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By Madu Obi Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has urged the organized labour to make a fundamental shift from traditional "protest unionism" to a model focused on national development and wealth creation. Addressing workers during the 2026 workers' day celebration at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, the governor called for a more collaborative relationship between the state government and its workforce. "I leave a message with you: our labour unions should head towards development-oriented unionism and do away with protest unionism. I know the origin of unionism. We are in the business of making demands and that is why agreements did not work in the past", he said. According to him, for the state to thrive, labour must become a partner in wealth creation, rather than a mere adversary in negotiations, advising workers to be the change they wish to see. "What have you done as a union to ensure that the workers themselves are delivering their services?, he asked the union officials. "Do your own part; don’t abdicate it", he urged them. Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Governor Soludo noted that the feedback from his campaigns in Anambra markets had been overwhelmingly one of gratitude, arguing that the state government policies provide a "holistic benefit" to all the nine million residents of the state, including the organized labour force. He also highlighted key achievements in infrastructure, such as in road construction, healthcare especially the free antenatal care and delivery services, as well as economic stability, noting that the South East is officially "back to work, with the end to the 'sit-at-home' syndrome" in the zone. "When we lift the boat for everyone, the Anambra workers are the greatest beneficiaries," the governor stated, affirming his commitment to continued investment. While acknowledging that resources are not infinite, Governor Soludo signaled that more help is on the way for the social sectors, stating that his administration has already recruited more teachers at once, than total numbers in previous administrations. He promised to recruit more teachers as soon as possible, citing education and health as the pillars of Anambra’s future. "When our resources improve, sooner or later, our schools will get more attention- we must prioritize it", Soludo said amidst cheers from the workers. He also did not shy away from the need for reforms within the civil service, adding that to ensure that productivity matches the state's investments, government would intensify the deployment of technology for monitoring worker attendance. "We must reinvent our public service, but people have to show up," Governor Soludo insisted. He expressed his affinity for the workforce while maintaining a firm stance on productivity: "I love the workers. We will get to it, [but] we have to do more to demand for more", he concluded. Speaking on behalf of organized labour, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, emphasized that the core of their struggle remains the pursuit of fairness, dignity, and equity in the workplace. Comrade Nwafor advocated for fair remuneration, job security, and social protection for all members, lamenting that persistent insecurity has continued to weaken the foundation of development, thus forcing many workers into a survival mode. He called for security to be significantly strengthened to protect the workforce, which informed the choice of the theme. While acknowledging the various challenges, the chairman recognized and applauded Governor Soludo for his bold vision for Anambra State, assuring that organized labour would continue to stand with his administration in a constructive manner. The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, among others.

By Madu Obi The Solution Fun City in the heart of Awka, the Anambra State Capital, built by Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo during his first tenure, has become a money spinner for the state, with the management of the outfit smiling to the bank on daily basis. A visit to the unique recreation outfit shows that hundreds of families, both rich and poor within and outside the state, converge in the sprawling 12.7-hectare leisure center to make themselves happy at a token on daily basis. The Fun City boasts of 38-metre Ferris wheel, roller coaster, drop tower, Olympic-sized swimming pool, water slides, indoor arcades, cinemas, virtual reality zones, bowling alleys, and a world-class country club. It competes credibly with the famous Hi-Impact Planet and Giwa Gardens. It does not merely add to the landscape of the state capital, it had also helped transform the skyline of the city. The Solution Fun City has been described as the largest combined amusement and water park complex in the South East. Weekends are usually the busiest in the Fun City as all the sections in the facility are fully in action. While the children are seen having fun in their designated areas, their parents are in the well - equipped country club area doing their show. Although a member of the management spoken to could not give details concerning revenue generation, he simply acknowledged that "business is very good". Despite initial criticism of the project by some government opposition, which described it as a mere amusement part, it has turned out to be one of the best investments ever made in Anambra State since its creation in 1991. "In a country where leisure has long been rationed by income, Solution Fun City dares to ask: what if joy had no gatekeepers? The minimum entry price is ₦400. This is a place for the market woman, the student, the civil servant, and the politician, sitting side by side on the same Ferris wheel, sharing the same view of the sky. Soludo did not build a fun park; he built an argument, made in steel and water slides and cinema screens, that Anambra is open for leisure investment, and that the Southeast can produce world-class infrastructure", another staff of the organization said. According to him, the Solution Fun City, structured as an independent company with a professional board, is designed to survive its creator, with revenues from it expected to fund similar complexes across the other two senatorial zones of Anambra South and North. "That is the mark of a leader who understands the difference between governing and building", he stated, adding that "governing ends when one's term ends and the building continues."

By Madu Obi 2027 presidential hopeful of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Peter Obi, has paid tribute to Nigerian workers, describing them as the backbone of the country and critical to national development. In a message to commemorate International Workers’ Day, Obi commended the resilience and sacrifices of Nigerian workers, noting that despite harsh economic realities, they continue to sustain families, institutions, and the broader economy. He expressed concern over what he described as the declining value of labour in the country, stating that the current minimum wage no longer guarantees even a modest standard of living. According to him, rising inflation, food prices, and transportation costs have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power, leaving many unable to meet basic needs. Obi emphasized that no nation can develop beyond the strength and wellbeing of its workforce, stressing that productivity and progress are rooted in the quality and commitment of human capital. He warned that when workers suffer, the nation inevitably bears the consequences, noting that empowering workers would lead to national prosperity. The former governor of Anambra State also highlighted the political power of workers, urging them to utilize their voice and vote to influence governance. He also called on Nigerian workers to support leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, credibility, and compassion, encouraging them to reject corruption, poor governance, and divisive politics, insisting that collective action can help build a nation where hard work is respected and fairly rewarded. He reiterated that a truly productive nation must be founded on justice, fairness, and respect for labour, urging citizens to work together towards achieving such a society.

By Madu Obi The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has suspended a Vicar at St Paul's Parish, Nteje, Oyi local government area of Anambra State from office over false claim of miracle performance. The priest was suspended for six months without pay for allegedly faking false prophesies, which the church observed, was unbecoming of an ordained priest of the Anglican Communion. Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, who signed the suspension letter, accused the priest of performing “arranged and manipulated” prophecies and miracles by involving people he knows and pays for the act, while presenting such acts as genuine prophetic manifestations of God. According to Bishop Nwokolo, the embattled priest admitted his involvement in the scandalous practice when he was confronted with the evidence. The letter, titled, “Suspension from office as Vicar of St. Paul’s Parish, Nteje” and dated April 27, 2026 reads: “Greetings in the name of our risen Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. "It has come to our attention, with deep sadness and grave concern, that you have been involved in practices grossly unbecoming of an ordained Priest of the Anglican Church. Specifically, credible and verifiable reports have been brought before us alleging that you engaged in arranged and manipulated prophecies by involving persons whom you induced or paid for that purpose, while presenting such acts as genuine prophetic manifestations from God. When you were confronted with the evidence made available to us, you admitted your involvement in the said unholy practice. This development is particularly troubling because you had previously been commended to us as a priest of sufficient knowledge, good conduct, and sound doctrine. In order to be doubly assured, we personally engaged you on several occasions concerning your ministerial conduct and practices. On each occasion, you maintained that your ministry was in accordance with the teachings of Christ, the Holy Scriptures, and the ethos of the Anglican Church. However, the recent revelations before us show that those assurances were false and misleading. From the evidence available to us, your conduct raises grave ecclesiastical, moral, and disciplinary concerns, including involvement in false prophecy, abuse of the name of God, deception of the faithful and the general public, and conduct capable of amounting to obtaining money under false pretence. Such actions are wholly inconsistent with the calling, character, and sacred responsibilities of an ordained minister of the Gospel. You are fully aware that the Church does not condone evil, nor does it harbour any conduct that contradicts Christian doctrine, Anglican discipline, moral integrity, and the ethical standards expected of the clergy. Your actions have brought dishonour to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, grieved the Holy Spirit, abused sacred trust, ridiculed the image of the Diocese, and given occasion for the enemies of the Church to speak reproachfully against the body of Christ. “Consequently, after serious thought, prayerful consideration, and in the interest of discipline, order, and the integrity of the ministry, we hereby suspend you from your office...for a period of six months, without pay, with immediate effect. “You are hereby directed to hand over all church properties, records, documents, keys, funds, and any other items helonging to the Parish or Diocese in your possession to the People’s Warden. You are also required to vacate the church premises within four days from the date of this letter. . Furthermore, within the next one month, a disciplinary panel shall be constituted to investigate the matter more fully and determine any further action that may be necessary in accordance with the discipline and regulations of the Church. May the Lord have mercy upon you, grant you true repentance, and give you grace to amend your ways and serve Him henceforth with a sincere and faithful heart.”

By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has felicitated with Nigerian workers on the workers' day celebration, describing them as the world's true heroes. In the message, Mrs Soludo noted that labour is the foundation of every great society, stressing that behind every road, every school, every harvest and every institution, stands the tireless dignity of the Nigerian worker. She said: "To every hand that has ever held a tool, carried a load, typed through the night, swept a floor, nursed a patient, taught a child, or built something greater than themselves, today belongs to you. You are not invisible. You are the backbone of our progress, and your sacrifices deserve to be honoured and celebrated, not just today, but every day. You're the world's truest heroes. As we enter a new month, let May carry fresh momentum; a renewal of commitment from government, employers, and citizens alike, to ensure that those who work are protected, respected, and rewarded. To the workers of Anambra State and Nigeria at large, we see, celebrate and honour you".

Prof. Victor Ndirika By Madu Obi The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has appointed Professor Victor Ndirika, a renowned Agricultural Engineer, as the new Provost of Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Anambra East.local government area. Ndirika is a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Bio Resources Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Chief Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, Mr Christian Aburime, in a statement, described Ndirika as a top-grade engineer, lecturer, administrator, and researcher who has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers and publications in reputable journals, Aburime said Professor Ndirika is expected to lead Nwafor Orizu College of Education to a new era of all-round excellence in producing world-class, modern teachers for Anambra State and beyond.

By Madu Obi Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi has raised alarm over what he described as a growing pattern of restrictions on intellectual engagements within Nigerian universities. Obi's reaction followed the sudden cancellation of his scheduled lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. In a statement on his official platform, Obi lamented that universities—traditionally regarded as “ivory towers” dedicated to independent and rigorous intellectual inquiry—are increasingly being pressured to operate outside their core mandate. Obi said that he had been invited months earlier to deliver a keynote lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University at 9 a.m., before proceeding to Ibadan for a political summit, only to be informed at the last minute that the event would no longer hold on the university campus. Describing the development as part of a disturbing trend, Obi noted that similar incidents had occurred more than ten times in recent months. He cited a comparable situation at his alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where an inaugural lecture in honour of former Vice Chancellor Frank Ndili was cancelled by the university authorities on the scheduled date. “These are not merely personal inconveniences,” Obi stated, warning that such actions signal a deeper erosion of academic freedom and open discourse. . According to him, universities should remain spaces for learning, debate, and the free exchange of ideas. Drawing comparisons with his recent international engagements, Obi highlighted lectures he had delivered at leading global institutions, including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, and Imperial College London, noting that such institutions continue to foster openness and critical engagement. He questioned the implications of shrinking academic spaces in Nigeria, wondering the kind of nation being built in Nigeria if platforms for intellectual discourse are constrained. Calling for a recommitment to the principles of free inquiry and knowledge-sharing, Obi noted that national development depends on encouraging debate, rather than restricting it.

By Madu Obi An All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, House of Representatives aspirant for the 2027 election, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi, escaped death by the whiskers, while two policemen were seriously injured on Sunday at the Agbaja Abatete Civic Center in Idemili North local government area of Anambra State during a shootout at the venue of a political meeting convened to discuss the forthcoming primaries of the party. The two injured policemen have been rushed to Iyienu Specialist Hospital, Ogidi and it was confirmed at press time that one of them is to undergo a surgery. It was gathered that the meeting was convened as part of APGA's stakeholders engagement ahead of the forthcoming party primaries for the nomination of candidates for next year's general election. Ibezi, who was a member of the ninth National Assembly, is staging a comeback after returning to APGA and he was said to be favoured to clinch the ticket. There is still tension in the community, although some stakeholders spoken to said the meeting would still go on. In an interview , Ibezi condemned the incident, which he described as a brazen act of violence and attempted assassination, adding that it was a direct assault on peace, democracy, and the rule of law in Idemili Federal Constituency. He said: "Today, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at about 6:15 a.m., I received an urgent distress call that a group of armed men, claiming to be operatives of the local security outfit, Udogachi, had stormed the venue of the stakeholders’ meeting I had convened for today. Their presence immediately created fear, tension, and a deliberate attempt to disrupt what was intended to be a peaceful and lawful gathering. Upon arriving at the venue, accompanied by police officers assigned to provide security, I asked why they were there. Rather than offer any lawful explanation, the group became violently aggressive. They began firing gunshots into the air, issuing threats, and pointing weapons in the direction of both myself and the security personnel on duty. In the light of the threatening public letter issued by the Mayor of Idemili North local government the previous day, it became unmistakably clear that this attack was a dangerous escalation of those earlier threats". He said that in order to prevent loss of life and avoid further chaos, he withdrew from the scene while contacting the relevant security authorities, adding that surprisingly, the armed men continued their intimidation, firing sporadic gunshots and terrorizing everyone present. He added: "In the most disturbing turn of events, one of the assailants fired directly in my direction. Unfortunately, the bullets struck two police officers on duty, leaving both wounded. As efforts were made to evacuate the injured officers for urgent medical attention, the attackers blocked the exit route and delayed our departure through threats and hostile confrontation. The two injured police officers have since been taken to hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment and one of them is to undergo a surgery." Ibezi vowed that as a law-abiding citizen committed to democratic principles, he would pursue every legal means necessary to ensure that all those responsible—both sponsors and perpetrators — were brought to justice, stressing that no society can progress where political disagreement is answered with bullets, intimidation, and bloodshed. He regretted that while Governor Chukwuma Soludo, is working tirelessly to secure lives and property across Anambra State, a local government Mayor appeared determined to drag communities in the area backwards through violence and lawlessness. "I don't want to take laws into my hands. I allow the governor who is aware of this situation to take all the necessary steps to address this issue. Let it be known clearly that intimidation has no place in democracy, and violence cannot silence the will of the people. I am a law abiding citizen. Section 49 of the 1999 Constitution as amended gives every citizen the opportunity or privilege to engage in any place lawful assembly. I have done everything humanly possible to get the Mayor on the phone and he has not returned my call. This thing happened after 6am and up till now, nobody has spoken to me, including the SA on security, who is in charge of Udogachi. I just called the governor and he is trying to reach the Mayor. And according to the report I got from the Governor, his phone is not going, but the governor has left a message for him", Ibezi said. Insisting that the stakeholders’ meeting will proceed at another venue, Ibezi warned that the collective resolve of the people of Idemili North and South Federal Constituency cannot be suppressed by acts of aggression. "I wrote a letter to the critical stakeholders of Idemili North and South, to talk to them about my aspiration to return to the 11th National Assembly and all arrangements for this meeting are in place", he said.

By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has offered automatic employment to 37 first-class graduates of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU). Soludo made the announcement during the 16th convocation ceremony of the university at the Igbariam campus of the institution. The governor also donated N4 million to the overall best graduating student, Mr Augustus Umeh of the Department of Economics, who graduated with a cumulative grade of 4.85 on a 5.0 scale. The governor urged the graduands to seize the moment and emerge as beacons of hope, disruptive thinkers and agents of change in the society. “The Nigeria of 2026 is a country facing difficult challenges, but on a path of necessary transformation. This is our country, and we must rise to the occasion rather than dwell on lamentations,” he said. Soludo also charged the institution to focus on producing problem-solvers rather than mere enumerators, adding that his administration would continue to prioritize human capital development to build the desired future. The new Chancellor of the university, Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese, commended the state government for its significant investment in education. According to Bishop Kukah, statistically Anambra is performing well in education, among the 36 states. “As the new Chancellor, we will not only strive to achieve the university’s goals, but surpass them,” Kukah said. At the convocation, 3,155 students were awarded first degrees across various disciplines, while 803 obtained postgraduate degrees in different fields. Giving a breakdown, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Kate Omenugha said 37 students graduated with first-class honours, 888 with second-class upper division and 1,712 with second class lower. She congratulated the graduands and urged them to uphold the university’s values and represent the institution with pride. Omenugha also pledged the university’s commitment to achieving global relevance and academic excellence, and thanked the governor for his support in upgrading the institution.

By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has described the fight against malaria as a shared responsibility that calls for consistent awareness creation, action and collective commitment. In a message to mark this year's World Malaria Day, Mrs Soludo urged all stakeholders to continue to play their part with the seriousness it deserved, stressing that a malaria-free society is possible. She said: "Today, on World Malaria Day, we are reminded that the fight against malaria is a shared responsibility; one that calls for awareness, action, and collective commitment. Malaria remains a major public health challenge, especially for our children and pregnant women. Yet, it is preventable and treatable. By taking simple but effective steps, such as using insecticide-treated nets, keeping our environment clean, and seeking prompt medical care, we can save lives and protect our communities, too." She said that the Anambra State government is committed to leading in the front and supporting initiatives that promote healthier living and reduce the burden of malaria. "Together, we can build a future where no family loses a loved one to a disease we have the power to prevent", Mrs Soludo stated.

By Madu Obi The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Anambra State, has dismissed the state government's posture that often states that APC and the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the state are working together as progressives. The state chairman of APC, Senator Emma Anosike, who addressed reporters after inaugurating the newly elected officials of the party in the state, said the party can no longer continue to allow the state government to be taking them for granted. Describing it as a deceit, Anosike said APC is a national party, adding that it is impossible for people that are not APC to have their way in the party. According to him, all that APGA people are doing in the state is just marketing themselves, which, he added, will soon boomerang. He urged every member of APC willing to contest election in 2027 to come out in full force and prepare for the election. He said: "Some people are claiming that we are progressives working together; there is nothing like working together. If you want to work for Mr President, you should belong to his party. "We will be sending APC first eleven to work with Mr President in Abuja. If you are working with Mr President, you cannot go to the national assembly in another party. If you feel that the progressives are working together, let those progressives join APC and we will support them. The government in this state is taking everything, including the local governments, and it is telling us that progressives are working together. If you want to be a progressive, come and join us. Our house is open. As far as we are concerned, we are doing everything to win the next election. To God be the glory, apart from the local government election, every other election is conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and there will be no room for any manipulation. APC is one and there is no divided APC. Anyone that is creating the impression that APC is two, because you gave your own party a baptismal name of progressives, should no longer deceive anybody. There is nothing like progressives are working together. You cannot bring black and white and mix them. There is no need trying to confuse Anambra people". According to Senator Anosike, since it is the same day that both the presidential and national assembly election will take place, the state government should not confuse the electorate, calling on Anambra people to join APC because it's APC that is the progressive. "This is no longer the time somebody would be an APC member and would be hiding. We want to answer APC with pride and fully identify with the party. If you strongly identify with APC, it means you are strongly behind Mr President. As we speak, there is no state in the South East that is not having the feel of Mr President and it will continue", he stated. Anosike said further that APC has fully permeated Anambra State, adding that there is no ward in the state that does not have an office. We are up- to- date and we are showing capacity. We are ready for the elections. In the next few weeks, that music some people thought APC was not playing well, will be the only music in this state. We have all the support from the NWC, the NEC and most importantly, from Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is the man to beat in the 2027 election. We are also receiving maximum support from the South East leader of APC, Governor Hope Uzodinma. Our South East governors are also doing well and working hard to deliver Anambra to APC. Our membership registration has never been as successful as it is this time around", he added.

By Madu Obi Anambra and Poland are to strengthen bilateral ties between them, especially in the areas of economic and cultural partnerships. The Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Nigeria, Mr Michael Cygan, who paid a courtesy visit to Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the Government House, Awka, expressed optimism that ties between his country and Anambra State would be pursued. Cygan, who earlier delivered a lecture at Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, however, observed that Poland’s academic engagement with Nigeria, is yet to meet its institutional expectations, as previous exchanges lacked the desired impact. The envoy commended Anambra’s rich cultural heritage and said he was committed to making the state a major pillar in Poland’s partnership with Nigeria. The state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, speaking during the visit, called for a sustainable partnership between the state and Poland in critical sectors that can drive development. According to the governor, lessons from Poland’s history should inspire Nigeria to harness its potential for rapid development, adding that Anambra remained a strategic destination for international partnerships outside Lagos and Abuja. He expressed delight at the Ambassador’s role as guest speaker at the 16th convocation ceremony at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, noting that it aligned with the state’s vision for intellectual and economic growth. Soludo described Anambra as a hub of enterprise with strong global economic players, stressing the need to deepen private sector collaboration to ensure long-term sustainability. He stated that fostering business-to-business relationships with the enterprising people of the state remained key to building enduring partnerships. The Vice-Chancellor of COOU, Prof. Kate Omenugha, who accompanied the Polish Ambassador during the visit, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to global relevance through international collaborations. She said that the Ambassador’s participation in the convocation ceremony marked a significant milestone in advancing academic linkages under the Soludo administration.