₦airaland Forum

By Emeka Chiaghanam


From the pulpit to public service, a servant leader steps forward with a bold vision


Answering a Higher Call to Serve
Rev’d Canon Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue Agulefo has stepped into the political arena with a calm confidence and a clear sense of purpose, declaring his intention to contest for the Anambra Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections under the Labour Party.

For many who know him, this move feels less like a career shift and more like a natural extension of a life already devoted to service. From years in ministry to active engagement in community issues, his journey has been shaped by a desire to uplift people and speak for those often unheard.
Now, he is taking that calling beyond the pulpit, into the Senate.


A District That Deserves More
Anambra Central Senatorial District, made up of Awka North, Awka South, Njikoka, Anaocha, Idemili North, Idemili South and Dunukofia, stands as a vibrant and important part of the state.

It is a region rich in talent, enterprise and culture. Yet, like many parts of the country, it faces real and pressing challenges, from youth unemployment and poor infrastructure to gaps in healthcare and education.

Many residents believe that, despite its importance, the district lacks a strong and consistent voice at the national level.
Rev’d Canon Agulefo agrees. He says now is the time for representation that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the people.


A Vision Rooted in People and Purpose
At the heart of his aspiration is a simple but meaningful promise, to be a voice for the voiceless, a defender of justice and a leader who connects people to real opportunities.

His plans are practical and people-focused
He aims to empower young people through skills development, job creation and support for small businesses. He believes that with the right support, the youth of Anambra Central can drive innovation and economic growth.

Improving infrastructure is also high on his agenda. He wants to push for better federal roads, more reliable electricity, clean water and stronger digital access, all seen as key to unlocking the district’s full potential.


Building a Better Future Together
Rev’d Canon Agulefo is equally passionate about education and healthcare, stressing that every child and every family deserves access to quality services.
He also highlights agriculture, commerce and industrial growth as important pathways to reducing poverty and strengthening local economies.

On security, he calls for cooperation between government agencies and community leaders to ensure peace and stability across the district.
Transparency and accountability, he says, will guide every step of his legislative work.


A Different Kind of Leadership
What makes his candidacy stand out is his approach.
Rev’d Canon Agulefo does not present himself as a typical politician. Instead, he describes his mission as one of servant leadership, driven by faith, guided by integrity and focused on people.

He believes politics should be about solving problems, not creating divisions, and about building unity rather than deepening differences.
As he steps forward, his message is clear: leadership should be about service, impact and hope.
For many in Anambra Central, his emergence signals something different; a fresh voice, ready to listen, ready to act, and ready to lead.

By Emeka Chiaghanam


Global Surveyors Day: Anambra Professionals Call for Support, Action and an End to Quackery

Experts highlight the vital role of surveying in development and warn of growing threats to the profession

A Day to Celebrate Those Who Shape the Land

The Nigeria Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Anambra State chapter, has marked this year’s Global Surveyors Day with a call for greater government support, stronger regulation, and renewed public awareness of the crucial role surveyors play in development.

The celebration began with a morning awareness walk from Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka to the association's headquarters in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area. The colourful march drew attention to surveyors as the professionals who “measure, map and shape the world with precision,” laying the foundation for smarter land decisions, safer development and stronger communities.


Surveying at the Heart of Civil Development
Speaking during the event, Surv. Gabby Okeke, Fellow and Chairman of the NIS Anambra chapter, said surveyors across the world were celebrating a profession that remains the bedrock of physical and infrastructural development.

He noted that surveying in Nigeria is rapidly going digital, citing the call station at the NIS state headquarters in Awka, which currently supports precise location work across the Awka–Onitsha axis.

According to him, two additional call stations are urgently needed to cover the Ekwulobia and Ihiala zones. But installing these digital hubs is costly, and the state branch needs the support of the Anambra State Government to complete full coverage.

Okeke also raised concerns about security challenges which, although improving, still pose serious risks to surveyors who spend most of their working hours on the field. “Our job has become more cumbersome and expensive due to insecurity,” he said.

He further warned the public against patronising quacks who offer quick, cheap services with devastating consequences. “The aftermath of quack work is what people do not want to experience,” he said.


Quackery Fueling Land Disputes
Sir Dr Chukwubueze Onwuzuligbo, National Auditor of the NIS, described quacks as the “bane of the profession,” saying their involvement has worsened land disputes and undermined the integrity of surveying practice in Anambra State.

He urged the state government to strengthen oversight, particularly in maintaining public infrastructure such as the flyovers in Awka. According to him, qualified surveyors in the state are committed to contributing to growth and development, but stronger regulation is needed to keep the profession clean and effective.


Women Surveyors Raise Alarm
For Surv. Mrs Raphael Blessing, a surveyor with the Anambra State Ministry of Lands and Zonal Surveyor for Awka, the level of quackery in the state is “alarming.”

She called on the Surveyor-General, in collaboration with the NIS, to intensify efforts to curb the menace. She noted that in places like Enugu, professional practice is more coordinated, and stressed that the persistent challenges facing surveyors in Anambra are “unbelievable and uncalled for.”


People Do Not Understand Our Role
The Secretary of the Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), Anambra branch, Surv. Vincent Ojiaku, said his experience in the profession has been fulfilling but not without challenges.

He explained that many citizens are unaware of the role surveyors play, leading to hostility during fieldwork. “Sometimes people attack us on site because they think we are working against their interest,” he said.

Ojiaku called on the government to enact laws that protect surveyors on duty. “No meaningful construction takes place without surveyors,” he added, emphasising that the profession underpins every phase of development.


‘Surveying Is Scientific, Not Guesswork’
Renowned Awka-based surveyor, Surv. Somtochukwu Onwuzuligbo, stressed that many individuals posing as surveyors lack the scientific knowledge required for the profession.
“Surveying is far beyond tape measurements,” he said. “Quacks cause problems that lead to disputes and litigations. To end this, there must be continuous sensitisation.”

He noted that in matters of land, a survey is not optional but essential. “Without a survey, your agreement is void because there is no clearly defined location of the land,” he said.


A Celebration With a Purpose
The Anambra Surveyors’ Day celebration served not only as a moment of recognition for professionals who shape the physical environment, but also as a platform to advance conversations around safety, regulation and professional integrity.

For the state’s surveyors, the message was clear: without proper surveying, development is blind, and without tackling quackery, progress remains at risk.

By Emeka Chiaghanam


Soludo’s Second Term Begins: Power, Promise And The Weight Of Expectation in Anambra


A Ceremony of Power and Symbolism
Under the bright Awka sky, with drums, cheers and a sea of political colours, Anambra State stepped into a new chapter as Chukwuma Soludo took the oath of office for a second term.

The setting was the newly refurbished Alex Ekwueme Square, transformed into a grand arena of power, prestige and political theatre. It was more than a ceremony, it was a statement of continuity, confidence and, for many, a test of legacy.

Standing beside him was his deputy, Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, as the Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, administered the oath. Families watched closely. Supporters roared. And in that moment, the symbolism was clear: the Soludo era was not ending, it was entering its most defining phase.

A Gathering of Nigeria’s Political Elite
The crowd told its own story.
From Abuja to Awka, the nation’s political heavyweights arrived, signalling the importance of the moment. Vice President Kashim Shettima led the federal delegation, joined by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

Also present was elder statesman Emeka Anyaoku, alongside governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers and influential voices from across the country.
It was not just attendance, it was endorsement. A recognition that what happens in Anambra increasingly matters beyond its borders.

The Mandate That Changed the Equation
Soludo’s return to office did not come quietly. It came on the back of a commanding electoral victory.

Running on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, he swept all 21 local government areas in the November 2025 governorship election, securing over 422,000 votes, far ahead of his closest rival.
The result was more than a win. It was a political message.
In a region often marked by shifting loyalties and intense competition, such dominance suggested something deeper: public trust, or at least, public expectation.


From First-Term Reformer to Second-Term Builder
If the first term was about disruption and reform, the second, many believe, will be about consolidation.
In his inaugural speech, Soludo spoke with measured confidence, pointing to gains in security and economic activity. He declared an end to the once-disruptive sit-at-home culture, noting that markets, schools and businesses had returned to life.

“The people are back to work,” he said, in a tone that blended relief with resolve.
For a state that has, in recent years, grappled with insecurity and economic uncertainty, that claim carries weight. But it also raises the stakes.
Because restoring normalcy is one thing. Sustaining it is another.


A Strategic Nod to Abuja
In a move that did not go unnoticed, Soludo openly expressed confidence in Bola Tinubu, describing him as a leader capable of confronting Nigeria’s complex challenges.
He praised ongoing federal projects in the South-East, including the Second Niger Bridge and the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, framing them as signs of renewed national attention to the region.

For political watchers, this was more than courtesy. It was strategy.
At a time when regional politics is increasingly tied to federal relationships, Soludo’s tone suggested a deliberate effort to build bridges—political and economic.


The Igbo Question and a Call for Relevance
Beyond governance, the governor struck a deeper chord—one rooted in identity and national inclusion.
He called on the Igbo to engage more actively in national politics, urging the building of alliances that can strengthen the region’s voice in Nigeria’s decision-making structure.

It was a familiar argument, but one delivered at a critical moment.
As Nigeria continues to navigate questions of unity, representation and equity, Soludo’s message reflected a growing sentiment: that political isolation is no longer an option.


Faith, Reflection and the Quiet Moments Before Power
Before the fanfare came reflection.
Days earlier, at the International Convention Centre in Awka, an interdenominational service brought together clerics, political leaders and citizens in prayer.

It was a quieter gathering, but no less significant.
There, away from the noise of politics, Soludo’s first term was symbolically laid to rest, and his second entrusted to faith, hope and expectation.


Endorsements and the “Soludo Solution”
Vice President Shettima captured the mood of many at the ceremony when he described Soludo’s leadership as a demonstration of “elegance and courage.”
He spoke of what he called the “Soludo Solution”—a phrase that has gradually entered the state’s political vocabulary.

But such praise, while powerful, also comes with pressure.
Because in politics, expectations rise as quickly as applause fades.


The Road to 2030: Promise or Pressure?
As the ceremony ended and the crowds began to thin, the real work loomed.
Soludo’s second term, set to run until 2030, is now burdened with both promise and scrutiny. The mandate is strong. The support appears broad. But the challenges remain real, security, infrastructure, economic growth and political balance.
For the people of Anambra, this is more than a continuation. It is a moment of judgment.

Will this second term deepen the gains of the first?
Will it redefine governance in the state?
Or will it struggle under the weight of rising expectations?
For now, one thing is certain.
The drums have faded. The oath has been taken.
And the next chapter of Anambra’s story has begun.

By Emeka Chiaghanam



A Life Larger Than Legend

There are men who follow history, and there are men who quietly shape it.
Rommy Ezeonwuka belongs firmly to the second group.

Known across Anambra State and beyond as Ogirisi Igbo, High Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka is not just a businessman. He is a builder of ideas, a risk-taker, and a man whose life reads like a story too bold to be ordinary.

From trade to tourism, from sports to manufacturing, his fingerprints are found in places many never think to look. Yet, for all his achievements, his story begins simply, with a young man who dared to see opportunities where others saw limits.


At 21, He Built What Others Only Imagined
Most people are still finding their path at 21. But Ezeonwuka was already creating one.
At that age, he built what would become one of Nigeria’s most iconic private leisure and sports centres; Rojenny Tourist Village in Oba, near Onitsha.
The centre was not just ambitious, it was unheard of.

Inside it stood a 30,000-capacity stadium, making it the first privately owned stadium in Nigeria. It also housed a zoo, swimming pools, recreational facilities, and spaces for both leisure and learning.
At a time when government was expected to provide such infrastructure, a young man stepped forward and did it himself.
That boldness would define the rest of his life.


The Journey to Taiwan That Changed Everything
In 1976, just a few years after the Nigerian Civil War, Ezeonwuka made a move that would reshape commerce in southeastern Nigeria.

He travelled to Taiwan, becoming the first Igbo man to do so for trade at the time.
There, he studied and replicated Japanese motorcycle spare parts, bringing the idea back home. It was a simple but powerful innovation.

That decision helped open up a massive spare parts market in Nnewi, which would later grow into one of West Africa’s largest automotive hubs.
Many fortunes were built from that single idea. And behind it was one man willing to travel far, learn fast, and act boldly.


A Man of Many Firsts
Ezeonwuka’s life is often described in one phrase: a man of many firsts.
He introduced fibreglass technology into Nigeria at a time when it was barely known.

He pioneered the local production of bamboo toothpicks, turning a simple everyday item into a business opportunity.
He travelled extensively, reaching nearly 85 percent of the world’s major cities—learning what makes nations grow and industries thrive.
But beyond the “firsts,” what stands out is his mindset: always looking ahead, always asking what more can be done.


Football, Faith and the Golden Eaglets
If business made him successful, football made him unforgettable.
At Rojenny Tourist Village, Ezeonwuka did something few private individuals would consider, he invested deeply in young footballers.

Nigeria’s U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, camped at his facility for over two years. But he did not stop at training grounds.
He gave them education, enrolling them at Christ the King College Onitsha-linked institutions and Merchant of Light Secondary School, ensuring they balanced football with learning.

Under the guidance of coach Fanny Amun, and with talents like Nwankwo Kanu, Celestine Babayaro, and Wilson Oruma, the team went on to win the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan.
Many believe that the discipline, stability and environment provided at Rojenny played a quiet but powerful role in that victory.
It was not just football. It was vision in action.


Building More Than Wealth
Ezeonwuka’s success did not stop at business and sports. He extended it into agriculture, acquiring vast farmland in Anaku and supporting farming initiatives, including partnerships with large-scale investors.
But what truly sets him apart is his belief in development as a complete system.


From his travels, he often speaks about what makes nations succeed:
• Constant electricity
• Strong industries and exports
• Investment in tourism and sports
• Practical education and skill acquisition
• A deep love for country, free from corruption
These are not just ideas to him—they are lessons he has tried to apply in his own way.


The Philosopher Behind the Entrepreneur
Behind the bold businessman is a thinker.
Ezeonwuka has often reflected on the place of values in society, questioning why developing nations struggle despite abundant talent and resources.

He believes progress is not just about money, but about mindset, how people see their country, their work, and their responsibility to one another.
His traditional title, Ogirisi Igbo, is symbolic. In Igbo culture, the Ogirisi tree represents strength, protection and deep roots.
It is a fitting name for a man who has spent decades building, protecting and expanding opportunities for others.


A Legacy Still Unfolding
Today, Ezeonwuka is widely regarded as a living legend, an icon in Anambra State’s industrial, cultural and sporting history.
Yet, his story is not one of loud celebration. It is one of quiet impact.

The stadium still stands.
The businesses he inspired continue to grow.
The footballers he supported became global stars.
And the ideas he introduced still shape conversations about development and enterprise.


More Than a Man, A Movement
In many ways, Rommy Ezeonwuka represents something bigger than himself.
He represents a time when individuals took bold steps to rebuild after hardship.
He represents the spirit of enterprise that defines the Igbo people.
He represents the belief that one person, with vision and courage, can change the direction of many.

In countries where innovation is often celebrated and supported, men like him are studied, funded and elevated.
Here, his story serves as both inspiration and reminder, of what is possible, and what is still waiting to be done.


The Final Word
To meet Rommy Ezeonwuka is to encounter a piece of living history.
Not the loud, dramatic kind, but the steady, determined kind that builds over time.
He is a man who saw the future early.
A man who acted when others hesitated.
A man who built not just for himself, but for generations.
And in a world still searching for real builders, his story remains as relevant as ever.

By Emeka Chiaghanam

Ikenga Takes Centre Stage as Anambra NIPR Honours Police Image-Maker with Lifetime Reputation Award

In a defining moment that underscored the growing importance of strategic communication in security management, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, emerged as a standout figure at the 2026 Summit and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Awka.

The seasoned police spokesperson was conferred with the prestigious Lifetime Reputation Award, a recognition that many observers described as both timely and well-earned, given his consistent role in shaping public perception of policing and security operations in Anambra State.

A Reputation Built on Trust and Strategy
Held at the International Conference Centre, Awka, the high-profile gathering brought together government officials, traditional rulers, communication experts and industry leaders. Yet, it was Ikenga’s recognition that drew particular attention, reflecting the critical intersection between security and public communication.

Over the years, Ikenga has carved a niche as a calm, articulate and responsive voice of the police, especially in a state often confronted with complex security narratives. His approach, marked by timely briefings, fact-based disclosures and active media engagement, has helped counter misinformation while reinforcing public confidence in law enforcement.

Colleagues and stakeholders at the event noted that his work goes beyond routine press statements, extending into reputation management, crisis communication and community engagement—areas increasingly vital in modern policing.

Redefining Police Communication in a Digital Age
The summit, themed “Managing Reputation Capital in the Digital Age: Influence and Integrity Management,” provided a fitting backdrop for Ikenga’s recognition.

In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly across digital platforms, the role of a police spokesperson has evolved into that of a strategic communicator. Ikenga’s ability to navigate this terrain, balancing transparency with operational sensitivity, has positioned him as a model within the Nigeria Police Force.

Security analysts at the event observed that effective policing today is not only about enforcement but also about perception, trust-building and proactive engagement with the public, areas where the Anambra PPRO has excelled.

A Gathering of Influence and Recognition
The event also honoured several distinguished personalities, including the Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Chukwuma Okoye, and leading industrial brands such as Ibeto Seaport and Terminals, alongside notable figures in healthcare, education and business.

Their recognition, organisers said, was based on demonstrated excellence, integrity and the ability to maintain positive reputations in their respective fields, qualities that align closely with Ikenga’s professional trajectory.

Soludo: Reputation as a Pillar of Development
Declaring the summit open, the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, commended the NIPR for advancing conversations around reputation and ethical communication.

He warned against the growing culture of quick wealth among youths, stressing that sustainable progress must be anchored on integrity, discipline and hard work. According to him, reputation capital remains a critical asset for both individuals and institutions.

Observers noted that the governor’s remarks resonated strongly with Ikenga’s recognition, as his work embodies the principles of credibility, consistency and ethical communication in public service.

NIPR Emphasises Integrity in Communication
Earlier, the National President of the institute, Ike Neliaku, reiterated the importance of professionalism and responsible information management in nation-building.

He described reputation capital as one of the most valuable assets in today’s digital landscape, where public trust can be easily eroded or strengthened through communication.

For many participants, Ikenga’s award served as a practical demonstration of these ideals, showing how disciplined messaging and public engagement can shape institutional credibility, even in challenging environments.

Beyond Awards: Inspiring a New Generation
The summit was preceded by an outreach to students and young professionals, featuring lectures, panel discussions and mentorship sessions focused on communication, media practice and reputation management.

For aspiring communicators, Ikenga’s journey offered a compelling case study—one that highlights the power of consistency, professionalism and adaptability in a rapidly changing information ecosystem.

A Symbol of Evolving Security Communication
As the event drew to a close, there was a shared consensus among attendees that the recognition of SP Tochukwu Ikenga signals a broader shift in how security institutions are perceived and evaluated.

In a state where security dynamics often intersect with public sentiment, his role has become pivotal, not just in informing the public, but in shaping narratives, calming tensions and reinforcing trust.

For many, the Lifetime Reputation Award is not merely a celebration of past achievements, but an affirmation of the growing importance of strategic communication in safeguarding both security and societal cohesion.

And in that evolving space, Ikenga’s voice continues to stand out, measured, credible and, above all, trusted.

By Emeka Chiaghanam


High Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, widely known as “Ogilisi Igbo,” has hailed Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a transformational leader, describing his first term as “unprecedented in the history of Anambra State” and urging citizens to unite behind him as he begins his second term.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, on Tuesday, Ezeonwuka said: “With Governor Soludo, the solution continues. Ndi Anambra have spoken with one voice in support of his leadership, and the coming four years will be even better than the last.”

“With Governor Soludo, the solution continues with the development of Anambra State,” Ezeonwuka said. “The message is simple: ndi Anambra have spoken with one voice in support of his leadership. Anambra people need to stand with him as he goes into his second term. We, the stakeholders, wish to take off this second term in a beautiful atmosphere. We firmly believe the coming four years will surpass the previous four years in progress and impact.”

A renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ezeonwuka is also the owner of Rojenny Tourist Village in Oba, Nigeria’s first private stadium. He has long been recognized for his pioneering role in importing Asian goods and for championing the development of football and sports in Nigeria. In the interview, he encouraged the governor to expand his focus by incorporating sports into his administration’s development agenda.

“I urge Governor Soludo to consider adding sports to his five pillars of development,” Ezeonwuka said. “Sports have the power to unify, inspire, and promote talent across the state. With his visionary leadership, I am optimistic that this will be a success and contribute to the holistic growth of Anambra State.”

Reflecting on Soludo’s first term, the prominent industrialist highlighted the significant strides made across multiple sectors. “Governor Soludo has been able to transform Anambra State remarkably in just four years. His policies have strengthened infrastructure, boosted the economy, and positioned the state as a model for good governance. His second term is not just about continuation; it is about reconsolidation of these laudable projects to deliver even greater results for our people,” Ezeonwuka added.

He also expressed optimism that the governor’s achievements would soon gain wider recognition. “It won’t be too long before Nigerians fully appreciate that the solution is here in Anambra. Governor Soludo has proven that competent, visionary leadership can make a real difference, and we are committed to supporting him fully as he continues this journey.”

Ezeonwuka’s endorsement underscores a growing chorus of support from business leaders, industrialists, and civil society stakeholders, who believe that Governor Soludo’s second term will further consolidate Anambra’s development trajectory. His remarks reflect the broader sentiment among residents who view Soludo’s leadership as a turning point in the state’s governance history.

As Anambra enters this new chapter, High Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka’s call for unity and proactive citizen engagement signals confidence in the governor’s ability to sustain progress, strengthen institutions, and deliver on the promise of a brighter future for all residents.

By Emeka Chiaghanam

First Power Electricity Distribution Company Limited has called on residents and electricity consumers in Anambra State to deepen partnership and collaboration, emphasising that a shared sense of responsibility is essential to improving service delivery and enhancing the overall consumer experience.

The call was made during the company’s Annual Customer Engagement Programme themed “Stakeholder Engagement for Customersin Awka/Abagana" held in Awka on Wednesday, where industry stakeholders, consumers and technical experts gathered to discuss the challenges facing electricity supply in the state.

Power Challenges Deepen in Anambra

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstPower, Mr Okechukwu Okafor, acknowledged the growing frustration among customers over erratic electricity supply.

He revealed that between November and December, Anambra experienced a sharp decline in energy supply, receiving only about 45 per cent of its usual allocation. Although there were slight improvements in January and in recent days, the situation, he said, remains unstable.

Mr Okafor attributed the development to broader systemic challenges within Nigeria’s power sector, including generation shortfalls and funding constraints.

A System Under Pressure

Using a relatable analogy, Mr Okafor likened the sector’s struggles to that of a father unable to provide for his family, forced to repeatedly apologise despite his best efforts.

“We understand the pain of our customers because we are also consumers. The truth is that the entire system is under pressure,” he said.

He explained that electricity distribution companies (Discos) occupy a critical position as the sole revenue collectors within the power value chain. According to him, funds collected from customers are used to finance transmission infrastructure, power generation, gas supply and salaries across the sector.

“If there is a breakdown anywhere in this funding chain, the entire system is affected. Without adequate funding, there will be no electricity,” he warned.

Mr Okafor further disclosed that the private sector currently injects about N400 billion monthly to sustain operations, but noted that dwindling revenue and rising operational costs are making such interventions increasingly unsustainable.

Global Pressures, Local Realities

He also highlighted the impact of global events, including rising fuel and gas prices linked to international conflicts, on the cost of electricity generation in Nigeria.

Despite these challenges, Mr Okafor stressed that local issues such as poor customer engagement, non-payment of bills and infrastructure abuse could still be addressed to improve service delivery.

Safety Concerns Over Powerline Violations

Also speaking, the Head of Health, Safety and Environment, Mr Tosin Caleb Fadairo, raised concerns over increasing violations of powerline right of way in Awka.

Presenting a paper titled “Public Safety Awareness Campaign – Focus: Violation of Powerline Right of Way in Awka 2026,” he warned that building or operating within restricted areas around power lines poses significant dangers.

Such violations, he noted, increase the risk of electrical hazards, including shocks and electrocution, and can disrupt power supply.

Mr Fadairo called on residents and developers to adhere strictly to safety regulations and avoid encroaching on designated powerline corridors.

Clampdown on Vandalism and Illegal Activities


In his presentation, the Head of Technical at FirstPower, Engr Okwudili Udechukwu, warned that vandalism and illegal interference with electricity infrastructure remain major threats to efficient power distribution.

He cautioned against allowing unauthorised individuals to tamper with electricity facilities, noting that even trained electricians are not permitted to handle FirstPower installations without proper authorisation.

“Vandalism affects not just the company but the consumers directly. It can lead to outages, financial losses and even fatal accidents such as electrocution,” he said.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around power installations, stressing that the protection of infrastructure is a shared responsibility.

Understanding the Electricity Value Chain

Providing further insight into the sector, the Chief Technical Officer, Dr Emeka Egbujor, spoke on the electricity value chain, clarifying common misconceptions about the role of distribution companies.

He noted that FirstPower is responsible only for distributing electricity transmitted to it, and not for generation or transmission, contrary to public expectations.

According to him, any disruption along the value chain—from generation to transmission—ultimately affects both consumers and distribution companies.

Dr Egbujor therefore called for greater collaboration between the company and consumers, stressing that improved understanding of the system would foster more realistic expectations and stronger cooperation.

Call for Mutual Understanding and Dialogue

Beyond enforcement, FirstPower emphasised the need for improved communication and understanding between the company and its customers.

Mr Okafor encouraged consumers to use engagement platforms to voice concerns and provide constructive feedback, assuring that the company remains open to dialogue.

He also appealed for calm and patience, urging customers to avoid hostility when seeking redress.

“We are committed to improving the situation. What we need is cooperation, understanding and continuous engagement,” he said.

Towards a Better Consumer Experience

The engagement programme, which forms part of FirstPower’s ongoing outreach across communities, aims to strengthen trust and build a more responsive electricity service framework.

Participants were encouraged to see themselves as partners in the sector, with a shared responsibility to ensure sustainability and improved service delivery.

Mr Okafor reiterated that while the challenges in the power sector are significant, progress can be achieved through collective effort.

“Together, through dialogue, respect and cooperation, we can find workable solutions and gradually improve electricity supply for our communities,” he added.

The event ended with renewed calls for vigilance, responsible energy use and sustained collaboration as key steps toward a more reliable power sector in Anambra State.

By Emeka Chiaghanam

Governor pledges continuity as political heavyweights gather in Awka

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has been sworn in for a second term in office, marking the start of another four-year mandate focused on consolidating reforms and advancing development across the state.

The inauguration ceremony, held on Tuesday at the newly renovated Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, drew a wide array of dignitaries from across Nigeria’s political landscape.

Soludo took the oath of office shortly before noon, alongside his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, with the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, administering the oaths of allegiance and office.

The governor was accompanied by his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, family members and close associates as applause erupted from the crowd gathered at the venue.


High-profile attendance underscores political significance
Among those present were Vice President Kashim Shettima, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as elder statesman Emeka Anyaoku.

Traditional institutions were also represented, including the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, highlighting the national and cultural significance of the event.

The presence of these figures, alongside governors and political stakeholders, reflected the broad interest in Soludo’s leadership and his administration’s trajectory.


Soludo outlines priorities for second term
In his inaugural address, Soludo emphasised continuity, pointing to gains recorded during his first term, particularly in security and economic stability.

He said efforts to address insecurity had yielded results, noting that businesses, schools and public institutions had resumed normal operations across the state.

“The debilitating one-sit-at-home is over, and our schools, markets, businesses and public servants are back to work,” he said, adding that Anambra was now among the safest states in Nigeria.

The governor pledged to deepen reforms across key sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare and digital economy, stressing that his administration would focus on delivering measurable outcomes for residents.

“We will not relent. The next phase is about consolidating what we have started and expanding opportunities for our people,” he said.

Soludo also reiterated his administration’s long-term vision of transforming Anambra into a hub for innovation, commerce and human capital development.

He expressed confidence that ongoing policies and strategic initiatives would accelerate economic growth and position the state as one of Nigeria’s most productive regional economies.

Call for national collaboration and regional inclusion
The governor used the occasion to express confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, commending ongoing federal infrastructure projects such as the Enugu-Onitsha expressway and the Second Niger Bridge.

He described the projects as evidence of renewed federal attention to the South-East and called for greater collaboration between the region and the central government.

Soludo also urged the people of the South-East to play a more active role in national politics, emphasising the need to build alliances that would strengthen the region’s voice in decision-making processes.

Ceremonial build-up and public expectations
The swearing-in ceremony followed a series of events that began days earlier, including an interdenominational service held at the International Convention Centre in Awka on Sunday.
The service marked the conclusion of Soludo’s first term and offered prayers for the success of his second tenure.

Vice President Shettima, speaking at the event, praised the governor’s leadership, describing it as a demonstration of “elegance and courage” in governance.

As Soludo begins his second term, expectations remain high among residents and political observers, with many anticipating a consolidation of reforms and accelerated development across the state.

By Emeka Chiaghanam


ASTUC President hails governor’s record as dignitaries gather in Awka


Comrade Ken Okoli, President of the youth wing of the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC Youth), has praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo, describing his leadership as a model Nigeria urgently needs.


Speaking to journalists at the swearing-in ceremony for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s second term, held at Alex Ekwueme Square on Tuesday, Comrade Okoli said the past four years had demonstrated what focused governance could achieve.


The event drew prominent figures, including former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, as well as Vice-President Kashim Shettima, underscoring what Mr Okoli called the “national significance” of the occasion.


“Governor Soludo has, in just four years, redefined governance in Anambra,” Comrade Okoli said. “From infrastructure renewal to youth-focused initiatives, he has shown that transformation is not a slogan but a measurable reality. He is the kind of leader Nigeria needs at this critical time.”


Comrade Okoli, who leads a youth structure spanning 179 communities across the state, framed the governor’s re-election as both an endorsement and a call to action.


“Anambra people must stand firmly with him,” he added. “This second term is not just another tenure; it is a phase of reconsolidation; a time to deepen and sustain the gains already recorded.”


He pointed to ongoing projects and reforms, saying they would require continuity to fully mature. According to him, the administration’s development blueprint had already begun to reposition the state as a reference point for innovation and governance.


“The foundation has been laid,” Comrade Okoli said. “What lies ahead is the consolidation of those laudable projects that will secure long-term prosperity for our people.”


He also suggested that the impact of the governor’s policies would soon resonate beyond state borders.


“It will not be long before Nigerians begin to see clearly that a working solution is here,” he said. “What is happening in Anambra today is a glimpse of what is possible across the country.”


Comrade Okoli concluded by urging young people to remain engaged, describing them as critical stakeholders in sustaining the administration’s vision.

By Emeka Chiaghanam


Soludo Marks End of First Term With Prayer, Promises ‘New Anambra’ Ahead of Second Inauguration

Interdenominational service in Awka sets tone for next four years as governor pledges deeper development and a society built on integrity

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on Sunday gathered religious leaders, political figures and supporters for an interdenominational thanksgiving service marking the end of his first term in office, using the occasion to reaffirm his vision of building what he described as a “new Anambra”.

The service, held at the International Convention Centre in Awka and themed “Leading with Wisdom and Integrity”, came barely two days before the governor is scheduled to be sworn in for a second term on Tuesday, March 17, following his victory in the November 8 governorship election.

Clergy from across Christian denominations attended the event, alongside government officials, lawmakers, party supporters and former governor and ex Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige.

For Soludo, the gathering was both a moment of reflection and a signal of renewed ambition as his administration prepares to begin another four years in office.

A moment of gratitude and reflection
Addressing the congregation, Soludo said his journey in public service had always been rooted in a personal prayer that God would grant him the opportunity to serve the people of his home state.

He described the thanksgiving service as a moment to appreciate divine guidance and the support of the people of Anambra throughout the challenges of his first term.

“I have always prayed to God who has blessed me from my mother’s womb with life and good health to use me to bless my state,” the governor said.

“This is a moment to thank all of you who have contributed advice and stood as pillars of support. We are here to say thank you as we complete this first term.”

Flanked by his wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, the governor also acknowledged the resilience of the people of the state and their role in his re election.

According to him, the outcome of the last governorship poll reflected the collective determination of communities across Anambra to shape their own future.

“It was you who spoke louder at the last governorship election,” he said. “Communities donated money and campaigned for a candidate, and on election day they spoke loudly.”

Vision of a ‘new Anambra’
Looking ahead to his second term, Soludo promised that the next four years would deliver even more visible development across the state.

“In terms of development, you have not seen anything yet,” he told the audience. “In the next four years the results will speak louder.”

The governor said his administration remained committed to transforming Anambra into a liveable and prosperous homeland that could also serve as a destination hub for investment and enterprise.

But he also struck a moral tone, calling on citizens to join in building a society anchored on hard work and lawful conduct.

“We are committed to a new Anambra that is not dominated by oke ites, evil native doctors, ritualists or cultists,” he said.

Instead, he said the state should celebrate enterprise, innovation and legitimate wealth.

Beyond security concerns, Soludo also emphasised inclusiveness in governance, noting that religion and ethnicity should never determine opportunities in the state.

He pointed to the recruitment of more than eight thousand teachers by his administration, saying the process focused solely on merit and value.
“We employed 8,115 teachers without asking where they came from or which church they attend,” he said. “What matters is the value each person brings because ultimately we are all creatures of God.”

Clergy urge wisdom in leadership
Earlier during the service, the Archbishop of the Anglican Communion, Awka Diocese, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim, reflected on the responsibilities and challenges that accompany leadership.

Preaching on the theme of the event, the cleric said effective leadership requires compassion, patience and the ability to listen to the people.

“Leaders must have listening ears and they must be compassionate,” he said.
Ibezim noted that governing a state such as Anambra comes with unique pressures, including managing the expectations of a highly dynamic and economically vibrant population.

“If you ask Governor Chukwuma Soludo today, he will tell you he has his own challenges,” the archbishop said.

“It is not easy to be a governor of a state, especially one like Anambra with its many challenges and large number of successful individuals.”

The sermon also featured contributions from other prominent clerics, including Bishop Francis Wale Oke, National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, who urged political leaders to uphold integrity and seek divine guidance in their decisions.

Prayer as a prelude to a new political chapter
As the service concluded with prayers for the peace and prosperity of Anambra, attention turned to the governor’s second term inauguration scheduled for Tuesday.

For many in attendance, the interdenominational gathering served as a symbolic bridge between one political chapter and another.

Soludo himself framed the moment as a call for collective responsibility.
“Beyond prayers,” he told the congregation, “we need everyone to be active participants in building a new society.”

With the next four years about to begin, the governor’s message was clear.
The journey, he suggested, is far from over.

By Emeka Chiaghanam

Summit Honour Underscores Integrity and Public Confidence
Engineer Sir Kingsley Osita Okonkwo has been honoured with the Lifetime Reputation Award by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Anambra State Chapter, during the institute’s 2026 Annual General Meeting and Summit held in Awka.

The event, which took place at the International Conference Centre in the Anambra State capital, brought together communication professionals, public affairs experts and community leaders to reflect on the theme Managing Reputation in the Digital Age, Influence, Integrity, and Impact.

For Okonkwo, the moment came with deep emotion and visible humility.
Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving the award, he admitted he was still trying to process the recognition.
“I don’t even know what to say,” he said quietly.
“I feel overwhelmed. It has been a great day for me, and I’m honestly overwhelmed.”

Surprise at the honour
The Lifetime Reputation Award is given to individuals recognised for sustained contributions to society and a record of integrity in public and private life.
Yet the recipient himself appeared genuinely surprised by the announcement.
Okonkwo explained that the news of his selection came unexpectedly.
“I was just called and told that I had been picked,” he said.
“They said several people were investigated and selected, and somehow my name came up.”
Even as he stood among well-wishers and photographers at the Awka conference centre, he appeared reflective about the recognition.
“I’m still wondering how they got my name,” he said with a soft smile.
But he also acknowledged that such honours often come from quiet observation rather than public campaigning.
“One thing I have learnt,” he added, “is that whatever you do, always remember that people are watching your back.”

A message about reputation
The theme of the summit focused on the growing importance of reputation in an era shaped by digital media and public scrutiny.
For many attendees, Okonkwo’s remarks seemed to capture that message in simple terms.
Reputation, he suggested, is built gradually through consistent actions.
In communities across Anambra State, where personal conduct and public trust often go hand in hand, such recognition carries particular significance.
Public relations experts attending the summit noted that reputation in today’s digital environment can be shaped quickly, sometimes by a single decision or action shared widely online.
Yet the award presented to Okonkwo reflected something different.
It recognised a long record of conduct observed over time.

Motivation to continue
Asked whether the award would influence his future plans, Okonkwo said it had strengthened his determination to keep working and to contribute even more.
“The motivation is to continue,” he said.
“To continue whatever I am doing and to make sure I do more.”
He repeated the thought carefully, almost as if weighing the responsibility that comes with recognition.
“When people recognise you like this, you remember again that people are watching.”
That awareness, he explained, can be a powerful reminder to remain accountable.

Thinking about legacy
Beyond the honour itself, Okonkwo also reflected on the idea of legacy.
In many families and communities across southeastern Nigeria, legacy is often measured not only by wealth or status but by the example left behind.
For Okonkwo, the award appeared to spark that reflection.
“What legacy are you going to leave for your family?” he asked rhetorically during the interview.
The question lingered in the conversation.
It suggested that recognition such as the Lifetime Reputation Award is not only about past achievements but also about the values passed on to future generations.

Gratitude and commitment
Before leaving the conference venue, Okonkwo returned to a simple message of appreciation.
“I want to say thank you,” he said.
“Thank you for recognising me. Thank you for believing in me and for picking me from the many people considered.”
He also pledged his continued support to the institute and its efforts to promote integrity in public communication.
As guests gradually departed the conference centre in Awka, the tone of the day remained one of reflection.
In a gathering devoted to influence, integrity and impact, the quiet words of the award recipient seemed to capture the spirit of the moment.
Whatever one does, he reminded the audience, people are always watching.

By Emeka Chiaghanam


Onwuteaka sets out priorities ahead of 2027 contest
A security expert and former government adviser, Chief Sam Onwuteaka Jnr, has declared that his ambition to represent Anambra North Senatorial District in the National Assembly in 2027 is driven by a desire to push laws that will benefit ordinary people across the district, the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Speaking during a media briefing in Awka on Friday, the aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, said his focus would be on legislation that tackles environmental challenges, youth unemployment and the welfare of security personnel.

Onwuteaka said his aspiration was rooted in what he described as the urgent need for practical laws that respond directly to the everyday problems facing communities.

He pointed in particular to the worsening erosion crisis across the South East, describing it as one of the most pressing issues that require immediate national attention.

“A raging war” against erosion
According to Onwuteaka, environmental degradation caused by erosion has reached alarming levels in many parts of Anambra State and the wider South East.

He said the region alone is believed to have more than 5,000 erosion sites, with about 2,000 of them located across Anambra.

Communities such as Nanka, Ekwulobia, Oko, Ogidi, Nnewi and Nnobi have all experienced severe erosion damage over the years, he said, leaving homes, farmlands and public infrastructure destroyed.

Onwuteaka described the situation as “a raging war” against the environment.
“It is not something we should continue to gloss over,” he told journalists.

“In many communities you now see craters everywhere. Homes, farmlands and even public buildings have been swallowed by erosion. Anambra has practically become a centre of environmental degradation.”

He said one of the laws he would pursue, if elected, would compel the Federal Government to take a more direct role in tackling the crisis.

According to him, state governments alone cannot shoulder the responsibility.
“The resources needed to address these erosion sites are enormous,” he said.
“It is simply beyond the capacity of individual states.”

He also expressed concern that despite several visits in the past by delegations from the Federal Ministry of Environment, affected communities have seen little concrete intervention.

Focus on youth empowerment
Alongside environmental legislation, Onwuteaka said youth empowerment would be another central pillar of his agenda.

He argued that many current support schemes for young people do little to create lasting opportunities.

Instead, he said he would support policies and programmes centred on technological innovation and skills development.

The aim, he explained, would be to equip young people with practical abilities that can sustain them economically.

“We cannot keep giving out motorcycles or bags of rice and call it empowerment,” he said.

“Those are temporary palliatives that do not solve the problem in the long run.”
Onwuteaka added that genuine empowerment should focus on equipping people with skills that enable them to earn a living independently.

“I believe teaching someone how to fish is far better than simply giving them fish,” he said.
He argued that such programmes could also help reduce youth restiveness and unemployment across the country.

Push for better welfare for security personnel
The senate hopeful also pledged to sponsor legislation aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of Nigeria’s security personnel.

Onwuteaka, who previously served as Senior Special Assistant on Security to former Anambra State governor Willie Obiano, said the effectiveness of security forces is closely tied to their welfare.

Drawing a comparison with the United States, he noted that strong welfare packages help maintain loyalty and morale among security personnel.

“In America, security officers show fierce loyalty and patriotism partly because their welfare packages are very strong,” he said.

He pointed out that in many cases, families of personnel who die in service receive extensive insurance and support benefits.

According to him, such guarantees encourage commitment and professionalism among officers.

He warned that poor welfare conditions can have the opposite effect.
“A depressed soldier or policeman cannot fight external aggression effectively,” he said.

“They can become vulnerable to manipulation or sabotage because they feel abandoned.”
Onwuteaka also suggested that weak welfare systems may be discouraging many young Nigerians from joining the armed forces or the police.

“When officers know that their families may not be properly cared for if something happens to them, it affects morale,” he said.
“That is one of the issues I want to address through legislation.”

Preparing for 2027
A product of the Air Force Military School in Jos and Imo State University in Owerri, Onwuteaka said his background in security and public service has shaped his understanding of the challenges facing communities.

As political activities gradually begin to build toward the 2027 general elections, he said his focus would remain on engaging with residents and presenting policy ideas that respond to their concerns.

For now, he said, the goal is simple.
“To make laws that improve the lives of our people,” he told reporters.
“And to ensure that the issues affecting our communities receive the attention they truly deserve.

Security Fears Halt Anambra Electricity Protest — But Consumers Say the Fight Is Not Over

By Emeka Chiaghanam


Protest Against Poor Power Supply Put on Hold

Plans for a protest against erratic electricity supply in Anambra State have been suspended, with organisers insisting the action has only been postponed rather than cancelled.

The demonstration, scheduled for Saturday, 14 March in Awka, had been organised by electricity consumers under the Electricity Consumers Rights Initiative and the Electricity Consumers Rights Network.

The protest was aimed at drawing attention to what residents describe as worsening power supply and high estimated billing by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and its subsidiary, FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company.

Speaking to journalists in Awka on Friday, the convener of the network, Comrade Osita Obi, said the decision to suspend the protest followed mounting security concerns raised by government authorities and security agencies.

Pressure From Security Agencies

Mr Obi said several meetings were held with officials of the Anambra State Government, the Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS), who warned that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums.

The concerns were heightened by preparations for the governor’s inauguration scheduled for 17 March.

According to him, organisers did not want any action that might disrupt public peace in the state at such a sensitive time.
“This is in response to the concerns raised. We are shelving the protest for now,” he said.

He added that the organisers had no choice but to suspend the action after the warnings from security authorities.

Threats and Allegations

Mr Obi also revealed that he had received more than 157 phone calls urging him to call off the protest, some of which he described as threatening.

“I was even told that I would be responsible for whatever happens if anything goes wrong,” he said.
However, he dismissed rumours that he had been bribed to suspend the protest.

“No one can bribe me to abandon the struggle of electricity consumers,” he insisted.
Flanked by co-conveners Mr Tony Erike and Mr Nonso Okpara, Mr Obi stressed that the organisers had simply chosen to act responsibly in the interest of public safety.

Growing Frustration Among Consumers

The planned protest had been triggered by growing frustration among residents over the quality of electricity supply in the state.
Consumers say power supply remains inconsistent and unreliable, even though tariffs under the Band A category were introduced with promises of improved service delivery.

Mr Obi described the current supply situation as deeply unsatisfactory.
“The electricity we receive is useless. Even the few hours we get are not stable,” he said.
Many residents had hoped the protest would draw national attention to the challenges faced by consumers paying higher tariffs without a corresponding improvement in service.

Call for Engagement Instead

Despite the suspension of the protest, consumer groups say their advocacy will continue.
Mr Obi urged residents not to relent in demanding better electricity services and encouraged them to attend a town hall meeting organised by FirstPower on 18 March.

The meeting, he said, would offer consumers the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification about the power situation in the state.
“We will continue to engage. We are not chickening out,” he said.

A Struggle Paused, Not Ended

Electricity consumers in Anambra have increasingly voiced dissatisfaction since distribution operations in the state were transferred to FirstPower, a subsidiary of EEDC.
While the protest may have been suspended for now, organisers say the underlying issues remain unresolved.

For many residents grappling with rising electricity bills and unreliable supply, the pause in protest activity is seen not as an end to the agitation; but as a momentary break in an ongoing struggle for reliable power and consumer rights.

By Emeka Chiaghanam

A Call for Men to Become Partners in Women’s Leadership
Men have been urged to play a more active role in supporting women’s participation in politics and leadership at a HeForShe Activity Leadership Forum held in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

The forum was organised by the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

It brought together male spouses, community leaders, political actors, media practitioners and civil society organisations to explore ways of strengthening women’s representation in governance and building a more inclusive political environment.

The Organiser said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to encourage men to become allies in advancing gender equality, particularly in the political space where women continue to face multiple barriers.

Why Men Must Be Part of the Solution
Speaking at the forum, SIDEC’s Executive Director, Ugochi Agalaba Ehiahuruike, said the programme was designed to encourage men to actively support women seeking elective and appointive positions.

She explained that the forum specifically targeted male spouses and community influencers because of the important role they play in shaping public attitudes and social expectations.
“Today we are carrying out the HeForShe leadership workshop for male spouses to support women in elective and appointive positions and within the broader political ecosystem,” she said.

“The aim is to align men with women in promoting inclusive leadership.”

According to Mrs Ehiahuruike, men already occupy influential positions within families and communities as fathers, partners and leaders. Their support, she said, can help create an environment where women feel encouraged and supported to pursue leadership roles.

Challenging Deep-Rooted Cultural Stereotypes
A key focus of the forum was the need to confront cultural stereotypes and social attitudes that discourage women from entering politics.
Mrs Ehiahuruike noted that societal reactions to political ambition often differ sharply between men and women.
While men who declare political interests are usually praised or encouraged, women, especially younger candidates, may face criticism, stigma and derogatory labels.

“These kinds of reactions affect the mental health and well-being of women who are trying to achieve their political goals,” she said.
Despite these challenges, she noted that many women have demonstrated exceptional leadership across different sectors.
She cited Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as an example of how female leadership can make a significant impact at both national and global levels.
Mrs Ehiahuruike also pointed to the strong presence of women in managerial and financial roles within many public institutions, saying their performance in such positions shows their ability to manage resources and lead effectively.

Moving From Passive Support to Active Advocacy
At the heart of the HeForShe initiative is the belief that men must move beyond passive encouragement and become active advocates for women’s leadership.
Mrs Ehiahuruike urged participants to reject the notion that women are responsible for the obstacles they face in politics.
Instead, she encouraged men to stand firmly behind their wives, daughters, sisters and colleagues who aspire to public office.
“Change begins with each one of us,” she told the gathering.
“If the change starts with you today, tomorrow you will influence others around you.”

In another presentation titled Male Engagement in Advancing Gender Equality, she emphasised that gender-balanced political representation strengthens democracy and leads to better decision-making.
She added that inclusive governance ensures that the voices and needs of marginalised groups are reflected in policy-making while also inspiring younger generations of women to pursue leadership.
Men, she said, can play a powerful role by amplifying women’s voices, challenging discriminatory attitudes and supporting initiatives led by women.

Ensuring Inclusion for Women With Disabilities
The conversation also highlighted the unique challenges faced by women living with disabilities in the political space.
Speaking at the forum, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Anambra State, Ugochukwu-Ernest Okeke, stressed that democracy cannot be considered complete if certain groups remain excluded from decision-making.

Presenting a paper titled Political Participation of Women with Disabilities: Rights, Challenges and the Need for Inclusive Politics, he said women with disabilities possess the same constitutional rights as every other Nigerian citizen.
These rights include voting in elections, joining political parties, contesting political offices and participating in governance processes.
He noted that Nigeria has made progress through legislation such as the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which seeks to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and promote equal opportunities.

Barriers That Still Limit Participation
Despite these legal protections, Mr Okeke said women with disabilities still face significant challenges in political participation.
He identified persistent societal stigma and misconceptions about the capabilities of persons with disabilities as major obstacles.
Structural barriers also remain a concern, as many public buildings, political party offices and campaign venues lack ramps and other accessibility features required for people with mobility challenges.
Financial constraints and limited support from political parties further discourage many aspiring politicians with disabilities.

Building a More Inclusive Democracy
To address these challenges, Mr Okeke called on government institutions, political parties and civil society organisations to take deliberate steps to promote inclusive politics.
These steps, he said, include enforcing disability rights laws, improving accessibility in public and electoral facilities and adopting party policies that encourage the participation of persons with disabilities in leadership roles.

He also advocated leadership training programmes, financial empowerment initiatives and public awareness campaigns aimed at dismantling stereotypes.
According to him, when women, including those with disabilities, are fully included in political leadership and governance, democracy becomes stronger, more representative and more responsive to the needs of all citizens.

By Emeka Chiaghanam

Women have been urged to take a more active role in community development and political participation as members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance gathered for the 2026 Anambra Women Summit.
The summit, themed “Empower Her, Elevate All,” was held at the APGA Regional Office, Agu-Awka and attracted women leaders, party members and prominent political figures from across the state.
Among the notable guests at the event were Nonye Soludo, Emmanuel N. Nwachukwu, businessman Ebuka Onunkwo, and Chukwudi Prince Oli, alongside other party stakeholders and community leaders.

Speaking with journalists at the summit, the State Women Leader of APGA, Esther Onyekesi, said empowering women remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen families and communities.
According to her, the message of the summit was simple but powerful: when women rise, society rises with them.
“When you empower a woman, you empower the whole community,” she said. “Whether it is a woman or a girl child, they are the root of everything in our community.”
Mrs Onyekesi explained that the goal of the summit was to encourage women to become more confident, productive and active in both social and political life.
She noted that women today are no longer limited to traditional professions, stressing that opportunities have expanded across many fields.
“In the past people used to say that a woman’s education ends in teaching,” she said. “That is not the case anymore. Women can contribute in many areas and also support their families and communities in different ways.”

She also spoke about the importance of cooperation within the home, encouraging women to support their husbands, especially during difficult economic times.
“A woman should be a helping hand to her husband,” she said. “Many men are facing hardship today. When a wife supports her husband, the burden becomes lighter and the family becomes stronger.”

According to her, strong families ultimately create stronger communities.
“When you train a woman, you train a nation,” she said, repeating a widely known African proverb that highlights the influence of women in shaping society.
On the issue of preference for male children in some families, Mrs Onyekesi advised parents not to discriminate between sons and daughters.
“Male children come from God,” she said. “People talk about chromosomes and science, but it still remains a mystery. Some families have only girls, others only boys.”
She stressed that every child should be valued equally.

“All children are children,” she added. “Anyone God gives you, value them.”
Turning to politics, the APGA women leader said women remain one of the most powerful forces in the electoral process.
“Politically, I don’t joke with women,” she said. “More than seventy per cent of voters are women. Women are the mobilisers. They organise people and encourage them to vote.”
Because of this influence, she said politicians should never underestimate the importance of women in politics.
“When a woman commits to working for a candidate, she works with dedication,” she noted.

Despite their strong presence during elections, Mrs Onyekesi acknowledged that women still face barriers when it comes to occupying leadership positions.
She said cultural attitudes in some communities remain a major challenge.
“In some places people still say they are not comfortable having a woman as the head of a local government,” she explained. “They ask how they will bow to a woman leader. That shows the cultural challenge we are facing.”

However, she expressed optimism that change will come gradually as more women participate in politics and leadership.
“We are working towards changing that mindset,” she said.
Mrs Onyekesi therefore encouraged more women, especially in Igbo communities, to step forward and take part in politics.
“Many women avoid politics because they see it as something controversial,” she said. “But if women begin to come out and participate, we will change the narrative.”

She also revealed that the empowerment initiative launched during the summit would be extended to other local government areas in the state.
“What we started here will happen in every local government,” she said. “We are moving higher, and women will continue to play their role in supporting development.”

The summit forms part of broader efforts by the All Progressives Grand Alliance to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and expand opportunities for women within the party and across Anambra State.
For many participants, the gathering reinforced a central message: empowering women is not only about equality, but about building stronger families, communities and a more inclusive political future.

By Emeka Chiaghanam

The Pentecostal Bishops’ Association of Anambra State (PBAAS) has called on political leaders to act with fairness and wisdom, in a statement following their 2026 Annual Convocation at Church in Power, Agu Awka.

In a communique signed by the association’s Executive President, Bishop Prince A. A. Nwodika, the bishops said the meeting had been “strong in power and in the Word,” and encouraged the Church to “remain a shining light in a dark world.”

“By their fruits you shall know them. It is only our faith in Christ that can overcome the challenges in this world,” the communique added, emphasising the need for spiritual resilience amid uncertainty.

The bishops also addressed pressing political matters in the South East. They advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his office to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally and to “correct the imbalances in the polity, which has aggravated agitations from the South East,” citing a need for “equity, fairness and socio-economic balance in the system.”

Bishop Nwodika told journalists that these measures, if implemented, could “significantly improve the much-needed peace and security in the region.”

The PBAAS also congratulated Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo on his electoral victory for a second term, saying he “did well in his first term but should do much better in his next tenure,” in line with his “Solution mantra and transformational agenda for Ndi Anambra.”

The bishops concluded the communique with a blessing for the people of Anambra State and Nigeria. “We pray that our political leaders will receive the wisdom to lead and develop a passion for the populace,” the communique stated.

Other bishops in attendance included Bishop E. M. Ezenwafor, Bishop Charles Uchenna (secretary), Bishop Festus Ozioma Ozoemena (PRO), Bishop Dominic Chukwuemeka Onuigwe, Bishop Edith Elisha, Bishop Goddy Oka For, Bishop Patrick Osaji, Bishop Lious Morah, Bishop Matthew Akhigbe, and Bishop Macpeters Olofu.

Reflecting on the gathering, Bishop Nwodika said: “We declare Jesus Lord over Anambra State and Nigeria forever. Our prayers are not just words; they are a call to conscience for every leader and citizen alike.”

The convocation comes at a critical time for the South East, where political tension and social unrest have often challenged government initiatives. By issuing this communique, the PBAAS has positioned itself as both a spiritual and moral voice in the ongoing dialogue around governance and national cohesion.

By Emeka Chiaghanam

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has opened new party offices in Nawgu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, as it renewed its call for political change and inclusive governance in Nigeria.

The offices, covering Ward I and Ward II, were unveiled during a gathering of party leaders, supporters, and community stakeholders, marking a deliberate expansion of the ADC’s grassroots presence in Anambra State. Party officials described the move as both symbolic and strategic, aimed at repositioning Nawgu within the state’s evolving political landscape.

A call for change from the grassroots
Speaking at the event at Eziwegwu Junction, Nawgu, Mr John Nwosu said the opening of the offices reflected growing dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s political direction. “Nigeria is in dire need of a change of government for a better Nigeria,” he told supporters, adding that the ADC remained “the vehicle to bring about that desired change.” He said sustainable reform must begin at the community level, where citizens directly experience governance.

The Nawgu offices, he noted, were not merely physical structures but organising hubs for political education, mobilisation, and participation. For residents long accustomed to political marginalisation, the development carried added weight.

State leadership backs Nawgu initiative
The ADC State Chairman, Hon. Comrade Patrick Obianyo, commended the people of Nawgu for identifying with what he described as a forward-looking political platform. He said the decision to establish offices in the town demonstrated readiness to participate actively in shaping Nigeria’s future.

According to him, “mobilisation of new members is central to actualising the party’s vision of a better Nigeria.” Obianyo thanked Hon. Nnamdi Okeke for ensuring that the party took root in Nawgu, describing the development as a foundation for sustained political engagement. “The work of a better Nigeria has started well, and it will end well,” he said, stressing that changing the country’s narrative required consistency and commitment.

Dunukofia and the question of representation
The Dunukofia Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Ikechukwu Akata, placed the event within a broader historical context. He said the political developments unfolding in Nawgu pointed to new possibilities for the area.

Akata painted a picture of a future in which a Nawgu indigene could represent the constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, or even the Senate. “Great things are already happening in Nawgu’s political space,” he said, urging residents to align with the ADC in pursuit of a better Nigeria.

John Nwosu: ‘Change has begun’
Mr Nwosu, the ADC candidate in the last Anambra State governorship election, said he was encouraged by the level of enthusiasm in Nawgu. He described the opening of the party offices as evidence that political consciousness was rising. “What this signifies is that change has begun in Nawgu,” he said.

He praised Hon. Nnamdi Okeke for his performance as President-General of the Nawgu Development Union, saying his leadership record distinguished him in a political environment often marked by unfulfilled promises. According to Nwosu, such experience was urgently needed within the ADC to reposition both Nawgu and Anambra State. He argued that other political parties had governed Nigeria “with nothing to show for it,” insisting that “ADC is the answer to the Nigeria we yearn for.”

Nnamdi Okeke and a politics of trust
Hon. Nnamdi Okeke, party leader, former President-General of the Nawgu Development Union, and Federal House of Representatives aspirant, said his decision to join the ADC followed a careful evaluation of its manifesto. “I discovered that the ADC is the only political party that can deliver the true dividends of democracy Nigerians yearn for,” he said.

He identified trust as a defining factor in leadership, noting that public confidence was built on the ability to deliver. “ADC is not just a party for now; it is a party for now and for future generations,” he said, likening political parties to vehicles and describing the ADC as “sound and dependable.” He urged residents to join what he called “the moving train called ADC.”

Equity, fairness, and a historic appeal
Okeke also highlighted long-standing concerns about representation. He noted that within the Dunukofia/Anaocha/Njikoka Federal Constituency, Dunukofia had never produced a member of the House of Representatives or the Senate. Appealing to the ADC’s principles of equity, fairness, and compassion, he said the imbalance must be addressed.

He argued that Nawgu, which he said had the least government appointments and representation in Dunukofia, deserved the opportunity to serve. He offered himself for that responsibility, calling on party members to work diligently “for a better tomorrow and a great nation.”

Grassroots voices reinforce momentum
ADC Ward I Chairman, Hon. Amaechi Fabian Oraegbunam, said the party stood for “true transformation,” adding that grassroots membership drives were already under way. Ward II Chairman, Fabian Oguejiofor Okoye, said the ADC had come to stay in Nawgu, urging Ndi Nawgu to embrace what he described as a credible alternative to the country’s persistent challenges.

Ndiowu Community Protests Alleged Imposition Of Traditional Ruler, Demands Due Process

By Emeka Chiaghanam

Scores of residents of Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday staged a peaceful protest at the Anambra State Government House in Awka over what they described as the unlawful and unconstitutional imposition of a traditional ruler on the community.

The protesters, comprising elderly men, women and youths, arrived in Awka in over ten commuter buses, carrying placards and chanting slogans to draw the attention of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to their grievances.

Placards displayed during the protest read: “The Stool of the Ezediohamma Ndiowu Is Not for Sale,” “Respect Our Right to Choose,” “No to Imposed Election,” “Women Must Vote,” and “Soludo Solution, Save Our Eze Stool.”


Protesters Accuse Commissioner of Undermining Constitution

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the chairman of Ndiowu’s four traditional quarters, Chief Uchenna Iloh, accused the Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Collins Nwabunwanne, of allegedly undermining the community’s constitution and customs in the process that produced a disputed Eze-elect.

Iloh said the crisis followed a move to fill the vacant Igweship stool of Ndiowu, which has remained empty for about 11 years following the death of the last monarch, Ezedioramma.


Rotational System Governs Igweship in Ndiowu

According to Iloh, Ndiowu operates a rotational system in the selection of its traditional ruler to ensure equity, peace and unity among the town’s quarters.

“The late Igwe came from another quarter,” he said. “By our constitution, it is now the turn of Ufere quarter to produce the Ezediohamma of Ndiowu.”

He explained that this arrangement is clearly stated in the Ndiowu Town Union Constitution, amended in 2024 and approved by the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Town Union Matters.


Constitution Provides for Option A4 and Women Participation

Iloh said the constitution also stipulates that the Igweship election must be conducted using the Option A4 open voting system and must include full participation of women.

“Our constitution is clear,” he said. “Voting must be open, and women must be allowed to vote.”


Stakeholders’ Meeting Allegedly Excluded Eligible Quarter

The protesters alleged that the constitutional provisions were ignored when the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, alongside the Chairman of Orumba North Local Government Area and ministry officials, convened a stakeholders’ meeting at the Ndiowu community hall on Saturday, January 10.

Iloh claimed that stakeholders from Ufere quarter, which is constitutionally entitled to present candidates, were excluded from the meeting, while individuals from other quarters were present.

Among those in attendance, he said, was Mr Chibuzor Okeke-Ifi, a United States–based businessman who has reportedly lived abroad for over 40 years.


Secret Ballot and Exclusion of Women Announced

According to the protesters, the commissioner announced at the meeting that the Igweship election would be held on Monday, January 14, using a secret ballot system and that women would not be allowed to vote.

Iloh said community leaders immediately objected, describing the plan as a violation of the Ndiowu constitution.

“We protested and asked for the election to be postponed to Easter when most of our people would be present,” he said. “That request was rejected.”


Alleged Election ‘Did Not Hold’ in Ndiowu

The protesters further alleged that on the day the election was said to have taken place, no voting occurred anywhere in Ndiowu.

“There was no election in Ndiowu,” Iloh said. “Security personnel were deployed, and people were chased away, including women who came out to vote.”

He claimed the heavy security presence created fear and prevented residents from participating in any electoral process.


Disputed Result Announced

According to the community leaders, they later heard that an election had been concluded and that Mr Okeke-Ifi had been declared the winner.

Iloh said Mr Okeke-Ifi was constitutionally disqualified because it was not his quarter’s turn to produce the Igwe.

He also questioned the reported outcome of the election.

“They claimed he got over 400 votes, while other contestants got zero votes,” he said.


Constitutionally Recognised Candidates Named

The protesters insisted that only four candidates are eligible under the Ndiowu constitution to contest for the Ezediohamma stool.

They named the candidates as Chief Nwankwo Godwin Ugochukwu, Dr Onyeka Kanu, Mazi Onyeka Ekwueme and Mr Obumneme Okeke, all from Ufere quarter.

They said the emergence of any other candidate was unacceptable to the community.


Call for Governor’s Intervention

The protesters appealed directly to Governor Soludo to intervene and order a fresh, free and fair Igweship election conducted strictly in line with the Ndiowu constitution.

“We are peaceful and law-abiding people,” Iloh said. “All we want is justice. The Igweship of Ndiowu is not for sale.”


Women Condemn Alleged Discrimination

Also speaking during the protest, the Vice Women Leader of Ndiowu community, Mrs Virginia Orji, rejected the process that produced the purported Eze-elect.

She said women in Ndiowu have always participated in the election of traditional rulers and community leaders.

“There is no valid election that produced the so-called Eze-elect,” she said. “Women must vote, as they have always done.”


State Government Promises Resolution

Receiving the protesters at the Government House, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solomon Chukwulobelu, commended them for their peaceful conduct.

He assured them that the state government would listen to all sides and resolve the matter amicably.

“This is one side of the story,” he said. “We will hear the other side before taking a decision.”

He added that the issue would be handled in a manner that would prevent a recurrence.

“The issue will be resolved, and Ndiowu will be better for it,” Chukwulobelu said.


Community Insists on Constitutional Process

The protesters maintained that any Igweship election in Ndiowu must strictly follow the provisions of the community’s constitution.

They warned that any process perceived as imposed or discriminatory would continue to be resisted peacefully until justice is done.

Ten years of oil, zero development, endless suffering


By Emeka Chiaghanam




Ogwu Ikpele is drowning in crude oil wealth yet gasping for the barest breath of development. This riverine community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, bound tightly to the River Niger and its wetlands, sits on vast oil resources yet lives like a forgotten outpost. For ten uninterrupted years, crude oil has flowed daily from its soil, but life has remained painfully static, no good roads, no electricity, no functional hospital, no clean water, and no jobs.

Seasonal flooding has long been part of existence here, but residents insist that nothing has battered Ogwu Ikpele more than a decade of oil exploration without development by Sterling Petroleum Energy Exploration Company (SPEECO). As the company marked ten years of operations, the people of Ogwu Ikpele took to the streets not to celebrate, but to mourn ten wasted years of broken promises, environmental damage, and systemic neglect while basic human needs remained painfully absent.

They lament the lack of a functional hospital. Electricity is absent. Pipe-borne water does not exist beyond a few boreholes recently provided by the Anambra State Government. In a place officially classified as an oil-producing community, daily life remains defined by deprivation.
That contradiction exploded into open protest on Friday, January 16, extending into Saturday, January 17, 2026. Hundreds of youths, women, children, and elderly residents poured into the streets to publicly mourn what they described as ten years of agony, rejection, humiliation, and degradation. Barricades were erected, drilling activities were halted, and electricity to oil facilities was cut off. Community leaders disclosed that the shutdown reportedly cost the company over ₦200 million in losses, a figure residents say pales beside the wealth taken from their land.

What unfolded went beyond anger, it was collective grief, a community mourning the decade they had lost, the promises that died, the futures stolen from their children. The protest was organized, determined, and peaceful, yet carried the unmistakable weight of desperation. These were not people looking to make trouble; they were people fighting to be seen, to be heard, to be treated as human beings deserving of basic dignity.

Ogwu Ikpele's people say they are not strangers to hardship. Living along the River Niger requires adaptation, patience, and resilience. Floodwaters rise and recede, farms are rebuilt, homes repaired. What they say they cannot rebuild is dignity lost to neglect. Despite hosting oil wells, pipelines, and daily tanker movements transporting crude to neighbouring states, the community has been excluded from the most basic dividends of its own resources.

The irony is crushing. While their land yields wealth that powers industries and enriches corporations, they cannot power a single bulb in their homes. While their resources are metered and monetized elsewhere, they cannot measure the depth of their own losses. The same river that once sustained them with fish now carries away their oil and their hope in equal measure.

The Traditional Prime Minister of Ogwu Ikpele Kingdom, Chief Akaka Damian Anigboso, the Odua Ukwu of Ogwu Ikpele, spoke with restrained fury about the plight of his people. According to him, the suffering is too vast to catalogue, yet the injustice is simple: oil has flowed for ten years without benefits flowing back.

“Our oil is being explored and transferred to the Niger Delta,” he said. “This is ten good years SPEECO has been operating in our land. All the agreements we signed with them have not been honoured.”

He disclosed that four fully loaded tanker ships carry crude oil out of Ogwu Ikpele daily to neighbouring states. While those ships move, the children of the community remain uneducated, unempowered, and unemployed. The daily departure of these vessels has become a ritual of humiliation, visible proof that their wealth exists but belongs to everyone except them.

“They promised scholarships from primary school to university and even Master’s degree level. None came. There is no hospital, no pipe-borne water, no electricity. We have written to governments, we have pleaded. We are called an oil community, yet we live without basic amenities,” he lamented.

The unfulfilled scholarship promises cut especially deep. Education represents the pathway out of poverty, the tool that could transform the next generation’s prospects. By denying these scholarships, SPEECO has not just broken a promise, it has closed doors to futures, sentenced children to repeat their parents’ cycle of deprivation, and ensured that even as oil flows from their land, knowledge and opportunity flow away from their lives.

Environmental damage has compounded the suffering. The constant movement of oil vessels has accelerated erosion along the riverbanks, submerging and destroying more than thirty houses. Families have been displaced, ancestral lands swallowed by the River Niger, and livelihoods shattered.

“Our women are rejected. There is no town hall. Houses have fallen into the river,” Odua Ukwu said. “We instructed our youths to block them until the right thing is done. If they want to continue, they should kill us first.”

The mention of women being rejected speaks to a social crisis that extends beyond infrastructure. In Nigerian communities, a woman’s hometown status can affect marriage prospects, social standing, and community acceptance. When Ogwu Ikpele women are stigmatized because their oil-rich community offers nothing, the psychological and social toll becomes another hidden cost of SPEECO’s negligence.

Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Chuchu Onyema, described the protest as a peaceful but desperate demand for accountability after years of failed dialogue.

“What the people are doing is celebrating regret and degradation,” he said. “We have tried negotiation. This blockade is to force a roundtable discussion for the final time. I believe in conflict resolution, not violence.”

Onyema accused SPEECO of failing in its social corporate responsibilities. “We are supposed to receive three per cent of what is metered. There is nothing to show. The only streetlight in Ogwu Ikpele is the one I attracted while in the House of Representatives. Other projects here are from the state government, yet there is an oil company operating.”

He pointed to glaring contradictions that fuel community anger. Gas is flared continuously but not converted to electricity for residents. Telecommunications infrastructure exists but serves only company operations. Electricity runs twenty-four hours within oil facilities, while the community remains in darkness.

“To make a phone call, people go to the riverbank to connect to networks from Delta State,” he said. “No indigene of this community or Anambra State is employed there. Let them prove me wrong. We don’t even know what is metered. The state is losing revenue.”

Onyema disclosed that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has assured that the Uga–Ossomala–Ogwu Ikpele road linking Rivers State would be rehabilitated. He also revealed plans to build a hospital to replace the overstretched primary healthcare centre and commended the installation of public water facilities a few months ago, though he admitted they remain inadequate.

The President General of Ogwu Ikpele Community, Mr. Esumai Patrick Chukwudi, said the protest symbolised ten years of rejection and insult.

“No employment, no roads, no water, no hospital. We have begged since operations began,” he said. “The Petroleum Industry Act is nothing to talk about here because there is no transparent metering.”

According to him, pipelines laid beneath the River Niger transport oil into Delta State, making it impossible for Anambra State to determine production volumes or ensure fair revenue allocation.
“We have gas and crude, but the government cannot account for them. Gas flaring has damaged our palm trees. Pollution has killed fishing. Oil spills have destroyed farms for ten years,” he said.

Another community leader, Hon. Peter, accused the company of deliberate exclusion. “No single person from Anambra is employed. We agreed on a sixty–forty employment ratio. Nothing has happened.”

He detailed the scale of operations across multiple communities and alleged secretive pipeline projects. “We shut down all the wells and pipelines. They promised another meeting, the same promise we have heard for ten years,” he said.

Youth President of Ogwu Ikpele, His Youthfulness Aghauli Chimuanya Peter, said young people feel completely shut out of the oil economy operating on their land.

“We demand roads, water, electricity, solar-powered lights, and jobs,” he said. “As youth leader, I cannot even access their facility, not to talk of employment.”

Teacher and community leader, Mr. Aghauli Dominic Chukwudi, urged urgent intervention. “We were abandoned for years. Before SPEECO leaves, let there be something tangible; roads, a hospital, a market.”
Women described the human cost most starkly. Mrs. Onwuaghamadu Victoria, Women President General, said pregnant women travel long distances to give birth.

“Ten years and nothing. Our children are idle. Our women are forgotten. Life here is unbearable,” she said.

Another resident, Dominic Anumale from Umungashi, said poor road networks have driven up the cost of living. “Things cheap elsewhere are expensive here. We have oil but suffer. That is why we said no.”

Efforts to obtain comments from company representatives were unsuccessful, as they declined to speak, saying a media briefing would be arranged by the public relations unit.

As oil rigs fell silent and the River Niger continued its slow passage, Ogwu Ikpele made its position clear. This was not a protest for spectacle. It was a cry for survival, justice, and recognition from a community that has given oil for ten years and received neglect in return.

By Emeka Chiaghanam



In a bold and far-reaching move aimed at resetting the compass of grassroots football development, the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, successfully conducted elections into its Local Football Councils (LFCs), ushering in a new generation of administrators across 18 local government areas of the state.

The elections, held at the East End Hotel, near Aroma Junction in Awka, marked a defining moment in Anambra football governance, reinforcing the association’s commitment to transparency, credibility and institutional renewal. Chairmen, vice-chairmen and council members emerged to take charge of football administration at the grassroots, the bedrock upon which sustainable football growth is built.

Administering the oath of office, Chairman of the ANSFA Electoral Committee, Hon. Barrister Prince Uche Darlington Okeke, PhD, charged the newly elected executives to embrace their mandate with a deep sense of responsibility. He reminded them that the authority conferred on them by the electorate was not symbolic but strategic, empowering them to drive development, unity and talent discovery through football within their respective councils.

Barr. Okeke emphasized that grassroots football remains the lifeline of the sport and urged the executives to align their programmes with the broader vision of the ANSFA Board under the leadership of Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi. According to him, functional Local Football Councils are indispensable to reviving competitions, nurturing young talents and restoring public confidence in football administration.

The elections produced executives across the 18 participating local government areas. Aguata LFC elected Hyginus Okolo as Chairman, with Chukwuebuka Dimude and Ndubuisi Ezeobi as Vice-Chairman and member. In Anambra East, Ifeatu Samuel Onyeachonam emerged Chairman, while Anambra West chose Emmanuel Azubuike as Chairman, assisted by Chukwudi Peter Anijah.

Anaocha LFC produced Emmanuel Ihekwoaba as Chairman, while Awka North elected Amaechi Nwakaeze, supported by Chinze Ezimmiri and Chizobam Ezenwinyi. Awka South LFC chose Hygenus Elo Nwosu as Chairman, with Chinedu Anaemene and Godswill Agumadu completing the executive. Darlington Chidubem will oversee football affairs in Ayamelum.

In Dunukofia, Jude Onwubbah emerged Chairman, assisted by Maduabuchi Ofili and Andrew Okonkwo, while Ernest Okoye was elected Chairman of Idemili North. Ihiala opted for continuity, returning Michael Mbaezue as Chairman, with Ngozi Obiejesi and Nzeribe Uzodimma as Vice-Chairman and member.

Njikoka LFC elected Chidumebi Onubiyi as Chairman, assisted by Uche Okafor. Nnewi North chose Okwuchukwu Emechebe as Chairman, with Johnpaul Nwabueze and Prosper Chukwuyama as Vice-Chairman and member, while Nnewi South produced Ugochukwu Nduaguba as Chairman and Onyebuchi Ojinkeonye as member.

Elsewhere, Tochukwu Odukwe emerged Chairman of Ogbaru LFC, supported by Charles Enebeli and Chibuike Okongwu. Onitsha North elected John Ubendu, Chukwuemeka Menyah and Augustine Ezebilie, while Onitsha South chose Larry Akanna as Chairman, with Raluchukwu Chukwuneke and Chidi Iroanusi. Orumba North elected Uche Nwosu, assisted by Nwafor Orji and Ifeanyi Onukaegbe, while Oyi LFC chose Chibuike Olieh, with Uche Celestine Obi and Nonso Machie.

Of the state’s 21 local government areas, only Idemili South, Ekwusigo and Orumba South did not participate, having reportedly failed to field candidates for the polls. Nonetheless, stakeholders hailed the process as peaceful, credible and inclusive.

The elections were monitored by a two-man Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) delegation led by former Nigeria junior international and immediate past General Manager of Heartland FC, Owerri, Promise Nwachukwu, lending national credibility to the exercise. Tight security ensured orderliness throughout the process.

Meanwhile, attention has shifted to Awka, where bye-elections into four vacant positions on the ANSFA Board are scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, effectively rounding off the reform-driven electoral process.

In an emotional congratulatory message personally signed, ANSFA Executive Chairman, Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi, hailed the winners and reminded them that their victories represent a call to service, not personal glorification. The former Nigeria defender stressed the importance of integrity, unity, adherence to NFF statutes and unwavering commitment to grassroots development.

“The future of football in Anambra State depends on what happens at the grassroots,” Iloenyosi declared. “Together, we must reposition Anambra football for greater achievements and national recognition.”

With new leaders now in place across the councils, expectations are high that Anambra’s storied football tradition will be rekindled, one community, one pitch and one young talent at a time.

By Emeka Chiaghanam


Kingship in Contention: Ndiowu Erupts as Community, Women and Aspirants Reject ‘Igwe Election’


Twelve years after the ancient stool of Ndiowu became vacant, the quiet agrarian town in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State has been thrust into the centre of a cultural storm.

What was expected to be a unifying exercise to enthrone a new traditional ruler has instead ignited protests, sharp divisions and deep questions about tradition, inclusion and the sanctity of community laws.

At the heart of the storm is the January 12, 2026, Igweship election, which a large segment of Ndiowu people now describe as an imposition rather than a mandate.

From the crack of dawn on Tuesday, angry voices filled the streets of Ndiowu as men, women and youths marched with placards, chanting slogans that spoke of betrayal, exclusion and constitutional abuse. Their message was blunt and unanimous: Ndiowu has not elected a new Igwe.

The protesters insist that the process which produced a United States–based businessman, Chief Chibuzor OkekeIfi, as Igwe-elect is alien to the town’s culture, flawed in execution and null in the eyes of the people. According to them, the election conducted on Monday at the Central School, Ndiowu, failed to meet both the letter and spirit of the Ndiowu Constitution.

Chief OkekeIfi was announced winner with 506 votes, while other contenders — Barrister Ugochukwu Nwankwo, Magistrate Onyeka Kanu, Mr Onyeka Ekwueme Okafor and Mr Obumneme Okeke — were allocated between zero and two votes each. But for the aggrieved community members, those figures only deepened suspicion rather than conferred legitimacy.

The exercise was observed by officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, the Mayor of Orumba North LGA, Hon. Casmir Nwafor, and a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Afoka. At the end of the process, the chairman of the electoral committee, Hon. William Alex Omenukor, congratulated Chief Okeke-Ifi and appealed to other aspirants to accept the outcome in good faith. That appeal fell on deaf ears.

Women Rise, Tradition Invoked
Perhaps the most striking opposition came from the women of Ndiowu, whose voices echoed with uncommon resolve. Speaking during the protest, the leader of the women’s group, Mrs Ifeoma Omenukor, declared that Ndiowu women would not recognise Chief OkekeIfi as their traditional ruler, even if he is eventually issued a certificate of recognition by the Anambra State Government.

Her grievance, she said, went beyond personalities to the very soul of Ndiowu tradition.

“They told us that women of this community will not participate in electing a traditional ruler,” she said. “This is something we have always done over the years. We told them clearly that it is unacceptable, but they ignored us.”

According to her, the women had earlier appealed for the election to be shifted to April 2026 to allow for proper sensitisation, wider consultation and the resolution of grey areas. That plea, she said, was flatly rejected.

More contentious, however, was the allegation that Chief Okeke-Ifi had spent most of his life abroad and was only recently brought back to be imposed on the community.

“They just brought him back last week to impose him on us,” Mrs Omenukor said. “As women, we have resolved that we will not recognise him as our traditional ruler.”
‘A Knighthood, Not an Igweship’
The men of Ndiowu were equally unsparing in their condemnation. Their spokesperson, Mazi Uchenna Iloh, described the entire exercise as a mockery of Ndiowu customs and an affront to due process.

“What they did inside a church premises was a knighthood initiation, not an Igweship election of Ndiowu community,” he said pointedly.

Mazi Iloh explained that Ndiowu had been preparing for an Igweship election but was hampered by unresolved constitutional issues, which some individuals allegedly ignored for personal gain. Central to the dispute, he noted, was the disenfranchisement of women and the abandonment of established electoral procedures.

“We demanded that the election be shifted to April 2026 so we could iron out these issues,” he said. “While we were gathered at the town hall discussing these matters with all aspirants present, Chief Okeke-Ifi and some visitors went to a primary school within St. Lawrence Anglican Church and declared that they had conducted the election.”

For Ndiowu elders and stakeholders, that singular act rendered the process void.

“Our constitution is clear,” Mazi Iloh stressed. “When the Anambra State Government is ready to conduct an Igwe election for Ndiowu, it must communicate through our President-General. The election must hold in our town hall. Anything else is unacceptable.”

Aspirants Stand Their Ground
Adding weight to the rejection were some of the co-contestants themselves. Magistrate Onyeka Kanu and Mr Onyeka Ekwueme Okafor, who joined the protest, said they were not desperate for the throne but could not stand by while the constitution of Ndiowu was trampled upon.

They argued that the exclusion of women and the adoption of secret ballot instead of the constitutionally recognised Option A4 system were fundamental breaches.

“Why would anyone want to rule a people against their will?” one of them asked. “Any election not conducted in line with our constitution cannot stand.”

Their stance reinforced the protesters’ claim that opposition to the election was not driven by rivalry, but by principle.

Igwe-Elect Calls for Unity
Amid the rising tension, Chief Chibuzor OkekeIfi struck a conciliatory tone. In an interview, he thanked Ndiowu people for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to focus on unity and development if eventually confirmed as Igwe.

According to him, education would be at the centre of his development agenda, particularly for the sons and daughters of Ndiowu. He also expressed gratitude to the Anambra State Government for ensuring that the election held peacefully.

Yet, even his assurances have done little to calm the storm, as protesters insist that peace cannot be built on a foundation they consider illegitimate.

A Community at a Crossroads
Beyond Ndiowu, the unfolding crisis has reignited broader conversations in Anambra about tradition, diaspora influence, women’s participation and the role of government in chieftaincy affairs. For many observers, the Ndiowu saga is a reminder that Igweship is not merely an administrative position but a sacred trust rooted in history, culture and collective consent.

As the dust settles, Ndiowu stands at a delicate crossroads. Whether through dialogue, legal redress or state intervention, the path chosen will not only determine who wears the crown, but also how faithfully Ndiowu preserves its identity in a rapidly changing world.
For now, one thing is clear: in Ndiowu, the crown remains fiercely contested, and the voice of the people is refusing to be silenced.

By Emeka Chiaghanam


Tension In Ndiowu As Community Cries Out Over Alleged Move To Force Kingship Election, Warn Of Looming Crisis


Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State is standing at a dangerous crossroads. What ought to be a solemn, culturally guided and consensual process to fill a vacant traditional stool has instead snowballed into a tense political confrontation that community leaders warn could plunge the peaceful town into avoidable crisis.

At the centre of the storm is an alleged attempt to impose a traditional ruler on Ndiowu against the provisions of its constitution, long-standing customs and the clearly expressed will of its people. Voices from every strata of the community, elders, village chairmen, women leaders, youths, former town union executives and age grades, have risen in rare unity to sound the alarm and plead for urgent intervention by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

PG Mazi Sunday Enemuo Calls Consultation and Respect for Community Process
The President-General of Ndiowu Town Union, Mazi Sunday Enemuo, said the emergency General Assembly was convened to enable Ndiowu people to be properly informed and consulted on recent developments surrounding the proposed kingship election.

Speaking at the town hall, Enemuo explained that the meeting followed engagements between the town union and officials of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, after which the union felt it necessary to brief the wider community and hear directly from Ndiowu citizens.

“This matter goes beyond individuals. It concerns our constitution, our traditions and the collective right of Ndiowu people to participate fully in decisions that affect the community,” he said.

According to him, the purpose of the assembly was not confrontation, but transparency and inclusion, noting that Ndiowu has enjoyed relative peace in recent years because major decisions were taken through open consultation and adherence to established processes.

Enemuo disclosed that concerns were raised within the community over the proposed date of Monday, 12 January 2026, particularly given the short notice and the absence of many Ndiowu citizens who had already returned to their places of residence after the festive period.

“The consensus at the meeting was that more time is required to allow wider participation. Many suggested Easter 2026 as a more suitable period when Ndiowu sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, can be present,” he said.

He added that the town union believes that the General Assembly remains the appropriate forum for gauging the position of the people and ensuring that whatever decision is taken reflects the collective will of Ndiowu.

“Our appeal is simple: that the process should be inclusive, transparent and in line with our constitution and customs. When everyone is carried along, peace is sustained,” Enemuo stated.

The President-General also expressed confidence in the Anambra State Government, particularly Governor Chukwuma Soludo, whom he described as a leader who values dialogue and community consensus, and urged that all stakeholders work together to prevent tension and preserve Ndiowu’s long-standing harmony.

Engr. Chike Emenike: ‘This Is Illegal, Dangerous and Unacceptable’
Former President-General of Ndiowu Improvement Union Engr. Chike Emenike, speaking at the town hall described the situation as an “impending crisis that can still be averted if urgent action is taken.”

Emenike recalled Ndiowu’s troubled past and credited Governor Soludo with restoring peace in 2022 after nearly eight years of town union leadership crisis.

“When Governor Soludo came in, Ndiowu was in turmoil. He insisted that we should be allowed to conduct our town union elections. That decision brought peace. Since then, Ndiowu has been calm, until now.”

He explained that Ndiowu’s amended constitution, which guides town union administration and the selection of a traditional ruler, was lawfully amended during his tenure with the written approval of the Commissioner himself, duly gazetted by the state government and already used to conduct town union elections without dispute.

“This constitution is valid. It has not been vacated by any court. Only a court of law can do that, not a commissioner acting unilaterally.”

Emenike revealed that some individuals who opposed the amendment are already in court but currently have no injunction restraining the use of the constitution.

“In fact, the court struck out the injunction matter. Yet suddenly, the commissioner says the constitution should be suspended. That is strange, illegal and unacceptable.”

According to him, the crisis escalated when a Ndiowu indigene based in the United States, who allegedly does not meet constitutional requirements and was disqualified during screening, began pushing to be imposed as king “by hook or crook.”

“Five persons were screened. Two were disqualified, including the U.S-based aspirant. From that moment, all hell broke loose.”

He accused the authorities of introducing arbitrary guidelines, including disenfranchising women, imposing secret ballot against Ndiowu’s long-standing Option A4 open voting system, and allowing a disqualified aspirant to allegedly handpick electoral officials.

“How can a disqualified candidate choose the umpires? What kind of election is that? That is a time bomb.”
Emenike warned that forcing such an election could ignite violence whose consequences may spiral beyond Ndiowu.
“If this crisis starts, nobody knows where it will end. We are calling on Governor Soludo to intervene immediately. We believe strongly that he is not aware of these arrangements.”

Village Chairmen: ‘Do Not Burn Ndiowu’
Speaking on behalf of the nine village chairmen of Ndiowu, Mazi Uchena Ilo, Chairman of Umidiabo Village, issued an emotional plea to the governor.
“We are begging. We are pleading. Let tomorrow not hold. We met and agreed the election should be in April, during Easter.”
He stressed that Ndiowu’s kingship rotates among its four traditional quarters and that it is currently the turn of Ufere Quarter.
“The disqualified aspirant is not even from Ufere. Anyone who wants to be king must be qualified and must allow Ndiowu to give him that honour. Kingship is not something you impose.”
Ilo also condemned the exclusion of women and the proposed secret ballot system as alien to Ndiowu’s tradition.
“We want peace to continue. Please help us avert this looming crisis.”

Youth Leader: ‘If It Breaks, It May Spread’
The Youth Leader of Ndiowu, Onyeka Okeke, warned that instability in Ndiowu could have ripple effects across Orumba North.
“The youths are the lifewire of any community. We have enjoyed peace for three years because we elected our leaders collectively.”
He cautioned that an imposed election could push youths into unpredictable reactions.
“If they go ahead, we can’t tell what the crisis will lead to. That is what we want to avoid.”

Women Rise: ‘Why Now?’
For the women of Ndiowu, the controversy cuts deeper. Lady Ifeayinwa Nwafor, Women Leader, described the attempt to disenfranchise women as shocking and unacceptable.
“Women have always participated in Ndiowu elections. Our constitution recognises it. Why now?”
She warned that excluding women under the guise of tradition is a dangerous distortion.
“You cannot impose illegality and expect peace. We want a free, fair and transparent election, not a crisis.”

Age Grades Speak, Silence Questioned
Voices from Ndiowu’s age grades have also joined the outcry. In a widely circulated letter, Hon. Uzoma Ugochukwu Oji from Abuja questioned the silence of his age grade, Udokanma, over what he described as injustice and discrimination.
“Why should a democratically elected government disenfranchise Ndiowu women? Why the sudden date? Who were the stakeholders consulted?”
His message underscored the widening concern that silence may be interpreted as complicity.

A Direct Appeal to Soludo
In a strongly worded letter to Governor Soludo, Ndiowu stakeholders appealed for immediate intervention to halt the 12 January election, citing constitutional breaches, public safety risks and the clear will of the people.
They urged the governor to direct a postponement to Easter 2026 and ensure a process that is inclusive, lawful and community-driven.

A Community at a Crossroads
What is striking in the Ndiowu situation is the rare unanimity across leadership lines. From the President-General to former executives, from village heads to youths and women, the message is consistent: do not impose a king on Ndiowu.
As Engr. Emenike poignantly noted, even while acknowledging personal respect for the aspirant at the centre of the controversy:
“If you want to be king, allow the town to give you that honour. Hijacking it will not help you or Ndiowu.”
All eyes are now on Government House, Awka. Ndiowu’s leaders insist that timely intervention by Governor Soludo could once again save the community from descending into chaos, and reaffirm the principle that in Anambra, the voice of the people still matters.

By Emeka Chiaghanam



Nze Vincent Nwankwo Gifts House to Widow, Empowers Less Privileged Through Ezeakunne Foundation



Onneh community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State was once again the focus of humanitarian attention as Nze Vincent Nwankwo, philanthropist and founder of the Ezeakunne Foundation, hosted the 2025 edition of the foundation’s annual empowerment programme for the less privileged. The event, held at his country home in Umuezemasi Village, reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to grassroots development, social justice and human dignity.

Over the years, the Ezeakunne Foundation empowerment programme has grown into a major community event, touching the lives of widows, youths and vulnerable persons in Onneh and beyond. This year’s edition followed the same clear, people-focused pattern—direct intervention aimed at restoring hope and creating sustainable means of livelihood.

One of the central highlights of the programme was the presentation of a newly completed and fully furnished bungalow to Mrs. Nkechinyere Nwafor, a 60-year-old widow from the community. For many in attendance, the moment symbolized more than charity; it represented dignity restored to a woman who had endured years of hardship after the loss of her husband.

Speaking during the handover, Nze Vincent Nwankwo described the gesture as an expression of gratitude to God rather than a public display. “What you see here today is not charity for show, but gratitude that must flow,” he said. “When God lifts a man, He expects that man to lift others, not in noise but in purpose. This house is more than blocks and paint; it is dignity restored, hope reinstalled, and tomorrow reassured.”

He stressed that wealth finds its true meaning only when it impacts lives positively, especially at the grassroots. According to him, society becomes safer and more stable when the privileged deliberately remember the less privileged. “If those whom God has blessed remember the less blessed, society will be less stressed. When compassion becomes culture, crime loses its structure,” he noted.

For Mrs. Nwafor, the house marked the end of a painful chapter. Speaking with tears of joy, the widow recounted years of insecurity and silent suffering. “For years, rain and worry shared my roof, and fear shared my bed,” she said. “Today, shelter has replaced sorrow, and peace has replaced panic. This house is not just a building; it is a healing, a new beginning after long nights of silent prayers.”

She described the intervention as divine help delivered through human hands. “I had no voice, but God spoke through Nze Nwankwo. I had no strength, but help came with keys,” she added, praying for continued blessings on her benefactor and his family. Her emotional testimony drew sympathy and applause from the crowd, reinforcing the foundation’s focus on widows as a particularly vulnerable group in society.

In addition to the housing intervention, the foundation also empowered youths through the distribution of shuttle buses to selected beneficiaries to support economic self-reliance. One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Elozonachukwu Martin Ezulike, expressed gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility. “Today, my story has changed from waiting to working, from dreaming to doing,” he said. “This bus is not just a vehicle; it is a turning point on four tyres, a second chance powered by trust.”

Ezulike assured that he would use the opportunity wisely, describing the bus as a tool for progress rather than leisure. “I promise that this bus will move not just passengers but my future forward. I will drive with discipline, hustle with honesty, and remember always that someone believed in me when I was still becoming,” he stated.

The empowerment programme also featured the distribution of bags of rice and other relief materials to indigent members of the community, adding a festive touch to the outreach as beneficiaries prepared for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Beyond material support, Nze Nwankwo’s contributions to Onneh and other communities extend to education and human capital development. Through scholarships and support for indigent students, he has helped many young people remain in school, reinforcing his belief that long-term development begins with education.

The event attracted friends, associates and faith-based groups, including a delegation from the Catholic Men’s Organization (CMO), Cathedral Parish, Port Harcourt. Speaking at the programme, the CMO Chairman, Brother Christian Okpala Ojiego, described Nze Nwankwo as a man whose compassion transcends location. “Though based in Port Harcourt, his heart beats loudly for Onneh, for Anambra, and for humanity at large,” he said.

Ojiego praised the philanthropist for giving with sincerity and principle rather than for recognition. “In a time when many build fences, he builds bridges. In a season when some count wealth, he counts impact,” he remarked, praying for continued divine support for Nze Nwankwo and his family.

As the 2025 empowerment programme concluded, it was evident that the Ezeakunne Foundation had once again reinforced hope within the Onneh community. For widows like Mrs. Nkechinyere Nwafor, youths seeking economic stability, and families struggling to make ends meet, the intervention served as a reminder that compassionate leadership can still make a meaningful difference. Through consistent service and a clear sense of purpose, Nze Vincent Nwankwo continues to redefine philanthropy as responsibility, not privilege.

By Emeka Chiaghanam


Onneh community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State will once again witness a powerful demonstration of compassion, leadership and community service as Nze Vincent Nwankwo, a renowned business mogul, philanthropist and community builder, hosts the 2025 edition of the Ezeakunne Foundation Empowerment of the Less Privileged.

Scheduled to hold on 30 December 2025 at Ezeakunne’s country home, Umuezemasi Village, Onneh, the annual programme has become a major humanitarian event dedicated to improving the living standards of the people of Onneh, particularly the Less privileged, widows, youths and vulnerable members of the community.

Through the Ezeakunne Foundation, Nze Vincent Nwankwo has consistently demonstrated his deep commitment to grassroots development. One of the major highlights of this year’s event is the handover of a fully completed three-bedroom bungalow to a widow in Onneh, reaffirming the foundation’s focus on dignity, shelter and social justice.

Other empowerment initiatives lined up for the programme include the distribution of shuttle buses to support transportation needs and the distribution of bags of rice and other relief materials to numerous beneficiaries, especially during the festive season.

Beyond material empowerment, Nze Nwankwo’s impact on the community extends to education and human capital development. Over the years, he has awarded scholarships to indigent students, supported good works within and outside Onneh, and invested in initiatives that promote unity, peace and progress.

Speaking on the vision behind the annual outreach, associates of the foundation describe Nze Nwankwo as a leader driven by gratitude and service. “This programme is his way of giving back to the land that made him. For him, success is incomplete if the people around you are not uplifted,” a foundation official noted.

The event will attract notable dignitaries, including the Spiritual Father of the Day, His Lordship, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese. Also expected are political leaders and community stakeholders such as Hon. Azubuike Shedrack, Mayor of Orumba South, and Prince Neville Uchendu, Mayor Extraordinaire, immediate Past Mayor of Orumba South. .

Hosts of the event include Engr. Chinedu Nwafor, President-General of Onneh Patriotic Union, and Ogbuefi Ebere Nwankwo, Chairman of Umuezemasi Village, underscoring the strong community backing the initiative enjoys.

As the Chief Host and CEO of Ezeakunne Foundation, Nze Vincent Nwankwo continues to set a remarkable example of purposeful wealth, proving that true leadership lies in service, empathy and long-term community impact.

With each edition, the Ezeakunne Foundation empowerment programme not only changes lives but also strengthens the social fabric of Onneh, reinforcing hope, unity and a shared vision for a better future.

By Emeka Chiaghanam


Baywood Ibe Brings Christmas Cheer to the Less Privileged Through Palliative Distribution

The Christmas season became brighter for many families following a humanitarian gesture by Emporor Baywood Ibe, a man widely described by beneficiaries as nice and generous. Through the distribution of Christmas palliatives, Mr Ibe sought to ensure that people with little or nothing to celebrate the yuletide season were not left out of the joy associated with the period.

The initiative, which focused on reaching the less privileged, enabled many families to return home with food items to prepare meals and celebrate Christmas with dignity. For the beneficiaries, the gesture was more than an act of charity; it was a clear expression of love, compassion, and genuine concern for the wellbeing of others, particularly during a season that often highlights social and economic gaps.

Those who benefited from the exercise expressed deep gratitude, offering prayers for God’s protection and abundant blessings upon Mr Ibe for his kindness and generosity.

Speaking on the impact of the gesture, Ifeanyi Okonta, a beneficiary from Mgbidi Awgu, described the support as timely and meaningful. He noted that the palliatives meant a lot to people who would otherwise have had little or nothing to mark Christmas. According to him, the act clearly showed that Mr Ibe has a heart that truly cares for the plight of others, especially the poor and vulnerable.

Another beneficiary, Christiana Onwualia, also expressed joy over the initiative. She described the remembrance of the downtrodden through the distribution of palliatives as a huge and kind act. For her, the gesture went beyond the provision of food items, as it restored hope and reminded beneficiaries that they are not forgotten. She prayed that God would open doors of greater opportunities for Mr Ibe and reward him abundantly for his kindness.

Similarly, Leticia Ike, who also benefited from the palliatives, thanked Mr Ibe for making Christmas memorable for her and others through his generosity. She noted that the support brought happiness and relief to many households during the festive season. She prayed that God would continually bless him for remembering people during such a special time of the year.

Adding his voice, Mr Lukas Udeagbara, former Executive Assistant to the Enugu State Governor, commended Mr Ibe for extending love to the poor and needy. He expressed gratitude for the gesture, describing it as a reflection of a compassionate heart committed to uplifting others. Mr Udeagbara prayed that God would replenish Mr Ibe’s store and reward him richly for giving to those in need.

Observers say the palliative distribution highlights the importance of individual efforts in addressing social challenges, especially during festive periods when many struggle to meet basic needs. Acts such as this, they note, help to strengthen community bonds and promote a culture of empathy, sharing, and mutual support.

For many of the beneficiaries, the gesture restored a sense of dignity and belonging, allowing them to participate in the joy of Christmas despite economic challenges. It also served as a reminder that sincere acts of kindness, no matter the scale, can have a lasting impact on lives and communities.

As the Christmas season draws to a close, the palliative distribution by Baywood Ibe stands as a strong reminder that love shared sincerely can bring joy, dignity, and hope to many hearts, while inspiring others to extend a helping hand to those in need.

By Emeka Chiaghanam


The Anambra chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) gathered in Amawbia on Friday for its Annual End-Of-Year Thanksgiving, using the moment to reflect, celebrate, and push for deeper inclusion across the state.

Members from different clusters converged on the podium of St Matthew’s Catholic Church for a Praise Day that also aligned with global activities marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). The atmosphere was vibrant, songs, prayers, and warm reunions, but beneath the celebration lay a determined call for more responsive systems that support the daily realities of persons with disabilities.

State Chairman, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, set the tone from the outset. He explained that the gathering was not just a spiritual observance, but a reminder of the strength and shared identity within the disability community. The theme, “Let’s Praise God,” he said, symbolised gratitude for survival and progress in a world that still presents many obstacles.

He noted that the global IDPD commemoration remains a crucial medium for raising awareness and encouraging governments to build societies where no group is sidelined. Persons with disabilities, according to him, continue to make significant contributions across academics, entertainment, sports, entrepreneurship, governance, and faith communities. Yet their skills are often undervalued, and their needs overlooked.

This year’s international theme;“Fostering Disability-Inclusive Society for Advancing Social Progress”, was, for Okeke, a direct challenge to policymakers. He stressed that meaningful development cannot take root where disability rights are treated as an afterthought. A progressive state, he argued, must ensure equitable access to education, healthcare, employment, and public infrastructure, while also fostering participation in leadership and civic processes.

Okeke congratulated Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on his re-election, describing the victory as a renewed mandate that offers the disability community another opportunity to press for stronger action. He commended both the governor and the First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, for initiating several empowerment and welfare programmes that have benefitted persons with disabilities.

However, he made it clear that major gaps still exist. Despite the Anambra Disability Rights Law already in force, many of the challenges identified years ago persist. He listed inaccessible office buildings, poorly planned roads and walkways, public transport that does not accommodate wheelchairs or mobility aids, limited job openings, inadequate assistive devices, and weak enforcement of disability-related regulations as issues that continue to frustrate daily life for many members.

He called for a more active Disability Commission, improved accessibility standards on public projects, and wider livelihood programmes that enable persons with disabilities to earn independently. He also appealed to churches and religious bodies to embrace inclusive worship practices, ensuring that people with different impairments feel welcome and valued.

Schools, he added, must adjust their learning systems to support learners with disabilities rather than isolating them. Hospitals and clinics, he said, must prioritise rehabilitation services and early screening for children, as early intervention can change lives.

A moment of gratitude followed as Okeke acknowledged the support extended by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Through a national empowerment initiative delivered in Anambra by Dr Nonye Soludo, 250 persons with disabilities received financial support. He urged beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely and assured others that the programme, being continuous, will reach more members in future.

The association also recognised contributions from corporate and institutional supporters including Naira Rice Limited, EmeNet International Ltd., the Ministry of Health, several private donors, and many individuals within the community.

One after another, members shared their thoughts during an interactive session. Mr Chide Emma Chukwuebuka, who chairs the Onitsha North chapter, reaffirmed the group’s dedication to pushing for real inclusion, urging government bodies to open up more opportunities.

Patrick Ezeobinwa suggested that more activities be organised at the local government level to increase participation and strengthen unity. He also called for greater involvement in sports, noting its ability to promote teamwork and well-being.

Another member, Mr Chika Okafor, expressed concern that certain groups within the association sometimes feel overlooked during empowerment exercises. He appealed for greater transparency and fairness to ensure that all members benefit.
Responding to the contributions, Comrade Okeke promised that none of the concerns raised would be ignored. He encouraged unity, patience, and continuous collaboration, assuring members that their voices would guide the association’s next steps.

The event closed with lively praise sessions, a health awareness talk, a practical engagement with officials of the Nigerian Red Cross, and a financial literacy session by Access Bank on saving and investment.

The day ended on a hopeful note; a mix of gratitude, reflection, and a renewed resolve to advocate for a state where persons with disabilities have the tools, access, and respect they need to live with dignity.

By Emeka Chiaghanam

The push to strengthen how Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is reported in Anambra State gained fresh momentum this week, as a coalition of rights groups trained dozens of journalists on more ethical and survivor-focused storytelling.

The one-day session, organised by the Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) in collaboration with WomenAid Collective (WACOL), drew over 30 media practitioners from newspaper houses, radio stations, TV platforms, and digital outlets. The gathering, held in Nibo, Awka South, formed part of an ongoing national initiative aimed at helping communities tackle the rising tide of violence against women and girls.

The wider programme seeks to empower Christian women and custodians of culture across Nigeria by giving grassroots groups the tools to prevent and respond to GBV. For organisers, strengthening the media’s role within this effort is essential, as journalists shape public perception and influence how communities react to cases of abuse.

Opening the training, Christian Madubueze warned that GBV had grown into a disturbing menace affecting mostly women, girls, and vulnerable groups. He urged journalists to take up a more active role in shifting public conversation. According to him, the media is central to exposing patterns of abuse and placing continuous pressure on institutions to act. He reminded participants that their work is not merely to inform, but also to safeguard the dignity of those affected.

One of the key facilitators, Dr Emeka Odogwu, who leads the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Anambra, challenged reporters to view their craft as a tool for social protection. Speaking on “Media as an Advocate,” he said journalists hold the power to influence justice, spark reform, and give hope to survivors. He encouraged them to approach GBV reporting with intention and empathy, noting that insensitive coverage can silence victims, while ethical storytelling can restore dignity.

Dr Odogwu urged reporters to dig deeper when covering GBV cases, telling stories that highlight systemic failures, inspire action, and push communities towards compassion rather than judgement. He praised GPSDC and WACOL for involving both cultural leaders and Christian women, saying the approach strengthens the state’s overall response to GBV.

He later delivered another session on content development, stressing the importance of careful narrative framing. While digital spaces now offer massive reach, he warned that online reporting carries serious risks, including exposing victims to backlash. He advised journalists to protect identities, use social media responsibly, and avoid fuelling harmful conversations. For him, a journalist’s tools; pen, camera,

By Emeka Chiaghanam

The Anambra State Government has stepped up its push to reposition the mining sector, signalling a renewed determination to properly harness the state’s vast mineral deposits for economic growth and industrial expansion. This renewed commitment was highlighted in Awka during a media engagement with Professor Charles Ofoegbu, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Solid Mineral Development Company Limited as well as Anambra Petroleum and Energy Resources Limited.

Speaking with journalists, Professor Ofoegbu explained that Anambra is richly blessed with numerous mineral resources that, if well-managed, could significantly strengthen the state’s revenue base, boost agriculture, enhance infrastructure and catalyse industrial development. He revealed that the state’s ongoing mineral sector reforms are designed to tackle long-standing issues that have stunted the industry’s growth, most notably, widespread illegal mining.

According to him, unlawful mining activities have thrived due to the uncoordinated activities of various groups who impose levies and enforce revenue collection outside legal frameworks. Many of these operators, he added, are not certified or professionally qualified, thereby exposing the state to environmental risks, safety concerns and massive revenue losses.
Professor Ofoegbu noted that the new reform framework is targeted at bringing order to the sector by defining clearer procedures for obtaining mining licences, integrating environmental protection measures, strengthening community-development plans and ensuring that mining companies meet their corporate social responsibilities.

He lamented that despite the abundance of mineral deposits, ranging from kaolin in Ukpor and Ozubulu to ironstone across Uga, Nkwelle, Nsugbe and Abagana, the state earns far less than it should because most extraction is carried out without proper regulation. Other mineral-rich zones, he noted, include areas endowed with laterite, gravel, sharp sand, lignite, clay, iron ore and plaster sand.

Highlighting the state’s geological richness, Ofoegbu pointed out that Anambra sits on formations spanning several geological ages, making it one of the most naturally endowed regions in the Southeast. However, he emphasised that unlocking this mineral wealth requires deliberate investment in infrastructure, such as access roads, processing facilities, and environmental safeguards.

He explained that although mining has often been viewed as a destructive industry, modern technologies are steadily replacing outdated methods, offering safer, more efficient extraction and reducing environmental damage. This shift, he said, is driven by scientific innovations that are rewriting the possibilities in the mining landscape.

Yet, despite its promise, the sector continues to grapple with ethical, environmental and social challenges. Professor Ofoegbu stressed that mining still raises concerns around community disruption, pollution, land degradation and occupational hazards. Many artisanal miners, he said, still rely on crude methods that expose them to health risks and life-threatening accidents.

He argued that the future of mining in Anambra must align with global best practices and the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting job creation, economic resilience, responsible extraction methods and climate-conscious operations. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and ensuring transparent compliance mechanisms, he added, were essential for a sustainable and profitable sector.

Professor Ofoegbu maintained that Anambra’s mineral renaissance is possible only through coordinated reform, investment, and strict enforcement of environmental and safety standards. With these measures, he expressed confidence that the mining sector could emerge as a major driver of the state’s economic transformation.

By Emeka Chiaghanam

In a ceremony marked by admiration, gratitude, and renewed faith in Nigeria’s electoral system, the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC) Youth Wing has honoured the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, with the Transparent and Exemplary Leadership Service Award. The event, held in Awka, celebrated her unwavering commitment to credible elections and her transformative leadership since assuming office in November 2022.

Presenting the award, the President-General of the ASTUC Youth Wing, Comrade Ken Okoli, said the honour was a recognition of Dr. Agwu’s integrity, professionalism, and impact on the electoral landscape of Anambra State. He praised her for steering multiple elections with remarkable transparency and orderliness, describing the just-concluded gubernatorial election as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

“We are here to appreciate you for the three years you have been in Anambra State serving Nigeria as the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner,” Okoli stated. “We have witnessed elections under your watch, including the 2023 polls, which were peaceful and well-coordinated. The most recent gubernatorial election was adjudged the freest, fairest, most transparent, and credible election in Nigeria’s history. This is a story we will continue to tell because it gives hope that elections can be conducted without violence or irregularities.”

He added that the youth constituency, both in Anambra and in the diaspora, had regained confidence in the electoral system largely due to Dr. Agwu’s leadership. For them, he said, no account of electoral transformation in Anambra State would be complete without her name.

The award, approved unanimously by the ASTUC Youth Wing executive council, was presented as a permanent token of appreciation. “It would not be enough to express our gratitude in words alone,” Okoli said. “We wanted something that would remind her of the years she served Anambra with distinction. This award symbolises our sincere appreciation.”

Receiving the honour, an emotional Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu expressed her surprise and deep gratitude. She noted that the award was particularly meaningful because it came unexpectedly from young people who had been silently observing her work.

“This award is huge because it came from people I never knew were watching me,” she said. “In this era of social media, people are quick to highlight faults, but hardly commend when you do the right thing. When I heard of this honour, I asked myself, ‘Does it mean these people are watching me?’”

Dr. Agwu reflected on her journey since assuming office on 9th November 2022. She narrated how, upon entering Anambra State for the first time, she prayed earnestly not to fail in her responsibility as REC in a state she described as the ancestral heart of eastern Nigeria. She made a solemn vow in church to uphold fairness, credibility, and freedom in every election conducted under her watch.

The REC shared insights into the rigorous process of rebuilding public trust in the electoral system. Her team embarked on widespread sensitization across radio and television stations, as well as markets and public spaces, an effort she said paid off as voters’ confidence steadily improved.

She also acknowledged the consistent support of both former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and the current National Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. “At no time was I ever asked to compromise,” she stressed. “Prof. Amupitan told me before the gubernatorial election, ‘No compromise, don’t allow anyone to coax you.’ It was a test of time, but God helped us.”

Dr. Agwu emphasized that the success recorded in Anambra was a collective effort, crediting INEC staff in the state and at the national level. She highlighted one of their proudest achievements, announcing the full results of the recent gubernatorial election before 9 a.m. on Sunday, less than 24 hours after voting ended, a first in Nigeria’s electoral history.

“Today, if anybody comes out to vote in Anambra State, their vote will count,” she declared. “INEC was determined to get it right, and we got it right. Nobody takes the glory but God.”


She dedicated the award to the Almighty, expressing heartfelt appreciation to the INEC Chairman, National Commissioners, management, and staff for their support. “For the youths to give me this recognition, it means I am getting it right,” she said. “I promise to continue to do the right thing.”

Among the ASTUC delegation were its Secretary-General, Comrade Oscar Chiwuba; and Hon. Anthony Ezeigwe, Special Adviser to the ASTUC President-General on Support.

By Emeka Chiaghanam



In a significant move to stabilize electricity distribution and strengthen local oversight, the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) has granted an interim licence to First Power Electricity Company Limited. The one-year licence marks the first formal approval under the state’s newly established electricity regulatory framework and is part of broader efforts by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to improve power supply for residents and businesses.

The ceremony, held in Awka, the state capital, was attended by top government officials, representatives of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), strategic partners, and members of the media. The event signals a pivotal step in Anambra’s quest to manage its energy sector independently, under a state-driven regulatory system rather than relying solely on federal oversight.

Prof. Frank Okafor, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ASERC, described the licensing of First Power as a “landmark event” for the state. He said the commission aims to ensure electricity is treated not as a luxury but as a basic service that supports industrial growth, commerce, and social development.

“This licence is more than a regulatory formality; it is the beginning of a transformative journey,” Prof. Okafor said. “We are committed to transparent oversight, rigorous monitoring of operators, and customer-focused service. Our goal is to change public perception and demonstrate that regulatory agencies can operate effectively and accountably.”

The commission has also announced a mass metering programme, set to commence within two weeks. Prof. Okafor explained that the initiative will expand access to electricity meters across the state, addressing long-standing complaints about estimated billing and enhancing accountability. He projected that by 2027, Anambra would achieve significant improvements in metering coverage and reliability of supply.

The path to independent regulation began on October 9, 2025, when Governor Soludo inaugurated five commissioners to lead ASERC. Shortly afterward, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) issued an Order of Transfer, ceding oversight of electricity operations in Anambra to the state agency. ASERC subsequently resolved to issue interim licences to companies previously operating under NERC, including First Power.

Representing EEDC’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya described the licence as a milestone in the state’s power sector reform. “First Power is structured to align with Anambra’s development priorities, including industrial expansion, urban growth, agricultural development, and support for small and medium enterprises,” he said. “We are ready to operate fully under the state’s regulatory framework while maintaining standards of safety, environmental responsibility, and customer service.”

First Power’s Managing Director, Okechukwu Okafor, emphasized that the licence formalizes the company’s status as the primary distributor of electricity in Anambra. He noted that the company is transitioning from operating under EEDC’s NERC licence to functioning as an independent state-regulated entity. “We are committed to partnering with industrialists, the government, and communities to improve electricity supply,” he said. “Our target is to ensure all customers are metered by 2027.”

The event also featured remarks from Dr. Law Mefor, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, who praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for moving electricity to the concurrent legislative list, which empowered states to establish their own regulatory frameworks. Dr. Mefor described the licence issuance as a landmark achievement for the Soludo administration and assured continued government support to strengthen the state electricity market.

Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Mr. Julius Chukwuemeka, described the move as timely and strategic, while Dr. Charles Ofoegbu, MD/CEO of the Anambra State Solids Minerals Development Company Limited and Anambra Petroleum and Energy Resources Limited, welcomed First Power to the state, pledging support for a smooth operational start until the company establishes dedicated offices.

The interim licence to First Power represents the first step in Anambra State’s ambitious plan to create a reliable, accountable, and locally managed electricity distribution system, signaling a new era in the state’s energy sector and its broader economic development.

By Emeka Chiaghanam

The Cooperative Federation of Anambra State Limited (COFAS) has launched a renewed campaign to strengthen cooperative societies across the state, unveiling an action plan aimed at repositioning cooperatives as key drivers of social transformation and grassroots development. The initiative was announced at the 2025 Strategic Cooperative Summit held on Wednesday at King David Hotel, Awka.

The summit, themed “Cooperative Societies as Agents of Social Transformation and Sustainable Grassroots Development,” brought together cooperative leaders, government representatives, academics, financial facilitators, and development practitioners to examine the challenges confronting cooperatives and outline a framework for rebuilding public trust and operational discipline within the sector.

Delivering the keynote address, COFAS President Professor Ogochukwu Soludo said the federation was moving to correct years of decline that had weakened cooperative culture in the state. He noted that many groups had drifted from the original principles of cooperation, resulting in unrealistic expectations, poor management practices, and a loss of confidence among members.

According to him, the first phase of COFAS’ renewal strategy focuses on creating widespread awareness and educating members on the fundamentals of cooperative enterprise. “People cannot operate what they do not understand,” he said, stressing that cooperative growth depends on collective responsibility, disciplined contributions, and the prudent use of resources.

He said cooperatives in the state had long suffered from the perception that membership provided automatic access to free government money or grants. Such mindsets, he warned, had derailed the movement. “Life does not work on freebies. Cooperatives are built on contribution, investment and shared benefits—not on waiting for unearned support,” he said.

Professor Soludo explained that the federation aimed to rebuild the system by redirecting members’ focus to the principles of pooling resources, engaging in productive ventures, and investing wisely to achieve collective prosperity. He said the long-term target is to transform cooperatives into a broad social movement capable of supporting the state’s development agenda.

He also urged the government to support credible cooperatives with proven leadership and transparent systems. “When government identifies cooperatives that are genuinely functional and accountable, encouragement should follow,” he added.

A major presentation at the event came from Dr. Nma Okechukwu Okoroji, Director of the Centre for Agripreneurship and Cooperative Research Practice at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and a leading figure in several national agricultural associations. She described COFAS as a critical pathway to unlocking the economic potential that Anambra’s cooperative communities have long awaited.

Dr. Okoroji said cooperation remains central to human progress and noted that the Igbo cultural expression “Igbo Kwenu” itself symbolizes unity and collective action. She encouraged participants to embrace cooperatives as legitimate business ventures rather than welfare platforms. “Cooperatives are not designed for sharing government money,” she said. “They are business enterprises built on contribution, investment and management discipline.”

She urged communities to form or strengthen cooperative societies, stressing that such structures have the capacity to reduce poverty and expand economic opportunities when properly managed. According to her, even the concept of partnership in religious doctrine is rooted in collaboration and shared effort.

Another dimension of support was highlighted by Mr. Sam Eze, President of the Susumi platform, who briefed journalists at the event. He said Susumi was ready to collaborate with cooperatives in the state by providing financial structures that allow members to benefit as they contribute. He said this would give cooperatives access to a wider pool of funds and strengthen their capacity to execute business ventures that require significant capital.

Participants also received practical guidance from Mr. Nwike Phillips, a retired Senior Cooperative Officer in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and a consultant with the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation. His presentation focused on operational weaknesses that hinder the growth of many cooperatives.

Phillips criticised the widespread avoidance of joint ventures among cooperatives, describing it as a major cultural barrier that undermines group success. He also expressed concern over fund mismanagement, lack of vision, failure to hold regular meetings, and poor financial accountability. “Many cooperatives do not keep proper records or produce annual accounts,” he said, urging leaders to adopt best practices, attend training programmes, and prioritize transparency.

He stressed that cooperative structures must operate as collective entities and not as personal establishments of leaders who act without consultation or documentation.

In her remarks, Mrs. Agbili Chiamaka, Senior Registrar of Cooperatives in the Ministry of Industry, called for improved leadership capacity within cooperative societies. She identified poor record-keeping and weak financial management as major setbacks. She encouraged members to pay their contributions diligently, adhere to required levies, and strengthen capital formation to improve access to business opportunities.

Mrs. Agbili emphasized that accountability, leadership training, and consistent meetings remain essential in building cooperatives capable of competing and thriving in modern economic environments.

The 2025 Strategic Cooperative Summit ended with a collective commitment to reposition cooperatives as functional tools for economic empowerment, financial discipline, and sustainable development across Anambra State. Organizers said follow-up programmes and capacity-building sessions would continue throughout the year to ensure that the resolutions adopted at the summit translate into measurable improvements at the grassroots.

Among the attendees were the presidents and secretaries of all registered cooperative societies in Anambra State, directors and staff of the Department of Cooperatives, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, strategic partners, representatives from ASTUC, ASBA, SMEDAN, BIO, COFAS-MSME Forum, as well as selected patrons and key stakeholders.

By Emeka Chiaghanam

The Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC) Youth Wing has honoured three distinguished personalities as its Role Models for 2025, celebrating their values, character, and impact on young people across the state. The ceremony, held on Saturday, 22 November 2025, at the ASTUC Secretariat in the Old Government House, Awka, drew traditional rulers, community leaders and youth delegates from all 179 towns. Governor Charles Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, presided over the event.

ASTUC Youth President-General, Comrade Ken Okoli, explained that the Mega Star Role Models initiative aims to promote excellence, rebuild moral standards and inspire responsible leadership across Anambra. He noted that the selection process began in 2024 as part of efforts to spotlight individuals who embody principles such as honesty, patriotism, hard work, justice, tolerance, community service and reverence for God and humanity.

He said each of the 179 communities was asked to nominate one person whose lifestyle reflects these values. This list was later reduced to one representative per local government area, before youth delegates from the three senatorial districts elected one representative for each zone. Those finally selected were: High Chief (Dr) Chinedu Umeadi for Anambra Central, Very Rev Fr Dr Basil Ekwunife for Anambra North, and Dr Ebuka Onunkwo for Anambra South.

Comrade Okoli praised the three honourees as individuals whose records of service, humility and discipline stand out. He urged young people to draw lessons from their examples of hard work, generosity and integrity.

Governor Soludo, through Dr Mefor, commended the youth wing for choosing people who built their success through diligence rather than through criminal shortcuts. He stressed that at a time when some youths embrace fraud, ritual practices and other harmful paths, it is crucial to highlight those who have achieved progress through honourable means.

Prof. Soludo encouraged the recipients to stay true to the values that earned them the recognition, and urged young people across the state to emulate the admirable qualities that set Umeadi, Ekwunife and Onunkwo apart. He added that their conduct reflects the fourth pillar of his Solution Agenda, which seeks to strengthen values and promote good governance.

Dr Ebuka Onunkwo, businessman, philanthropist and APGA frontline aspirant for the 2025 Anambra South senatorial by-election, thanked the youths for the honour. He said the recognition motivates him to continue supporting young people through employment opportunities, scholarships, widows’ assistance and other charitable interventions. He encouraged the public to treat every opportunity as a platform to uplift others.

Fr Ekwunife, widely regarded as a model of integrity, discipline and innovation, reiterated the need for youths to avoid get-rich-quick temptations. He maintained that hard work is the only reliable route to success, adding that many vices—such as kidnapping and ritual activities, would reduce if young people embraced honest effort and made good use of available opportunities. He noted that investing in youths is investing in the state’s future.

In his remarks, Dr Chinedu Umeadi, represented by his brother, expressed gratitude to the youths for recognising his contributions, particularly in education. He noted that many people work quietly without seeking attention, and said the award serves as a reminder that meaningful efforts do not go unnoticed. He encouraged citizens to become the change they desire, emphasising that true progress begins with personal responsibility.