of those in power. He also lamented Nigeria’s rising debt profile and the lack of transparency surrounding major borrowings, particularly Euro bonds, noting that many of these obligations will mature long after the present leaders have left the scene. He warned that the burden of repayment would fall on the younger generation, who are often unaware of the implications. Obi reiterated that true leadership is measured by investments in people—not by vote-buying, citing an example of a friend in London who received medical attention from nurses trained in schools he supported in Anambra, describing such outcomes as the true measure of impactful leadership. The former governor also highlighted his recent visits to several institutions across Anambra and neighbouring states, including schools in Amichi, Nnewi, Adazi-Nnukwu, Agulu, Ogidi, Oji River, Ihiala, Enugu, and Ibada. He narrated how he was moved by the condition of the Practicing School in Agulu, his home town, where pupils were learning under makeshift shelters following a fire incident and pledged that reconstruction work would commence in January 2026. According to him, such progress would be impossible in a system where resources are channelled into vote-buying. Obi concluded by urging the students to embrace truth, discipline, and sacrifice while committing themselves to rebuilding the nation. He stressed that Nigeria is not “disgraced” by external criticisms but by internal failure to invest in education and human capital. The country’s true wealth, he noted, lies in its youth and their capacity to drive meaningful change.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has expressed profound gratitude to security stakeholders, community leaders, and residents of the state for their cooperation and support to the Police throughout the just-concluded Anambra governorship election period. CP Orutugu acknowledged that the peaceful atmosphere recorded across the state was made possible through the collective commitment of sister security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), traditional rulers, youth groups, and other critical stakeholders who worked closely with the Police in sustaining the message of peace and promoting communal harmony before, during, and after the polls. He noted that such partnership greatly enhanced operational coordination and contributed immensely to the overall success of the Command’s election security plan, which ensured that voters exercised their franchise in a safe and secure environment. While commending officers and men of the Command for their professionalism, dedication, and resilience throughout the election period, the CP reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public order and protecting lives and property across the State. He further urged residents to continue to support the Police and other security agencies in consolidating the gains of peace achieved during the elections and to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities capable of breaching the public peace. Recall that, few weeks before the Anambra governorship election, the CP embarked on a state-wide security advocacy tour across communities in the state, engaging with traditional rulers, youth leaders, religious bodies, and market unions. The advocacy centered on the need for peace, voter confidence and community partnership in achieving a violence-free election. The Command, however, does not take this level of compliance for granted and encouraged residents to sustain the same spirit of unity, tolerance and mutual respect that strengthens our collective resolve to reject anything capable of dividing us as a people.

By Madu Obi The wife of the Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has promised to supply sanitary pads to girls in all Anambra schools, including schools of nursing, for one year. Mrs Soludo, who spoke in Awka, while distributing 10,000 sanitary pads donated by Nigeria's first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also used the occasion to launch pad banks in 300 secondary schools across the state. According to the governor's wife, the distribution of the pads is part of efforts to promote the dignity and confidence of girls during their menstrual cycles, adding that the programme was aimed at addressing menstrual challenges that hinder girls’ education. Mrs Soludo, who read Senator Tinubu's address at the well -atended ceremony said the 10,000 pads received by Anambra State, was part of the 370,000 disposable sanitary pads distributed to schoolgirls across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory under the first lady's Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). The intervention, she added, involved the procurement of the customized sanitary pads at a total cost of N2,550,297,150 from a local manufacturer. She said: “This menstrual health intervention is designed to tackle the challenges girls face during their periods. Period often causes them to fall behind in school or drop out entirely. It is unacceptable that the girl-child, especially in rural communities, should continue to experience such barriers. At RHI, we believe that girls should never have to choose between their dignity and their education. This intervention is a step towards ensuring that. I therefore urge local government chairmen, who are closer to the communities, to take ownership of the programme and ensure that the pads reach the intended beneficiaries." While encouraging schoolgirls to use the pads responsibly, she advised them to be confident and not let stigma stand in the way of their educational goals. She informed the girls that "flowing" is not a death sentence, adding, "even if you are flowing, you should flow with confidence. "This programmme goes beyond supplying sanitary pads; it's empowering girls to be confident in themselves", Mrs Soludo said.

By Madu Obi The deputy governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the just concluded Anambra election, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has congratulated Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his victory at the November 8 election. Ekwunife also expressed gratitude to her supporters for standing by her party during the electioneering period. "I extend my warm congratulations to His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, on his victory and re-election for a second term. I sincerely wish him success in leading Anambra to greater heights. When Anambra succeeds, we all succeed. I therefore encourage all stakeholders to join hands to build a stronger, more prosperous state", she said. She also extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood with her party on the remarkable journey, noting that their unwavering support, voices, strength, time, and prayers were the cornerstone of their campaign. She added: "I deeply appreciate our campaign team and all my supporters for standing firm and believing in our vision to serve Anambra with compassion, courage, and competence. Though the election outcome may not have been what we desired, I am profoundly proud of the effort that Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu and I did put into this race. I am humbled by the outpouring of love and support we received that has written a victory of faith, unity, and hope, a victory that no ballot can erase. To the young people who walked the streets, the mothers who prayed through the nights, and every individual who carried our dream in their hearts, I am deeply moved by your sacrifices. You have shown that politics can indeed be about people and purpose. As we move forward, I urge everyone to support every effort directed towards the peace, progress and unity of our beloved Anambra State. The interest of our state must always come first."

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of Action Alliance, AA, in the November 8 Anambra election, Ozo Jeff Nweke, has described the election as free and fair, saying that the people have spoken an so shall it be. Addressing reporters in Awka, Nweke said there was no voter intimidation as people came out in large numbers to cast their votes freely. He, however, urged the winner, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to form an inclusive government and extend hands of fellowship to the other 15 contestants that vied for the governorship. Nweke said: "The election has come and gone and our people have spoken. And since they have spoken, so shall it be. So far so good, the election went well. Our people came out in large numbers and exercised their franchise. One special feature of the election is that Anambra people are now more matured in terms of upholding the tenets of democracy. There was no voter intimidation in the election, in as much as some people were complaining about vote buying. Indeed, the people were free to vote and it was a fair election as they cast their votes without any form of molestation or intimidation. I, Ozo Jeff Nweke, the candidate of Action Alliance, AA, in this election, hereby send a congratulatory message to the governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo. I'm wishing the governor the very best and I want God to protect him and give him more wisdom in serving the people of Anambra State. I also want our people to continue to be law- abiding and accept that when people have spoken, they have spoken. The people have chosen him and he now has the people's mandate. It showed that the people still trust him and they want him to continue with the good work he is doing. I expect that in any area the people expect him to do more, he should do more." According to Nweke, there is nothing as good as inclusive governance which the governor has to address so as reaffirm that this time around, he would include everybody. "He should extend hands of partnership to every candidate that contested the election with him", he added. The AA candidate said although some people talked about vote buying, he did not notice any vote buying in his polling booth. He stated that he will not go to court to challenge the result of the election, adding that there is no reason for anybody to go to court about the outcome of this election. "The question is, why do people feel aggrieved and going to the extent of going to court? Such a thing shows that there is still something wrong with our democracy. Let us join hands together and support Governor Soludo", Nweke advised.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi President Bola Tinubu has been advised to utilize the opportunity of the American government's concern over the alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria, to free the country from terrorists that had held her down for years now. The General Superintendent (GS) of Assemblies of God (AG), Rev. Prof. Paul Emeka, who gave the advice cautioned Tinubu and federal government against politicising the issue further, but to see President Donald Trump's concern as God's way of bringing solution to a devastating problem that had defiled Nigerian governments' security network. Prof. Emeka who spoke to newsmen in Enugu at the end of the church's Annual National Revival Summit, Peniel 2025, with the theme:"Greater Tomorrow," at the weekend, said the continuous killing of Christians in Nigeria is something no one could honestly deny, hence Nigerian government should see America's concern as God's divine intervention to assist the country tackle the terrorism menace in the country. Advising the President to rather engage America for assistance than play politics, he said. "That is really the desire and advice of everybody who is genuine and who is honest. Now that Trump has shown interest, we like it. Positively, let Nigerian government enter into negotiation with America. Actually people are dying whether you call it Christians or pagans, people are dying come and help us. "America has the apparatus, America has the know-how to come and help us to stop it if we engage them positively, but if we don't engage, they have decided that they will come and it is a welcome development and everybody welcomes it. If anybody goes to newspaper and say Nigeria is a sovereign nation; that is for the newspaper, but anybody whose brother is killed will not say so. Our brothers are killed, people are dying." The cleric further said, "What we want to say is that it is a reality. Christians are being killed. They are killed in mass, they are killed in large numbers. In Jos, they are killed almost on daily basis, in Maiduguri and all over. I know that once in a while a Muslim dies; maybe a stray bullet gets him but the people that are targeted are Christians. Where you have up to 1000 casualties, 999 are Christian, so we do don't have to play lip service or politics with the lives of people. "America says they will intervene and everybody likes it, and why won't we like it. It's not a matter of whether Nigeria is a sovereign nation or not, it is a matter of, are Christians being killed? They are being killed and America feels concerned to come. Instead of playing politics with this and going to quote one law or the other and saying that Nigeria is a sovereign nation and nobody shall intervene. Or, do you mean since we are a sovereign nation nobody intervenes, we keep killing people . Selectively, we kill Christians and don't kill others. We can stop it, I believe that even Nigerian government can stop the killing if they want but they don't want, they play politics. "It's just like Kanu who is there, whose imprisonment and continuous detention is not necessary, no single reason that should make Kanu to be there. You can't be talking that Kanu is a terrorist or sponsored terrorism whereas you display an array of great terrorists on their machines brandishing their guns and everybody is seeing it and you leave this thousands of people who are killing people everyday and you target Kanu. "We are not fools, if Nigeria want peace let them do something. Let Tinubu rise up and do something , I do not know really what is holding him from acting, this thing can be solved if they mean business. If Nigeria is a sovereign nation, let Nigeria show her sovereignty by the way it will sovereignly stop this terrorists from going about the north and the South killing people." Speaking on the theme of the Peniel he said, "The theme of this year's Peniel is Greater Tomorrow. And the fact is that in the nation Nigeria when things look bleak , people don't have much hope for tomorrow. We still mention the fact that God is the God of tomorrow and God is the owner of Nigeria, He will not abandon the country , He will see us thorough. Let nobody loose hope, let's have our faith in God that he will make everything alright. In his message earlier at the Peniel, he talked about God supplying the needs of the people . Analysing the scripture he said " We mean that, that is supplied by God. The God of Paul is the God of heaven and that's why we say it's a divine supply. We also say that it is a comprehensive supply, because He said all our needs, He doesn't leave any need unsupplied be it big or small, social or physical, spiritual or otherwise and we also say it's inexhaustible because it is according to God's riches not the riches of the nation, it is according to the riches of God which is inexhaustible and so we have to trust Him. It is going to be glorious because when God gives us riches it will not decay that's why we seek all men in Nigeria to seek the riches that God gives."

By Madu Obi The Anambra State chairman of the Inter - Party Advisory Council, IPAC, and the candidate of Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, in the just concluded Anambra gubernatorial election, Chief Uche Rewards Ugwoji, has congratulated Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his victory at the polls. In a message he signed on Monday, Ugwoji also congratulated his colleagues who contested the election for their conduct and urged them to accept the outcome of the poll. The statement read: "On behalf of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Anambra State, I congratulate His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election as Governor of Anambra State. "I also congratulate the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and the good people of Anambra State for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, which culminated in making the election free, fair and credible. I equally congratulate my fellow gubernatorial candidates for putting up good efforts and I urge you to calmly accept the outcome of the election, rally round and cooperate with the SOLUTION government of Anambra State in making the state an el-dorado."

By Madu Obi The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon.Somtochukwu Udeze has said that his prediction that Governor Chukwuma Soludo will win in the twenty one Local Government Areas of the state has come to pass, as APGA swept the polls, which he described as unprecedented. In his congratulatory message to Governor Soludo Udeze noted that the outcome of the governorship election was a clear testament to his good governance in the state and genuine demonstration of the people's unwavering support to his administration. The Speaker also commended the people of his constituency, Ogbaru Local Government Area, for recording a resounding victory in the election in appreciation of Governor Soludo's development achievements in the area, assuring the governor that they will give him more support in his second term. He called on other governorship candidates who contested the election with Governor Soludo to see his reelection as divine providence and the collective wish of Anambra people He prayed God to provide the governor with the enablement to continue to pilot the affairs of the state creditably for the peace and overall development of the people.He prayed God to provide the g0overnor with the enablement to continue to pilot the affairs of the state creditably for the peace and overall development of the people.

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the just concluded Anambra election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu has said that he would consult his supporters and the leadership of his party before deciding on his next move. Addressing reporters in Awka, Ukachukwu said the over 90,000 people who voted for him without inducement must be carried along in whatever decision he would make. He commended them for standing by him during the difficult situation, adding that he would only talk when the time is ripe. According to him, considering the how APC was in Anambra State before he went into the election, he is happy that today, nobody will say that there is no APC in Anambra State. He said: "From the beginning of the primary election to where we are today, we give God all the glory. The election has come and gone and I thank my supporters and all those that one way or the other, made sacrifices to get us to where we are today. They are all gallant soldiers.who were dedicated to our cause "As for our next move, we are still collecting data and reports about the election. I have to meet with the party agents to tell us what happened in their areas before deciding on our next line of action. I also have to consult our party to advise us on how to approach the issue. So, I can't say what we will do until we make these consultations. We will talk when the time is ripe, but for Anambra State, something good has happened because someone who is not an incumbent scored over 99,000 votes. Whatever decision we will take will affect those people who voted for us and it is therefore a decision we will not take in a hurry. They voted for me not minding that they are not in government.and in the midst of this, they must know what we want to do. I have to know their thinking and hear what they want to say. I will follow what they say and do what they want us to do because they stood for the party" He said that his party could not have been involved in vote buying as alleged, adding, "APC which is not the party in government in the state, has money to buy votes.

By Madu Obi Reelected Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has described the November 8 election as the best organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the state. Speaking at his country home at Isuofia, after being declared the winner by the returning officer and Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, Soludo also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a true democrat, who has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring a free and fair election in Anambra and Nigeria. The result announced by INEC showed that Soludo polled 422,664 votes to defeat his closest rival, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress, APC,who scored 99,445 votes. Commending Anambra people for renewing his mandate, Soludo said: “The people have spoken, and their votes counted. I thank INEC, especially the new chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan. I’m excited that your first impression was an emphatic one, as INEC delivered. “Since 2017, when INEC started experimenting with technology, every election in Anambra has been getting better and better. This is the best election INEC has organized in Anambra so far." He commended INEC’s ICT department for ensuring transparency through the real-time upload of results on the IReV portal. “As at midnight, over 99 per cent of results from polling units were uploaded on the IReV portal and everybody could download the results in real-time,” he said. The governor also congratulated his fellow contestants, saying politics in Anambra should remain a contest of ideas, not enmity. “Sixteen of us were on the ballot, and obviously, one person will win. In the Anambra way, we fight like there will be no tomorrow, but afterward, we meet and celebrate. I extend a hand of fellowship to all of you, as I’m prepared to work with everyone for the greater good of our dear state. This victory is for the people of Anambra. Four years ago, when BVAS was first used, we had a low voter turnout and you elected us with 112,000 votes. This time, you spoke loudly. For the first time in our history, voter participation broke the 20 per cent ceiling as 22 per cent of registered voters came out and you re-elected us with 73 per cent of total votes. I’m humbled by this show of solidarity. We applied for the job, you employed us and with this renewed trust and partnership, we will move into high gear to deliver more for the good of Anambra. Now that the people have spoken, let’s get to work, you ain’t seen anything yet,” he said. The governor dedicated his victory to the people of Anambra, describing it as a historic mandate