₦airaland Forum

We Are Not On Strike - ASUU COOU Progressives, Dissociates Self from Purportedly Circulated Strike Action Letter

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Progressives (COOU) Branch has debunked what they described as a rumour, making the rounds that the University is on strike, even as they dissociated themselves from the purportedly circulated strike action letter.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, ASUU COOU Progressives, Professor Innocent Ngangah, and the Secretary, COOU Progressives, Professor Onyema Iloh, and made available to newsmen.

'Our attention of COOU Progressives has been drawn to a circulating letter issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU COOU Branch), dated 14th October 2025, notifying staff and students of a commencement of a 14-Day warning strike.

'We wish to categorically state that the said letter does not represent the official position of the academic community of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Anambra State, Nigeria. The COOU Progressives, a responsible and forward-looking body of academics, hereby dissociate ourselves from the purported strike action.

'We reaffirm COOU Progressives are not on strike. Teaching, supervision, research, examination, and all other academic and administrative activities in the university will continue as scheduled. Members of the Progressives are fully committed to maintaining academic stability and ensuring uninterrupted learning and research activities within our institution.

'We therefore direct all our members and the entire student body to disregard the misleading circular and continue with their normal academic engagements without fear or hesitation. The Progressives remain focused on constructive dialogue, academic excellence, and the overall development of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. We appreciate your cooperation, dedication, and understanding as we collectively uphold the integrity and progress of our great institution,' the statement read.

Anniversary: Chimezie Anaso Heads SWAN At 60 Media, Publicity Committee

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has set up the Media and Publicity Committee for its 60th Anniversary celebration scheduled to hold between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31 in Abuja.


The seven man Diamond Jubilee media team is chaired by Chimezie Anaso, Chairman of SWAN in Anambra while Emmanuel Akpan, chairman of Awka Ibom Chapter will serve as the Vice Chairman of the committee

Other members of the committee are Hembadoon Rosario, Chairman of Benue Chapter as Secretary; Ahmed Amshi, Vice President North East, member; Jacob Onjewu, Secretary Kaduna State Chapter, member and two Graphics/Info-Graphic experts.

The appointment letter signed by Isaiah Benjamin and Ikenna Okonkwo, President and Secretary General of SWAN respectively, said the committee took effect from Oct. 6 and would continue after the anniversary as a standing committee.

“We write to formally convey your appointment as the Chairman and members of the Media/Publicity, SWAN Diamond Jubilee/60th Anniversary and Beyond.

“Your appointment is due to your track record of dedication and drive for positive results and achievements which you have been identified with,” it said.

The National Secretariat said the committee was expected to engage with relevant Media platforms Print, Online, and electronic in the use of various contents regarding SWAN@60 anniversary.

Terms of reference include that the Committee should evolve creative and practical ways that will ensure robust and steady Content Generation and Dissemination ahead of the upcoming SWAN 60th Anniversary

“The Committee will also from time-to-time contribute to making SWAN Official Website to be robust with relevant information.

“Committee members are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions,” it said

ICT Agency MD, CFA Attends NUJ Anambra State Council October Meeting, Addresses Journalists, Reels Out Governor Soludo’s Digitization Achievements

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

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It is truly an honour to stand before you today. The role of the media in shaping narratives, holding leaders accountable, and amplifying the voices of our people cannot be overstated. That is why I welcome this opportunity to share the story of the Anambra State ICT Agency, our mandate, our journey, and our achievements so far under the visionary leadership of our Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR. (Oluatuegwu)

*Mandate of the Agency*

The Anambra State ICT Agency was established with a clear and compelling mandate: to drive digital transformation in Anambra State.

At its core, our role is incubatory: to design, coordinate, and implement technology initiatives that make governance more efficient, inclusive, transparent, and people-centred.

We exist to ensure that *“Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere”* is not just a slogan but a lived reality where government processes are digitized, citizens can access services seamlessly, and technology becomes the true backbone of governance.

*Our Vision* is to build a digitally transformed Anambra.

*Our Mission* is to support the delivery of everything technology and technology everywhere in the state.

*Our Core Values* are innovation, collaboration, data-driven decision making, solution-focused execution, and community orientation.

And you will see these values reflected in all we have achieved under Governor Soludo’s leadership.

*The RoW Waiver: The Hidden Backbone*

One of the most foundational, yet understated, decisions in this digital journey was made in 2022, the waiver of the Right of Way (RoW) charges for broadband infrastructure by Mr.Governor.

At first glance, it seemed like a mere policy decision. But in reality, it was the bedrock of Anambra’s digital revolution. By removing the barriers that had long stifled broadband expansion, Governor Soludo sent a powerful message: Anambra is open for digital business.

This singular decision unlocked opportunities for:

Fibre-to-home deployment,

5G infrastructure expansion,

Faster and more reliable internet across communities.

It also created an enabling environment where innovators, telecom operators, and entrepreneurs can thrive. Simply put, it unlocked what had been locked.

And today, the results are visible, not theoretical.

*Public WiFi & Connectivity*

One of the clearest testaments to this policy is the Solution WiFi Initiative: a people-centred project directly rooted in Governor Soludo’s People’s Manifesto, which pledged to “Provide cheap (and ultimately free) Wi-Fi hotspots in public places …” (see pp. 20).

That promise is now a reality, with 25 live Solution WiFi sites across the state, including schools, lodges, public spaces, and government institutions.

Current Solution WiFi locations include:

Aroma Junction

Ada Jesus Lodge

Living Spring Lodge

Eke Awka

Address Lodge

Novena Lodge

ABS Bus Stand

Bucon Lodge

Royal Villa Lodge

First Choice Lodge

Rubez Lodge

Ukwu Orji

Holy Family

Solution Arena

School Gate Ifite

Book Foundation

UNIZIK Junction (Temp Site)

Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe

College of Health, Obosi

Umuogbu

Umubele

Umuenechi

Ukwuoji

Jerome Udorji Secretariat

State House of Assembly

These hotspots are not just infrastructure, they are lifelines. They democratize internet access for students, traders, civil servants, and everyday Ndi Anambra, bridging information divides and fostering inclusion.

*Digitization of Governance*

Beyond connectivity, the ICT Agency is reshaping governance itself.

*Digital EXCO Proceedings:* As they say, Charity begins at home right? What used to be paper-based has now been digitized.

This has cascaded into MDAs, making civil service operations faster and smarter.

Devices for Civil Servants & Schools: From less than 300 functional computers in 2022, the state has grown to over 5,000 devices distributed across MDAs, LG Heads of BPRS Departments, including Ministries of Justice, Special Duties, the Civil Service Commission, and the Disability Rights Commission. Teachers and principals also received 2,000 laptops in 2024, with more to come under the Smart School Project.

Domain Adoption & Standardization: The adoption of anambrastate.gov.ng for official email strengthens credibility, cybersecurity, and authenticity of official communication in government

The Anambra Cloud: A robust, centralized data repository to support e-governance.

Supported the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning with the Automation of budget processes and the deployment of the Solution Lens platform, a civic engagement platform accessible via (lens.anambrastate.gov.ng) that allows citizens to track and report government projects in real-time.


*Conclusion*

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the story of Anambra’s digital transformation is still unfolding, but the foundation has been laid, strong and unshakable.

From the quiet yet bold RoW waiver, to the visible footprint of Solution WiFi, to the digitization of governance, what we are building under Governor Soludo is a future where technology works for the people.

This is about more than gadgets and cables.

It is about creating a smart, liveable, and prosperous megacity, one that equips its youth, empowers its workers, strengthens its institutions, and ensures that no one is left behind.

And so, I invite you, the media, our partners in progress, to continue to shine your light on this journey. Tell the stories, ask the hard questions, and together, let us keep shaping a narrative of hope, innovation, and transformation.

Thank you, and God bless Anambra State.

Political Communications Consultant, Ozumba Drills Participants on Early Response System as The Kukah Centre Sets Roadmap for Peaceful Election in Anambra.

By Chike Mabene

The imperative of implementating Early Warning-Early Response (EWER)System as precursor to successful gubernatorial election in Anambra State was the emphasis during a 4-Day Training Workshop organized by The Kukah Centre, Secretariat of the National Peace Committee from 23rd -26th September 2025 at Golden Tulip, Crown Prince Hotel Awka.

Presentating a paper on Building Community Resilience for Gubernatorial Elections: A Guide to Strenghtening Early Warning-Early Response (EWER) System in Anambra State, Emeka Ozumba, a partner in Delight Resource Team, facilitators of the Workshop, on behalf of Lead Partner, AVM Benard Chiobi (rtd), stressed the importance of putting in place proactive measures to mitigate the impact of negative occurrences and simultaneous strenghtening of processes by both the Community Resilient Agents and the Early Response stakeholders to ensure successful elections.

Ozumba who is also the Managing Consultant of Ozion Limited, political communications Advisors, drilled the Early Warning participants over two days on their role as Community Resilient Agents who will undertake prompt detection and collation of essential data, analyse and report same to designated Early Response teams in the Local Government Areas in actionable format thereby dictating immediate action to forestall threats that may mar the elections.

Speaking on the third-day in a session with the Early Response (ER) team, on Co-ordinated Responses to The Early Warnings: Strenghtening Multi-Stakeholder Preparedness, Ozumba stated that moving from early warning to early response is critical because early warning will be useless without timely, effective response.

He emphasised the avoidance of delayed communication, unclear roles, or lack of resources, stressing that "information must trigger action," otherwise it remains only information not prevention.Further more, Ozumba advocated for rapid response action plan indicating who does what, when and how with assignment of accountability to avoid duplications.

He concluded that the ideal situation is for the communication chain to be quick, reliable and tested with resources like hotlines and security contacts that allow for rapid deployment.

Earlier, in her opening remarks, the Project Manager, Barrister. Asabe Ndahi explained the objectives, expectations, and ground rules governing the project, and harped on the need for commitment and accountability from the trainees to meet the expectations of The Kukah Centre and the National Peace Committee (NPC) in furtherance of sustained quest for peaceful elections by engaging with key actors to avoid any action that threatens rather than promote the peace, unity and development of Nigeria.

Barrister Asabe said that the Early Warning-Early Response training in Anambra State is a pilot phase of the programme, and praised the State's leadership structure at all levels which makes for easy identification of relevant stakeholders. She also called on the participants to see themselves as change agents who must embrace the onerous duty of service towards ensuring peaceful elections not just in Anambra State but in Nigeria.

The training programme which was sponsored by the European Union is a project of The Kukah Centre aimed at building a culture of tolerance and peaceful campaigns amongst political actors through co-ordinated actions of Local Government level Early Warning System piloted by Community Resilient Agents who are equipped to track and report potential security threats and report same to the Early Response team of stakeholders with the reach and know-how for nipping in the bud potential breakdown of peace before, during and post the elections in Anambra State.

Participants for the Early Warning(EW) System training were drawn from the twenty-one local Government Arears of Anambra State, while the Early Response (ER) stakeholders in attendance include; Igwe Ben Emeka (Okebo II of Umueri), NLC, Boss, Sir Humphery Emeka Nwafor, ASTUC President General, Sir Vin Dike, IPAC Secretary, Hon. Ugo Eminent, ANCISRO MD, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, representatives of Community Based Organizations, Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Police, and Civil Defence amongst others.

Political Communications Consultant, Ozumba Drills Participants on Early Response System as The Kukah Centre Sets Roadmap for Peaceful Election in Anambra.

By Chike Mabene

The imperative of implementating Early Warning-Early Response (EWER)System as precursor to successful gubernatorial election in Anambra State was the emphasis during a 4-Day Training Workshop organized by The Kukah Centre, Secretariat of the National Peace Committee from 23rd -26th September 2025 at Golden Tulip, Crown Prince Hotel Awka.

Presentating a paper on Building Community Resilience for Gubernatorial Elections: A Guide to Strenghtening Early Warning-Early Response (EWER) System in Anambra State, Emeka Ozumba, a partner in Delight Resource Team, facilitators of the Workshop, on behalf of Lead Partner, AVM Benard Chiobi (rtd), stressed the importance of putting in place proactive measures to mitigate the impact of negative occurrences and simultaneous strenghtening of processes by both the Community Resilient Agents and the Early Response stakeholders to ensure successful elections.

Ozumba who is also the Managing Consultant of Ozion Limited, political communications Advisors, drilled the Early Warning participants over two days on their role as Community Resilient Agents who will undertake prompt detection and collation of essential data, analyse and report same to designated Early Response teams in the Local Government Areas in actionable format thereby dictating immediate action to forestall threats that may mar the elections.

Speaking on the third-day in a session with the Early Response (ER) team, on Co-ordinated Responses to The Early Warnings: Strenghtening Multi-Stakeholder Preparedness, Ozumba stated that moving from early warning to early response is critical because early warning will be useless without timely, effective response.

He emphasised the avoidance of delayed communication, unclear roles, or lack of resources, stressing that "information must trigger action," otherwise it remains only information not prevention.Further more, Ozumba advocated for rapid response action plan indicating who does what, when and how with assignment of accountability to avoid duplications.

He concluded that the ideal situation is for the communication chain to be quick, reliable and tested with resources like hotlines and security contacts that allow for rapid deployment.

Earlier, in her opening remarks, the Project Manager, Barrister. Asabe Ndahi explained the objectives, expectations, and ground rules governing the project, and harped on the need for commitment and accountability from the trainees to meet the expectations of The Kukah Centre and the National Peace Committee (NPC) in furtherance of sustained quest for peaceful elections by engaging with key actors to avoid any action that threatens rather than promote the peace, unity and development of Nigeria.

Barrister Asabe said that the Early Warning-Early Response training in Anambra State is a pilot phase of the programme, and praised the State's leadership structure at all levels which makes for easy identification of relevant stakeholders. She also called on the participants to see themselves as change agents who must embrace the onerous duty of service towards ensuring peaceful elections not just in Anambra State but in Nigeria.

The training programme which was sponsored by the European Union is a project of The Kukah Centre aimed at building a culture of tolerance and peaceful campaigns amongst political actors through co-ordinated actions of Local Government level Early Warning System piloted by Community Resilient Agents who are equipped to track and report potential security threats and report same to the Early Response team of stakeholders with the reach and know-how for nipping in the bud potential breakdown of peace before, during and post the elections in Anambra State.

Participants for the Early Warning(EW) System training were drawn from the twenty-one local Government Arears of Anambra State, while the Early Response (ER) stakeholders in attendance include; Igwe Ben Emeka (Okebo II of Umueri), NLC, Boss, Sir Humphery Emeka Nwafor, ASTUC President General, Sir Vin Dike, IPAC Secretary, Hon. Ugo Eminent, ANCISRO MD, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, representatives of Community Based Organizations, Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Police, and Civil Defence amongst others.

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Role In Sports Development Cannot Be Overemphasized - Anambra Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Deputy of Anambra has commended members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter for their contributions to the progress in the state.

Ibezim made the commendation when he received leadership of the association in his office at the Light House, Awka on Thursday.

He said the Soludo's administration placed high priority on sports development because of its numerous benefits of physical fitness, youth empowerment, social cohesion and security building.

He said the sports press had helped to spotlight the sports sector positively through their responsible reportage in spite of the shortcomings.

He urged SWAN to help develop other sports by according to them the priority they gave to football.

“The government of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo will leverage the sports sector for economic prosperity by consistent discovery of talents for export.


“So, sports writers play a critical role in this regard and that is why I must commend you for what you are doing because sports is good for fitness and unity and we can address a lot of social vices through sports.

“My appeal to you to report beyond football, develop other sports by giving them the attention you give to football,” he said.

Earlier in his remark, Chimezie Anaso, Chairman of SWAN in Anambra commended Soludo's administration for revamping grassroots sports by bringing back school sports.

Anaso noted that Anambra has featured at major national sports competitions and federation championships and thanked the government for providing the platform for teeming talented youths in the state.

He however observed there was a sports infrastructure deficit in Anambra and urged Soludo to consider building an Olympic standard stadium for the sports community in the state.

“We, the body of sports writers in Anambra, want to appreciate Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for supporting young athletes by providing funds for sporting competitions.

“We want to restate our commitment to work with this administration for the greater good of the sector and we look forward to decorating Mr Governor as the Grand Patron of SWAN in Anambra,” he said.

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Role In Sports Development Cannot Be Overemphasized - Anambra Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Deputy of Anambra has commended members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter for their contributions to the progress in the state.

Ibezim made the commendation when he received leadership of the association in his office at the Light House, Awka on Thursday.

He said the Soludo's administration placed high priority on sports development because of its numerous benefits of physical fitness, youth empowerment, social cohesion and security building.

He said the sports press had helped to spotlight the sports sector positively through their responsible reportage in spite of the shortcomings.

He urged SWAN to help develop other sports by according to them the priority they gave to football.

“The government of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo will leverage the sports sector for economic prosperity by consistent discovery of talents for export.


“So, sports writers play a critical role in this regard and that is why I must commend you for what you are doing because sports is good for fitness and unity and we can address a lot of social vices through sports.

“My appeal to you to report beyond football, develop other sports by giving them the attention you give to football,” he said.

Earlier in his remark, Chimezie Anaso, Chairman of SWAN in Anambra commended Soludo's administration for revamping grassroots sports by bringing back school sports.

Anaso noted that Anambra has featured at major national sports competitions and federation championships and thanked the government for providing the platform for teeming talented youths in the state.

He however observed there was a sports infrastructure deficit in Anambra and urged Soludo to consider building an Olympic standard stadium for the sports community in the state.

“We, the body of sports writers in Anambra, want to appreciate Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for supporting young athletes by providing funds for sporting competitions.

“We want to restate our commitment to work with this administration for the greater good of the sector and we look forward to decorating Mr Governor as the Grand Patron of SWAN in Anambra,” he said.

HERE IS THE SPEECH DELIVERED BY BALARABE ABBAS LAWAL, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND CHAIRMAN, STEERING COMMITTEE OF NEWMAP-EIB AT THE LAUNCH OF THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK (EIB) ASSISTED NIGERIA CLIMATE ADAPTATION – EROSION AND WATERSHED PROJECT (NEWMAP-EIB) HELD ON TUESDAY, 30TH SEPTEMBER 2025 AT THE CONGRESS HALL OF TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL, ABUJA

Protocols:

It is with great honour and privilege that I welcome you all to the launch of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB). I am delighted to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria has fulfilled all the outlined conditions precedent for the implementation of this project. Consequently, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) is now disbursement-effective.2. In 2010, the Federal Government, with support from the World Bank, launched the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-IDA) to address soil degradation, food insecurity, and land remediation under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. The multi-sectoral NEWMAP-IDA project stabilized gully erosion sites, improved livelihoods, and strengthened institutions. It commenced in 2013 with seven (7) states and later expanded to 23 states. The project closed in June 2022.3. In 2020, the Federal Government secured additional financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to expand the scope of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP). The EIB approved a facility of €175 million aimed at building upon and deepening the achievements recorded under NEWMAP-IDA, using the Strategic Watershed Management approach. The project became technically effective in 2023 and now disbursement-effective in 2025. It is to be implemented over a period of five (5) years across twenty-three (23) states, namely: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto.4. Like its predecessor, the NEWMAP-EIB is overseen by the Federal Steering Committee, chaired by the Minister of Environment and comprising members from various MDAs. At the Technical Committee level, it is chaired by the Permanent Secretary. The project is driven by a Federal Project Management Unit under the coordination of a National Project Coordinator. This institutional arrangement is beeing replicated at the state level. The NEWMAP-EIB has been restructured into two key components: Erosion and Watershed Management Infrastructure Investment and Project Management.5. Distinguished Guests, Nigeria, like many nations, faces worsening climate disasters. Gully erosion and annual flooding continue to cause havoc and loss of lives, destruction of property as well as severe environmental degradation, particularly across rural communities, urban centres, and farmlands. Today’s launch therefore, signifies a clear testimony to the power of collaboration and shared vision. The support of the European Investment Bank in climate finance has provided Nigeria with a vital lifeline for erosion control, flood management, and watershed restoration. We are deeply grateful for your trust and confidence in this shared vision. Partnerships such as this strengthen our resolve to take a firm stand against the devastating impacts of climate change.6. The Federal Government has released ₦750 million as the first tranche of counterpart funding to the Federal Project Management Unit. This enabled preparatory activities such as office setup, equipment, and other operations necessary for project’s take-off. At the same time, participating states have shown commitment by also providing counterpart funds to their State Project Implementing Units, further ensuring the initiative’s success and sustainability. The success of this project will largely depend on the commitments from state governments. I therefore urge State Governors to increase their counterpart fund contributions just as the Federal Government is also processing another tranche of disbursement. 7. At this juncture, I want to express my appreciation to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy for the tireless efforts of his ministry in making this project a reality. I also appeal for continued support and consideration in providing additional counterpart funding to the project in order to further strengthen the Federal Project Management Unit operations. Special gratitude goes to the European Investment Bank for deeming Nigeria worthy of this loan. It is hope that this partnership will continue to yield transformative results for our people and the environment at large.8. Distinguished guests, our profound gratitude goes to His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes climate-smart resilient cities. Mr President’s commitments to sustainability has been key to this project’s success. I thank him for his steadfast leadership and reaffirm our dedication to advancing his administration’s environmental policies. 9. We thank the National Assembly for their consistent support in providing the enabling legislative framework and budgetary allocations that make this projects possible. Our Special appreciation goes to State Governments for their strong partnership in implementing this initiative. We are equally grateful to our Development Partners, Civil Society as well as the private sector for their expertise, funding, and advocacy. We also appreciate the traditional rulers, community leaders, and all stakeholders whose cooperation has fostered trust and grassroots participation. I urge the Project Coordinators and their team to ensure effective implementation, transparency, and sustainability of the project so that its benefits remain impactful.10. Thank you all for your presence, your dedication, and your unwavering support to this noble cause. I now launch this project to the glory of God and the benefit of humanity. May this project mark the beginning of a transformative journey towards a greener, safer, and more resilient Nigeria. Thank You and God bless.

Allegation: Professor Nwabachili Breaks Silence, Says Pettitioner Has No Evidence to Prove His Case

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I am constrained to debunk the allegations against me by the prima facie committee that looked into the case of manipulation of the results of thirty law students of 2022/2023 academic year, which was maliciously published online without lawful justification and which under the law has no power to make recommendations.

I wish to state as follows: Firstly, the petitioner has no evidence to prove his case. Throughout the duration of the investigation, he failed to prove that there was any manipulation of the results of law students as alleged, or if there was any such manipulation, that I was party to it. Secondly, the said prima facie committee was not properly constituted.

The Head of Examination Unit Mrs.Ngozi Egbuna should not have been a member of the committee because the disputed results passed through the examination unit and the staff under review is under her and as such she is vicariously liable. She can not be a judge in her cause.

Thirdly, the purported report of the committee, which was yet to be deliberated upon by the management, was pre-emptively published in the social media, thereby showing evidence of bias and gang up against me. In view of the said publication, the purported report of the committee should be invalidated. Fourthly, the committee found out that there were some inconsistencies in the result but failed to establish that I was instrumental to the inconsistencies.

Fifth, the committee stated that the staff from the examination unit told them that I said that the mandate to compute the said results was an order from above. The committee upheld her statement without any evidence that I said so.

Sixth, the committee also allegedly reported that the staff from the examination unit told them that she copied the said result into the composite sheet in my office. I also wish to state that the committee erred in believing, such as no evidence was adduced. I wish to state that I gave the staff the result to go and reconcile the result in which she left and came back some days later to confirm the result to be in order.

Seven, the committee accused me of not allowing the examination officer to look into the result. At that time, the examination officer was handed over to my office, and a new examination officer had not taken over. Due to the urgency, as law school was demanding for the result of our students, it was within my privilege as Dean to send out the results.

Eight, the committee reported that I removed the then examination officer, Fr. Justin Ileka maliciously and appointed another officer, Dr. Chinwe Iloka. I wish to state that the senate ordered that an examination officer should serve for a period of only one year. The minutes of the senate in respect of this decision are available. Since Fr. Justin Ileka had completed his tenure of one year, and it was proper for me to remove him and appoint another examination officer.

Moreover, the removal and appointment [together with other appointments were done in the faculty board meeting together.Nine, the committee reported that I handed over already computed results to the staff from the examination unit.

I wish to state that the computed results were brought to me by my staff, whom I ordered to bring all the outstanding booklets in the faculty from the Faculty Officer’s Office, General office, and archives. When they brought the booklets I found out that some were computed already believing that it was the members of the computation committee that was constituted earlier that computed it and because of the pressure from Nigerian Law school and the urgency I did not involve the examination officer as the Dean, I had to call the staff from the Examination unit to verify the result.

Ten, based on the malicious report of the committee and series of gang up against me, I was asked to proceed on three months suspension starting from 23rd July 2024 to enable them to proceed on investigation.

For the 11 months that the investigation lasted, no evidence was adduced to find me culpable of the allegations. I was thus recalled via a letter dated 1st July 2025 by the Registrar Mr. Chris Obi. I wish to state that the purported suspension was illegal as the mandatory period of suspension under the law was exceeded.

Finally, I wish to use this medium to outline my numerous achievements as the Dean of the Faculty of Law Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (2021-2024).

1. Obtained full accreditation for the faculty of law. It was during my tenure as the Dean of Faculty of Law that full accreditation was obtained from the National Universities Commission (NUC). The previous accreditation a year earlier was unsuccessful, and we received only interim accreditation. The said accreditation for 2022 would have been a catastrophe for the Faculty of Law and the entire University if we did not make it but Thank God we successfully handled, breached all problems and obtained full NUC accreditation.

2. Council of Legal Education cleared the backlog of Law schoolDuring my tenure, we had the problem of the backlog of our students' admission to law school. During the covid 19 pandemic, the academic calendar was disrupted. Many of our students who graduated during that period were unable to attend the law school. I leveraged on my personal and our institutional goodwill to prevail on the Council of Legal Education to permit a minor excess over our annual quota in order to gradually clear the back log and it was successfully cleared consequently, all our law students are entitled to attend law school in the year of their graduation.

3. Administration of Faculty Post Graduate School The faculty succeeded tremendously in the postgraduate program during my administration as the Dean Faculty of Law. Admissions into the program increased, and the completion rate for the program improved. We graduated over sixty (60) students during my administration.

4. Conducting seminars, workshops, and attending conferences to promote staff Development During my administration as the Dean Faculty of Law, staff development was a priority We liaised with the University management and ensured that full sponsorship was provided for the benefit of our staff to attend the National Association of Law Teachers Conferences at Kano and Umuahia. In pursuit of our goal for Staff Development. We organized for both staff and students workshops on research methodology, and we resuscitated the then Moribund Faculty in house Seminar. Within my tenure three of our staff went for sabbatical leave thus promoting their academic capability and financial empowerment.

5. Staff welfare and promotion of staff were greatly motivated My administration ensured that administrative experience requirement for promotion to professorial cadre was possible for all to achieve and in effect promote job satisfaction with regards to promotions, to the extent that all staff who were due for promotion got promoted. I am happy to announce the increase in the number of both professorial and non-professorial cadre staff in the faculty. During my administration, we recorded up to four professors, three readers, three senior lecturers, four lecturers I, one lecturer II, and other administrative staff were promoted.

6. Improvement of academic quality and introduction of new courses.In the area of academic quality, my administration went all out to improve on what we had. We introduced three new courses viz Legal Drafting and Conveyancing, Advocacy and Research methodology. We introduced these new courses offered at the law school so as to give our students a comparative advantage at the law school. Our pro-activeness paid off. In the law school examination within my administration, three of our students made first class, while many made second-class upper division.

7. Improvement in Research evaluation During my tenure, we implemented the undergraduate final year project grading methodology of 50/50 in a bid to ensure robust and full proof evaluation of student’s work quality

8. Zero tolerance for Examination MalpracticeWe conducted seminars, workshops, orientations, and lectures where emphasis was laid on nil tolerance for examination malpractice. During my administration as the Dean Faculty of Law, the examination misconduct committee looked into and completed the sittings on cases referred to it. Based on its recommendations, a total of sixteen students were suspended for misconduct. Without discipline, our life will be hopeless. Unpleasant though this might be, but discipline is an inevitable part of the Faculty Administration

9. Increase in staff strength During my tenure as the Dean, We facilitated the increase in our staff strength. Three staff members were employed, which helped in beefing our staff strength.

10. Inclusiveness of all staff in the Faculty of LawIn order to ensure that Faculty administration was not left out to the Dean and Heads of Departments and to create a sense of belonging to every member of staff, our administration tried to a great extent to ensure that every teaching staff had an administrative function and position. In some cases, this involved creating assistants and deputy positions. We succeeded to ensure adequate participation and involvement of our staff in faculty administration.In Conclusion, I also wish to use this medium to debunk all the allegations against me as a way of rejoinder to the earlier malicious petition, online publication and the purported recommendations of the prima facie committee as the petition, online publication and the purported recommendations of the prima facie committee was calculated to tarnish my reputation.

- Professor C. C Nwabachili

Theodore Okonkwo Has Not Contributed Half Kobo to APGA Oraukwu Let Alone Idemili North - Chief Obi Idemobi

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

Following a social media post where Mr. Theodore Okonkwo was reportedly to have decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was equally addressed a major financier of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Idemili North, the former elected Council Boss and the Chairman APGA Idemili North Campaign Council Secretariat, Chief (Sir) Obi Idemobi (Chinechendo) says that Prof Okonkwo is not even a key sponsor in Oraukwu let alone Idemili North Local Government Area, describing the online post as lacking in merit, fallacious, baseless and laughable .

Speaking to newsmen at Idemili North headquarters, Ogidi, shortly after the inauguration of the APGA Campaign Council Secretariat Sub-Committees, the Mayor Emeritus noted that since 2025, Mr Okonkwo had only attended Oraukwu ward meeting once, saying that it was only in the month September that he attended one meeting and had not featured in any of their activities.

'Since 2024-2025, Mr. Theodore Okonkwo has not contributed half a kobo to our Oraukwu ward. He has no structure as far as I am concerned. He comes down during any election to see if there is any money to share. Somebody should ask him where he was in the last two past elections when we were making stakeholders donations. How much did he contribute? A big question, how many times did he attend stakeholders meeting in Idemili North, please? Forget him. He is not a threat to Oraukwu ward. Kindly ignore the sponsored social media post,' Chief Idemobi said.

The grassroots politician emphatically said Okonkwo had just made another costly political mistake by trying to claim what he is not and had, as usual, made another wrong move, even as he called all APGA faithful in Oraukwu to ignore Okonkwo and focus more on how to deliver all the polling units in Oraukwu to APGA.

NLC Anambra State Chairman, Sir Nwafor Congratulates Soludo On His Triple Awards, Says He Deserves All Accolades


By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu


The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the leader of organized Labour in Anambra State, Comrade (Sir) Humphery Emeka Nwafor, has congratulated the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo on his triple honours received in faraway New York City.

Governor Soludo recently received African Public Service Excellence Award, African Governor of the Year Award, and the Special Recognition/Commendation by the South Carolina House of Representatives during the 2025 Global Power Forum on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80).

Congratulating the state's number one citizen, Sir Nwafor stated that the Governor deserved all the accolades he is getting from all the reputable companies, organizations, and groups, even as he described him as an accomplished intellectual and renowned and widely respected public figure.

The Labour Leader, while congratulating the Governor, expressed his support for the Governor's visionary leadership, reaffirming his commitment to collaborating and working together for the betterment of the state.

'On behalf of my immediate family, the state's workforce, organized labour, I send my heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed Governor on this well-deserved recognition! Your leadership and dedication to our state's progress have not gone unnoticed. This award is a testament to your tireless efforts and commitment to excellence. We're proud to have you at the helm!

'I congratulate Mr. Governor on this well-deserved recognition. Your proactive leadership style has brought significant development to our state, and I'm honoured to support your visionary leadership. Congratulations once again, Mr. Governor,' he concluded.

The Kukah Centre/National Peace Committee (NPC) 3-Day Anambra State Stakeholders Engagement Ends In Awka

...Igwe Ben Emeka (Okebo II of Umueri), NLC, Boss, Sir Humphery Emeka Nwafor, ASTUC President General, Sir Vin Dike, IPAC Secretary, Hon. Ugo Eminent, ANCISRO MD, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, Others In Attendance

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu


The participants in the just concluded Anambra State Stakeholders Engagement organized by The Kukah Centre-National Peace Committee (NPC) in Awka have been charged to begin to master and implement the Early Warning Signs, Early Warning Response (EWER) as they go about their pre and post election activities in their various localities.

The charge was given during a 3-Day Training tagged Anambra State EWER Intervention. It had participants drawn from the twenty-one local government areas of the state as well as representatives from the Anambra State government, NLC, JDPC, NUJ, traditional Rulers, Presidents General, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), heads of security agencies, religious institutions, youth organisations, among others.

In her opening remarks during the first day, Barr. Asabe Ndahi talked about the objectives, expectations, and ground rules governing the project, even as she harped on commitment and accountability on the part of the trainees, adding that The Kukah Centre through the National Peace Committee (NPC) had contributed immensely towards the peace, unity and development of the country, noting that the role it played in the 2015 general elections helped a lot in calming the already flared nerves and the palpable tensions that was witnessed across Nigeria at the time, adding that the Centre was equally instrumental and behind the infamous phone call made by the then President Goodluck Jonathan to his Successor late President Muhammadu Buhari shortly after the result of the presidential election was announced.

'The Kukah Centre through the National Peace Committee (NPC) was able to bring the top presidential candidates together to sign an accord. That singular act saved the country unimaginable post anarchy and turmoil.

Addressing the gathering, one of the stakeholders and the traditional ruler of Umunri, Igwe Benneth Emeka (Okebo II), enjoined all the eligible voters to come out en masse on November 8 to exercise their franchise, stating the the security agencies had assured all that there would be adequate security before, during and after the election, recalling that the last governorship in the year 2021 came with a lot of noise and that the atmosphere was so intense and frightening but at the end there was no violence, acknowledging that the people of Anambra State are wiser and cannot possibly pick up arms against another, adding that this year's election would not be an exception.

The monarch stated that the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council had started making plans on how to get all the candidates in the election to sign a peace accord, which he said yielded a positive result the last time it was done, saying that all the parties involved were summoned and was asked to sign a gentleman agreement, adding that the role of the Royal fathers cannot be overemphasized.

The third and the final day saw participants discussed issues like the role of Early Warning in electoral processes -Why early detection matters; indicators of electoral risk-hate speech, misinformation, cult-related violence, intra/inter-party conflicts, youth mobilization.

Other discussions bordered on Community Conflict Mapping- Hotspots, triggers and actors (group mapping exercise), and participatory session : sharing local experiences of warning signs, simulation exercise 1- detecting and reporting Early Warning signals, closing remarks and reflection.

Group photographs, drilling from a consultant, Mr. Emeka Ozumba, group presentations formed the high points of the 3-Day training .

Borno Joins Other 22 States to Fulfill All NEWMAP-EIB Conditions for Disbursement

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

In a determined effort to ensure all 23 participating states meet the conditions precedent for the Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), led by the National Project Coordinator, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, has visited Borno State to assess its readiness ahead of the project’s official launch.

This was contained in a press release signed by the Communication Specialist NEWMAP-EIB, Madina Gertrude and made available to newsmen.

According to the statement, To access NEWMAP-EIB funds, states are required to fulfill key operational prerequisites Conditions including the : provision of counterpart funding, establishment of project offices, recruitment of staff, acquisition of operational vehicles, development of Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF) and Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), adherence to the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) procurement guidelines, and verification of erosion sites as outlined in the criteria for site selection.

Borno State has successfully met all requirements and is now qualified to receive disbursement from the Bank. This was disclosed by Engr. Yalaks on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Borno State, H.E. Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mallam Bukar Tijjani, in Maiduguri.

Engr. Yalaks highlighted the transformative benefits of the NEWMAP-EIB intervention in Borno, noting that it will not only address erosion challenges but also boost socio-economic development across the state.

“Interventions will include the construction of bridges to reconnect cut-off communities,along the project corridor, implementation of sub catchment management plans will enhance water resources conservation for agricultural activities, community empowerment and to strengthen agricultural value chain, and the provision of access roads to economic hubs such as the cattle market located in old Maiduguri and the shoe factory in Fariya village, old Maiduguri. These projects will also drive revenue generation, job creation, and promote climate-resilliant and climate smart agriculture in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” Yalaks said.

He commended Governor Zulum for demonstrating strong political will, particularly through the release of ₦500 million as state government counterpart funding to the Project, which he described as a clear sign of highest level of government commitment.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the SSG, Mallam Bukar Tijjani, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment and readiness to fully support the NEWMAP-EIB initiatives, stressing that the NEWMAP-EIB Project development objective aligns with Governor Zulum’s vision to improving the livelihoods of the good citizens of Borno.

His Excellency consistently emphasizes transparency and accountability in driving project implementation and management of the project funds. He advised on the judicious utilization of the project funds for effective impact on the affected communities.

He further added that the state is fully committed to making available all that is needed to making the project succeed in Borno state, Tijjani assured.

In his earlier submission, the SSG acknowledge the steadfast support of the European union and it's partners during Borno’s most challenging periods and urged the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) to take this very important assignment seriously, with utmost commitment, due diligence and transparency.

In attendance at the meeting were the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Mohammed Habib; the Permanent Secretary, Comrade Juliana Bitrus; the FPMU, team; and staff of the SPMU.

Umuoji Gets New Town Union Executive As Muoemenam Emerges President General

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu (National Publicity Secretary- elect)

The members of Umuoji Improvement Union of Nigeria (UIUN) on Saturday, 20th September 2025, trooped out en masse at the Civic Centre (White House) to elect a new set of Executive that will pilot their affairs of the town union for the next three years.

The election, which started with accreditation of voters, head count, and then voting, had 292 delegates drawn from branches, Villages, Women wing, Umuokpu Adaora, Umuoji Youth Wing, Clubs, that make up the affiliate members of the Town Union.

The election adjudged by observers as peaceful, free, fair, and credible produced Chief (Sir) Cyril Ifeanyichukwu Muoemenam (Ichie Chinechendo) as the President General.

Sir Muoemenam, who is the incumbent President General, polled 243 to defeat his opponent, Chief Cosmos Ikeme (Ochiagha, Ichie Ugwunze), who polled 38 votes.

Names of other elected officers are follows: Hon. Chudi Chukelu: First Vice President General, Chief Emeka Egbueh, -Second Vice President General, Engr. Peter Okafor - Secretary General; Comrade Ashinze Nweje - Asst Nat Secretary General; Dr. Uchenna Udegbe - Financial Secretary General; Nwosu Obinna - Asst Financial Secretary 1; Nnadi Oluchukwu- Asst Financial Secretary 2; Azubuike Obum - National Treasurer; Hon. Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu, KSJI, Anipr -
National Publicity Secretary/Public relations Officer; Engr Chuks Odina - Chief Provost ; Nze Vincent Okeke-Akwa -Asst Provost 1; Mike Tochukwu Onwuachu - Asst Provost 2 and Chuka Igwilo - Social Welfare

Addressing newsmen after the election, the newly elected President General expressed delight with the comportment of the delegates, before, during, and after the election, thanking them for finding him and the other newly elected officers worthy to serve, adding that he would not betray their trust or abuse the privilege.

Chief Muoemenam, popularly known as Buluegwu, stated that he would make peace, unity, and progress his watchwords, calling on Umuojians to join him in his onerous task of completing and commissioning all the existing developmental projects in Umuoji and as well commence new ones.

He thanked the members of the Electoral Committee headed by Chief Obinna Nwachukwu for living up to expectations, saying that he was impressed with the way and manner the election was conducted.

He commended the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, for creating an enabling environment for all the communities in the state

Earlier in a remark, the Regent of Umuoji High Chief Dr Christopher Nnedu (Ichie Eze Odezuluigbo) congratulated the newly elected officers and charged them to work for the greater good of the community.

The election was monitored by observers from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

November 8 Guber Election: No Individual Interest
Worth Blood of Anambra People – Rotary Club International Urges Politicians

Rotary Club International has reminded the politicians in Anambra to place interests in the state above their individual ambitions ahead of Nov. 8 governorship election.

The Coordinator, Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAFGP), Anambra state chapter, Rtn Chido Obiudu stated this while briefing journalists on the national community violence reduction programme to mark 2025 International Peace Day.

The event had the theme – “Act Now for a Peaceful World”, and was organised by Rotary Clubs in Anambra, in conjunction with RAFGP.

It also featured road walk and flag-off of Anambra state grassroots peace and security assessment (Revalidation of conflict baselines).

Obiudu, who is also the Past Assistant Governor, regretted a campaign of calumny among major candidates of political parties.

He said no individual interest is worth the blood of a citizen.

He, however, called on political actors to sheath their swords and give peace a chance.

'We condemn the act in its entirety because it doesn’t speak good of the state we represent.

'Such actions can ignite violence. We advise all actors to sheath their swords and adopt better way of resolving matters.

'Anambra must come first. Your personal interest can’t be above the general interest of the people of the state.

'We must always bear in mind we’re Anambrarians regardless of your political affiliations.

'Let’s save this state through our actions by living and speaking peace in all we do,' he said.

Obiudu urged the government and governed to wear the cloth of peace and cultivate the culture of peace.

'Lots of things have gone wrong. If you know those wrong things you’re doing, it’s time to stop.

'Those who like taking laws into their hands should have a rethink and follow due process, just for peace to reign.

'It’s time to embrace peace, love peace, and share peace. It’s no longer business as usual. Let’s be law abiding to ensure a peaceful election.

'Those who win should be magnanimous in victory while the losers should accept defeat in good faith. Anambra must be first,'he said.

President, Rotary Club of Obowo, Rtn Ngozi Onuoha described negative peace as time bomb waiting to explode.

'We have negative peace all around us, which is akin to having a cold war underneath.

'We must do everything within our powers to convert it to positive peace,' she added.

UNIZIK Rotary president Rtn Chukwu Melchizedek urged youths to embrace peace.

He urged INEC ad-hoc workers in the governorship election to coordinate themselves properly before, during, and after the poll.

Earlier, President, Rotary Club of Awka metropolis, Rtn. Michael Bishop urged members to cascade the peace message to their various domains.

'We’re the peace crusaders who must carry the 8 pillar peace message.

'They include equity and justice down to the grassroots, namely our clubs, families, and communities,'he added.

November 8: Lack of Issue-based Campaign Worries LP Guber Candidate, Muoghalu, Flays Those Who Engage In Mudslinging, Campaign of Calumny

The Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, Chief Dr George Muoghalu (Ohamadike), has expressed deep worry over what he described as lack of issue-based campaigns in the current dispensation, even as he flayed those who engaged in mudslinging and campaign of calumny.

The Labour Party's candidate for the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 202, wondered why some of the candidates would be washing their dirty linens in the public, describing as shameful and disturbing.

Muoghalu, a seasoned politician and former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) who said that he had over three decades of experience in politics and public service urged the candidates to eschew name-calling, character assassination and dishonourable acts.

When asked if he would latch onto the present situation to garner more support, he said that his campaign strengths lie in his grassroots connections, reputation for integrity, saying that his experience in governance had positioned him as a serious and most acceptable contender

On his vision, Chief Muoghalu noted his vision focuses on economic development, improved infrastructure, and transformative leadership, emphasizing that he has received and continue to receive strong backing from former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, acknowledging that it had boosted his campaign.

Muoghalu, who faced stiff competition from other parties, particularly the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed the hope that he would emerge victorious come November 8 2025.

Uyawune Remains Only Recognised, Authentic Anambra State President - NULGE Boss, Urges Soludo to Caution Aides

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The National President of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara says that Comrade (Mrs) Eucharia Uyawune remained the only recognized, authentic and confirmed President of NULGE in Anambra State, emphatically said that anyone caught parading himself as the Union's leader in the state should be treated as an impostor.

The NULGE National President represented by the National Trustee, Comrade Muo Victor .C JP made this known to newmen in Awka. Kankara cautioned against interference in the affairs of NULGE by those he described as non members of the Union.

'INEC -In-Session frown and condemn the attitude of some appointees of Anambra State Government in meddling into the internal affairs of NULGE at the level of Anambra State by recognizing group of people who are not members. NULGE therefore calls on Anambra State Governor ,Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo to caution all his appointees who are handling Local Government Affairs to desist from interfering in the Union matter. This is a precondition to guarantee industrial peace and harmony,' he pleaded.


He affirmed the following names as the members of Anambra state Administrative Council of the Union. The officers are as follows: Comrade Mrs. Uyawune Eucharistic- Acting State President, Comrade Atienyu Chimezie - Treasurer, Comrade Chine Nweseh - State Audit, Comrade Chukwudum Nwafor - State Auditor, Comrade Patrick Ononye - State Trustee, Comrade Peter Nwisu - State Trustee , Comrade Nnamdi Nweke - State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Uche Nworah - State Welfare Officer, Comrade Adaeze Adeniyi Uju - State Welfare Officer, Comrade Patrick Uzor - State Welfare Officer and Comrade Sylvester Ifediora - State Young Workers Rep.

Niger State Qualifies Among 23 NEWMAP-EIB Beneficiary States

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

Niger State has officially qualified as one of the 23 beneficiary states selected to participate in the Nigeria Climate Adaptation, Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB). The initiative, supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), seeks to combat soil erosion, curb land degradation, and deliver interventions that will improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities across the state.

This was contained in a release signed by the Communication Specialist
(NEWMAP-EIB), Madina Gertrude Kune

The project is designed to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-watersheds, strengthen climate resilience, and enhance community well-being.

Announcing this development during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Umaru Mohammed Bago (represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu), on Monday in Minna, the National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalak, represented by Natural Resource Specialist, Kingsley Nwawuba confirmed that Niger State had met all conditions for participation.

These include the availability of counterpart funding, office space, Staff, operational vehicles, amongst others, which now qualify the state to benefit from disbursement under the EIB-supported initiative.

While commending Niger State for its readiness, Nwawuba appealed to the state government to ensure the timely release of the full counterpart funds to the State Project Management Unit (SPMU), noting that this will strengthen the Project Management Unit efficiency.

As part of the Scoping Mission, the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) delegation conducted inspections of priority erosion sites at Keteren Gwari, M.I. Wushishi Estate, FUT–Hayin Gwari, and Keteren Gwari by Mechanic Village. These sites were listed due to their high-risk status.

“The erosion sites pose a serious threat to lives, homes, and critical infrastructure, requiring urgent intervention,” Nwawuba noted.

He further commended Governor Bago for demonstrating strong political will in prioritizing environmental resilience, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development for the benefit of the people of the State.

In his response, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu, reaffirmed Niger State’s commitment to the success of the NEWMAP-EIB project.

"Niger State, the largest in land mass, has long been impacted by water-related challenges. The NEWMAP-EIB project is therefore both timely and strategic. We are delighted that, through this visit, the state has qualified to participate and access funding from the Bank—for the benefit of our people and the country at large,” he stated.

He also assured the delegation that all pending concerns raised during the visit would be addressed promptly.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of Communications and Digital Economy, who also oversees the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Musa, pledged the ministry’s full support, stressing the project’s strategic importance in advancing the state’s environmental and developmental priorities.

The State Project Coordinator, Mallam Usman Garba Ibeto, described the FPMU visit as long-awaited and expressed gratitude to the Governor and authorizing environment for creating an enabling environment to make the milestone possible.

With the successful completion of the Scoping Mission Niger State is now well positioned to benefit from EIB environmental intervention funds, marking a critical milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle ecological degradation.

Also in attendance were specialists from the FPMU as well as staff of the State Project Management Unit.

Anambra, Among 4 States to Waive Right-of-Way (RoW) Fees for Fibre Deployment, As CFA Hails Soludo

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The MD/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA) says a recent TechCabal report underscored a key truth in Nigeria’s digital landscape, stating that many states pledged to waive Right-of-Way (RoW) fees for fibre deployment, but only four have truly delivered.

According to the MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), Anambra State, is proud to be one of them.

'Under the visionary leadership of Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, Anambra has upheld its zero RoW policy and is already witnessing the rewards: fresh investments, accelerated broadband access, and growing confidence from stakeholders.

'This success is no accident. It reflects the clear focus and hard work of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board and the Anambra State ICT Agency, the two MDAs driving this policy with dedication and consistency.

'Today, Anambra stands as a model for the rest of the country: proof that when policy promises are matched with real execution, the benefits to citizens, businesses, and investors are undeniable.

'Together, we are building a stronger, more connected, and inclusive digital future,' he concluded.

Mayor Salutes APGA Idemili North Campaign Council Members, Charges Them to Justify Inclusion, Assures On Landslide Victory Come November 8


By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The soft-spoken but action-packed Mayor of the most populous and densely populated Council Area, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka (Ochendo Idemili) has congratulated the newly inaugurated APGA Idemili North Campaign Council members.

Congratulating the members, the Council Boss charged them to work assiduously towards ensuring that the party emerged victorious in the fast approaching gubernatorial election, stating that anything short of landslide victory would be unacceptable, adding that the council had shown readiness and capacity by emerging first in the just concluded voter's cards registration.

The inimitable Mayor enjoined them to justify their inclusion by giving their best before, during, and after the election.

Some of the Campaign Council Members include, the former Mayor of Idemili North, Chief Obi Idemobi (Chinechendo)– Chairman, Idemili North Campaign Council, the Mayor of Idemili North, Chief Stanley Nkwoka (Ochendo Idemili) -Co-Chairman, Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, PhD, Hon. Clem Chukwuka (Omenife Ogidi) – MD, ASBA, Hon. Phina Onwuachu ( Deputy Mayor Idemili North), Hon. Bob-Manuel Udokwu – Special Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment, Hon. Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Ibezi (Ochiagha Idemili), Hon. Chief Lemmy Ekwo -APGA LGA Chairman, Idemili North, Chief A.A. Anagu (Ichie), Hon. Veraqueen Okonkwo – Former SPAD to the Governor, Chief ChuksBrown Igbonua (Ezeoba) – Former TC Chairman, Idemili North, Hon. Barr. Titus N. Akpudo (Ichaka – Egbe Eji Gbu Agu) – State Marshal General, ASSMAL, among others.

Ekwunife's Outburst: I am Preoccupied With School Resumption - Nonye Soludo, Says She Never Replied Her, Denies Meeting Mbadinuju



By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

Following the recent Outburst of Senator Uche Ekwunife, the wife of the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo (Mmiliguruegu) says she too preoccupied with school resumption and can not dignify her with a response.

The Governor’s wife who made this disclosure through her official Facebook handle described the Ekwunife's Utterances as fabrications

Her words, 'My attention has just been drawn to a post going round that Mrs Soludo replied Ekwunife. Not at all! I am too busy with my children as schools resume. Besides, I can’t condescend to replying inanities and fabrications. An Igbo adage says that you don’t exchange words with a madman, otherwise the passersby will not know the difference.

'For the records, I never met Dr Mbadinuju of blessed memory. NEVER! As for the other fabrications—-PITIABLE and LAUGHABLE,' he concluded

State Administrative Council Celebrates NLC Boss, Nwafor On His Birthday, Hails Leadership Qualities


By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu


The State Administrative Council of the organized labour in Anambra State recently at the office celebrated the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Anambra State Council, Comrade (Sir) Humphrey Emeka Nwafor on his birthday anniversary celebration.

The SAC members came out in their numbers to organize a mini party for their leader and showered him with encomuims and prayers, describing him as Leader's leader and a man imbued with enormous wisdom and understanding.

Speaking during the event, the Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Chris Ogbonna described Comrade (Sir) Nwafor as an experienced leader and mobilizer par excellence, saying that he would continue to identify with him, even as he prayed God to keep protecting and sustaining him.

Also speaking, the former NLC and NUT Chairman, Comrade Chief Anthony Ugozor, JP, shared some memorable moments with the celebrant, stating that Sir Nwafor had endeared himself to the people's hearts with his all-inclusive and proactive leadership.

Earlier in his prayers, the Parish Priest of St. Jude's Catholic Church, Awka Reverend Father Francis Michael Enyosiobi, PhD, asked God to bless Comrade (Sir) Nwafor and his family, describing him as a committed and selfless parishioner.

Responding to all the eulogies and words of prayers, the NLC supremo flanked by his wife, Lady Angela Nwafor, PhD, who is a lecturer at With the Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, thanked all those who attended the celebration, saying that he was overwhelmed with joy seeing a whole lot of Comrades, Priests, friends and well-wishers commending and appreciating him, noting that their goodwill messages would spur him on to do further exploits as the Leader of organized labour in Anambra State.

Idemili-North Presidents-General Celebrate , Honour Immediate Past Leaders, Mayor Attends As Special Guest

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

Idemili-North Presidents-General, led by Chief Peter Onyejegbu, President-General of Uke Development Union, recently bid farewell to their immediate past Presidents-General in a grand ceremony.

The event was attended by serving Presidents-General from various communities, including:
- Barr. Chiemezie Obi (Obosi)
- Chief Dr. Julian Obiora (Eziowelle)
- Chief Ejike Okafor (Abacha)
- Chief Hon. Ikwuka Okoye (Ogidi)
- Sir Olikaeze Rodney (Oraukwu)
- Engr. Okoye Paul Chidubem (Ideani)
Representative of Nkpor PG

Former Presidents-General honoured include:
- Barr. Titus Akpudo-Eziowelle (former National President of ASATU)
- Chief Sir Emeka Mbagha-Nkpor,
- High Chief Sir Lawrence Okoye (Abatete)
- High Chief. Chuka Onubuogu (Ogidi)
- High Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke (Abacha)
Arch. Sir Shedrach Onwuasoanya (Oraukwu)

During the ceremony, the past Presidents-General shared their experiences and offered valuable advice to the current leaders, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace with traditional rulers.

A moment of silence was observed to honour the memories of two former Presidents-General from Obosi and Umuoji, who tragically lost their lives during their tenure.

The ceremony featured a sumptuous feast and presentation of gift items to the past Presidents-General. Unfortunately, Mayor of Idemili North, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, who was invited as the special guest, was unavoidably absent due to an emergency appointment. However, Engr. Chidubem Paul Okoye, the current secretary to Idemili North Local Government Area and President-General of Ideani, presented the gifts on his behalf.

The event showcased the strong bonds and camaraderie among the Presidents-General of Idemili-North, celebrating their collective commitment to the progress and well-being of their communities.

Onitsha Incident: We Did Not Approve Operation - MD OCHA Brigade

...Says Those Involved Are Now Into Custody, Will Be Handed Over to Police, DSS for Thorough Investigation.



By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The Managing Director and the Chief Supritendent Officer of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra State (OCHA Brigade), Mr Celestine Anere, says his Agency did not approve the Onitsha incident operation, noting that the unapproved act negates the principles and standards they were known for, even as he sympathezied with the victims of the ugly incident.

Comrade Anere made this known to the public in Onitsha while paying a visit to all the victims of the ugly and the avoidable incident, emphasizing that the actions of the personnel were a direct opposite of the standards guiding the operations of the Brigade, adding that those involved have been taken into custody and would be handed over to the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) for thorough investigation.

Mr Anere reiterated that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration remained on top gear in its efforts to entrench discipline, restore sanity, and ensure a clean, green, and livable Anambra

He assured that any staff found culpable will face decisive sanctions while reaffirming that all enforcement activities of the OCHA Brigade must strictly align with the law establishing the agency

Guber: Release of Total Number of New Registrants By INEC: Idemili North Mayor Hails Residents for Scoring Highest, Emerging First With Wide Margin

....Pleased With Performance, Wants Numbers Translate to Votes


By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu


Following the release of the final register of voters for the Anambra State governorship election on Thursday, 4th September 2025, the Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Stanley Nkwoka (Ochendo), has showered encomuims on the residents of Idemili North for heeding to his calls and actions, which he said, culminated in the local government emerging first in the just concluded exercise and as well maintaining its pole position as the only L.G.A with highest number of registered voters in the state.

Speaking immediately after the release was made public by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the results- Oriented Mayor expressed delight with the performance of the people of Idemili North, saying that constant and robust sensitization and mobilization across all polling units and wards paid.

The visibly happy Mayor urged Ndi Idemili North to turn the unprecedented numerical strength into massive votes for All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) come November 8th gubernatorial election in Anambra State, saying that he would be more that happy to see the number of registered voters vote on election day.

'We are working together to ensure that we equally record the highest number of votes on election day,' Hon. Stanley Chigbo Nkwoka, also known as Idi Akusinachi, concluded

INEC had through the
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun mni on Thursday, 4th September 2025, released the final register of voters for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election.

'The distribution of the new figures by Local Government Area shows that Idemili North with 246,318 (8.79%) has the highest number of voters, followed by Awka South with 216,611 (7.73%) and Ogbaru with 188,016 (6.71%). On the other hand, Dunokofia and Anambra West have 83,580 (2.98%) and 71,332 (2.55%) registered voters, respectively.

'In continuation of preparations for the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, the Commission carried out voter registration in the 326 Wards across the State from 8th to 20th July 2025. During that period, *168,187* citizens registered as new voters.

'At the end of the registration exercise, the Commission earmarked a period of one week (26th July to 1st August) to display the list of new registrants in all the Wards for claims and objections by citizens in the spirit of Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.

'Furthermore, the Commission scrutinised the list using the *Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS)* to detect invalid registrations. At the end of the process, *27,817* records were found to be double or multiple registrations and removed from the list.

'Consequently, the figure for new registrants now stands at *140,370* while valid applications for transfer into the State is *5,983*, making a total of 146,353 new voters

Prior to the recent voter registration, Anambra State had 2,656,437 registered voters. With the new registrants, the voters roll for the state now stands at 2,802,790.

'The distribution of new voters by Local Government Area is uploaded to our website and other official platforms for public information.

'We wish to assure new voters in Anambra State as well as those who applied for transfer or replacement of their lost or damaged Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) that their cards will be ready for collection well ahead of the Governorship Election holding in the next 63 days on Satruday 8th November 2025.

Umunze Progressives Union Awka Branch Visits Idemili North Mayor, Describes Him As Worthy In-law, Presents Protrait

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The inimitable Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Stanley Nkwoka, KSJI (Ochendo) recently received the executive members of Umunze Progressives Union (UPU) ,Awka Branch who called on him in his office at the Council's Headquarters, Ogidi.

Speaking on the essence of the visit, the President of Umunze Progressive Union (UPU), Awka Branch, Mr. Ikechukwu Aniebo noted that they came to felicitate with their in-law for emerging as the number one citizen of the most populous and densely populated Council Area in Southeastern Nigeria and also to commend and appreciate him for making them proud as well as for bringing about government closer to the people of Idemili North.

Mr. Aniebo, who was accompanied by other executive members of the branch, said that from what they have gathered from the residents of Idemili North, the Mayor is doing marvellously well, even as they urged him to sustain the tempo.

'We are here to identify with our In-law and also to encourage him to continue with his good works and not to relent at all. We are proud of him. He is a worthy in-law. Our sister and ndi Idemili North are in the safe hands. We are happy to have him as our son-in-law,' Aniebo concluded.

The group, while extolling the Mayor, thanked him for the warm reception given to them and also presented a portrait to him as a mark of honour and appreciation.

Receiving his In-laws, the People's Mayor expressed delight with their visit, saying that the visit and honour done him would motivate and encourage him to continue to render undiluted service to the residents of Idemili North.

UIUN NEC Immortalizes Late PG, Chief Sly Onyima, Names Umuoji Township Stadium After Him

....Gesture Greeted With Massive Commendations


By Hon. Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Umuoji Improvement Union of Nigeria (UIUN) on Saturday, 30th August 2025, during the Special Assembly meeting of the Union named the popular Umuoji Township Stadium after the late President General, Chief (Sir) Sly Onyima (Ichie Ogidi).

Making the pronouncement at the floor of the Civic Centre, the President General of Umuoji, Chief (Sir) Ifeanyi Muoemenam (Ichie Chinechendo) said the hitherto known as Umuoji Township Stadium would now be called Chief Sly Onyima Memorial Stadium, Umuoji, stating that the gesture was to preserve his legacy.

According to Chief Muoemenam, 'It has been over eighteen months since our devoted President General, Chief Sly Onyima (Ichie Ogidi), was brutally murdered on February 23, 2024. His passing remains a deep wound in our hearts. Chief Onyima was a man of vision and service. His mission was to honour God and uplift the community. Passionate, courageous, and focused, he pursued development with unshakeable determination. Elected in 2020, he achieved in one year what had not been done since 1926. He built the Civic Centre in just ten months, added a whole lot to the already developed OkoduUltra Modern Market, rebuilt the burnt post office, and initiated the Umuoji Township project.

'To preserve his legacy, the NEC has resolved to name the Stadium Chief Sly Onyima Memorial Stadium, Umuoji. We seek this Assembly's affirmation of that honour,' the President General concluded.

Affirming the NEC's decision, which was greeted with a thunderous applause from all those present at the meeting, the Regent of Umuoji, High Chief Dr. C. O. Nnedu (Ichie Eze Odezuluigbo) described it as thoughtful, laudable, and befitting.

Presidents and representatives of the branches, as well as other well-meaning Umuojians, took turns to eulogized the UIUN leadership, describing the move as apt and timely.

Responding on behalf of Onyima's family, the former President General of Umuoji, High Chief Festus Onyima (Ikemba Umuoji) thanked UIUN NEC for taking what he described as a bold and courageous step towards immortalizing the late icon, saying that the act served as a soothing relief to their souls

On Igweship Tussle, the President General, Chief (Sir) Ifeanyi Muoemenam (Ichie Chinechendo) explained that on the 25, 2025, Hon. Justice Chudi Nwankwo of Ogidi High Court (I) ruled that the town union must conduct a fresh run-off election for a new Igwe within 28 days and that they (UIUN leadership) promptly notified the authorities and paid the required 100,000 Naira levy to secure a date.

He, however, said that on the 8th of August 2025, the UIUN leadership received a notice of appeal and motion for stay of execution, saying that given the short time frame, they sought legal advice from the Attorney General and the Commissioner for Local Government, Town Union and Chieftaincy Matters and they both advised them in writing to suspend the process until the motion is heard, emphasizing that the process had been halted until further notice.

On the issue of branch and village elections, the President General stated that the NEC received what he described as troubling reports of some branches and villages conducting elections without notifying the NEC , as required by Article 21(L) of the Constitution, describing their actions as unconstitutional and invalid.

'The NEC will not permit any group to undermine our guilding documents. Those concerned should take immediate steps to rectify this by contacting the Secretariat. The purported elections stand null and void until properly regularized,' Chief Muoemenam, popularly known as Buluegwu, admonished.

SWM Coordinator, Akunna Mobilizes Umuoji Women for Soludo’s Re-election

... Preaches Solution Message, Plans Mega Rally


By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

As the November 8th governorship election in Anambra State draws nearer, the State Coordinator of Soludo Women Movement (SWM), Dr. Mrs Ngozi Ezeanya Akunna has taken it upon herself to mobilize and preach the Solution's message to all the women from the twenty-three villages that made up Umuoji who own voter's cards and ready to cast their votes on election day.

Dr. Ezeanya Akunna who recently at Umuazu Village Hall, hosted over 160 women representing the 23 villages in Umuoji to an interactive meeting stated that the Governor had done well in all facets of the state’s economy, especially on infrastructure, road construction, refurbishing and building of brand new Government house, Governor’s Lodge, general hospitals, bridges, modern motor parks, employment of teachers, health workers, youths empowerment, among others.

Interfacing with the representatives of the villages during the meeting, the State Coordinator of Soludo Women Movement (SWM) noted that they were out to strategize on how best to capture and deliver the entire community for Governor Chukwuma Soludo (Olu atu egwu) whom she described as a selfless and strong-willed leader, saying that she is here to contribute her quota towards ensuring that all the women in Umuoji vote massively for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) come November 8th 2025, emphasizing that Governor Soludo deserved to be returned for the second tenure in office.

According to her, she had before now embarked on door to door mobilization movement where she canvassed support for the Governor and also to ensure that no woman in Umuoji would be left out or found missing on election day, adding that her aim was to have everyone preach the Solution's message and be ready to vote for continuity.

Dr. Ngozi Ezeanya Akunna, while addressing the women's representatives, announced that she had met with virtually all the APGA Umuoji Ward stakeholders and informed them of her plans to organize a town hall meeting with all the women in Umuoji who are eligible voters who owned voter's cards and ready to cast their votes on the 8th of November 2025.

'I am preparing to have a mega rally with over 1000 eligible women voters in Umuoji before the Nov 8 election. We will use it to lap up the campaign for Soludo’s second tenure in the office. We want all the voters in Umuoji to vote for Soludo. We have been meeting, and we even met again on Monday, 1st September 2025,' she concluded.

The State Coordinator of Soludo Women Movement (SWM) was accompanied to the meeting by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Women's leader, Lady Chigozie Adibe.

RoW Waiver: The Hidden Backbone of Anambra's Digital Revolution - Anambra State ICT Agency MD/CEO - Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA

By Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA

Across Nigeria, one of the biggest hurdles to broadband expansion has been the prohibitive cost of Right of Way charges: the fees telecom operators must pay to lay fibre-optic cables across state-owned land, which drastically slows down digital infrastructure rollout.

In 2022, one of the earliest and boldest steps taken by Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, was the removal of the Right of Way (RoW) charges for laying broadband fibre across Anambra State.

At the time, it may have seemed like a quiet policy move, but in reality, it laid the foundation for the state’s ongoing digital transformation journey.

The logic behind this move is simple but powerful. By waiving RoW charges, the administration sent a clear message to telecom operators, broadband providers, and investors: Anambra is open for digital business.

This single decision has paved the way for fibre-to-home deployment, the expansion of 5G infrastructure, and faster, more reliable internet across communities, ultimately boosting the ease of doing business.

Perhaps one of the most visible testaments to this visionary policy is the ongoing roll-out of the “Solution Free Wi-Fi” initiative, which is democratizing internet access for students, traders, civil servants, and everyday citizens, alongside the digitization of government processes that are making service delivery faster and more transparent.

Anambra is reaping the dividends of a forward-thinking approach.

What seemed impossible a few years ago is now a lived reality: Teachers are being equipped with digital tools, enhancing lesson delivery and preparing students for a technology-driven future.

Civil servants now work with smarter systems, making the civil service more efficient, transparent, and responsive to citizens, while young innovators are finding an enabling environment to create solutions and businesses that improve lives and shape the future.

What began as a policy shift has cascaded into practical, people-centred benefits that are redefining how Anambra learns, works, and governs.

This backbone is also unlocking new opportunities in telemedicine, e-learning, smart agriculture, and more. In short, the Soludo-led administration’s decision aligns perfectly with the governor’s vision of building a liveable and prosperous megacity, anchored on technology.

More notably, Anambra’s forward-thinking move aligns it with both national and global best practices. In Nigeria, states like Lagos, Ekiti and Kaduna that reduced or eliminated RoW fees saw significant surges in broadband penetration and digital services. Internationally, countries like Kenya and Rwanda demonstrate how lowering barriers for telecom operators fuels widespread connectivity, attracts investment, and spurs innovation.

Anambra’s decision places it firmly within this league of forward-looking regions, positioning the state as not just a beneficiary of technology but a driver of digital growth in Nigeria.

This is not just about cables in the ground, it’s about creating an ecosystem where technology thrives and opportunities multiply.

Anambra is proving that the future truly belongs to states that embrace technology not as a slogan, but as a strategy.

The state’s journey toward becoming a digital hub in Nigeria is still unfolding, but the foundation has been laid, strong and unshakable, by a single, daring choice.

COPRECEON Honours NOCEN Provost With Best Provost (State), South East Colleges of Education Award


Dedicates It To Governor Soludo, Governing Council, Management, Staff, Students of NOCEN

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The Provost of Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu has been honoured with the prestigious Best Provost (State), South East Colleges of Education Award by the Association of Public Relations Officers.

According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NOCEN, Benny Egbunonu mnipr, the award presentation took place on Monday, 1st of September 2025, at the Ukeje Hall NCCE, Abuja during the COPRECEON 28th Anniversary.

The organisers said the recognition celebrated Dr. Anyadiegwu’s visionary leadership, her commitment to educational innovation, and her role in driving the ongoing digital, administrative, and structural transformation at NOCEN.

In her acceptance speech, the Provost dedicated the award to the Executive Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, whom she said his bold and transformative policies, visionary thinking, deep passion, and commitment to education had continued to shape reforms in the College.

She further dedicated the award to the Governing Council, Management, staff, and students of NOCEN, describing them as the true backbone of the College’s successes.

“This award is not about me, but about us all,” Dr. Anyadiegwu remarked. “From the Governor’s vision to the management’s support, from the staff’s dedication to the resilience of our students, this recognition belongs to the NOCEN family.”

The award underscores NOCEN’s growing reputation as a center of excellence in teacher education, innovation, and digital transformation in the South East.

Other recepients are the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Colleges of Education, Prof Paulinus Okwelle ( Excellent Leadership Award); Prof Josephine Anene Okeakwa (Best Provost, South South); Dr Sule Mandi, Provost, College of Education, Zuba ( Best Provost, North Central) among others.

Anambra 2025: Ukachukwu Vows to Take Ndi Anambra to Long Expected Promise land

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The Anambra State Governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for the fast approaching November 8, 2025 election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, (Ikukuoma) has vowed to take the state and her citizens to the long expected promise land

This was contained in a release signed by Chuks Collins and made available to Newsmen in Awka

Addressing journalists at an enlarged interactive session at the weekend in Awka, Ukachukwu disclosed that his main desire was to lift the State from the present atmosphere of uncertainty and despair to a surefooted secure, peaceful and prosperous environment.

He noted with sadness that despite all the high hopes and great expectations what the people had lived with in the last four years was a brutish life of barefaced insecurity, leadership/governmental insincerity, disappointment and failure.

More so, multiple layers of armed brigands under various guises christened ASTA, Aka-odo, tax masters, etc have continued to plague the people's sanity and peace.

That it has been such that no one is sure to return home with his or her limbs, cash and life any day in today's Anambra State.

The APC flagbearer therefore promised to save the situation , save the people and restore the lost glory of the state by tackling insecurity, revitalizing all sectors of the economy, and accelerate the development of all communities especially along the lines of their comparative advantages.

Ukachukwu, the man popularly called Ikukuoma (Wind of Glory) pointed out that currently Anambra is not working, hence urgently needs a transformative leadership with agenda premised on all-inclusive security network, infrastructural development and general/massive sectoral economic growth.

Anchoring hopes on the belief that no society makes any progress in the face of insecurity, Ukachukwu declared, "when elected, I will restore security and the confidence that Anambra was once known for within the first ninety days.
"I will attract our youths back home through industrial development and sustainable job creation and provision. I will fight criminalities, social vices, restiveness and insecurity with jobs provision"

“As insecurity has become the greatest threat to our State's development and progress, such that our people are no longer returning home, and investors are scared to do business here, Companies are not springing up because of fear and fear kills enterprise", we are coming very prepared", Ukachukwu stated.

He further outlined his key priorities, including reliable electricity, agricultural transformation, and infrastructure renewal.

Ukachukwu revealed plans to harness the state’s natural gas deposits so as to drive power generation, describing electricity as the “engineroom of economic development.”

“Electricity is central to any meaningful economic transformation, will tap into our gas reserves to generate power, but with a people-first approach.

"The energy infrastructure will be owned by the people, not by government monopolies. We want the people to take ownership , economically and psychologically,” he added.

Ukachukwu equally promised a comprehensive upgrade of the health system, pledging to establish a health centre in every community and a general hospital in each local government are where highly qualified medical personnel would be engaged to ensure effective healthcare delivery across the state.

Speaking further, Ikukuoma noted that “Healthcare is not a luxury; it’s a right. We must stop treating it like a privilege for the few. Under my administration, every citizen will have access to basic and specialized healthcare,” he said.

He promised not to disappoint the people of when entrusted with the mandate, vowing to restore the dignity of the state as the “Light of the Nation.”

“I have invested heavily in Anambra because I believe in this state. I plan to retire in my village. My commitment is personal. Investors are staying away because things are not working ,but when we fix the system, companies will come, and our youths will be employed again.”he stated.

Idemili North Mayor's Wife Congratulates Governor Soludo’s Wife On Her First Lady of the Year Award


By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu


The wife of the Mayor of Idemili North local government area, Lady Ebere Nkwoka (Ugosimba), has celebrated the wife of the Governor of the state, Dr. Nonye Soludo (Mmiliguruegu), on her recent First Lady of the Year Award recognition.

Lady Nkwoka, who spoke to journalists at the Council's Headquarters Ogidi over the weekend, described Mrs. Soludo as an epitome of greatness, humility, simplicity, and a beacon of hope, whose contributions to the development of the state are unquantifiable.

While extolling the qualities of Dr. Nonye Soludo for her pet project tagged, ‘HealthyLivingWithNonye Soludo, Lady Nkwoka said the dream and vision of the pet project are channelled towards ndi Anambra, especially the women across the 21 local government areas of the state, pointing out that it is worth emulating.

According to her, 'I, on behalf of my husband, family, the government, and the good people of Idemili North local government, hereby congratulate our dear mother, Dr. Nonye Soludo. We wish you a hearty congratulations on your well-deserved award.

“It is our prayer that as you celebrate your uncommon award may the good Lord in His infinite mercy continue to bless, protect and keep you for us with sound health and grant you more wisdom to handle the enormous tasks towards the people of Anambra State as a mother for all.

“Dr. Nonye Soludo has, for the three years and half shown to the people of Anambra State, her immense support given to our daddy and leader, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, in his desire to make Anambra a great state for all. We are solidly behind the Anambra State number one family,' Lady Nkwoka assured.