By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has said that any woman empowered is a family strengthened, Mrs Soludo spoke when she joined people of Idemili South Local Government Area at their 2026 August meeting and empowerment summit organized by the Mayor of the Council, Mrs Amaka Obi. The governor's wife said that what particularly touched her about the event was the emphasis on supporting the beneficiaries with practical means of livelihood. Among the items distributed during the event were sewing machines, baking ovens, salon equipment, motorcycles, shuttle buses and financial support for petty traders. According to Mrs Soludo, "the programme speaks to an important truth that when we equip the right hands to earn, create and grow, we strengthen entire families and communities." She commended the Mayor of Idemili South and everyone who contributed to make the initiative possible, adding that it was an opportunity to share another memorable moment with women. "I’m hopeful that the skills, tools and support provided will become seeds of prosperity for many families. And as I always emphasize, a woman empowered is a family strengthened, a community transformed, and a future secured", concluded.

By Madu Obi There was tension and sporadic gunshots at the council headquarters of Anambra East local government area on Saturday where election was supposed to hold for the Anambra State local government poll. The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has no challengers in 20 of the state's 21 local government areas, but it challenged by Young Progressives Party, YPP, in Anambra East. Hundreds of people had gathered at the local government headquarters at Otuocha as early as 6am to monitor the distribution of election materials kept there, but YPP claimed that security operatives refused to allow its members into the compound. The local government collation agent for YPP, Chief Charles Ifediorah alleged that agents of his party were not allowed into the area to witness what was happening, describing the exercise as a “charade” and being manipulated in favour of APGA. According to Ifediora, a female member of YPP was hit by gunfire and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Ifediorah said: "It's an appalling situation here. The scheduled local government election was to take place and we assembled all our agents from the 241 polling units to the local government headquarters by 6am. "Incidentally, we were refused entry into the local government premises to access voting materials We were outside before the Deputy Commissioner of Police arrived.and we were thereafter allowed to enter the premises. "In our presence, some vehicles left with election materials for Enugwu Otu, Eziagulu Otu and Nsugbe ward 1. It's a very disappointing moment for the YPP in Anambra East and following this development, we are boycotting the election because the process is already compromised. "The security agencies are aiding the compromised process and I was not even allowed to enter the inner room where the election materials were kept and distributed." He alleged that the sporadic gunshots around the local government headquarters were aimed at intimidating YPP supporters, claiming that one Ijeoma sustained injuries following the gunshots and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. He vowed that his party would follow the matter to its logical conclusion, noting that YPP zoned the chairmanship to Nsugbe because the area has not produced local government chairman since the creation of Anambra East local government. "For the sake of equity, justice and fair play, we want the next local government chairman to come from Nsugbe", he stated. While speaking at a campaign rally before the election, Governor Chukwuma Soludo had observed that any vote against APGA would be a wasted vote and the party is on ground. "In 20 LGAs, no party is challenging APGA and proper election will take place only in Anambra East, while others will be affirmation. This is because Anambra is APGA and APGA is Anambra and so none of them wanted to waste their time and money. "Following my 73% score during the governorship: election, other political parties felt there is no need for them to waste their money in the local government election and they ran away", the governor said. The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, is yet to react on the situation in Anambra East local government area.

By Madu Obi The Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi has ordered the closure of the old Niger Bridge to effect major repairs. Umahi, who spoke at the Ogbunike interchange in Anambra State linking the second Niger Bridge, said that during the period of the closure, traffic will be diverted to the second Niger Bridge. "Seven days from today, (Friday), we are going to close the first Niger Bridge and traffic will be diverted to the second Niger Bridge so that we can install the solar lights and the CCTV . "We will restore the first Niger Bridge like the same quality that we restored the third mainland bridge in Lagos That is the message and directive of Mr President", the Minister said. He urged the people of the South East to always appreciate what President Bola Tinubu is doing in the region and then ask for more. He lamented a situation whereby anytime there is a challenge, some content creators in the South East will say, oh, Igbos are marginalized, noting that such people lack appreciation of what the president is doing. He wondered where these people were during the past administrations when nothing happened in the South East, stressing that it is for that reason that he is asking Igbo people to be sensible. He said: "South East people must vote for the president in 2027 and this is what I am educating them on. If they are insulting me, it is not my business because they can't face me face to face. So it makes me happy that I am taking the attention of those insulting me. But the truth remains the truth. "Vote for President Tinubu so that these dividends of democracy will continue even in improved form after the election. Let it not be that when other people are voting, the people of the South East will be playing football and tomorrow we will start to complain. It is not acceptable. "We have to show gratitude to the president. I was a governor, a deputy governor and party chairman and never in the history of South East did we witness even 5% of what we are witnessing now. All our roads are being fixed and we are taking them for granted. "I know that a lot of people are beginning to know that this message is very important. If you are insulting the president, it won't stop him from winning and he must win." Urging Igbo people to be wise and support the president and the governors, Umahi added: "Our votes will not make our brother president and if you are insulting me because of our brother, you are wasting time because we are friends. "I am telling him to support the president because he cannot win. When our time comes, other people will support us. We will not play regional politics and politics of hate and sentiment. "Some of our elites are in agreement, but decide to keep quiet. President Bola Tinubu will win the 2027 election and I am happy that I am in Anambra State, which is a very strong base for the president because the progressives are working together. "In the last off cycle elections in Anambra State, both the governorship and one Senate seat, the progressives took all of them". He thanked the president for the work he is doing in the South East, adding that the South East has taken its pride of place in Nigeria. He also assured all contractors handling various projects that all the certificates generated will soon be paid for.

By Madu Obi The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi has ordered immediate installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras on the First Niger Bridge linking Anambra and Delta states, to stop the vandalism going on there. The Minister gave the directive while inspecting areas where unknown persons removed many bolts and other components holding the bridge. Wondering why some people have formed the habit of destroying public infrastructure put in place by government, Umahi directed the Federal Controllers of Works for Anambra and Delta states to find a way of securing the bridge. Umahi said: "We saw this vandalisation on social media and we thank members of the public for bringing this to our attention. "The bolts holding this bridge have been vandalized and stolen, including the overhead steel bar which has been disconnected, thereby making the bridge more dangerous. "This criminal act will be very difficult to re-fix because the bridge is under tension, and as you drag it, it will make the members to yield." He also directed the Controller of works to replay the stolen bolts, adding that he would continuously monitor the work until it is properly fixed. Umahi explained that total maintenance of the over 60 years bridge would soon begin, adding that it might require total closure at night for the work to be effective. At the 2nd Niger Bridge where erosion is eating into parts of the access roads, the Minister directed the contractor on the best way to combat it.

Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA) As Anambra marks its 35th anniversary, the theme, “Our Environment, Our Future”, speaks directly to one of the defining challenges of our dear state. For Anambra, the environment is not an abstract conversation. We live with erosion, flooding, blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate waste disposal and increasing pressure on our land and communities. The emphasis by *Mr Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, on the environment therefore invites us to think not only about today, but about the Anambra we want to build over the next 35 years. Certainly, it must be greener. But I believe it must also be smarter and more connected. Technology has an important role to play in making that possible. An erosion problem may be developing in a community long before it reaches the relevant authorities; a drainage channel may become blocked ahead of heavy rainfall; or waste may begin accumulating at an illegal dumpsite. The people living in those communities will usually see these things first. The truth is that government cannot act on what it does not know; Government cannot be everywhere, Ndi Anambra already are. The opportunity before us is to use technology to shorten the distance between what Ndi Anambra see and what government knows. Imagine noticing a serious environmental problem, taking a photograph, identifying the location and bringing it directly to government's attention through a digital channel. What would once have depended on phone calls, letters or knowing the right government official can increasingly become a simple digital interaction. This is part of the thinking behind *Smart Anambra*, our growing digital gateway for accessing and engaging government services, and *SolutionLens*, which provides a channel through which Ndi Anambra can engage government, provide feedback and draw attention to issues within their communities. But the bigger opportunity goes beyond receiving complaints. When information from Ndi Anambra is properly captured, it can help government see patterns. Multiple reports about flooding, drainage or erosion from a particular location can become an early signal. Over time, such information can support better decisions about where attention and resources may be required. This is what digital governance should ultimately be about; not technology for technology's sake, but technology that makes government more aware, accessible and responsive to the people it serves. It is also a practical expression of Governor Soludo's vision of Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere, which recognises technology as an enabler across government and society. At the Anambra State ICT Agency, our responsibility is to continue translating that vision into practical digital systems that improve how Ndi Anambra interact with their government. But technology does not remove personal or community responsibility. The word “our” in *Our Environment, Our Future* matters. Communities cannot abandon every environmental responsibility to government. A small blockage that residents can safely clear should not necessarily be left until it contributes to serious flooding. Illegal dumping should not become acceptable because we expect government to eventually remove the waste. Small environmental problems should not be allowed to grow into major ones simply because everyone is waiting for someone else to act. Responsible communities should do what they reasonably can and alert government early when a problem requires intervention beyond their capacity. Technology can make that partnership easier: **Ndi Anambra observe, communities act where they can, technology connects, and government responds where its intervention is required.** That principle extends beyond the environment. The same digital connection between Ndi Anambra and government can improve how we think about public infrastructure, government projects and public services. As Anambra turns 35, we should therefore think beyond simply building more digital platforms. The real measure of progress will be whether technology helps us solve problems, strengthens public participation and brings government closer to the people. A greener Anambra will require better environmental management and stronger community responsibility. A smarter Anambra will use information and technology to understand problems earlier and respond better. And a more connected Anambra will recognise that government and Ndi Anambra are partners in building the state we all want. Our environment is our future. And increasingly, technology can help us protect both. Smart Anambra- smart.anambrastate.gov.ng and SolutionLens- lens.anambrastate.gov.ng #AnambraAt35 #OurEnvironmentOurFuture #GreenAnambra

By Madu Obi A 20-year-old man identified as Pascal Ogbogu, who is alleged to have murdered his 56-year-old father with a machete in Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State has been arrested by the state Police command. Preliminary information by the Police revealed that the suspect allegedly attacked his father on Tuesday evening and fled the scene, adding that following a distress report, Police operatives from the Eziowelle Police Division, with the assistance of family members and members of the Abatete Vigilante, promptly mobilized to the scene, where they found the lifeless body of the deceased in a pool of blood, with a deep machete wound on the throat. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Tochukwu Ikenga, the body was subsequently evacuated to the mortuary for preservation and autopsy. He said that the suspect, who fled the scene after the incident, was apprehended in the early hours of 26th August 2026 through the coordinated efforts of the Police and members of the Abatete Vigilante. His arrest, the PPRO added, was further facilitated by timely information and cooperation from community members, who assisted security operatives in tracking and locating him. The state Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the prompt response and community support that contributed to the arrest of the suspect. He particularly commended the family members, community members, Police operatives and Vigilante personnel for their prompt response and cooperation, noting that effective community participation, timely information sharing and strong partnership between the Police and local communities remain important to successful policing and the protection of lives and property. While commiserating with the family of the deceased, the CP directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation and comprehensive review, with a view to establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensuring that all relevant facts are properly established. He assured the family and members of the public that the investigation will be conducted professionally, thoroughly and diligently, in accordance with the law, and that the suspect will be made to face due process upon conclusion of the investigation.

By Madu Obi Opposition political parties have chickened out of Saturday's local government election in Anambra State, leaving only the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, as the sole contestant in 20 out of the 21 local government areas of the state. The only local government where there will be a contest is Anambra East where a candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, is challenging the incumbent local government chairman. At a campaign rally for the election at Otuocha on Wednesday, the state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo observed that the opposition decided not to field candidates because it would amount to waste of time and resources for them to challenge APGA. Addressing the people, Governor Soludo said: "Anambra is a fortress of APGA. Following my 73% score during the governorship election, other political parties felt there is no need for them to waste their money in Saturday's local government election and that is why they ran away. "In 20 out of the 21 LGAs, no party fielded any candidate and so in those LGAs, the people will just be doing affirmation because it is democracy. In 20 LGAs, no party is challenging APGA and proper election will take place only in Anambra East. Anambra is APGA and APGA is Anambra and so, none of them wanted to waste their time and money. "I want to tell Nigerians that in Anambra State, from the state to the local government areas, we are not just wetting the ground, we are pouring drums of water on the ground. "We are putting money into the pockets of poor people through free qualitative education, free antenatal and delivery in which over 300,000 women have benefited. "We have one youth two skills' programme where over 16,000 youths have been trained and empowered and thousands of them now profess to be young millionaires, primary health care where we have recruited 1500 medical personnel and over 8000 teachers recruited across the state. We're on massive acceleration in all the sectors." On next year's general elections which will take place in January and February, Soludo said the state is currently booting. "After booting, we launch and when we launch, it will be tsunami. Anambra is APGA land. We will unveil our presidential candidate, the Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates at the fullness of time. "Our campaign for general elections will come, but you know that apart from the presidential election which will go to our president, others will go to APGA. "We will vote for the president so that we will continue with our collaboration because there are so many things in the offing, which will enable us get our share from the federal government", he said.

By Madu Obi The coalition of Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, in the South East geopolitical zone, has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, over the allegation of prolonged, arbitrary and incommunicado detention of civilians reportedly arrested during security operations in the Southeast at Wawa Military Barracks in Niger State. The CSOs also called on NHRC to investigate reports concerning the discovery and alleged movement of large number of unidentified bodies from mortuaries in Imo State, including facilities at Ngor Okpala and Mbieri General Hospitals in the state. In the petition by 20 CSOs, which was copied to the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, the Director General of Department of State Services, Ohaneze Ndigbo, among others, the coalition said although it is not presenting the allegations as established facts, the seriousness and consistency of the reports from multiple sources, create a compelling basis for an independent investigation capable of establishing the truth, identifying the victims and determining responsibility. According to the petition, persons arrested in connection with security operations in the Southeast and persons accused of terrorism-related offences or alleged association with the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, are being held for prolonged periods and, in some cases, allegedly without effective access to family members, lawyers or independent oversight. The petition read: "Accounts attributed to former detainees and other sources allege blindfolding during transfers, incommunicado detention, inadequate living conditions, physical abuse, psychological trauma, inadequate medical care and, in some cases, deaths in custody. There are also allegations that some detainees remained unaccounted for by their families for prolonged periods. "Recent reports have further highlighted individual cases of persons allegedly held at Wawa for years without effective access to family or legal representation. Publicly available reporting has also raised questions concerning the death in custody of one Calista Ifedi, who was reportedly detained at Wawa from 2021 and whose fate was not known to her family for a prolonged period. "We are particularly concerned by allegations that civilians arrested during security operations in the Southeast may have been transferred to Wawa and held there for extended periods without adequate judicial oversight. "If substantiated, such conduct could constitute violations of Sections 34, 35 and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as Nigeria's obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention Against Torture. "The fact that a person is suspected of terrorism or another serious offence, does not remove the person's entitlement to humane treatment, access to counsel, judicial oversight and a fair hearing." The coalition claimed that Amnesty International has independently raised concerns about the reports and stated that it obtained video footage showing the movement of large number of human remains at night, many reportedly at an advanced stage of decomposition, and called on the authorities to account for the bodies, establish their identities and causes of death. The coalition added: "The authorities should establish who the deceased persons are, when, where and how they died; how and when their remains came to be in the affected mortuaries; whether they were admitted as patients before their deaths; who authorized their movement; where the remains have been taken and for what purpose; and what steps have been taken to identify the deceased and notify their families. "The issues raised by this petition go beyond individual cases. They concern the fundamental principle that national security operations must remain subject to constitutional safeguards, judicial oversight and respect for human dignity. "A person suspected of terrorism or any other offence does not lose the protection of the Constitution. Likewise, the death of a person does not extinguish that person's dignity or the right of the family to know what happened. "Every detainee is entitled to humane treatment and due process. Every missing person has a family entitled to know his or her fate. Every deceased person is entitled to identification and dignified treatment. And where the circumstances of a disappearance or death are uncertain, the State has a responsibility to establish the truth. "The NHRC has the mandate and institutional responsibility to provide an independent response to these concerns. We therefore urge the Commission to treat this petition as a matter of exceptional public importance and urgency, commence the requested investigations without delay, and keep the petitioners informed of the steps taken". The petitioners said they are prepared to provide available documentation and facilitate contact with affected families, former detainees, lawyers, witnesses and other relevant sources.

By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo has made a strong case for the empowerment of women, noting that when women are empowered, families and communities are stronger and healthier, and societies move forward. In a message to mark this year's Women’s Equality Day, Mrs Soludo celebrated the strength, brilliance, resilience and invaluable contributions of women everywhere. According to the Anambra first lady, equality is not about giving women an advantage, but ensuring that every woman and girl has the opportunity to learn, lead, work, dream and thrive without limitations imposed by gender, culture, religion, or social impediment. "In all that we do, let’s continue to build a world where every girl can see possibility in her future and every woman can take her rightful place at the table. We, therefore, cheer women who inspire, nurture, lead and transform our world. May we keep creating spaces where their voices are heard, their contributions valued and their potential fully realized", she said.

By Madu Obi The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has said that Nigeria has all the human and natural resources required to prosper, stressing that what the country needs is competent, honest and purposeful leadership that puts the common good above personal interests. Obi stated this while speaking as a guest and panellist alongside some presidential candidates and their representatives at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Obi reiterated his position that the poverty and hunger confronting Nigerians are largely the consequences of years of mismanagement and corruption by leaders entrusted with the nation’s commonwealth. “With our vast human and natural resources, Nigeria has no business being associated with extreme poverty and hunger,” he said, adding that the country also had no justification for importing food despite its enormous agricultural potential. He said agriculture, if supported with the right investments, policies and political will, could become one of Nigeria’s greatest sources of wealth and employment. Obi particularly highlighted the agricultural potential of Northern Nigeria, saying its vast expanse of farmland could drive significant economic transformation. “If countries with fewer resources have transformed their agricultural sectors, Nigeria can feed itself, create millions of jobs, and export food to the world,” he said. On the removal of the fuel subsidy, Obi maintained the position he took in 2023, arguing that the subsidy regime was riddled with corruption. He explained that his preferred approach would have been to first eliminate the corruption in the system, establish the actual cost of the subsidy and subsequently implement a carefully planned and phased removal. Obi stressed that the savings from subsidy removal should be transparently invested in clearly defined and measurable development priorities, particularly agriculture, healthcare, education, poverty reduction and security. He said subsidy removal must ultimately translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians, arguing that citizens should not be made to bear higher energy costs while the savings remain unaccounted for or fail to improve their standard of living. According to him, Nigeria’s investment priorities should centre on food security, healthcare, education, infrastructure, human capital development, national security and national unity.

By Madu Obi Details have emerged on how the Anambra State government got involved with the fake federal agency domiciled in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF. The agency was said to be planning to organize a Made in Nigeria fair in the state after the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, was made the focal person for Anambra State. However, following the discovery by the ICPC that the agency is fake, the Anambra SSG lamented that the agency tricked the state government into hosting its maiden Made in Nigeria fair in Anambra in December. In a statement titled, 'CLARIFICATION ON THE “MADE-IN-NIGERIA AGENCY AND MY ROLE AS STATE FOCAL PERSON, Nnake said: "I wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding the trending news concerning the purported “Made-in-Nigeria Agency,” in which my photograph has been displayed and I have been identified as one of the state coordinators. "In January 2026, the Governor received a letter from the Made-in-Nigeria Office, said to be under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, requesting the nomination of a State Focal Person. In response, the Governor, in February 2026, nominated me as the State Focal Person for Anambra State. "Following the nominations, Focal Persons from the 36 states have been in a WhatsApp group engaging on issues relating to the activities of the office. "More recently, the same office wrote to the State requesting that Anambra host the South East Made-in-Nigeria Fair. The request was approved, and an inaugural meeting was held about two weeks ago, with the National Coordinator in attendance. "Since then, the State Committee has been working on preparations for the Fair, which is scheduled to take place from 2nd – 5th December 2026. "Beyond these official interactions and engagements, I have no knowledge of, involvement in, or connection with any other activities, claims, or developments attributed to the said office. "I therefore wish to make it clear that anything beyond the above-mentioned official interactions is entirely outside my knowledge and involvement".

By Madu Obi The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Nonye have felicitated the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-el-Maulud, the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. In his goodwill message, Governor Soludo described the observance of the Eid el Maulud as a moment of profound spiritual reflection, noting that the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet remain an enduring wellspring of guidance for society, anchored on compassion, honesty, humility, justice, and service to one’s fellow man. "Eid-el-Maulud is not only a commemoration of a birth; it is an invitation to imbibe the timeless values that the Prophet lived and taught, such as mercy, truthfulness, tolerance, and love for one another. “As we join our Muslim brothers and sisters in this celebration, I urge Ndi Anambra, irrespective of faith, to draw inspiration from these virtues in our daily conduct, in our homes, our workplaces, and in the public domain, as we collectively build a more peaceful, just, and prosperous society for all", the governor said. He commended the peaceful coexistence and mutual respect that Muslims and Christians in Anambra State continue to demonstrate towards one another, describing it as a model of unity in diversity for the rest of the country. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting an inclusive state where every citizen, regardless of religious persuasion, can thrive and contribute to the shared vision of a progressive state. Soludo wished the Muslim community a blissful, peaceful, and reflective celebration, praying that the season brings refreshed hope, unity, and blessings to families across the state and the nation at large. In her goodwill message, the governor's wife, Nonye, wished Muslims in Anambra State and across Nigeria a blessed and peaceful Eid celebration. She prayed that the sacred occasion would bring peace to homes, strengthen people's faith, and inspire everyone to show greater kindness and understanding to one another.