NIGERIAN NOTCH

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...

Ufuma community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State came alive with colour and pageantry on January 2, 2026, during the annual Oriri Ngwucha Aho Ovume festival, as several eminent personalities were honoured with chieftaincy titles. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the conferment of a chieftaincy title on the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie. She was honoured with the title Ugo Mmuta—meaning “the rising eagle of knowledge and inspiration”, by the traditional ruler of Ufuma, His Royal Highness Igwe S. Chika Uchime, Diji III. The honour, the monarch said, was in recognition of Dr. Awuzie’s transformative leadership at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, particularly her contributions to infrastructural renewal and institutional revitalisation, with notable impact at the Ufuma Campus. While conferring the title, Igwe Uchime described the rector as an uncommon achiever and a leader of distinction, praising her exceptional commitmen...

In a significant political development, Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi has formally joined the Action People's Party (APP), pledging to rescue Imo State from its current challenges and restore its former glory. Addressing a gathering of supporters and party faithful, Amadi declared that his decision was driven by deep concern over the state's direction, citing insecurity, poverty, failing infrastructure, and a crisis of governance. "Today is not just a ceremony; it is a declaration of intent," Amadi said. "Imo State must rise again, and that rise will not be powered by one man, one family, or one clique, but by the people." Amadi lamented the state's decline, noting that Imo, once celebrated for enterprise and resilience, is now mocked nationwide for problems that should never be normalized. He accused successive administrations of offering "deceit dressed as governance," pointing to the widening gap between official claims of ...

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has celebrated the conferment of two chieftaincy titles bestowed on her in recognition of her contributions to education, human capacity development and societal advancement. Dr. Awuzie was honoured with the title Nwayikaibeya I of Lude by the traditional ruler of Lude Ahiara Autonomous Community in Imo State, as well as Mmiri Doro Edo, conferred by the Joint Traditional Rulers’ Council of Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The colourful reception, held on December 28, 2025, at the residence of Chief Fidelis Awuzie in Ukpor, Anambra State, attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, academics, traditional leaders, family members and well-wishers. Among those in attendance were the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Dr. Basilia Igbokwe; the Head of Service of Anambra State, Barrister Mrs. Theodora Igwegbe; members of the Governing Council, management and staff of the Federal Polyte...

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has approved an increase in the carrying capacity of selected programmes at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, paving the way for higher student intake beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session. The affected programmes are National Diploma (ND) Science Laboratory Technology, ND Business Administration and Management, and ND Mass Communication, each of which has been granted one additional admission stream. The approval was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Rector of the institution and signed by the Director of the Polytechnic and Allied Programmes Department of the NBTE, Dr. (Mrs) Fatima Kabir Umar, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the board. The decision followed a resource inspection exercise conducted by NBTE officials at the polytechnic between December 10 and 12, 2025, at the invitation of the institution’s management. The development is seen as a significant milestone for the polytechnic and a...

A vibrant crowd yesterday gathered at Akpakwume Nze Ward in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State to express appreciation for Governor Peter Mbah's leadership. The occasion was a rice distribution ceremony, courtesy of the Local government Council powered by Hon Hyginus Agu , Senator Osita Ngwu and Speaker Hon Uche Ugwu In his remarks, Mr. Chukwunoso Nechi an (Australia-based son of the soil) commended Governor Mbah's governance style and vision for Enugu State's development. Hon. Geff Eze a major stakeholder of the party in the area hailed Governor Mbah as a blessing to Ndi Enugu, citing his efforts to improve citizens' lives. In the same vein, Hon. Livinus Okolo, a former SA, described Governor Mbah's leadership as transformative and people-oriented. Hon. Amarachi (former Party Chairman) praised the smart school project, saying it transforms Enugu State's educational landscape and puts the state on the international map. The crowd e...

The Action People’s Party (APP) has announced that Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, PhD, will formally join its ranks today, December 31, 2025, in a move widely seen as a potential game changer in Imo State’s political equation ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Cajetan Duke, JP, expressed confidence that the party’s expanding coalition would usher in what he described as “a new dawn” for Imo State. The declaration ceremony will hold at Umuekwenne, Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, and is expected to draw party leaders, supporters and stakeholders from across the state. The APP has described Amadi’s decision to align with the party as a “vote of confidence” in its ideology and reform-driven agenda, noting that his entry adds renewed momentum to its growing influence in Imo politics. Party leaders said Amadi’s reputation for principled leadership, administrative experience and commitment to public service aligns with...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, has confirmed a lone fatal road traffic crash that claimed one life along the Nteje–Onitsha route in Ogbunike, Anambra State. In a statement issued by the Sector Public Education Officer, FRSC Anambra State Command, SRC Margaret B. Onabe, the Command said that the crash occurred at about 9:45 a.m. on December 25, 2025, at the AA Rano Station axis of the Ogbunike Tollgate. It involved a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC sport utility vehicle driven by an unidentified motorist. The vehicle’s registration number was not immediately available. According to the FRSC, five persons were involved in the incident—two adult males, two adult females and a female child. One adult female died in the crash, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries, including bruises, fractures and head injuries. Preliminary investigations by the Corps attributed the crash to a combination of excessive speed, tyre burst and ...

The Anambra State Police Command has significantly strengthened security across the state, deploying operatives to strategic locations to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors during the Yuletide festivities. Police personnel have been positioned along major roads, markets, places of worship, motor parks and recreational centres, as social and commercial activities peak during the festive season. The heightened presence is aimed at preventing crime and ensuring a peaceful celebration across the state. To reinforce the operation, the eight Area Commanders in Anambra have intensified supervisory duties to ensure effective coordination and optimal deployment of personnel within their respective areas of responsibility. These include Onitsha, Ihiala, Oraifite, Awka, Aguata, Otuocha, Ogidi and Nnewi. In addition, tactical units of the Police and other joint security forces have stepped up patrols and visibility operations across the state, further strengthen...