NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Ogbe-Ozoma community of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Minister of Defence over what it described as the unlawful deployment of police and military personnel to invade its ancestral land. In separate petitions addressed to the IGP and the Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), and signed by the community’s solicitor, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the Ogbe-Ozoma people alleged a violent and bloody invasion of their land by Chief Chinedu Okeke, also known as “Ekwe-Ogidi,” allegedly aided by more than 40 armed policemen and soldiers. The petitions, titled “Violent and Bloody Invasion of the Ancestral Land of Ogbe-Ozoma in Okpanam Community, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State… Request for Urgent and Decisive Intervention,” accused Chief Okeke and his collaborators, including some individuals from the Issele-Azagba community, of persistent tre...

From Uchenna Ezeadigwe  Awka The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Anambra State Chapter has frowned at the deliberate act of the Commissioner of Youths Development, Hon. Patrick Aghamba to impose or determine the leadership of the NYCN in Anambra State Ag. State Chairman, NYCN Anambra State, Comrade Godwin U. Okoye who disclosed this in a statement made available to this reporter on 12th December, 2025, said "Our attention has been drawn to the public statement issued by the Hon. Patrick Aghamba the Commissioner for Youth Development Anambra State regarding the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Anambra State Chapter". "It is important to clearly state that there is a fundamental difference between the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) A National statutory youth body and any other Youth organization created by Anambra State Government or its affiliate". "The Honourable Commissioner cannot single handedly impose...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr The Supreme Court on Friday nullified President Bola Tinubu’s decision to commute the death sentence of Maryam Sanda, ruling that the President acted outside his constitutional powers by granting clemency while her case was still pending before the courts. In a split decision of four to one, the apex court affirmed the death sentence earlier imposed on Sanda by the Federal Capital Territory High Court and upheld by the Court of Appeal. Sanda was convicted in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic altercation at their Abuja residence. The Supreme Court dismissed her appeal, holding that the prosecution had successfully proved the charge of culpable homicide beyond reasonable doubt. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Moore Adumein faulted the executive intervention, insisting that the presidential pardon was improper given the subsisting judicial process. “It was wrong for the Executive to seek to exercise its power of pa...

…Moves to Chart a New Leadership Path for Nigeria The former Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, PhD, has met with the leadership of the New Nigerian Patriots (NNP) and Young Nigerian Voices (YNV) in Abuja yesterday to discuss pathways for strengthening national leadership, democratic participation, and citizen-driven governance ahead of the country’s next political cycle. The strategic meeting, held on Thursday, brought together youth leaders, policy advocates, and emerging political stakeholders committed to building a more accountable and progressive Nigeria. Speaking during the engagement, Nwajiuba emphasized the urgent need for a new form of leadership one that prioritizes national unity, merit, and long-term planning over political rivalry and short-term gains. He said Nigeria must begin to “harness the energies of its young population” if the country is to break free from persistent economic, political, and social stagnation. “The future of th...

From Ijeoma John, Nnewi  In a time when our constituency urgently needs purposeful, visionary, and competent representation, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna stands out as a rare blend of experience, courage, intellect, and grassroots credibility. His journey, shaped by years of service, activism, legislative exposure, and community engagement, positions him as arguably the most qualified youth to represent Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives come 2027. A Fearless Student Leader With a Record of Integrity, Amb. Ikebunwa’s leadership journey began early. As a student, he emerged as one of the most vocal and principled voices in student unionism while serving as the Chief Judge of the Student Union Government (SUG) at Federal Polytechnic Oko between 2010–2011, he demonstrated extraordinary courage. Despite threats and intimidation, he spearheaded the implementation of strategic reforms that ensured transparency of govern...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has received five academic staff of the institution who recently returned from a TETFund-sponsored “Research for Impact Initiative” training held at Innovate Hub, Abuja. The two-week programme, which ran from November 17 to 28, 2025, brought together academics, technologists and researchers from science and technology-related disciplines across the country. Facilitated through the efforts of the Rector, the training was designed to deepen participants’ capacity to conduct research with direct societal impact and potential for commercialisation. Speaking during the visit, a member of the team, Mr. John Ibeh, said the Oko Polytechnic delegation identified a critical gap in the teaching of science subjects between urban and rural schools. He noted that the absence of functional laboratories and the shortage of qualified science teachers in many rural communities continue to hinder students’ performance, especiall...

From Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka  Tansian University, Umunya, in Anambra State, Nigeria, has formally inducted its pioneer cohort of Nursing graduates into the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), marking a major landmark for the young institution. The maiden induction and oath-taking ceremony was held at the university’s Oba campus auditorium under the theme “Building a Professional Legacy in Nursing: The Journey Begins.” Delivering his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eugene Nwadialor, congratulated the inductees and encouraged them to represent the institution with pride wherever their careers take them. “Do not forget where you started,” he told the new nurses. “Today, you are reaping the fruits of your dedication.” Chair of the occasion, Professor Chinyere Okunna, also commended the graduates, urging them to touch lives through excellence and integrity. She cautioned them never to misuse the professional licenses they have earned. In her key...

The Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State, has announced the dismissal of two of its staff members, Mr. Anthony Ogochukwu Umeozor, a former Deputy Registrar, and Mr. Ekene Olugburu , a former Principal Technical Officer, following separate cases of serious misconduct established against them. In an official statement, the institution disclosed that the Governing Council approved the dismissal of both officers with effect from October 28, 2025. According to the polytechnic, Mr. Anthony Ogochukwu Umeozor was dismissed after a duly constituted disciplinary committee confirmed that he falsified his age, an offence categorized as serious misconduct under Chapter 10, Section 4, Rule 100402 of the Public Service Rules. The rules prescribe dismissal as the ultimate sanction for such violations, in line with Rule 100407. Similarly, the Governing Council dismissed Mr. Ekene Olugburu after he was found guilty of conspiracy, sabotage, stealing, and the illegal sale of a polytechnic tr...

On the evening of December 3, 2025, the grand hall of Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, glowed with excitement and celebration. It was the African 3G Grassroots Good Governance Awards,an annual gathering that recognises excellence, innovation, and credible leadership at the grassroots level across the continent. But this year, one name dominated conversations long before the first award was announced, Hon. Barr. Casmir Chukwunonso Nwafor, the Mayor of Orumba North Local Government Area in Anambra State. By the end of the ceremony, he was not just a winner, he was the undisputed star of the night, sweeping the most coveted honours: Best Local Government Chairman in Rural Infrastructure. Overall Best Local Government Chairman in Nigeria (African Mayor of the Year 2025) For a leader who has spent barely a year in office, the achievement was nothing short of extraordinary. And for the people of Orumba North, it was the ultimate validation of a rising political and developmental rena...

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, has strongly condemned the attack carried out by armed criminals at a church in Lilu, Ihiala Local Government Area, on the morning of December 7, 2025. The incident led to the death of one person, left several others with serious injuries, and resulted in partial burning of the church building and destruction of other property. Describing the attack as heinous and abominable, CP Orutugu said the assault on innocent worshippers represents not only a crime against the Lilu community but also a direct affront to the shared values of peace, sanctity of life, and freedom of worship. The Police Command extended its condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Lilu community, assuring residents that security operatives will relentlessly pursue the perpetrators until they are apprehended and brought to justice. According to the Commissioner, no community in Anambra State should be subjected t...