NIGERIAN NOTCH

The thing with coming back home for Christmas is that it comes with a whole lot of social and physical activities. For most persons, it is a time to settle lingering scores, determine key family, kindred or village issues; connect with old friends and get introduced to other family members.  In Anambra, it was a harvest of mind blowing surprises for all who set a foot on the home soil. From families who thronged the Solution Fun City in Awka thinking it had been commissioned for public use, to travelers who journeyed to their homes at reduced travel times due to the massive construction of new roads and rehabilitation of existing ones. The clear ease of movement around upper Iweka and the absence of criminal touts who hitherto made life difficult for commuters. All these “eyemarked” achievements made my friend from Ideani to ask me, “o bu zi Anambra k’anyi no?” There is no one who touched base at home this season who is not left in shock as to how much the State has tra...

The eagle flies in solitude and is regarded as the king of birds. Its beak clutches a scroll with the motto: e pluribus unum (out of many, one). As an Eagle Scout, you have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to Country, to your fellow Scouts, and to all of mankind. The eagle being a magnificent bird easily stands out from packs of pigeons and is beautifully pictured in Deuteronomy 32/11 as a powerful image of trust and security in God. The Anambra South Senatorial by-election is heating up, and Chief Ebuka Onunkwo is emerging as a strong contender. As the year comes to a close, Onunkwo has been busy strengthening his connection with the people of Anambra South, by leveraging his established track record of human capital development and upliftment by spreading Christmas cheer and putting smiles on the faces of the people. While other aspirants are making grand promises through proxies (pen pushers), Chief Onunkwo is taking a different approach. He toured the...

As the Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidential election draws near, Chief Fyneface Amechi's name has become synonymous with a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the Igbo people. A seasoned leader and advocate for Igbo rights, Chief Amechi has embarked on a mission to revitalize Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people. With a deep understanding of the challenges facing the Igbo nation, Chief Amechi has outlined a comprehensive vision for the revitalization of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. His drive is rooted in a passionate commitment to promoting the welfare, unity, and progress of the Igbo people. A Leader with a Clear Vision Chief Amechi's vision for Ohanaeze Ndigbo is built on several key pillars. Firstly, he seeks to promote unity and cohesion among the Igbo people, recognizing that a united Igbo nation is essential for effective advocacy and progress. Secondly, he aims to strengthen the organization's institutional framework, ensuring that Ohan...

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has urged the Nigerian Judiciary to strive towards peace and unity of Nigeria through fair administration of justice across the nation.  Senator Akpabio made this remark on Sunday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State at a special thanksgiving event held in honor of Hon. Justice Ntong Festus Ntong, on his elevation to the Court of Appeal. A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong quoted Senator Akpabio to have said, "The core of the problem of Nigeria is injustice. Where there is injustice there can never be peace. May God continue to use our judicial officers as vessels for justice for this country and the global community." Senator Akpabio hailed Justice Ntong as a courageous and fearless Judge who has distinguished himself  in the legal profession and urged him to continue to dispense justice with the highest level of integrity. He praised Justice Ntong's contrib...

By Izuchukwu Adichie During this holiday season, many Ndi Anambra are questioning why Soludo isn’t campaigning for his re-election and where is he getting all the funds to finance his numerous projects. While these questions are valid, it is  important to recognize how he has redefined governance in the state.  Unlike past governors and others, Soludo is focusing on a transformative agenda across all 326 political wards, prioritizing delivering services over electioneering. His administration has a clear implementation timeline, which is evidenced in numerous completed and ongoing projects that have set a new standard in Anambra’s development history. Soludo’s revolutionary approach proves his commitment to the welfare of the people and the transformational agenda he is pursuing. Yes! Ndi Anambra is questioning how Soludo finances various development projects. He is committed to transparency and responsible use of taxpayer money. His performance exceeds that of som...

From Henry Chigozie Duru Not infrequently do we hear people, while sympathising with others, lament, "a whole Christmas Day and there are some families who cannot afford to cook common rice." Though such comments are often an accurate reflection of the grinding poverty in the land, it is somehow also revealing of one of those illusions that combine to make life incurably painful for humans. Truth is that beyond the society's glorification and elevation of rice almost to the status of the substance of the merrymaking that happens at Christmas and indeed during other celebrations, not being able to cook rice on that day should in itself not dent one's celebration. I understand that when people make such comments, they usually mean to say that such families are so poor that they could not afford the common staple food every home customarily cook on a day like that. While this is basically true, it does not tell the whole story because, even without those who ...

In a bid to reduce road traffic crashes and create a safe motoring environment, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Anambra State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Joyce N. Alexander, paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Igwe A.V. Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha. During the visit, Commander Alexander expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and thanked the Igwe for his ongoing support of FRSC Anambra State. She emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, to achieve the FRSC's goal. The Sector Commander also announced the theme for the 2024 Ember Months Safety Campaign: "Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers than Drivers." She urged the Igwe to advocate for road safety within his community, particularly among drivers and transport owners. In response, Igwe Achebe welcomed Commander Alexander and acknowledged her as the 15th Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in An...

As the Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidential election draws near, front-runner Chief Fyneface Amechi paid a historic visit to HRM Eze Dr. Innocent Adiele MaduAgwu, the revered King of the Igbo people in Rivers and Bayelsa states. The meeting, which took place on December 27, 2024, at the monarch's palace in Port Harcourt, was marked by traditional and Christian blessings, as well as a fatherly declaration of peace and victory for Chief Amechi. HRM Eze Adiele MaduAgwu, known for his wisdom and leadership, advised Chief Amechi to remain humble and prudent in his pursuit of the presidency. The monarch also emphasized his openness to all individuals, stating that those who respect him will be reciprocated. The event was attended by prominent Igbo leaders, including the President General of the UIC, Hon. Chief Julius Uchenna Uzoma, and HRH Eze Festus Ikechukwu Onukwufor. These leaders expressed their support for Chief Amechi, praising his courage, sincerity, and humility. Chief Amech...