₦airaland Forum

By Ikenna Nwokedi


The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Anambra State Command on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 paid a courtesy visit to Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi.

In his remarks during the visit held at the VC's Conference Room, The State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Daniel Onyishi congratulated Prof. Arinze-Umobi on her re-appointment as the acting Vice-Chancellor stating that her administrative prowess and expertise informed the decision of the Governing Council.

Mr. Onyishi emphasized the need for continued partnership between the command and the ivory tower in a bid to stem the tide of illicit drug use among the youths in the university and surrounding environment. The Anambra State Commander of the NDLEA emphasized that there is need for a mandatory drug tests as one of the criteria for gaining admission into the University which is already a practice adopted by some tertiary institutions in the land.

Mr. Onyishi also informed that the Anambra chapter of the command is leaving no stones untouched as they prepare to commemorate the World Drug Day scheduled for June 26th, 2025.

In her reaction, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Arinze-Umobi, while welcoming the NDLEA team, commended their efforts in tackling the menace of drug abuse, checkmating the movement of illicit drug as well as rehabilitating individuals who are victims of illicit drug use.

Prof. Arinze-Umobi disclosed that under her watch, she intends to set up a Directorate of Drug Control and Isolation centre hopefully before the end of her tenure. The acting VC assured the NDLEA of the university's support through the institution's WADA club, acknowledging the importance of collaboration in addressing drug-related issues.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of UNIZIK WADA Club, Dr. Alexander Orji informed that the University before now has collaborated with the NDLEA Anambra State Command and the courtesy visit by the NDLEA team is to harmonize the already existing relation by streamlining the partnership and strengthening the collaboration.

Also present during the courtesy visit from the NDLEA team were DCN Chukwunyare Nwanenanya (Deputy State Commander); ACN Christopher Adabo (Assistant State Commander) ACN Fidelis Erhi (Assistant State Commander, O&T); ACN Mannan Umar Kombani (Area Commander, Awka); ACN Auta Dissa Tanko (Area Commander, Fegge); Oraedu Catherine Ojiugo (PSO Admin); ACN Barbar Ebeleakpo (Area Commander, Nnewi); Priscilla Onyema (PSO Admin) and Anosike Chibuike Anosike (ASN II).

Also part of the delegation during the courtesy visit from UNIZIK were Mrs Urenna Okamgba, Secretary of UNIZIK NDLEA Committee; Dr. Alexander Orji, Chairman UNIZIK WADA Club; Prof. Michael Ezenwa, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and member of the UNIZIK NDLEA Committee and Engr. Dr. Ikenna Nwokedi, member, UNIZIK NDLEA Committee.

By Ikenna Nwokedi


The Committee on Obi Alfred Achebe Annual Public Lecture on Monday, 2nd June, 2025 paid a courtesy visit to UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi.

The Committee led by its Chairman, Prof. Godwin Onu, mni, disclosed that the visit was to inundate the Acting Vice-Chancellor on the committee's preparations for the second edition of the lecture scheduled to hold on 10th September, 2025 after a closed-door meeting with the benefactor, His Royal Majesty, Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe.

Prof. Onu informed that the President-General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo will chair this year's lecture with the theme agreed upon as, "The Igbos, Igboness and the Connects". The former Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko also disclosed that Prof. Ihechukwu Maduike has been nominated as the Guest Lecturer and a final decision will be taken in no distant time. Prof. Onu also stated that part of the essence of the visit is to solicit for support from the University management in form of funding so as to have a successful programme.

Responding, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi described the Obi Achebe Public Lecture Series project as one that is welcomed by her administration and the entire university community. Prof. Arinze-Umobi while commending the Committee for a great job done with the success story recorded in the maiden edition expressed her delight that the lecture will now be an annual programme of the University.

The acting VC assured the committee of the support of the University management in ensuring that the 2025 edition of the annual lecture will be a success and surpass the achievements recorded in the inaugural edition.

In a vote thanks, a member of the committee and Chairman of Publicity Sub-Committee, Prof. Jaja Nwanegbo stated that the committee is leaving no stones untouched towards ensuring that the lecture series is a success. Prof. Nwanegbo while eulogizing the acting Vice-Chancellor for her support assured that the committee will work towards a memorable and successful lecture come September 2025.

Also present during the courtesy visit is the Secretary of the Committee, Mrs Urenna Okamgba, others are Prof. Greg Obiamalu, Asso. Prof. Chidozie Obiorah, Dr. Ignatius Ngini, Dr. Ikenna Nwokedi and Dr. Chinedu Mbalisi.

By Ikenna Nwokedi


The Committee on Obi Alfred Achebe Annual Public Lecture on Monday, 2nd June, 2025 paid a courtesy visit to UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi.

The Committee led by its Chairman, Prof. Godwin Onu, mni, disclosed that the visit was to inundate the Acting Vice-Chancellor on the committee's preparations for the second edition of the lecture scheduled to hold on 10th September, 2025 after a closed-door meeting with the benefactor, His Royal Majesty, Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe.

Prof. Onu informed that the President-General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo will chair this year's lecture with the theme agreed upon as, "The Igbos, Igboness and the Connects". The former Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko also disclosed that Prof. Ihechukwu Maduike has been nominated as the Guest Lecturer and a final decision will be taken in no distant time. Prof. Onu also stated that part of the essence of the visit is to solicit for support from the University management in form of funding so as to have a successful programme.

Responding, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi described the Obi Achebe Public Lecture Series project as one that is welcomed by her administration and the entire university community. Prof. Arinze-Umobi while commending the Committee for a great job done with the success story recorded in the maiden edition expressed her delight that the lecture will now be an annual programme of the University.

The acting VC assured the committee of the support of the University management in ensuring that the 2025 edition of the annual lecture will be a success and surpass the achievements recorded in the inaugural edition.

In a vote thanks, a member of the committee and Chairman of Publicity Sub-Committee, Prof. Jaja Nwanegbo stated that the committee is leaving no stones untouched towards ensuring that the lecture series is a success. Prof. Nwanegbo while eulogizing the acting Vice-Chancellor for her support assured that the committee will work towards a memorable and successful lecture come September 2025.

Also present during the courtesy visit is the Secretary of the Committee, Mrs Urenna Okamgba, others are Prof. Greg Nwakobi, Prof. Chidozie Okafor, Dr. Ignatius Ngini, Dr. Ikenna Nwokedi and Dr. Chinedu Mbalisi.

By Ikenna Nwokedi


Evergreen All Stars FC of Awka on Sunday, 1st June, 2025 stunned defending Champions, Metu Memorial Old Boys All Stars FC beating them by a lone goal in the opening fixture of the 2025 Festdrine/ANSFA Anambra All Stars Football Competition.

The only goal of the match came in the 30th minute through the boots of Obinna Okeredo's intelligent finish in an interesting encounter played at the Awka City Stadium.

In his opening remarks, the sponsor and MD/CEO of MANFES Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Ltd, Chief Festus Udungwu stated that the essence of the football competition is to unite Ndi Anambra through football especially ex-internationals and other individuals who played the round leather game during their prime moments.

Chief Udungwu assured that the competition has come to stay as it will be an annual football programme of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) and in subsequent editions will be much bigger. The MANFES Pharmaceuticals CEO pointed out that the Government cannot do it all as they also require the support of well meaning Ndi Anambra towards utilizing sports engagements as a platform for unity, social integration and job creation. He also thanked the Government of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for providing an enabling environment for sports to thrive in the state.

On his part, the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Emeka Orji eulogized the benefactor for putting up the competition which he described as key to social integration and unity. Hon. Orji emphasized that football is the only unifying factor in the land and all efforts must be made to keep the game on in accordance with the rules and regulations guiding it. The Mayor of Onitsha South LGA charged the participating clubs to ensure they play according to the rules of the game.

Also speaking, the Chairman of ANSFA, Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi assured that the football house is poised to deliver a hitch free and successful competition that will eclipse the record of the previous editions. Chief Iloenyosi who was represented by an ANSFA Board member, Mrs Cordelia Akanna stated that the MOC are leaving no stones untouched in ensuring a successful competition.

Others who expressed their views during the competition opener were Barr. Chijioke Ezenwanwe and Hon. Barr. Nonso Nwaebili among others.

The opening ceremony also featured march past by the twenty-seven participating All Stars Football Clubs and a ceremonial kickoff by the sponsor.

By Ikenna Nwokedi


Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) has eulogized Nigeria's Senior National Team, the Super Eagles for emerging champions of the just concluded Unity Cup competition in London.

The Super Eagles on Friday, 31st May, 2025 at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, London defeated the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time to emerge champions of the 2025 Unity Cup.

The ANSFA boss who is part of the contingent to London for the cup competition commended the Super Eagles players and technical crew led by Eric Chelle for their dedication, passion and commitment towards putting a smile back on the faces of soccer loving Nigerians.

The BOT Chairman of all Nigeria Football Players Union in a chat with sports journalists online from the Eagles' base stated that the win will serve as a catalyst in strengthening the team's belief in her push towards ensuring that Nigeria's flag is hoisted among the nations that will feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Chief Iloenyosi fondly known as the 'D General' averred that the trophy which is the first for the Eagles under Eric Chelle in four months of being in charge of the team is refreshing and reassuring.

The ANSFA supremo also commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mallam Ibrahim Musa Gusau for his dedication, commitment and drive in accelerating and taking Nigeria football to the next level with his visionary leadership style describing him as a happy man in the aftermath of the Eagles' heroics.

The top football administrator in the land further disclosed that the team has also shifted its focus towards the International Friendly clash against Russia.

Chief Iloenyosi said: "I congratulate the Super Eagles for emerging as the Champions of the 2025 Unity Cup after beating Jamaica in the finals of the competition played on Friday at the Gtech Community Stadium Brentford, London. This is a big moment for the team under Coach Eric Chelle just four months of being charge of the Super Eagles.

"I won't fail to commend the NFF President, Mallam Ibrahim Musa Gusau for his dedication, passion, commitment and drive geared towards accelerating Nigeria football to the next level with his visionary leadership style. The NFF boss I must tell you is happy with this positive development in our football.

"This victory is remarkable and will instill the belief and confidence in our quest of ensuring that our own Super Eagles feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the moment, the team has shifted its focus now in preparation for the international friendly against Russia as we want to win that game and maintain the spirit and momentum in this team," Iloenyosi said.

Chief Iloenyosi called on Nigeria football fans to pray for the team as well as support Coach Eric Chelle in his effort and quest to build a solid team that can put smiles on the faces of soccer loving Nigerians by winning trophies. He also assured Coach Chelle and his crew of the total support of the players union towards the progress of the team under his watch.

Chief Iloenyosi went further to commend the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for his good works in the state via bringing the dividend of democracy as can be seen with his immense support towards football development and sports growth in general in the state.

The ANSFA boss assured that his administration is committed towards taking Anambra football to the next level with his innovative and capacity building football programmes and activities.

By Ikenna Nwokedi


Football Stakeholders comprising coaches, managers and administrators have described the two-day Sports Performance Analysis workshop as very educative, informative, enriching and innovative.

The football stakeholders made the remarks on Thursday, 29th May, 2025 at the New Orleans Royale Hotel, Udoka Housing Estate Awka, venue of the two-day sports performance analysis workshop organized by the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) in collaboration with Binary Sports Tech and Anambra State Football Coaches Association (ANSFOCA).

The two-day workshop had over sixty (60) participants in attendance comprising professional football coaches and administrators in the state with two prominent football resource persons such as Dr. Isah Ladan Bosso, President of Nigeria Football Coaches Association and Mr. Idris Okeke, Founder of Binary Sports and Expert in sports performance analysis.

Speaking to Sports Journalists, Comrade Raphael Okafor, Proprietor of Uncle Ralph FC described the two-day workshop as unique and informative as it has imbued him with knowledge on recent trends in football coaching and methodologies geared towards building a strong and competitive football side.

The Team Manager of De Wilson FC, Adolphus Ekeke disclosed that the workshop has enriched him with football tactics and models that are unique and dynamic as football has gone scientific. Ekeke promised to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop in helping his team achieve greater heights.

Also speaking, the Sporting Director of Blacksmithers FC of Awka, Kingsley Mmotoh described the two-day workshop as enriching and insightful as it unraveled the mystery behind the success stories of top European clubs and the model they apply in winning games. He affirmed that he is now better equipped to deliver the dividends of the knowledge acquired from the workshop in ensuring his team migrates to the next level.

On his part, the former Coach of Onuorah FC based in Idah, Kogi State, Coach Anthony Chinwuba stated that the workshop has equipped him with the essence of data collection and application in football analysis. The football manager promised to apply the knowledge gained in the management of a professional football club.

Re-echoing the views of Coach Chinwuba, the Technical Director of Dynamic Sports Academy of Aguluzigbo, Coach Donatus Ezeokafor informed that the workshop will go a long way in elevating the status of Anambra football coaches and administrators. He eulogized ANSFA and ANSFOCA for the drive and innovation in bringing the workshop to the state.

In a vote of thanks during the concluding stages of the workshop, ANSFOCA Chairman, Evang. Obi Moneke stated that the workshop has opened up a new vista of knowledge about football analysis and match reading in line with global trends. Moneke disclosed that the workshop is the first stage in the series as the programme will be continuous aimed at empowering Anambra football coaches to enhance and enrich their knowledge base in football coaching and management.

The ANSFOCA Chairman thanked the participants for their turn out and comportment during the two days programme. He eulogized Mr. Idris Okeke for his teachings and insights into the game while also acknowledging the Chairman of ANSFA for giving the nod for the programme.

The two-day workshop concluded with an award of certificates of participation on performance analysis to participants as well as photo sessions.