NIGERIAN NOTCH

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...