NIGERIAN NOTCH

Residents of Omalima Layout, Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State have raised the alarm over an alleged illegal takeover of their lands, following what they described as a forceful invasion by armed men claiming to be acting on “government directives.” In an open letter addressed to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the residents appealed for urgent intervention to prevent further escalation of tension in the community and to restore public confidence in the rule of law. According to the petition, panic gripped the area on Tuesday when armed individuals reportedly stormed the layout, barred landowners from accessing their legally acquired properties, and destroyed homes and perimeter fences. The development, residents said, triggered a spontaneous protest as affected persons demanded immediate government action to halt what they described as intimidation and unlawful land seizure. Chairman of the Estate, Chief Moses, whose property was also alle...

The Anambra State Police Command has announced plans to host a Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons and an End-of-Year Party on December 23, 2025, as part of activities to mark the yuletide season and strengthen community partnership in security management. The event, themed “Policing: A Shared Responsibility,” is scheduled to hold by 5:00 p.m. at the Vertex View Hall, Nibo, Awka. It is expected to attract a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including Ndi Anambra, security agencies, community leaders, and other relevant partners across the state. According to the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, MNIPS, PhD, the programme is designed to deepen collaboration between the Police and residents of the state, while promoting unity, trust, and a shared commitment to peace and public safety. He noted that the gathering would also provide an opportunity for the Command to appreciate stakeholders for their support, cooperation, and contributions to sustaining security in Anambr...

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected fake armed vigilante operatives allegedly involved in criminal conspiracy and armed robbery in Awka, as part of ongoing efforts to sustain public safety during the Yuletide season. Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, effected the arrests during an operation at Ring Road, Nibo, Awka, following intelligence-led investigations. Two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, an ash-coloured shuttle bus, face masks, a vehicle number plate and other incriminating items were recovered from the suspects. Those arrested, all males, were identified as Solomon Saddah, Okolocha George Kaosisochukwu, John Obi Ogwaju, Chukwuemeka Chisom Ikenwa and Eze Obinna Joshua. According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects operated in a shuttle bus while impersonating vigilante personnel, using the disguise to rob unsuspecting members of the public. During interrogation, the s...

The Management of Eastland Electricity Distribution Limited (EEDL), a subsidiary of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) Plc responsible for electricity distribution in Ebonyi State, has celebrated its workforce for dedication, teamwork and outstanding performance at its End-of-Year Party and Staff Recognition Awards ceremony. The event, held over the weekend in a warm and convivial atmosphere, brought together management and staff to reflect on the year’s achievements and recognise excellence across departments. Speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director of EEDL, Engr. Nnamdi Chuka-Nwosu, commended staff for their resilience, commitment and remarkable accomplishments during the year, describing the gathering as a moment of gratitude, reflection and renewed hope. “It has been a wonderful year and a remarkable experience working with all of you. You have been awesome. You have achieved new milestones, some of which once seemed unthinkabl...

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, led members of the institution’s Management, Governing Council and staff to the wedding ceremony of Engr. Uche Victor Ndife and Chioma Judith Ndife, held in Awka, Anambra State. Engr. Uche Victor Ndife is the son of a former Bursar of the Polytechnic, Mr. Bertram Ndife, and Dr. Chinelo Ndife, a member of the Governing Council and Director of the Ufuma Campus of the institution. The couple, who are both lecturers at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, made the occasion particularly significant, drawing a large turnout from the polytechnic community and giving the ceremony a distinct institutional flavour. The wedding, marked by joy, music and celebration, provided an avenue for staff and stakeholders of the Polytechnic to reunite, further reflecting the spirit of camaraderie, brotherhood and mutual respect that characterise the institution. Presenting gifts to the newlyweds on beha...

Ahead of Governor Peter Mbah’s visit to Achi, in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, the youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has sent a special message to the governor.  The message, signed by the group’s National Secretary, Comrade Obinna Achionye, stressed that, Ohanaeze youths, while felicitating with the Achi community on the visit, described Governor Mbah as a trailblazer, who had redefined governance in the state.  “We heartily welcome the record-breaking governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah to Achi community in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.  “On behalf of our National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, who is from the Achi community, we welcome the people’s governor. “We have always identified with His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, going by the numerous people-oriented projects he has been carrying out in Enugu State.  “As he visits the Achi community today, w...

By Chinwe Onuigbo, Anambra  The Anambra State Government has recorded a budget performance of over 70 per cent for the 2024 fiscal year, alongside a significant reduction in unresolved audit queries from ₦2.5 billion in 2023 to about ₦750 million in 2024. The State Auditor-General, Mr. Akosa Okocha, disclosed this on Thursday in Awka during the Audit Forum and Citizens Accountability Dialogue on the 2024 State Financial Statements, organised in line with the States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) framework and international best practices. Okocha said the state performed creditably during the year, posting a revenue surplus above its budget projection, despite a budget shortfall of 28.70 per cent. According to him, Anambra overachieved its expected revenue by ₦92.81 billion, representing 33.21 per cent of projected revenue. He explained that while the state projected an expenditure of ₦410.13 billion for 2024, actual spending stood at ₦292...

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, MNIPS, PhD, on Friday led a statewide walk and advocacy campaign against cultism and other social vices, warning perpetrators that the Command would no longer tolerate activities capable of undermining public peace and security. The exercise, held on December 19, 2025, brought together senior police officers, personnel of the Command, critical stakeholders and concerned members of the public in a show of collective resolve to rid the state of cult-related violence and criminality. Addressing participants during the walk, CP Orutugu “read the riot act” to individuals involved in cultism and allied crimes, stressing that the Police would deploy all lawful means to prevent crime, apprehend offenders and sustain law and order across Anambra State. He explained that the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) is a community-driven initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, which...

Barely months after assuming office on February 5, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has outlined early gains recorded under her administration, stressing discipline, peace and institutional renewal as pillars of her leadership. Dr. Awuzie spoke on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Polytechnic’s Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons held at the Convocation Arena, attended by members of the Governing Council, former rectors, principal officers, staff, students and other stakeholders. Reflecting on the significance of Christmas, the Rector described the season as one of hope, unity and moral rebirth, urging the Polytechnic community to embrace compassion, humility and shared responsibility. She noted that within Igbo culture, Christmas goes beyond celebration, symbolising communal living and mutual care. Commending staff for their dedication and resilience, Dr. Awuzie acknowledged the contributions of academic, administrative and technical per...

The Anambra State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Bridget Asekhuno, has met with the Onitsha Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Nzota Chidi, to strengthen inter-agency collaboration ahead of the Yuletide rush. The meeting, held in Onitsha on Thursday, focused on strategies to manage the anticipated surge in vehicular movement and ease congestion around critical corridors, including the Niger Bridge, the Second Niger Bridge and major routes within Onitsha metropolis. Asekhuno said the engagement was part of proactive measures by the FRSC to ensure free flow of traffic and enhance safety for road users during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. She emphasised that effective traffic management during the festive season requires strong synergy among security and traffic management agencies. “Working in synergy with sister agencies remains key to achieving seamless traffic ...