NIGERIAN NOTCH

  Former Labour Party spokesperson in Enugu State, Dr. Nonso Ginger Ibeneme, and his wife recently celebrated two significant milestones — 15 years of marital union and the first birthday of their triplets — in a grand ceremony that drew dignitaries, clergy, and well-wishers from across the state. The celebration commenced with a thanksgiving service at St. Andrew’s Church, Trans Ekulu, Enugu, officiated by the Archdeacon and Vicar, The Venerable Chigozie Bright Igwemba. The church auditorium was filled to capacity as friends, associates, and prominent personalities gathered to give thanks with the Ibeneme family. In his sermon, The Venerable Ebere Akpado urged Christians to remain steadfast in proclaiming Christ regardless of societal pressures or criticism, stressing that faith must be boldly lived and shared. Other clergy present included The Venerable Simon E. O. Emelumadu, The Venerable Chimechefulam Onyemaobi, and the Reverend Canon Samuel Ede, among others. Following the chu...

In a bid to strengthen youth participation in governance, members of the New Nigerian Patriots (NNP) on Sunday held a strategic meeting with aspirants who have declared interest in the forthcoming Abuja Area Council elections. The meeting brought together young members contesting for Chairmanship and Councillorship positions across the Area Councils, with discussions centred on leadership responsibility, teamwork, strategic planning, and people-oriented governance. The engagement was sponsored by the group’s leader, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, whose support, organisers said, reflects his sustained commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development, and inclusive governance. Participants described Nwajiuba as a consistent advocate for creating opportunities that enable young people to take up leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to national development. According to the organisers, the meeting also served as a platform to foster unity among the aspirants, align s...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, PhD, the former Minister of State for Education and two-time member of the House of Representatives, has formally declared his intention to contest the presidency of Nigeria on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Nwajiuba, a seasoned lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989 and a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), enters the race with a message anchored on what he describes as a “competence-first” approach to leadership. His declaration signals the entry of a candidate who is positioning experience, policy depth, and institutional knowledge at the centre of national governance. Speaking on his ambition, Nwajiuba emphasized that Nigeria’s current challenges require leadership driven by clear policies, effective negotiation skills, and a strong grassroots political structure rather than rhetoric. He noted that his years in the legislature, the executiv...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  Residents of Ogwu Ikpele, a riverine community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Friday and Saturday, January 16 and 17, 2026, staged a mass protest against Sterling Petroleum Energy Exploration Company (SPEECO) over what they described as a decade of neglect, unfulfilled agreements, and environmental degradation. Ogwu Ikpele, situated along the River Niger and surrounded by rich wetlands, has lived with seasonal flooding for years. However, community leaders say the presence of SPEECO, which has explored oil in the area for the past ten years, has brought more hardship than relief. The protest coincided with activities marking SPEECO’s 10th anniversary. Hundreds of youths, women, children, and elderly residents took to the streets, barricading access routes to oil facilities, shutting down drilling operations, and cutting off electricity supply to the rigs. Community sources claimed the shutdown resulted in losses est...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  As preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 general elections, the people of Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo face an important decision: choosing a representative to the Federal House of Representatives who is not only accessible and people-oriented, but intellectually equipped to navigate the complexities of national lawmaking. At the heart of this choice lies a fundamental question: who possesses the academic depth, mental agility and intellectual capacity required to effectively represent a constituency of such strategic economic and political importance as the Japan of Africa. For many within the Nnewi federal constituency, the name that consistently stands out in this regard is Ambassador Ikebunwa Lotanna. Ambassador Lotanna’s academic trajectory reflects a pattern of excellence that has remained consistent over the years. From his early education, he distinguished himself as an outstanding student, recording exceptional results in ...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  At 90, many slow down, retreating quietly into the comfort of memory. But for Chief (Dr) Simon Nsobundu Okeke, former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, age has become less a marker of decline and more a testament to endurance, purpose, and grace. As he marked his 90th birthday, Dr. Okeke reflected on a life defined not merely by titles held or offices occupied, but by values lived and principles upheld. Calm, reflective and full of gratitude, the elder statesman looked back on nine decades of service, family, and faith with a rare sense of fulfilment. His story is one of quiet impact , a reminder that true greatness often speaks softly. Born and raised within the rich tapestry of Igbo tradition, Dr. Okeke’s formative years were guided by lessons of hard work, honesty, respect for elders and communal responsibility. These values, instilled early by his father, became the compass by which he navigated life. “I was raised to value decency and ...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has commenced a statewide sensitisation campaign against drunk driving, targeting commercial drivers as part of efforts to curb road traffic crashes and fatalities. The exercise, conducted on January 14, 2026, was designed as a data-driven intervention aimed at reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities in the state by at least 10 per cent. Addressing drivers during the exercise, the Anambra State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Bridget Asekahuno, noted that a significant proportion of road crashes recorded on Nigerian roads are linked to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She urged commercial drivers to shun drunk driving, stressing that alcohol and substance abuse impair judgment, reduce reaction time and endanger lives. Also speaking, the NDLEA Team Leader, Mrs Priscilia Onyema, warned agains...

Former leader of the Apex Youth Organization in Nnewi North Local Government Area, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, has officially commenced the funding of his political party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), beginning with Nnewi North LGA. Newday Reporters reliably gathered on Sunday that Amb. Ikebunwa has fully paid for all the ten (10) ADC ward offices in Nnewi North Local Government Area, following the earlier payment for the Nnewichi Ward office. This bold move signals a strong commitment to building a solid party structure at the grassroots level. The former Special Assistant on Grassroots Mobilization to the late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, through this action, has made a clear statement of intent to financially and strategically support the ADC as his chosen political platform. His objective, according to close associates, is to ensure effective representation for the people of Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency by laying a strong foundation ...

Residents of Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to intervene and extend the date for the proposed Igweship election, warning that proceeding with the exercise as scheduled could lead to unrest in the town. The appeal followed a peaceful protest by indigenes of the community against what they described as an alleged plan by the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct the Igweship (Eze Ndiowu) election on Monday, January 12, 2026, in violation of the community’s constitution. The protesters faulted the proposed use of a secret ballot system, which they said contravenes Ndiowu’s gazetted traditional constitution, as well as the alleged exclusion of women from the electoral process. Earlier on Saturday, during a town hall meeting with representatives of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, women, youths and elders of ...

By Izuchukwu Adichie “Anya huru ugo jaara ugo.” (The eyes that see the eagle should give it due praise.) This Igbo proverb finds its truth in leadership. No day spent one-on-one with Mr. Governor concludes without a lesson learned. In fact, to join him without a notebook feels like a missed opportunity, as you will inevitably need to jot down his insights. Travelling with him to events, in his official car, during this Christmas period offered another rare chance for free interaction. To be in his company anytime, anywhere, is to expect the unexpected—his probing questions demand that you come prepared with answers, solutions, and thoughtful suggestions. I once looked at the eagle logo on his red cap, now also woven into his Akwete attire, and thought it a simple nod to patriotism. I was only partly correct. Soludo embodies the eagle's very features. A study of this majestic bird reveals why. The eagle symbolizes strength, pride, and foresight. These are not mere symbols but the pi...