NIGERIAN NOTCH

Fresh concerns have emerged over the implementation of Nigeria’s prepaid metering policy as the President-General of one of the communities in Osumenyi, Nnewi south, Anambra State, Sir Tony Nzekwe, has questioned why electricity consumers are still being asked to pay for meters despite Federal Government assurances that they are free. Nzekwe’s query comes amid widespread confusion following recent directives by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Federal Ministry of Power that meters supplied under government-backed programmes should be installed at no cost to consumers. Speaking on the issue, the community leader described the situation as contradictory, noting that many residents in Anambra and beyond continue to face demands for payment before installation of prepaid meters. He called on relevant authorities to provide clear and consistent communication to electricity users, insisting that Nigerians deserve transparency on whether they are expec...

Nigeria’s banking sector is bracing for a new phase of competition as the deadline for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s recapitalisation programme expires tomorrow, with 33 banks having raised a combined ₦4.6 trillion to strengthen their capital base and expand lending capacity. Industry analysts say the successful capital mobilisation—achieved through rights issues, public offers, private placements and strategic investments—has set the stage for an intense battle among banks to deploy funds into profitable sectors of the economy. The recapitalisation exercise has significantly bolstered the financial strength of participating institutions, positioning them to finance large-scale transactions and support economic growth. However, attention is now shifting from capital raising to efficient deployment, which experts say will ultimately determine returns to shareholders. International Banks Exceed Benchmarks Under the revised CBN guidelines, commercial banks with internati...

An African Democratic Congress (ADC) stakeholder in Anambra, Amb. Lotanna Ikebunwa, has donated ₦1 million to support beneficiaries of the “One Girl, Two Skills” Empowerment Programme, reinforcing efforts to promote skills acquisition and entrepreneurship among young women. The donation was announced during the graduation ceremony of the programme held at Obi Uruagu Palace, Nnewi, Anambra State, where participants who underwent months of vocational training were formally celebrated. The initiative, organised by Hon. Mrs. Ijeoma Ike in collaboration with Nnewi Progressive Mandate, trained young girls aged 16 and above in practical, income-generating skills, including cosmetology, makeup artistry, cake and pastry production, and event decoration. Speaking at the event, Lotanna commended the organisers for what he described as a “forward-looking intervention,” noting that empowering young women with relevant skills remains key to reducing unemployment and fostering economic gr...

The Anambra State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its public enlightenment drive with a sensitisation outreach to Life of Faith Gospel Assembly, aimed at promoting safer road use and reducing traffic crashes. The exercise, held on March 29, 2026, featured a comprehensive lecture delivered by the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, who addressed the congregation on the theme, “Getting to Your Destination Safely is in Your Hands.” In her address, Asekhauno stressed that most road traffic crashes are caused by human actions rather than external or spiritual forces, urging road users to take personal responsibility for their safety and that of others. She advised parents to ensure that infants are properly secured in the back seats of vehicles, cautioned against the use of mobile phones while driving, and warned against overloading vehicles. The Sector Commander also called on motorists and other road users to ...

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, ...