NIGERIAN NOTCH

Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), entrepreneur, and grassroots mobiliser, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Real Estate Management and Corporate Governance by European-American University. The conferment ceremony, held at Ibis Hotel Ikeja, attracted a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, political stakeholders, business leaders, and well-wishers from across the country. The recognition comes amid Lotanna’s growing profile both in business and politics. Widely regarded as a rising force within the ADC, he has continued to build strong grassroots support while maintaining a thriving career in Nigeria’s real estate sector. He began his journey as a realtor with PWAN Group, where his performance and professionalism earned him national recognition. In 2025, he emerged as one of Nigeria’s top-performing realtors, recording property sales exceeding ₦1.5 billion within a year—an achievement that set him apart in the indus...

An Islamic leader in southeastern Nigeria has commended state governors in the region for strengthening security and promoting inclusive governance, while urging Muslims and other residents to sustain peace and unity as the country navigates complex social and political dynamics. In his Eid al-Fitr message, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, Sarkin Fulani (Fulani leader) in Awka and Chairman of the Arewa Community in Anambra State, said the commitment of Southeast governors to safeguarding lives and accommodating minority groups has helped to foster stability and intercommunal harmony. He made the remarks as Muslims across Nigeria marked Eid al-Fitr, the festival that signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Siddiki called on Muslim faithful to uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and lawful conduct, describing the period as one of reflection, gratitude, and renewed dedication to coexistence. He particularly urged Muslims living in Nigeria’s South East to remain law-abiding an...

As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, a frontline aspirant for the House of Representatives seat in Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Ikebunwa Lotanna, is gaining prominence within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for his growing grassroots influence and investment in party development. Party stakeholders describe his efforts as a notable demonstration of commitment and organizational capacity, following his reported funding and establishment of ward offices across Nnewi North Local Government Area. The offices, numbering ten, have been secured, equipped, and made operational, marking a significant shift from what observers say was previously a limited party presence at the grassroots level. In addition to providing physical structures, Ikebunwa is said to have supported party mobilization efforts at the ward level. In Nnewichi Ward 1, he reportedly extended financial assistance to executives aimed a...

...Kicks Against Quackery  From Uchenna Ezeadigwe Awka As part of its activities to mark the 2026 International Day for Practising surveyors, the Anambra State chapter have embarked on massive sensitisation walk.  The event which took place at Awka, Anambra State capital on Saturday, 21st March, 2026 was graced with over one hundred members March from Aroma to the state office at Amawbia. Speaking shortly after the walk, the chairman of Nigerian Institute of Surveyors, Anambra State chapter, and Fellow Nigeria Institute of Surveyors, Surveyors Chief Gabriel Okeke said (FNIS) said the day was to chowcase to the role what surveying is all about and also tell the people that survey is the bedrock of development. He emphasized that surveying practice in Anambra has gone digital and this is as a result of challenges such as insecurity and quackery faced during the discharge of our duties.  While advising developers to engage professionals and not amateu...

The Anambra State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its public enlightenment campaign with a road show aimed at promoting safe road use ahead of the 2026 Sallah celebration. The sensitisation exercise, held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, focused on educating motorists, passengers and other road users on the need to strictly comply with traffic rules and regulations, with particular emphasis on the dangers of speeding and overloading. Speaking during the exercise, the Sector Commander, Bridget Asekhauno, noted that the initiative forms part of the Corps’ proactive measures to curb road traffic crashes and ensure the safety of lives and property, especially during festive periods often associated with increased vehicular movement. The rally took place across key locations within the Awka metropolis, including the busy Awka–Enugu Expressway and major motor parks, where FRSC personnel engaged drivers and commuters while distributi...

From Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka  A lawmaker in southeastern Nigeria, Chimezie Ikwunne, has provided economic support to at least 150 residents of his constituency through the distribution of vehicles, business equipment and cash assistance valued at more than ₦150 million (about $95,000). Ikwunne, who represents Awka North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, carried out the empowerment programme recently in Ebenebe, a community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State. Items distributed included 15 shuttle buses, 35 motorcycles, 30 grinding machines, 31 hair dryers and 35 sewing machines. Beneficiaries also received cash support intended to help them establish or expand small businesses. Speaking at the event, Ikwunne, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, said the initiative was aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive development in rural communities. “This empowerment is about restoring dignity to rural life, ...

As political consultations and permutations continue to shape the future of representation in Nigeria’s legislative chambers, attention is gradually turning to credible individuals capable of giving effective voice to their people at the national level. In Nnewi, many stakeholders believe that Ikebunwa Lotanna possesses the qualities required to represent Nnewi Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives of Nigeria. Across the towns and communities that make up the federal constituency—including Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo—the name Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna has increasingly come up in discussions about the need for vibrant and purposeful representation. Observers note that one of Lotanna’s greatest strengths lies in his youthful energy and progressive outlook. At a time when the country is experiencing a strong push for generational change in governance, many believe that Nnewi requires a representative who understands the challenges and aspirations of moder...

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has honoured the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, with the prestigious Life Reputation Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to public communication and reputation management in public service. The award was presented on March 13, 2026, during a colourful ceremony held at the International Conference Centre in Awka, the Anambra State capital. The event attracted a distinguished gathering of political leaders, captains of industry, traditional rulers, media practitioners, and members of the public relations community. Among the dignitaries present were Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe; renowned industrialist Chief Cletus Ibeto; and former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, alongside top government officials and other notable personalities. The Life Reputation Award i...

Rose Umeh, Anambra  A planned protest by electricity consumers in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria, against persistent power outages and high electricity tariffs has been suspended following security concerns raised by authorities. The protest, scheduled for Saturday, March 14, was organised by the Electricity Consumers Rights Network and led by consumer rights advocate Osita Obi. Addressing journalists on Friday in Awka, the state capital, Obi said the action had been suspended rather than cancelled after consultations with security agencies and the state government. According to him, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Anambra State Government advised that the protest could be hijacked by criminal elements, especially with the state preparing for the governor’s inauguration on March 17. “Having listened to these people, we decided to suspend the protest, not cancel it,” Obi said, stressing that the movement would continue to push for ...

The Nteje Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State has arraigned 36 traffic offenders before a Mobile Court as part of ongoing efforts to enforce road safety regulations and reduce road traffic crashes within the Nteje axis and surrounding communities. The exercise, carried out on Thursday within the Nteje Unit Command’s operational jurisdiction, is in line with the Corps’ corporate strategic goal of achieving a 10 per cent reduction in road traffic crashes across the country. The Mobile Court session, which held within the Nteje area, was presided over by Magistrate Maria N. Anyanbolu. At the end of the proceedings, 30 offenders were convicted for various traffic violations, while six were discharged. None of the offenders received a custodial sentence. Officials of the Corps said a total of 77 traffic offences were recorded from the 36 motorists arraigned before the court during the enforcement operation around the Nteje corridor, ...