NIGERIAN NOTCH

By Chigozie Igbo Jr The outcome of APC Anambra meeting today at their new state secretariat in Awka Anambra state,  indeed left a sour taste to many, especially those who truly know and understand, what the term "party" means. A political party is supposed to be a meeting and melting point, where ideas are harnessed and cross fertilized for positive results. But unfortunately, the main actors in the All Progressive Congress Anambra Chapter  took to long walk away from what they were supposed to pursue, and started chasing shadows, as if there was beef, already on going within.   A lesson that togetherness is what is needed to get the party to Agu Awka was learnt the hard way today. The looks on the faces of the National Chairman and members of the NWC of APC, reminded me that an Ifeanyi Ubah being around would have done better. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace.  The charade that was displayed by these aspirants, who are suppo...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu's appointment style, which they claim is discouraging party members in the state. According to the state chairman, Hon. Sir Basil Ejidike, the federal government's appointments without consulting the party are detrimental to the APC's growth and success in Anambra. Ejidike noted that many of those appointed to juicy positions are non-party members, mostly from the rival All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). This trend, he said, has not inspired or motivated party members, and is threatening the party's chances of winning the November 8, 2025 governorship election. The APC chairman also alleged that the APGA-led government in Anambra discriminates against non-APGA members in the distribution of government appointments and incentives. He cited an instance where bags of rice sent as palliatives by the federal government were repackaged with Governor Soludo...

A disturbing incident of domestic violence has shaken the community of Abagana in Anambra State, as a 37-year-old man, Anthony Kosisochukwu Okafor, was arrested for allegedly killing his elder brother, Emmanuel Okafor, 45, over a heated argument about foodstuffs ¹. According to the police, the suspect confessed to engaging in a physical altercation with his brother, which resulted in him using a stick to pierce the victim's chest. The victim was rushed to the hospital but was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. The police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, condemned the incident, highlighting the importance of addressing domestic violence and conflicts within families. He emphasized the need for healthy conflict resolution and emotional management to prevent such tragic consequences. The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, and the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation. T...

By Izuchukwu Adichie The reality is that the phrase “Osalugo oku” and “Osubirilaaa” reflects the harsh consequences for 0.01% of criminals in Anambra. As security agencies dismantle their operational camps in the bushes and hideouts in local homes, these criminals are being eliminated daily, much like a Christmas chicken. They are losing their escape routes and can't run or hide any longer, including their fraudulent dibias who provide fake charms for their nefarious activities. Since the launch of “Operation Udo Ga Achi” by Soludo, the Agunechemba security outfit has gained significant community support and achieved remarkable success daily. They have disrupted criminal activities from Mbosi to Nnewi, dismantled camps in Owerri-Ezukala, and Ozubulu, and neutralized hundreds of criminals in areas such as Ufuma, Eziowelle, and Lilu. The Agunechemba is going the extra mile to protect the state from criminals, and Soludo is steadfast in his commitment to combat criminality...

The Abia North Progressive Assembly (ANPA), a coalition of progressives, convened by  Hon. Chief Chidiebere Uwagwu Kalu, a former Commissioner for Training in Abia state and Comrade Emmanuel Chekwubechukwu Michael, the Sec. General of the group has reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's transformation agenda and Senator Orji Uzo Kalu's leadership in Abia.  In a meeting attended by 50 progressives from across Abia North's 5 LGAs, ANPA commended President Tinubu's efforts, and also thanked Senator Kalu for his achievements, while pledging to mobilize support for their re-election in 2027. ANPA also vowed to promote the APC's agenda across Abia state and donated a Hummer bus to its youth wing for grassroots mobilization. The aforementioned organisation is the umbrella body of progressives who support and believe in the progressive agenda of Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Leadership of Dr. Orji Uzo Kalu in Abia North and State at...

.... As over 100 Notorious Criminals Neutralized The Anambra State Police Command has announced significant breakthroughs in its efforts to reduce crime and criminality in the state. Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, revealed that the command has recorded numerous successes, including the arrest of suspects involved in the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly.  Azuka was abducted on December 24, 2024, in Onitsha, and his lifeless body was found on February 6, 2025, at the Second Niger Bridge. The police, in collaboration with the Anambra State Vigilante Operatives, arrested nine suspects, including Ugochukwu Onuorah, Ikemefuna Ossai, and Peter Sunday, who has a tattoo inscription of "No peace 4 d Government" on his chest. The command also arrested Chidiebere Nwosu, a kidnap suspect, and neutralized some of his gang members involved in the attack on police personnel. Additionally, the police have neutralized over...

The Federal Road Safety  Corpp.. On jkmim (FRSC) in Anambra State has urged vulcanizers to uphold high professional standards to reduce road traffic crashes in the state. This call was made by Sector Commander Joyce Nnennaya Alexander at a one-day workshop with the Awka South Vulcanizer Union. The workshop, organized by the 5.3 Sector Command, addressed challenges in tire maintenance and repair, including a shortage of qualified vulcanizers, poor-quality repairs, and inadequate regulatory frameworks. Alexander emphasized the need for collaboration between FRSC, Vulcanizer Union, transport authorities, and associations on awareness campaigns to educate drivers on proper tire maintenance and the dangers of poor repairs. Key recommendations made at the meeting was to ensure comprehensive  training and certification which will help upgrade vulcanizers' competence. I mplementation and enforcement of standards for tire repairs and vulcanizer operations. Awareness  c...

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has introduced a self-service application called "EEDC BOT" to improve customer experience and streamline access to essential functions. The application, currently available to prepaid customers, provides instant support through social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Customers can interact with EEDC through a dedicated Facebook page or by saving the WhatsApp number (08150826233) as "EEDC BOT" and sending "Hi" or "100" to activate the menu. With "EEDC BOT", customers can access various services, including requesting tokens, meter applications, and transaction history. The application aims to provide a more efficient and user-friendly approach to customer service, reducing waiting time and promptly resolving issues. EEDC's Head of Corporate Communications, Emeka Ezeh, stated that the company is excited to introduce "EEDC BOT" as part of its innovat...

By Awesome Ekene  The Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to youth involvement in governance and electoral processes in Nigeria. Executive Director of CATYCOI, Nonso Orakwe gave the assurance at a One-Day Community Action Simulation Plan (CASP) Training in Ebonyi State. He said the training was targeted at empowering young people to actively engage in policy advocacy and leadership. He said, "The CASP training is structured to provide practical advocacy skills, stakeholder mapping strategies, and approaches to influencing policy change.  "Similar trainings had already been conducted in Anambra, Abia, and Imo States, with Ebonyi State being the next stop before covering the entire South-East region." Orakwe listed areas participants were to explore to include understanding advocacy, electoral reform priorities, stakeholder engagement strategies, practical advocacy approaches, among others. Expressing commitm...

Engr. Dr. Emeka Okwuosa CON, AghA Oraifite  has continued to place on ground incredible records for Ndi Anambra and South East in general.  Engr Okwuosa who is the Chairman/ GCEO OilServ Nig. Ltd & Chairman Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation (SEOF) is giving back to Anambra Community, making a transformative impact on the Health and Well-being of Ndi Anambra and South East in general . His World Class Cardio-Vascular Facility in Oraifite, known as the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital DIOMH has scheduled again another Medical Mission that offers immense benefits to Ndi Anambra and South East by making healthcare more accessible, bringing life-changing surgeries to those who may otherwise not have access to these services. Partnering with the Medical Experts under the VOOM Foundation USA, the upcoming Open Heart Medical Mission in May 2025 holds incredibly high expectations as it will provide life-saving surgeries and interventions, targeting 10 pediatric open hear...

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, on his 65th birthday. The President praised Dr Adesina's leadership, saying it has set new standards of innovativeness, transformation, and sustainable development in national and multilateral institutions ¹. Dr Adesina, a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, has been recognized for his track record of inspiring growth and development, particularly in reducing poverty among the poor and vulnerable. President Tinubu noted that the numerous awards and recognitions bestowed on Dr Adesina are well-deserved. Under Dr Adesina's leadership, the AfDB has achieved historic heights, increasing its capital base from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion. President Tinubu credited Dr Adesina's economic diplomacy for repositioning Nigeria and Africa for greater prosperity ². The President also acknowledged Dr Adesina's foresight, wisdom, and ...

In the heart of Igbo land, a revered spiritual deity has been worshipped for centuries, playing a vital role in the lives of its adherents. Aja Ani, also known as Nne Ala (Mother Sand), is a female spiritual deity deeply connected to the earth, morality, fertility, and creativity. This intricate deity is comprised of three distinct parts: Aja Ana Ngwuru (father's compound spirit), Aja Ana Mbara (village spirit), and Aja Ana Obodo (town spirit). At the helm of Aja Ani's spiritual hierarchy is the Chief Priest, chosen by the deity itself to wield the sacred ofo. This spiritual leader is not necessarily a family member or a prominent figure in the community, but rather an individual selected by Aja Ani to serve as its earthly representative. Aja Ani's significance extends far beyond its spiritual realm, as it is believed to protect family members, villagers, and townspeople from harm, sudden death, and misfortune. Adherents of this ancient religion believe that Aja...

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Thursday, took its sensitization campaign to Nnewichi, a community in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, where it warned secondary school students against the dangers of substance abuse and other harmful practices. The campaign was part of NAFDAC's efforts to educate the public particularly the younger generation on the importance of safe practices for a fulfilling and healthy living. Prof. Christiana Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC who addressed students and teachers of Nnewichi Community Secondary School emphasized the dangers of substance abuse, particularly among young people.  She warned that the abuse of substances such as tramadol, codeine, and other controlled drugs could lead to serious health problems, including addiction, mental health disorders, and even death. The DG, who was represented by Pharm. Louis Madubuattah, Deputy Director and Coordinator of ...

RAYMOND OZOJI reports Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence) of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) and Prime Minister of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) Amb. Dr. John Metchie has observed that Anambra is relatively calm following Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo's rapid response to security breaches across the state.  Metchie also observed that the state witnessed pockets of incessant Killings and Kidnappings in recent times but the introduction of the Operation Udo Ga Achi special intervention force, according to him, has enthroned relative peace and calmness in various communities.  Metchie who doubles as the President-General of Umueri community in Anambra-East Local Government Area , said there is a noticeable reduction in kidnap cases across Ànambra since the Agunechemba strike force began operations in the state.  He told HEADLINE NEWS that it has been a festival of demolition and destruction of criminal hideouts, arrests o...

By Izuchukwu Adichie In a recent statement that has resonated strongly across Nigeria, particularly among Ndi Anambra, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank PLC, expressed her commendation for the bold and transformative mega projects being undertaken by Soludo. For her, what sets these projects apart is the exceptional financing model and aesthetics that distinguishes Soludo from other governors. During her tour of the Solution Funcity facility, the largest amusement center and water park in Africa, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe was genuinely impressed and blown away. She was filled with joy at witnessing Anambra, her homeland, break a 34-year-old jinx of not having a befitting Government House and Governor's Lodge. Her praise for Soludo's infrastructure achievements serves as an endorsement of his performance, affirming that he has done well and will continue to provide good governance for Ndi Anambra. Notably, Soludo’s numerous projects, which have positively i...

A devastating fire has ravaged an Islamic school in northern Nigeria, claiming the lives of at least 17 children. The tragedy occurred on Tuesday night in the town of Kauran Namoda, Zamfara state. According to eyewitnesses, the fire started in a nearby house and spread to the school while the children, aged 10-16, were asleep. Despite efforts by local authorities and emergency responders, the fire resulted in significant casualties. The police spokesman, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed that the community buried the dead children on Wednesday afternoon. The father of one of the victims expressed his devastation, but found solace in his faith. Local official Mannir Haidara announced that other Islamic schools in the area would be inspected to ensure they are not at risk of similar fires. "We'll take measures to prevent another occurrence of this nature," he said. The authorities reported that there were approximately 100 pupils in the school, many of whom came from su...

The Federal Government has initiated moves to increase its 2025 budget to N54.2 trillion, up by 9.1% from N49.7 trillion initially presented to the National Assembly on December 18, 2024. This development has sparked concerns among financial analysts and public affairs commentators, who warn that the increase poses a significant threat to macroeconomic stability. According to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's letter to the National Assembly, the increase is necessitated by additional revenues from key government agencies, including N1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), N1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and N1.8 trillion from other government-owned entities. The proposed allocation of the additional revenue includes: Solid  Minerals Sector: N1 trillion to support economic diversification and unlock the potential of Nigeria's vast solid mineral resources. Recapitalization  of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) N1.5 trillion to trans...

In a significant move to reposition the party for the 2025 governorship election, the Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated various committees to drive the party's affairs in critical areas. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, held at De Geogold Hotel & Suites Hall,Awka, on the 5th of February 2025. The PDP State Chairman, Chidi Chidebe, emphasized the importance of unity, discipline, and grassroots engagement in achieving the party's goals. He noted that the newly inaugurated committees have been carefully selected based on their experience, loyalty, capacity, and dedication to the PDP. The committees inaugurated include, strategic  planning and policy development committee,responsible for shaping the policy direction of the party and ensuring effective strategy formulation. Grassroots  mobilization and outreach committee, tasked with deepening the party's presence at the grassroots and engaging with the electorate. ...

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From RAYMOND OZOJI  The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) has stated that collaborations with the government of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo will go a long way to ensuring that the Operation Udo Ga Achi special intervention force records monumental achievements in the safety and security of lives and property in Anambra State.  The Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence Department) of the organisation Amb. Dr. John Metchie who spoke to HEADLINE NEWS on Wednesday, said that such collaboration was necessary because the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) according to him, know as well as understands the terrain of the forests.  Metchie stated that the Udo Ga Achi security framework was a noble idea as it is already restoring peace and calmness in most troubled areas in the state especially with the discovery and demolition of kidnappers' camps across Ànambra by men of the Agunechemba squad.  The NFSS DCG Intelligence who is also the President...

APGA Chieftain and National Coordinator of Anambra Deserves Soludo (ADS), Chief Sir Jude Emecheta – who also served as the Managing Director of the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) – has declared his intention to step down from the senate race and asked his teeming supporters in APGA to ensure that they work assiduously to ensure the victory of Chief Ebuka Onunkwo during the primaries of the party for Anambra South Senatorial District by-election. Speaking in Awka this afternoon during the ongoing meeting of the frontline support group, Anambra Deserves Soludo (ADS), Chief Emecheta expressed his firm conviction that having checked the profiles of all the other APGA aspirants in the race for the Anambra South Senatorial by-election primaries, he found Chief Dr Ebuka Onunkwo as the most qualified candidate that the party should present for the senate race. Many APGA bigwigs are present in the ongoing meeting, including the Board of Trustee Chairman of An...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.  Dr. Awuzie's appointment, which takes effect immediately for a five-year term, follows the recommendation of the Polytechnic's Governing Council, chaired by Sen. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, after a transparent and competitive selection process where she emerged as the leading candidate. Prior to her appointment, Awuzie, who holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry, was a distinguished Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) and also Director in-charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Projects in the Polytechnic.  Under her stewardship, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, witnessed unprecedented advancements in infrastructure and institutional transformation.  Her leadership facilitated monumental developments across the Polytechnic’s campuses in Oko, ...

The Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of Obinna Anene, a 33-year-old man from Amene Village, Abagana, in connection with the brutal murder of 74-year-old Alice Anene. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect was taken into custody in connection with the incident, which occurred on January 27, 2025, at Abagana. The suspect is currently being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide SCID Section, Awka, for further debriefing and investigation. The police have assured that further details on the case will be communicated in due course. This development is a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the heinous crime, which had sent shockwaves through the community. The police are commended for their swift action in apprehending the suspect, and it is hoped that justice will be served for the victim and her family.

The Nigerian Senate has announced Senator Orji Uzor Kalu APC, Abia-North as the substantive pioneer Chairman Senate Committee of the newly created South East Development Commission (SEDC), one of the Regional Development Commissions signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. Prior to his new appointment which was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, the former Abia State Governor chaired the Senate Committee on Privatisation. Senator Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) was also appointed as the vice chairman of the committee. Senator Akapbio also noted that other members of the committee will be announced in due course. With this development Senator Kalu who also chaired the screening ad hoc committee on regional development commissions of the North West and South East is expected to lead other members of the committee to conduct oversight of the South-East Development Commission to achieve its laid down objectives some of which includes; Civil restitutio...

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu  The office of the Justice Development and Peace Caritas, JDPC, Awka Diocese, domiciled inside St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Awka, was a beehive of activities as the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, JDPC, Awka Diocese and Help For All (HIFA) Foundation, Anambra, a Non-Governmental Organization recently spent over 10 Million Naira on 81 indigent students and pupils across all denominations in Anambra State.  HIFA Anambra is an offshoot of HIFA Austria,  one of the oldest NGOs in the world. They are in over six States in Nigeria,  with Anambra as the headquarters.   The presentation of tuition fees cheques to the beneficiaries ceremony saw  students, parents, and guardians beaming with smiles and joy.  Speaking during the event, the Director Justice Development and Peace Caritas, JDPC in Awka Diocese and Chairman of HIFA Board in Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Levi Ukor ...