NIGERIAN NOTCH

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has joined the global community in celebrating International Women's Day, recognizing the remarkable achievements and resilience of women across Anambra State and Nigeria. This year's theme, "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," resonates deeply with Governor Soludo's administration, which is committed to fostering a society where every woman and girl can thrive, contribute, and achieve their full potential.  Governor Soludo acknowledged the invaluable contributions of women in all spheres of life, from the home and community to business and government offices. He reassured his commitment to sustaining a women-friendly society, where gender equality is a lived reality, through initiatives such as, strengthening  legal frameworks and policies,p romoting women's economic empowerment,c ombating gender-based violence, increasing  women's representation and participation ...

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has strongly advised individuals who are not well grounded in the rules of the Senate to desist from running uninformed commentaries on the Upper Chamber. Akpabio made the remarks against the backdrop of the recent decision of the Senate to suspend the Kogi Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Oduaghan for flouting the Senate rules. The Senate President spoke on Friday while receiving a delegation of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum which paid him a solidarity visit in Abuja. The Senate President wondered why people who had no idea of the rules of procedure in parliament were always the ones to run uninformed commentaries on Television on matters they knew nothing about. Akpabio said the Senate action on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Oduaghan was a unanimous decision and wondered why people were not bothered to know why there was not any desenting voice in the Senate on the matter. "You should try to go and know the fac...

Mazi Ejimofor Opara  Social reformation is the super-structure upon which every other thing rests. What Governor Soludo is doing with his campaign against criminal religious merchants and dubious “Dibias” who provide ancillary services to criminal gangs has been adjudged important because they strike at the core of social harmony. He is clearly demarcating social deviance from what is normative. Soludo is forcefully advocating that if we continue to look away from the basic principles of life, the complex ones would certainly lead us to intractable confusions that bring about a chaotic society. This is why we must pay close attention to the basic principles at all times as we chart our course to a prosperous and liveable homeland. For a Society to function without dissonance there must be a hard line between what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. But, the Big question now is, has the family and religious institutions failed so much that such a basic and fundamenta...

..... Tasks Women to submit to their husbands, while taking care of their families Renowned Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwo, was a keynote speaker at the Aguata Women Summit 2025, held today the 7th of March 2025 at the Aguata LGA Secretariat in Anambra state, South Nigeria, where she passionately padvocated for women's empowerment and representation in leadership positions. Ozokwo emphasized the importance of women's participation in decision-making processes, citing their unique perspectives and strengths. She encouraged women to take on leadership roles and challenge the status quo, promoting a culture of equality and inclusivity.  She said " until Nigeria have women at helm of affairs in the country things may not go the  way it's expected to be. A woman embodies the essence of creating, as both men and women are formed in a woman, and as such any person that knows the process of creating can't for any reason want to destroy."  The summit, a...

By Erikigwe Gabriel Ikenna (G.I) It is no longer an overstatement to say that the Anambra State Government has lost focus. Recent events, coupled with the government’s apparent passiveness in addressing them, raise serious concerns. Despite claims that all is well, the reality on the ground tells a different story.  Healthcare: The Reality Behind the Free Natal Care Promise  The government claims to have provided free natal care for pregnant women, but in reality, this policy is failing. Many pregnant women in government hospitals lament that they are forced to buy essential drugs and medical supplies. Nurses openly admit that the government does not provide them with enough resources for antenatal care. This has led to situations where husbands accuse their wives of lying when they ask for money to cover these costs. Instead of relief, this so-called free healthcare program has become a source of frustration for many families.  Security: A System in Disarray ...

The youth wing of the Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has asked for an end to further attacks on the people of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.  The group said those behind the recent attacks should be apprehended and justice served.  This is coming amid protest by women of Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo over escalating attack on the villagers by suspected Fulani herdsmen, with some women said to have been raped.  However, the chairman of the local government area, who acknowledged that a woman, was raped, said the protest was being sponsored.  Speaking on the matter, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike urged the government to ensure justice for the victims.  Okwu said even if one person was raped, it called for concern and adequate action on the side of the government.  He said it was regrettable that for over a decade the people of Is-Uzo had re...

By Mokwugwo Solomon In line with Governor Charles Soludo's drive to make Anambra State the cleanest in the country, the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, aka OCHA brigade, raided many streets known for littering the public space with refuse. Major areas stormed by OCHA brigade during the exercise include Obodougwu Road, Okpoko Junction,  Onitsha/Asaba Expressway, and the Upper Iweka axis. At Obodougwu Road, some residents, John Nweke, Grace Okoli, Joseph Ikechukwu and others commended the activities of the agency, while thanking the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, for creating Ocha Brigade, which according to them, has created enabling environment for geunue traders to do their businesses without disturbance. Some defaulters arrested by the agency admitted they were served quit notice but said they were not able to secure shops inside Ogbaru Relief Main Market or other markets around the area due to their high cost. An officer of the agency, who spoke under con...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Polytechnic'd Governing Council led by Senator Barnabas Gemade that she would not disappoint the trust reposed in her, in approving her appointment as substantive rector of the institution. She gave the assurance on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, during an interactive session between the  Governing Council of the institution and the Polytechnic Community. Dr. Awuzie reiterated her administration's commitment towards academic excellence, and creating conducive environment for skills empowerment necessary for excellence.  "I wish to appreciate the polytheistic's Governing Council, led by our own Senator Barnabas Gemade; Federal Ministry of Education and President Bola Tinubu, for making perfect choice in me. I promise to abide by the Polytechnic's Acts, while delivering on my mandate. "I want to thank Mr President for believing i...

By Izuchukwu Adichie In an unprecedented political realignment, Anambra State’s 2025 off-cycle gubernatorial election is set to make history, with Soludo positioned for a resounding, unopposed victory. What began as a routine electoral cycle has transformed into a sweeping endorsement of Soludo’s transformative governance, as members of the opposition abandon their political parties to align with his administration. This rare political phenomenon underscores a stark reality: Soludo’s first three years of achievements have silenced critics and inspired a cross-party consensus that his vision for Anambra is unmatched. His administration has redefined governance in the state through revolutionary infrastructure projects, education reforms, revitalization of the healthcare sector, and zero poverty programs. Opposition figures, once vocal during previous administrations, now acknowledge that the results of Soludo’s administration speak louder than any propaganda. Why Opposition ...

A statement from the Office of the President of the Senate has clarified the circumstances surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Contrary to reports from some online media outlets, the senator's suspension was not a result of her alleged petition against the Senate President. Instead, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was disciplined by her colleagues due to her unruly behavior and blatant disregard for Senate rules. The Special Assistant, Media to the President of the Senate, Jackson Udom, urged the public to disregard the misinformation being spread by "practitioners of yellow journalism." This development comes after a dramatic incident during a Senate plenary session, where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly confronted the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over a change in her assigned seating.  Despite calls for disciplinary action, Akpabio initially declined to escalate the situation. The Senate's decision to suspend Senator Akpoti-Udu...

By HRH Eze Fyneface Ndukwe Amaechi In recent times, Rivers State has become a laughing stock and a political toy, that has been treated with contempt and disregard in Nigeria. The state's glory days, marked by respect and honor, is now a distant memory. The glory days of the 70's and early 80's, when governor's Diete Spiff and Okilo governed the state and the citizens were addressed by others in the nation with respect and regard is gone to the winds.   This is my somber assessment, as a concerned  and proud citizen of Rivers state.   I hereby call on our unbiased royal father's, and distinguished elder statesmen to intervene and find a lasting solution to the current impasse that has almost grinded the state to a standstill, with the current trends casting on us a cloak of shame in the long run. To me, democracy is about give and take, while considering equal respect as fellow citizens, no matter how highly placed one can be. In the current trend of...

By Mazi Ejimofor Opara Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has emphasized the importance of prioritizing one key objective from their agenda to the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC). The Governor received a delegation from the SEDC, led by Chief Emeka Wogu, Chairman, and Mr. Mark Okoye II, Managing Director. During the meeting, Governor Soludo advised the SEDC team to focus on achieving tangible results, ensuring the commission remains committed to its core development goals. He urged them to avoid bureaucratic and politicized approaches, which can hinder progress and effectiveness. The Governor's counsel is aimed at ensuring the SEDC remains focused on driving growth and development in the Southeast region. By prioritizing one key objective, the commission can channel its resources and energy towards achieving a specific goal, rather than spreading itself too thin across multiple objectives. The meeting also provided an opportunity for Chief Wogu and...

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has expressed concern over claims by truck drivers that their members were being attacked in various parts of the South-East. The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, had earlier in the week expressed concern over the alleged attacks on drivers of trucks conveying goods from the North to the South-East by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. According to ACF, the killing of the drivers and the destruction of their vehicles constituted a serious threat to national security that could lead to the breakdown of law and order and anarchy. The organisation also condemned what it called the silence of Igbo political leaders.  However, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the allegations were surprising considering the peaceful disposition of the Igbos.  Okwu said desp...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Anambra State Command has issued a stern warning to drivers, urging them to refrain from excessive speeding and conditions that could compromise their safety on the road. A devastating road accident occurred on Tuesday, March 3, 2025, along the Idemili River by the Second Niger Bridge, resulting in the loss of four lives and leaving two others injured. According to Corps Commander Joyce Nnennaya Alexander, the accident involved a trailer with an unstrapped container that collided with five other vehicles, including a bus and four tricycles parked by the roadside. Eyewitnesses reported that the driver of the trailer was descending a hill at high speed, lost control, and crashed into the other vehicles. The FRSC attributed the cause of the accident to excessive speed and loss of control. This tragic incident the government agency says, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and driving responsibly. ...

In a call for unity and peaceful coexistence, Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu has urged Christian and Muslim faithful in Anambra State to come together in prayer for the nation. The appeal was made on the occasion of Ash Wednesday and Ramadan memorial. CP Orutugu emphasized the importance of aligning faiths and praying for the nation, while promoting values of love, forgiveness, and tolerance. He noted that both Ash Wednesday and Ramadan share common themes of repentance, self-reflection, and spiritual growth. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and repentance leading up to Easter. Similarly, Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting and spiritual growth for Muslims. The CP assured that the Command is committed to protecting lives and properties in the state, and is constantly evolving strategies to address emerging security concerns. He encouraged citizens to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to continue partnering with the Polic...

By Izuchukwu Adichie It is often said that leadership is about empathy. It is about seeing the world through the eyes of those one serves. Soludo’s recent visit to Orumba South was not just a routine inspection; it was a masterclass in empathetic leadership, blended with purposeful action, and confidence in the potential of Ndi Anambra. Dressed in his casual simple attire, he toured communities in the local government as a leader resolute in his mission to listen, learn, elevate, and unleash hope within the local area, even in the face of prevailing security challenges that his administration is fighting head-on. The day commenced with a stop before the bustling Ogbunka market, where he was warmly welcomed by enthusiastic pupils from various public schools along the way. These children expressed their gratitude for the employment of 8,155 qualified teachers, the introduction of free quality education, and the significant upgrades to their educational facilities. The atmosph...

As Anambra State gears up for the 2025 governorship election, Valentine Ozigbo, a respected business leader, is poised to bridge the state's political divide. In a recent interview on News Central's Breakfast Central show, Ozigbo outlined his vision for governance, emphasizing coalition-building and inclusive leadership across party lines. Ozigbo's strategy is built around uniting various political factions, which have traditionally been at odds. He pointed to widespread dissatisfaction with the current Professor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration as a key driver of his campaign's momentum. "There is hardly any institution that is comfortable with the way Anambra is being governed," he said, citing concerns from the church, market leaders, students, women, traditional rulers, and town unions. A former candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and a prominent leader in the Obidient Movement, Ozigbo has recently joined the ruling All Progr...

Natasha Akpoti had accused her recent husband High Chief Emmanuel  Uduaghan - Alema of Warri Kingdom of poisoning her which resulted in his committing foeticide because she lost her fallopian tubes thereby killing her unborn kid on the 27th of October 2020. In a similar pattern which clearly shows blackmail Natasha Akpoti as she then was accused  the same High Chief Uduagan of serving her with a special vegetable soup on the 18th of September 2020 which led to her loss of twins All these theatrics Natasha displays show similar patterns of blackmail which eventually forced him into marrying her.  Uduaghan had allegedly confided in a close friend that the day you see me marry Natasha Akpoti-please know that I have eaten something dangerous and possibly lost my senses . He then begged the friend to either stop the marriage or immediately rush him to a powerful church for deliverance - an  insider who wishes to remain anonymous allegedly revealed  These revelations ...