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By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo was full of excitement after experiencing heavy traffic in the commercial city of Onitsha on Monday for the first time after many years of Monday sit at home in the state. The governor banned the sit at home across Anambra State early this year and threatened to sanction traders and transport operators who usually close their shops on Mondays over alleged insecurity after he officially banned it. Soludo, who was a guest at the Delta State economic summit, said he was happy that the business climate in the state has greatly improved after his administration's decisive action. On arrival in Asaba for the summit, the governor apologized for being 15 minutes late to the function because he was stuck in traffic in Onitsha. "Today is Monday, and experiencing traffic in Onitsha on a Monday can only mean one thing: the Monday sit-at-home is over", the governor said. Soludo also spoke on the need for Nigerians to patronize locally made products, arguing that it would boost the country's economy. "We cannot create the jobs we desire if we continue patronizing foreign and imported goods. I am wearing Akwete fabric. My daughter introduced it to me in 2019, and it has since become my daily uniform. "I understand that this choice has boosted both the employment and income of the women weavers in Akwete. I also learned that the First Lady recently announced a N2 billion donation to the community to scale up production, promising to wear the fabric at her inauguration. "If all of us commit to wearing only Made-in-Nigeria goods, more than ten million jobs will be created. We cannot create the kind of jobs we want with all of us using foreign or imported goods. "I look In this room, and I see suits from Europe, America, and China. If all us 247 million Nigerians wear only Made-in-Nigeria, more than 10 million jobs will be created."

By Daniel Ezeigwe When Dr. Nonye Soludo marks her 56th birthday, it will be tempting to reduce the moment to the usual pleasantries reserved for the wives of powerful men. That would miss the whole story entirely. Born on July 31, 1970, in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, into a family of renowned educators, Nonye Frances Soludo built an identity long before she became Nigeria's most talked-about First Lady. A computer scientist by training from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and later a finance graduate of the University of Westminster, she was, in her own right, an entrepreneur who set up one of the earliest ICT training centres on a Nigerian university campus. That early instinct, to build something useful rather than wait to be handed a title, is the thread that runs through everything she has done since becoming Anambra's First Lady in March 2022. The "secret," if it can be called that, is not mysterious at all: it is consistency. Since her husband, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, took office, Mrs. Soludo has poured her energy into a single, coherent cause rather than scattering her platform across disconnected charity photo-ops. Her "Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo" initiative is built around preventive healthcare, nutrition, physical fitness, and environmental sanitation, and she has made a point of practicing what she preaches. She keeps and tends her own vegetable garden at the Light House, the Anambra State government house in Awka, and speaks often about the satisfaction of harvesting what she grows. It is this refusal to treat wellness as an abstract campaign slogan — choosing instead to model it in her own daily habits — that has made her message land differently than the ceremonial advocacy Nigerians have grown used to from public office holders' spouses. That authenticity is precisely why people notice how youthful she looks at 56. It is not an accident or good genetics alone; it is the visible dividend of a lifestyle she has committed to publicly and privately: home-grown, organic produce over processed alternatives, regular physical activity, and a documented preference for clean, sustainable living over convenience. Her advocacy for organic farming and against genetically modified produce is not just a policy position — it doubles as a personal regimen, and the results are the best advertisement her initiative could ask for. In a culture where the pressures of public life often visibly age those who serve in it, Mrs. Soludo's evident vitality has become part of her persuasive power, lending her health message a credibility that no slogan could manufacture on its own. The impact of that movement now extends well beyond Awka. The Healthy Living Garden Project has been replicated in schools and local government areas across the state, and her leadership on maternal and child health earned her national recognition, including the First Lady of the Year honor for Healthcare and Child Support at the Nigerian Humanitarian Awards. Ordinary Anambrans have taken to calling her "Mama Anambra," a nickname that speaks to something rarer than admiration from a distance — genuine familiarity. She is described repeatedly, by residents and observers alike, as approachable and unpretentious, someone who shows up rather than one who merely funds and delegates. Perhaps her most lasting contribution, though, is how she has quietly rewritten what the office of "First Lady" is allowed to mean in Nigeria. For decades, the role was largely ceremonial: ribbon-cutting, pageantry, and proximity to power without a defined public mandate. Mrs. Soludo has treated it instead as a functioning platform for public health policy, environmental stewardship, and community-level change — evidence-based, measurable, and sustained rather than symbolic. At 56, she is not simply aging gracefully in the public eye; she is demonstrating, in real time, that a First Lady's influence can be built on substance rather than spectacle — a template other states may find hard to ignore.

By Madu Obi The national coordinator of the Inspector-General of Police’s Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), SP Orvenonne Ikwen has reaffirmed the IGP’s commitment to preventive policing across the country. Speaking at the stakeholders interactive session in Awka as part of activities to create awareness about the body, Ikwem said it is a proactive strategy for reducing crime by addressing its root causes through advocacy, mentorship, value reorientation, and community collaboration. The exercise is part of ongoing efforts by the Police to strengthen preventive policing through strategic partnerships, youth engagement, and community participation. The event brought together government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, security agencies, educational institutions, civil society organisations, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders who deliberated on sustainable approaches to addressing cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices. Essentially, the event featured open engagements on practical strategies to prevent youth involvement in crime, strengthen community resilience, and enhance collaboration between the Police and the public. To achieve the desired result, the coordinator approved the opening of POCACOV club in schools across Anambra State and urged stakeholders to take ownership of the campaign and guide young people towards productive ventures and responsible citizenship. Addressing the gathering, the state Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who spoke on behalf of the Anambra Police Command, stressed that effective security is a shared responsibility requiring the active support of every segment of the society. According to him, the Command remains committed to fostering stronger partnerships with communities in promoting peace, safety, and sustainable development. There were also goodwill messages from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Traditional Rulers Council, leaders of women groups, among others.

By Madu Obi The national leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, has waded into the lingering crisis in the Anambra State chapter of the party and resolved to return the embattled state chairman, Senator Emma Anosike, to office. A group of APC members had announced the removal of Anosike on the ground that he did not emerge properly during the state Congress held in March this year and further announced the election of Ifeanyichukwu Osegbo as state chairman and subsequently took over the state secretariat in Awka. The Deputy National Chairman (South), of APC, Dr. Benjamin Nwoye, who led the reconciliatory team from national headquarters of the party also announced that the governorship candidate in last year's election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, remains the Anambra State leader of APC, while his running mate, Uche Ekwunife, is the state deputy leader. Calling for unity among APC members in the state to ensure the party's victory in next year's election, Nwoye reminded them that at the end of the day, it is Anambra people that would resolve the crisis ahead of the 2027 polls. He said that although it is the right of people to go to court, it must be done within the party's constitution, recalling that there was a court order asking Anosike not to parade himself, but the party appealed and there was a stay of execution. "Throughout that period, there was no time Anosike was invited to party functions as the party chairman. The party went to court to defend it's constitution and got an order from the Court of Appeal to reverse the order for stay of execution. You can interpret it anyhow you want, but law is law. So, as it stands, Anosike remains the state chairman of the party. We must establish order in this party", Nwoye said. According to him, the agreement reached during the stakeholders meeting in Abuja directed that those who went to court should withdraw their cases and that the state executive should be rearranged to accommodate certain persons, which, he added, is the way forward. Nwoye said: "We are not gathered to reopen old wounds, but to deepen the peace that began in Abuja. We are not here to trade accusations, but to turn understanding into action; not to speak over one another, but to create an open room where brothers and sisters can communicate, reconcile and build a stronger Anambra APC. "The Abuja stakeholders’ meeting of 23 July 2026 opened a necessary pathway for healing. Today’s engagement in Awka is the next step because politics is local: peace discussed in Abuja must be domesticated at home, understood by ward leaders, accepted by local government structures and carried by members who meet the people daily. "At Abuja, a major success was recorded as the atmosphere shifted from rigid positions to willingness to talk. Brothers and sisters who had not spoken at one another began to speak with one another, and stakeholders recognized the national leadership’s commitment to a fair, inclusive and win-win resolution. "That progress must not be wasted. A few leaders can begin a peace process, but only the grassroots can make it durable. Ward chairmen, local government officers, women mobilizers, youth organisers, polling unit canvassers and loyal members are the bridge to the people and the living structure of APC in Anambra State. "The meaning of peace at the grassroots peace at the grassroots means ward meetings are no longer theatres of suspicion; leaders can disagree without becoming enemies; aggrieved members can be heard; and grievances can be addressed through party organs before they become public battles. Because it takes two to tangle, I urge us all to jointly untangle this monster of disunity in Anambra APC. "The door of conversation has opened; the party has chosen dialogue over destruction, inclusion over exclusion, and reconciliation over factional warfare. Our resolve in this, is let no one leave his brother or sister behind and to remind everyone that opportunities in the party and government are enormous, and in unity and understanding, we can reap. "Abuja gave us a beginning; Awka must give us ownership. Let the peace discussed at the national level enter every local government, ward and polling unit, so that every brother and sister knows there is now an open room to communicate, reconcile and work together. "Let us embrace the win-win resolution, forgive, apologize, listen, and make the sacrifices necessary to save the party. If we stand together, we can win together. If we domesticate peace at the grassroots today, we can build a party ready for tomorrow." In his speech, Anosike promised to carry everyone along, noting that there is need for everyone to be on board to ensure victory in next year's election.

By Madu Obi A new dimension that emerged after the collapse of the three storey building housing students of the Federal Polytechnic,Oko, Anambra State indicated that the occupants of the building have been complaining the structural defect of the hostel, but the landlord allegedly refused to act. Some students who spoke after the incident said that there had been signs that the building was not healthy, but the owners ignored it. A female student occupant who was lucky to be away when the building collapsed said: “The landlord and the caretaker were more interested in fleecing students with one bill or the other. When you tell them about the defects in the building, they ignore you. “Surprisingly, these same people who ignore the faults in the building are so high handed when it has to do with collection of levies and their house rent. “They would lock students out of their rooms if they owe rent, and would never open it no matter how much you plead, until you pay them. “Sometimes students who are locked out would be squatting with friends for days. They won’t even let you collect your books during exam period so that you can study.” "In fact, many hostels in Oko and Amaokpala have defects and we urge the authorities to look into it. Another female student said: “I once showed the caretaker a fault in the house, and because of that, he stopped talking to me for months. “What will people whose children died do now? Students who escaped but lost their property and vital documents, how will they be repaid? The landlord and caretaker need to be arrested.” No student died - Oko Poly management Meanwhile, the management of the Polytechnic has claimed that no student died, or was trapped in the collapsed building. The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Oguegbu Celestine Udoka said the affected building is a privately owned lodge situated in Amaokpala, a neighbouring community to Oko, adding that it accommodates both students and non-students. According to him, the incident occurred after the completion of the second-semester examinations, noting that many students had already vacated their hostels and travelled home for the academic break. He stressed that contrary to widespread speculation, no student of the Polytechnic has been confirmed dead as of the time he was issuing the statement. Also, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has visited the scene to assess the situation and ascertain the welfare of students who might have been affected. She was accompanied by the Students’ Union Government President, Giant Comrade Anuluonye Ifechukwu Joseph, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, the Chief Security Officer, and other members of staff. Also present at the scene were the Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Architect Okey Ezeobi, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, who monitored the rescue operations and assessed the situation. The Polytechnic confirmed that several occupants had been rescued and taken to a nearby hospital, where they were receiving treatment, while rescue workers were still searching for about two individuals believed to be trapped beneath the rubble. The trapped people, he insisted, are not students of the institution.

By Madu Obi A ray of hope has come the way of Anambra women who have fibroid, as free surgeries for them have commenced at the Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital in Njikoka local government area of the state. The exercise is part of a medical outreach organized by the Friends of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in honour of his birthday and that of his wife, Dr.Nonye Soludo, under Soludo's Healthcare Initiative. The programme, which offers free medical screening, treatment and surgeries to residents of Anambra State, is aimed at easing the financial burden on patients who require specialised medical care. Essentially, the exercise covers free myomectomy for women with fibroids and ovarian cysts, as well as other surgical interventions in designated hospitals across the state. Speaking during the commencement of the programme, the Chief Medical Officer of Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital, Dr. Dozie Udeolisa, described the initiative as a life-changing intervention that would give many women access to surgery they could not previously afford. "Fibroid surgery is often beyond the financial reach of many families, causing patients to live with pain and complications for years", Udeolisa said, noting that the free surgery programme would remove that barrier by providing treatment at no cost. He explained that Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital is one of the designated centres for the exercise, where women who successfully completed the registration and screening process are now undergoing surgery. According to him, screening began before the commencement of operations, while a team of experienced surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and other healthcare professionals has been mobilized to ensure safe and successful procedures. He added that each operation would be handled according to the patient's medical condition, stressing that there is no fixed duration for surgery because every case is different. He described the turnout of beneficiaries as encouraging, adding that many women who had postponed treatment because of financial difficulties are now free to receive the care they need without paying for the surgery. Udeolisa expressed appreciation to Governor Soludo and the Friends of the Governor for supporting the initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of compassion and commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Anambra State. In addition to the fibroid, the medical outreach would feature free cataract surgery, glaucoma screening and treatment at the Anambra State Specialist Eye Centre, Nise, as well as free hernia surgeries at General Hospital, Umueri. He encouraged eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing programme, assuring that patients will receive quality medical care throughout the exercise.

By Madu Obi An unspecified number of people were feared dead, while many others are allegedly still trapped after a three - storey students hostel collapsed at the polytechnic town of Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The building named Elite Five Star Lodge, is located beside Tonimas Filling Station in the Amokpala axis behind the Federal Polytechnic, Oko. The cause of the collapse has not been ascertained, but several volunteers and operatives of the Anambra State Police Command are currently working to clear the debris so as to rescue those trapped under the rubble. The victims are being deposited at the hospital mortuary, while the injured are being treated at the hospital. The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said that following a distress call after the incident, the operatives immediately mobilized personnel alongside other security agencies to the scene and secured the area to prevent further danger. The Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), are also on ground to assist in the rescue efforts. A statement by the PPRO said: "The Anambra State Police-led joint security team assures ongoing rescue operations following the late-night incident on Sunday 26th July 2026, involving the collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, Amokpala, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the State. The incident resulted in some occupants being trapped beneath the rubble. "On receipt of the distress report, the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts. "The Command notes that rescue operations are ongoing to reach other persons who may still be trapped as the number of casualties or affected persons cannot yet be confirmed. "Also, some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention". The Police urged members of the public, especially residents in the area, to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.

By Madu Obi The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Dr Ndagi Alhassan, has commended the former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, for his commitment to healthcare education. Alhassan gave the commendation during the maiden graduation ceremony of the Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, Awka, owned by the Anglican Church. Dr Alhassan recalled Obi’s intervention during his tenure as governor when the NMCN almost closed several nursing institutions in Anambra State due to inadequate facilities, adding that the former governor appealed for the institutions to remain open and subsequently provided the needed financial support to address their challenges. According to him, Obi’s intervention helped transform the institutions, enabling them to meet professional standards and emerge among the best-performing nursing schools in Nigeria. In recognition of his contributions to health education, the NMCN Registrar presented an award to Obi, noting that Nigeria has become one of the world’s leading suppliers of nursing professionals, alongside India and the Philippines. The Registrar also praised the Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, describing it as an institution “to reckon with” following the excellent performance of its graduates in professional examinations. Speaking, Obi said the greatest fulfilment comes from seeing a modest investment grow into an institution that transforms lives and strengthens society. Obi congratulated the graduating class, management, faculty, benefactors and all those whose commitment contributed to the success of the institution, stressing that investment in education and healthcare remains one of the surest pathways to national development. “There is no greater satisfaction than seeing a modest investment blossom into an institution that is transforming lives and strengthening our healthcare system,” Obi said. He reiterated that countries that prioritize education, healthcare and human capital development are better positioned for sustainable growth and national progress. The Provost of the College, Mrs Chisom Ezulike, highlighted the significance of the attainment, expressing appreciation to all those whose support contributed to the institution’s establishment and growth. She disclosed that the initial N40 million support provided by Obi served as the seed funding that enabled the college to commence operations successfully, while his subsequent interventions further strengthened the institution and helped make the maiden graduation ceremony possible. Mrs Ezulike noted that the college’s achievement testify to the impact of strategic investment in education and healthcare, adding that the graduation of the pioneer students represented the fulfilment of a shared vision to produce highly skilled healthcare professionals. The Proprietor of the college, Archbishop Alexander Ibeziem, also paid tribute to Obi, confirming that the former governor’s initial support played a crucial role in the successful take-off of the institution. He equally appreciated the Senator representing Anambra Central, Senator Victor Umeh, for his continued support, particularly his scholarship assistance to many students of the college. In recognition of his contributions to education and human capital development, Senator Umeh received a special award during the ceremony. Receiving the award, Senator Umeh commended the management of the institution for maintaining high academic and professional standards and assured the college of his continued support. The maiden ceremony witnessed the graduation of 116 pioneer students from the Class of 2025 which recorded 100 per cent success rate in the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria professional examination.

By Madu Obi The President General of Nzuko Ora Nnewi in Anambra State, Prince Jude Osunmuoh, has described as absurd, the alleged threat by Nnewi Ichi, one of the four quarters of Nnewi, to pull out of Nzuko Ora Nnewi over the issue of the tenure of the Mayor of Nnewi local government area. Nnewi is made up four quarters namely, Umudim, Uruagu, Nnewi Ichi and Otolo and all elective offices in Nnewi are rotated among them. The Nnewi leadership is centred on the community's 1997 zoning agreement, which provides for the rotational sharing of elective political offices among the four quarters However, there was an apparent controversy in the area over the two year tenure for local government chairmen as passed by the Anambra State House of Assembly, which pegged the tenure of the local government chairmen to two years in the first instance. As the state prepares for another local government election next month, the people of Nnewi Ichi quarters are insisting that it is their turn to produce the next Mayor for Nnewi, claiming that the incumbent chairman had taken the slot of Umudim. But setting the records straight during an interview in Nnewi, the PG, Osunmuoh, said the issue about tenure for elective offices in Nnewi is a straightforward matter, adding that everyone knows that it is four years for the House of Assembly, President General of Nnewi and local government chairman. He said: " Nnewi Ichi quarters wrote me a letter asking when their tenure for local government will commence. I told them that tenure for political offices is left for the government to decide and that we cannot determine such a thing for government. "But as Nnewi people, we know that the tenure is four years. So, when Nnewi Ichi brought the letter, I explained the situation to them. I assured them that it will be their turn to go for four years after Umudim, which is occupying the seat, would have finished their four years. I assured them that under my watch, no part of Nnewi will be shortchanged. "We are therefore surprised to see what is flying in the social media, with some people claiming that the local government tenure in Nnewi is two years. But I want to make it clear that elective offices in Nnewi is four years. "They were also circulating one document claiming that it was an agreement reached over the matter, but as the PG of Nnewi, I am not aware of such document. Such document was not part of what was handed over to me when I was elected. "Besides, when I looked at the document, I noticed that it was not signed by anybody. If it was a document prepared by Nnewi people, it would have been handed over to me. So there is no way I should work with such an unsigned document. "I also interacted with four of the people said to been the authors of the document and they agreed that the tenure for offices in Nnewi is four years. It was then that we realized that what they were circulating was merely a draft that was never approved as a working document in Nnewi. "The one that was approved, where the four- year tenure was approved, was signed by stakeholders. To us, the document they were circulating was just a trash and there was no way I could have worked with it as PG of Nnewi." On the threat by Nnewi Ichi to pull out of Nzuko Ora Nnewi, the PG said that any part of Nnewi that says it wants to severe relationship with the town, or that it is no longer a member of Nzuko Ora Nnewi, is not serious. "The question to ask is, where does Nnewi Ichi want to belong to,? If you say you are from Nnewi Ichi, where is Nnewi Ichi? Nzuko Ora Nnewi is what binds Nnewi people together. "I see all these as people who are merely playing politics. They know the truth, but there are some people who don't want to be patient for the office to get to their turn. I can't understand why they see four years as too far and going by the arrangement, it is just two years away", Osunmuoh added. Continuing, he said: "It is not true that they are threatening to pull out of Nnewi, or that they will no longer participate in Afia Olu , our biggest festival. If you say you are not Nnewi Ichi in Nnewi, what are you going to answer? They just want to cause confusion in the town. One of them was said to be claiming that he is Prime Minister and my question is, who crowned him? We have only one Igwe in Nnewi and that is Igwe Kenneth Orizu 111. There is no other Igwe." According to him, Nnewi Ichi even went to court on this issue for court to interprete the tenure and the court ruled that it is left for government to determine the tenure of political offices. He said that the stand of Igwe Orizu on the matter is in line with the that of the state government as far as the issue of tenure is concerned, explaining that he had been liaising with Igwe in preparation for the forthcoming Afia Olu festival. "It is absurd for some people to be claiming that Igwe has said that he would not attend this year's Afia Olu festival and wondered what is Afia Olu without Igwe Nnewi. I have been planning the Afia Olu with Igwe and he is fully part of it and he will attend the festival. He is satisfied with the planning and he will declare the festival open, the PG said. He said further: "It is the turn of Umudim to produce the Mayor of Nnewi and even if the current mayor will not be going, his area, Umudim, will still produce the next Mayor for Nnewi." Osumuoh maintained that the Mayor of Nnewi, Hon Echezona Anazodo, was not responsible for the current disagreement, stressing that the controversy revolves around the political slot allocated to Umudim Quarter, rather than the individual occupying it. He also dismissed the insinuation that the secretary of Nzuko Ora Nnewi, who is from Nnewi Ichi, was removed because of the tenure saga, adding that the secretary was suspended because of misconduct.

By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has urged women across the state to use this year's annual August meetings as a platform to confront the disturbing rise in cases of violent abuse, molestation, neglect and inhuman treatment of domestic workers. In her message to mark the commencement of the 2026 August meeting, Mrs Soludo advocated that the silence surrounding such acts must end. She advised the women to deliberately shift part of their discussions from the traditional focus on community development projects and social activities, to finding practical and lasting solutions to what she described as an emerging social and moral crisis slowly eating into the fabrics societal unity and child development. According to her, the recent reports of lethal physical assault, starvation, torture and emotional abuse and other degrading treatment meted out to housemaids, many of them minors, should trouble every conscientious mother. She observed that while the August meeting has, over the years, remained a powerful platform for advancing community development, promoting peace, strengthening families and preserving cherished religious and cultural values, it must also evolve to respond to pressing social realities, especially those within the domain of family and child raising. She noted that no society can truly claim to uphold the sanctity of motherhood while turning a blind eye to the suffering of vulnerable children entrusted to families for guidance, protection, and care. "The young girl who helps in your home is somebody's daughter before she becomes your maid. She deserves dignity before duty, compassion before correction, and protection before punishment. "Violence can never be a tool for raising a child or managing a household. As mothers, we have a sacred responsibility to nurture, not to destroy; to protect, not to oppress. Every child under our roof deserves love, respect and the opportunity to grow in a safe environment", the governor's wife said. She encouraged women leaders, presidents-general of women's associations, faith-based organizations and community stakeholders to include conversations on child protection, responsible caregiving, conflict resolution and the rights of domestic workers in their August meeting deliberations. "Communities should not merely condemn abuse after it occurs, but should collectively build systems that encourage early intervention, reporting and support for victims", she added. The governor's wife further reminded parents that children often learn by observation, warning that homes where violence is normalized risk raising another generation that sees cruelty as acceptable. She urged women to deliberately instil empathy, patience and respect for human dignity in their homes, adding that such virtues are the foundation of a peaceful and responsible society. While wishing Anambra women fruitful and impactful August meetings, Mrs Soludo expressed confidence that if every community resolves to protect the vulnerable, uphold family values and reject all forms of domestic violence, the annual gathering would become an even more powerful instrument for building safer homes, stronger communities and a more compassionate society. The annual August meeting is one of the most significant socio-cultural gatherings of Igbo women, which provides a unique forum for collective reflection, community development, family welfare and the promotion of values that strengthen society.

By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has placed an indefinite ban on graduation ceremonies in all schools in Anambra State. The state Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, said the essence of the ban is to reduce financial burden on parents. Government said yesterday that following inquiries and concerns from the public, the state government decided to give further clarification on the issue. According to the Commissioner, the scope of ban covers all kindergarten, primary, and secondary schools in whatever guise, including passing out, cross over in all public and private schools. He, however, said that graduation from Senior Secondary School (SS3) is exempted. "Graduation ceremonies for students exiting Senior Secondary School is optional and where carried out, must be conducted without any form of levy or financial demand on students and parents", the Commissioner said. He warned that any school management found to violate the directive will face serious sanctions, which, he stated, may include the closure of such a school.

By Madu Obi The election petition committee of the Anambra State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has nullified the outcome of its controversial congress held on June 26, 2026 and declared Barr. Nonso Henry Nwaebili as the duly elected state chairman. In its judgment delivered in Awka, the committee set aside the declaration of Mr Ikechukwu Onuorah as winner of the election, following the determination of a petition challenging the outcome of the congress. According to committee, the declaration of Onuorah could not stand after considering the petition and evidence presented before it and subsequently declared Nwaebili the winner. "Nwaebili is a legal practitioner, former Senior Special Assistant to the Anambra State governor and youth leader and he is the validly elected Chairman of the NYCN in the state", the committee said. It also directed the immediate issuance of a Certificate of Return to Nwaebili to enable him assume office and begin discharging his responsibilities without delay. The committee expressed optimism that the judgment would bring to an end the dispute arising from the June 26 congress and restore confidence in the council's internal democratic process. Reacting to the judgment, many members of the NYCN described the decision as a victory for justice, due process and the rule of law. They expressed confidence that Nwaebili"s emergence would promote inclusive, accountable and visionary leadership for youths in Anambra State, noting that the judgment came amid growing advocacy for greater youth participation in leadership positions within youth organisations in the country. They recalled a recent resolution of the Anambra State House of Assembly urging youth organisations operating in the state to comply strictly with the statutory 35-year age limit for aspirants seeking leadership positions, adding that adherence to the age requirement will provide greater opportunities for younger people to participate in leadership and governance. They also expressed the belief that the tribunal's decision would strengthen youth-focused policies and support youth empowerment, leadership development, innovation and community engagement in the state.