NIGERIAN NOTCH

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...

Grief is often quiet. It settles into the heart, heavy and unseen. But sometimes, grief chooses another path. Sometimes, it walks into the open, carrying food, hope and warmth for others. That was the story that unfolded in Isu-Awaa, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, as Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe and Brethren turned family loss into a powerful act of love for 21 communities in Awgu. Day before the burial of his late mother, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe, the Executive Vice-Chairman Baywood Group, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe and his brethren made a decision that surprised many and moved even more to think in this direction.  Instead of beginning preparations with feasting and ceremony, he chose to feed the hungry. Instead of focusing inward, he looked outward. The result was a large-scale Christmas palliative outreach that reached 1,050 families across all 21 towns in Awgu LGA, a gesture rooted not in publicity, but in memory.  *Morning breaks, hope arrives...

United States President Donald Trump has announced that U.S. forces carried out airstrikes against what he described as terrorist targets in northern Nigeria, marking what he said was America’s first direct military action in the West African country. In a statement posted late Thursday on his social media platform, Truth Social, Mr Trump said the strikes were directed at ISIS-linked elements operating in north-western Nigeria and accused the group of targeting Christian communities. “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorists in north-west Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” Mr Trump wrote. The announcement followed reports earlier this week that the United States had been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over Nigerian airspace since November. Those operations reportedly came after Mr Trump publicly threatened military action ag...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  In a period when public confidence in security institutions is critical to social stability and economic growth, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has emerged as a symbol of purposeful leadership and proactive policing. Since assuming office, CP Orutugu has pursued a clear and deliberate mission: to make Anambra State safe, peaceful, and livable for residents, investors, and visitors alike. At the heart of his strategy is intelligence-driven policing. CP Orutugu has strengthened intelligence gathering and analysis, ensuring that criminal activities are anticipated and neutralised before they escalate. This forward-looking approach has translated into sustained patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, and targeted raids on criminal hideouts across the state. The result has been a noticeable disruption of violent crimes, cultism, armed robbery, and other threats to public safety. Beyond enforcement, CP Orutugu...

Former Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, PhD, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, peace, and youth-focused development as the country celebrates Christmas. In a Christmas goodwill message to Nigerians, Nwajiuba extended warm greetings to citizens across the country, particularly Christians, describing the season as a period for reflection, gratitude, and recommitment to the values of love, sacrifice, and service to humanity. Drawing from his experience in public service, the former minister emphasized the central role of education in national development, noting that it remains the most reliable pathway to overcoming Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. He stressed that investing in education is critical to securing a brighter future for the nation, especially for young people whom he described as Nigeria’s greatest asset. Nwajiuba commended the resilience and determination of Nigerian youths who continue to pursue excellence and innovation d...