NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), OkoPoly chapter, has inaugurated its newly elected officers to pilot the affairs of the chapter. The election and subsequent inauguration took place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the school auditorium of the extension site of the polytechnic.  The new officers include: Barr. Oduah Fidelis, Chairman; Engr. (Dr.) John Ananti, Vice Chairman; Dr. Ezekwe Angela, Secretary General; Ifegwu Nduka, Assistant Secretary; Agbawodikizu Emmanuel, Treasurer; Nwankwo Rowland Ntu, Financial Secretary; Ilo Elochukwu, Welfare Officer; Nwafor Ikechukwu, Publicity Secretary, and Obiora Chukwuka, Internal Auditor. The election and subsequent swearing-in of the officers was conducted by ASUP Coordinator for Zone D, Comrade Dr. Richard Iloma. Prior to the election, Dr. Iloma paid courtesy visit to the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Awuzie.  He was accompanied by top officials of the union, including the ASUP Oko chapter ch...

In a significant move to ensure transparency and accountability, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has inaugurated the Personnel Audit Committee of the Governing Council of the polytechnic, on behalf of the governing council of the Institution. The inauguration ceremony took place in her office, yesterday, with key stakeholders in attendance. The committee members, who are internal members of the Governing Council, include: Comrades Chibuzo Asomugha, Dr. Egwuchukwu Ifensor, Dr. Chinelo Ndife, and Dr. Helen Nnabuenyi. Present at the function were the Deputy Rector Administration, Dr. Kenneth Ezekwe, and the Public Relations Officer (P.R.O) of the polytechnic, Mr. Chijioke Ibeziako. In her inaugural speech, Dr. Awuzie emphasized the importance of commitment, thoroughness, and adherence to the principle of impartiality.  She assured the committee of her support; promising to provide conducive environment for them to carry out th...

~By Chibunnam Paul. The question of who will represent the good people of Anambra South in Abuja, if not Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, is one that weighs heavily on the hearts of well-meaning individuals in the district. Leadership is not about occupying a position but about making a meaningful impact, and Chief Onunkwo has demonstrated that he is a true leader, not just a ruler. He is a man destined by God to lead, ready to sacrifice his time, resources, and expertise to serve the people of Anambra South. As the district faces the challenge of filling the void left by Senator Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, it is clear that only a capable, visionary, and selfless leader like Chief Onunkwo can provide the quality representation the people deserve. HRM, Dr Ebuka Onunkwo brings a leadership style that is inclusive, progressive, and people-centered. His vision for Anambra South is built on fostering growth in critical areas such as infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurial training, commun...

The lawyer representing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and human rights activist, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on Enugu State Governor Peter Mba to take urgent action regarding the invasion and attack on Ndiagu Amofia, Umuhu Autonomous Community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area. In a statement released on Friday, Ejiofor expressed deep concern over the continuous attacks by armed herdsmen in the Southeast, particularly in Enugu and parts of Ebonyi, which have escalated to a critical level. Despite repeated assaults on various communities, he stated that the government's response has been inadequate and passive. Referencing a recent investigative report by Sahara Reporters, Ejiofor highlighted the devastating attack on Ndiagu Amofia, where armed herdsmen seized control of the community, burned homes, and displaced thousands of residents on February 28, 2025. Describing the attack as a "bloody invasion" that cannot be ignored, Ejiofor calle...

By Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka Alor Community in Idemili South local government area of Anambra State was agog on Thursday, March 20, 2025, when hundreds of rural dwellers - including men, women and children gathered at Dr. Chris Ngige Civic Center, Alor, to receive free medical care of the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers championed by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and sponsored by Hon. Silas Emeka Okudo, Councilor representing Alor Ward 1, under Emeka Silas Okudo Foundation. In her welcome address during the event, the Anambra State coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Blessing Ekene Iruma, said the initiative, launched in 2014, is a testament of the commitment of the NYSC towards improving the well-being of undeserved communities across Nigeria. According to her, the initiative leverages the expertise and dedication of NYSC's corps medical personnel to provide free medical services, health education, and disease prevention campaigns to rural population. She added that ...

The Human Rights, Liberty Access and Peace Defenders'Foundation (HURIDE) and Campaign for Democracy CD South East Zone has called on the  Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to use this momentous ocassion of his celebration of three years in office to grant amnesty to three native doctors now under the detention of the State Government. The trio of the native doctors according to HURIDE are: Akwa Okuko tiwara Aki in Oba, Eke Hit from Okija and Onyeze Jesus from Nkpor. In the joint statement signed by the Executive Director of the human Rights  body,CD South East Zonal Chairman Dede Uzor A.Uzor, the groups said he should use their release as  gift to their families in this season and occasion of 3 years in office.  The trio were  arrested in connection with "spurious and obnoxious social media instigation on our youths" which  painted a very bad image for the society. They  said it encouraged ostentatious lifestyle and crime, ma...

Human rights  lawyer and lead counsel for the IPOB,  Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu,  describing it as a gross violation of the Nigerian Constitution. In a statement issued on Thursday , Ejiofor characterized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decision to declare the state of emergency as unconstitutional and an overreach of executive power. He emphasized that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly constitutes an outright assault on constitutional democracy and a blatant deviation from the legal provisions governing emergency declarations. Ejiofor pointed out that the Constitution specifies the conditions under which a state of emergency may be declared, asserting that none of these conditions exist in Rivers State. The human rights lawyer called on both the Legislature and the Judiciary to take decisive action in defe...

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has faulted President Bola Tinubu for swearing-in Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (Rtd) as Rivers State sole administrator of Rivers State.  The group’s reaction came as President Tinubu sworn in Ibas as Rivers State sole administrator on Wednesday.  In a statement made available to journalists by the National President of the group, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, he said the development in Rivers could throw the entire Niger Delta region in chaos.  Okwu said the President was ill-advised into “placing the interest of one man above the interest of the entire people of Rivers State.” The Ohanaeze youths said it was shocking that against the clear provisions of the constitution, “Mr President was wrongly advised by people who have ulterior motives.  “We have always known Mr President as a democrat, one who fought for the country’s return to democracy, one wh0 even at some point condemned state emerg...

Mazi Ejimofor Opara  Okpoko — As we drove through various streets within, the slums that were the major nodes of the community could now be found only in the farthest parts of our memory.  While I was still trying to recall the now faint memories I have about what was the largest urban slum in the southeast, a coarse voice thundered from behind “Soludo jidere Okpoko taa ka kuli-kuli!” Following years of neglect that had taken its toll, leaving the area in a state of disrepair, one would agree that indeed something huge had happened to Okpoko. The roads, before now, were dilapidated, and in most parts non-existent, not a hospital, water, street light or any trapping of modern life could be found in the area. General social services were scarce, and the people had lost hope. But then, something changed. Since Governor Chukwuma Soludo took office, and with him, a new era of transformation began. Soludo had a vision for Okpoko – a vision of a thriving community, where ...

In an extraordinary move, President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months. This decision was announced in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The President cited the persistent breakdown of governance and security threats in the oil-rich state as the reason for his declaration. Rivers State has been embroiled in a prolonged political impasse, with tensions heightening after the controversial demolition of the State House of Assembly by Governor Fubara in December 2023. Despite calls for resolution from various stakeholders, including personal interventions by President Tinubu, the crisis remained unresolved. The Supreme Court, in a ruling on February 28, 2025, condemned the governor's actions, stating that Rivers State effectively lacked a functioning government due to the collapse of the legislative ...

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has called for closer ties between Nigeria and Republic of Cuba.  Akpabio also paid glowing tribute to liberation roles played by the Caribbean country during the struggle against apartheid in Africa. He made the remarks while receiving in audience on Monday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs  of Cuba, Bruno Rodriguez Parrila who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja. Speaking at the reception, the Senate President said the visit was not merely a gesture of diplomacy "but a reaffirmation of the enduring bonds between our two nations—bonds forged in the fire of history, strengthened by shared struggles, and sealed by an unyielding commitment to justice and sovereignty." Akpabio said the visit should mark not only a renewal of Nigerian/Cuban friendship "but the beginning of an even stronger alliance—one that translates our shared history into shared progress, our solidarity into economic strength, and our s...

In a bid to strengthen ties with the public, the Anambra State Police Command is set to partner with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to organize sports competitions. This initiative, proposed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, aims to promote social cohesion and improve communication between law enforcement and the community. The partnership, which was announced during a meeting between CP Orutugu and members of SWAN Anambra State Chapter, is expected to create a positive and engaging environment for the public. By leveraging the power of sports, the police hope to build bridges with the community and foster a sense of trust and cooperation. The Chairman of SWAN Anambra State Chapter, Mr. Chimezie Ananso, expressed his appreciation for the partnership and pledged his organization's support in actualizing the goals of the initiative. The police command and SWAN are currently reviewing proposals to select participants and determine the them...

Mazi Ejimofor Opara  Over the weekend, the National Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle was in Anambra State to “eye-mark” some groundbreaking projects of the APGA-led Administration of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo CFR, the Governor of Anambra State.  When it was time for him to address news men after the tour, he was so short of words that all he could say was, “Governor Soludo is a wizard!”.  Of course we know that Soludo’s “wizardry” needs no explanation or even introduction. Truth is, it is extremely difficult to DOUBT a Soludo! Those who did always ate back their words!  As a Party we are proud of our National Leader who has continued to be our Greatest Human asset since he joined the party in 2013. As he marks his 3rd anniversary in office today, critics and supporters alike are for the very first time in known political history in Anambra on THE SAME PAGE!  Everyone agrees that indeed, Soludo is a Transformation...

It was a reunion of sorts at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, as the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, received a delegation of Old Girls from Loretto Special Science School, Adazi-Nnukwu, Anaocha local government area. The delegation, led by Dr. Adaobi Okeke, who doubles as the Anambra Chapter President of the Association and the National Vice President of the Old Girls, came to show her support and solidarity for Dr. Awuzie, and to congratulate her on her appointment as rector.  The delegation was received by the Polytechnic's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chijioke Ibeziako, who led them to meet with the rector. Leader of the delegation, Dr. Okeke, congratulated Dr. Awuzie on her appointment as rector; while noting that Awuzie was among the foundation members of the Old Girls' Association, and currently serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees. She also pledged the association's support for Dr. Awuzie's tenure. W...