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Igwe KON Orizu 111 clocks100, Obi Obiofa, others celebrate  From Isaac Ojo  A special thanksgiving service was on Thursday organized for the paramount Traditional Ruler of Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State, HRH Igwe Dr Kenneth Orizu 111, who clocked one hundred years. The Bishop of Ogbaru Anglican Communion Rt. Rev. Prosper Afamuefuna Amah while preaching on the topic "Centuries of God faithfulness" noted that what matters in the life of a person is impact made while alive and not the longevity of existence. Bishop Amah who took his Bible reading from Proverbs 13:22, pointed out that it is not the length of days on earth that matters but that of a purposeful and impactful life style.. He said that it is unfortunate that many individuals focused majorly on properties and perishable values rather than concentrating on what matters most in life. Bishop Amah in a special way, thanked God for Igwe Dr KON Orizu 111 for living an. impactful life worthy of emulati...

Anambra poll: Resist apathy syndrome, your vote counts - SIDEC tells traders Chinedum Treasure  The voter education team of the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) appealed to traders at Onitsha Main Market to take active part in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State.  Addressing the traders, Executive Director of SIDEC, Mrs Ugochi Ehiahuruike, warned against the negative implications of apathy. The voter education campaign is being executed under the Inclusive Mobilization for Participation, Advocacy, and Civic Transformation (Project IMPACT) being implemented by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in collaboration with SIDEC with funding support from UK-FCDO. Ehiahuruike said, “Among those who don’t care about voting are traders. They think that government is not feeding them and they have no business with government. “But, as a matter of fact, government impacts everyone either positively or negatively.  “In the 2021 electio...

Guber Poll: Stop taking advantage of voters' vulnerability - Bishop warns politicians  Chinedum Treasure  Anglican Bishop of Diocese of Ihiala, Anambra state, Rt Rev Israel Okoye has cautioned politicians against taking advantage of voters' vulnerability to exploit them during elections. He warned them to desist from such acts or face the repercussions. Speaking during his presidential charge at the third session of the fifth Synod of the Diocese, themed, "Fear Not", the Bishop lamented what he described as "use and dump" attitude of politicians with the desperate electorate. He insisted that advancing state of poverty, unemployment, parochial chauvinism and frustration via the electoral process remained ill-wind that blows no good to anyone. He however urged candidates of the November 8 gubernatorial election in the state to insist on issue-based electioneering campaigns as they shun hypocritical heroic songs.  He said, "Preparations for th...

Uphold professional ethics, stop cutting corners - Anambra lawyers warned Chinedum Treasure  Lawyers have been urged to uphold ethics of the noble legal profession in their own interest. They were also warned to stop cutting corners in the name of hustle because of the economic realities facing the country. Idemili Branch Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chidi B. Nnaji gave the warning during the NBA Idemili/Fountain Bar Law week held at the Bar Center, High court premises, Ogidi. Nnaji however urged the legal practitioners to implement the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023 which provides a benchmark for charges of fees.  According to her, the theme ““From Honour to Hustle? Reclaiming the Noble Identity of the Legal Profession”captures the painful truth that many within and outside the legal community now perceive law practice as more of a hustle than a calling of honour. "Traditionally, the legal profession stood for truth, justice, dignity, and...

Leaders With Vision Initiative boosts Gov Soludo's reelection bid with N2m From James Andrew  Ahead the November 8, Anambra State governorship election, Leaders With Vision Initiative has endorsed the reelection bid of Gov Charles Soludo. The group in a spectacular manner presented a cheque of Two million Naira to Gov Charles Soludo as their contribution to the campaign efforts. Mr Ifeanyi Oge was accompanied to the Governor's Lodge by Mr Nwanba Stephen, Hon Gabriel Obiagwu, Lady Chioma Onwe and some other officials and members of the group. The Coordinator of Leaders With Vision Initiative, Mr. Ifeanyi Gideon Oge, while speaking at Light House, Awka said that his group had earlier endorsed Gov Soludo's reelection but decided to walk the talk by donating to the campaign funds. Mr Oge revealed that his group is fully prepared to mobilize their structure in all the council areas in the State to mobilize votes for Gov Soludo. He pointed out that Gov Soludo has prov...

Director JDPC Nnewi Catholic Diocese celebrates 25th year priestly ordination  From Isaac Ojo  The Director of Justice, Development, and Peace Commission/Carnitas(JDPC) Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Rev Fr Benedict Chima Madubuko Okolo on Sunday celebrated his twenty fifth year priestly ordination. The celebration which attracted eminent personalities from far and near took place at St Peter Claver's Parish, Odida Nnewichi, Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State, amidst pump and pageantry. In his homily, Rev Fr Peter Ezeji Uzoma who made reference to the Gospel reading from Luke  18: 9-14, noted that the publican went home justified with God while the Pharisees did not. Rev Fr Ezeji noted that a priest can be likened to a soldier in the war front battling seen and unseen enemies and forces. He said there is serious need for prayers for priests who are majorly abandoned and neglected by the same people they are intervening for day and night. Fr Uzoma recalled that...

Nov 8: SGWI showcases Gov Soludo's achievements  Officials and members of Soludo Grassroot Warriors Initiative (SWGI), Oyi LGA chapter became a cynosure for all and sundry during Gov Charles Soludo's campaign tour to council area. The Oyi LGA chapter of SWGI,.Chief Jerry Chiweuba borrowing a leaf from the Convener, Hon Rogers Orjiewulu displayed an unprecedented maturity in their approach and elegance in their approach to the campaign efforts. The group ably led by the Oyi LGA Coordinator, Chief Chiweuba, while speaking during the campaign rally said that there is no alternative to Prof Charles Soludo. He said that Gov Soludo has proven to be the Messiah Anambra is in dire need of, as he has just in three and half years written his name in marble in the sand of time as the best Governor of Anambra State. The Oyi LGA Coordinator of SGWI said as a matter of fact that Gov Soludo is indeed a God sent to the State who has practically touched every aspect of Anambra Stat...

Anambra Guber: Obi Obiofa drums support for Gov Soludo  From Isaac Ojo  Ahead the November 8 Anambra State governorship election, Obi of Akabo Obiofa, in Nnewichi-Nnewi, Chief Apostle Chukwunoye Onyejuluwa, Madukaejiaka (Ezeozorazulume) has called on Ndi-Anambra to ensure reelection of Gov Charles Soludo. Chief Apostle Onyejuluwa who was speaking with journalists at his Akabo Obiofia Nnewichi-Nnewi country home declared that it is in the best interest of Anambra State for Gov Soludo to retain his position. Obi of Obiofa said as a matter of fact that the incumbent Governor has outperformed all his predecessors in just three and half years in office noting that Prof Soludo has proven to be a winner and that there is no need changing a winning team. Madukaejiaka identified unprecedented infrastructural development of Anambra State under Gov Soludo's watch as one of reasons he was advocating his reelection. He noted that human capital development is top not...

Bishop Ezeokafor counsels Knights ahead maiden anniversary in Anambra  Chinedum Treasure  Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anambra state, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has called on members of the church to take advantage of the various platforms in the church to contribute their quota towards her growth and salvation of souls. The Bishop made the call in a press briefing ahead of the first anniversary, admission and investiture of new members of Catholic Order, Knights of St Michael The Archangel (CKSMA), at St Patrick's Cathedral, Awka. He said the church consist of several charisms working together for her good, encouraging members to identify with any of the platforms for their spirituality and for the church edification. He however noted that the church had been strict with criteria for joining any of the groups and would never be compromised regardless of the status or position of the individuals. Describing CKSMA as peculiar in view of its impacts in the chur...

IDS partners ActionAid over poverty fight in Nigeria Chinedum Treasure  The Institute for Development Studies (IDS), University of Nigeria Enugu Campus(UNEC), has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling poverty through research-driven and community-based interventions that address the root causes of deprivation. Director of IDS, Prof. Ben Nwosu gave the assurance at a joint colloquium on Democracy and Poverty organized by IDS in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria to mark the 2025 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in Enugu, themed: "Working together to end poverty" He said the Institute has, for over six decades, remained at the forefront of development research and practical solutions to human and social challenges. Nwosu highlighted the Institute’s unique Practicum Module, through which students identify and address poverty-related problems in local communities.  According to him, the model has recorded success stories in areas such as access to sa...

Nov 8: APS boss lockdown own community for Gov Soludo  From Isaac Ojo Ahead the November 8 governorship election, the chairman of Anambra Patriots For Soludo(APS) Chief Damian Ejiamatu on Sunday practically locked down Nise community in Awka South LGA for the reelection of the incumbent governor. Chief Ejiamatu actually hosted the two wards in his community where they unanimously decided that their votes are for Gov Soludo on November 8. In his welcome address, Chief Damian Ejiamatu who was impressed with the large turn out of people, boost the gathering with two million Naira, he also promised another two million Naira for his kinsmen and women to mobilize massively for Gov Soludo on November 8. The APS strongman also assured members of other political parties under the aegis of Renewed Hope, who attended the meeting that they would be carried along in the scheme of things. Chief Ejiamatu noted that other political parties decided to vote for Gov Soludo because of the ...

Nov 8 : Criminalize Any Govt, Group Involve In Votes Buying...John Nwosu Awka: Obiorah Anthony Ugwonwa  There has been a call on the government agencies charged with the responsibilities of deliverying credible election in the country to criminalize any government, individuals or groups found guilty of votes buying and selling at the polling units during the November eight gubernatorial election in Anambra State.  The ADC Governorshisp Candidate in the November eight gubernatorial election in Anambra State, Mr John Nwosu, made the call yesterday, at the 2025 Ofala Onitsha, during press interview, describing votes buying and selling as not only a heinous crime,but one of the biggest rape on the nation's democracy. "Of cause, the government that is buying votes should be criminalize, because it shows that they are not competent", he said.  " Where are they getting the money they are using for votes buying?.It is your money,it is the rape on democracy,the hi...

Oct 20 protest: conduct yourselves to avoid being victim of circumstances louth leaders urge Ndigbo  Chinedum Treasure  Igbo youth leaders and stakeholders have described October 20 planned protest to demand for release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as national action against injustice in the country. The leaders under the agies of Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly stated this in Awka in Anambra state after their emergency meeting. Rights activist, Omoyele Sowore has been mobilising for the planned protest scheduled for October 20 in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. Addressing a World Press Conference on Thursday, Acting National Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu expressed solidarity and support for the conveners of the protest. He noted that the leaders have been making the call for Kanu’s release for a long time. According to him, the leaders see the development as national action against inju...

Federal lawmaker drags NSITF to Nnewi  From Isaac Ojo  National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) on Thursday had a sensitization workshop for employers of labour and workers on the need to key into the federal government's Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) The workshop which was attended by operators at the formal and informal sectors held at Anaedo Hall in Nnewi. Speaking at the occasion, the lawmaker repenting Ekwusigo, Nnewi North and Nnewi South LGAs at the green chamber of the National Assembly, Rt Hon Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe appealed to employers of labour to enroll their employees into ECS. He stressed the need for his constituents to key into the scheme which according to him is fully funded by the federal government and backed up by the act of Parliament  Rt Hon Uzokwe also appealed to the federal government to put more funds into the scheme so that it can be more effective. The federal lawmaker appreciated the great work being done by the Managing ...

ALGAF: JDPC Nnewi takes campaign to NULGE From Ifeoma Ejiofor  As part of her efforts to make Anambra Local Government Accountability Fellowship (ALGAF) gain currency, JDPC Nnewi has embarked on an advocacy visit to Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) The visit was in continuation of the ongoing advocacy and stakeholder engagement under the Anambra Local Government Accountability Fellowship implemented by JDPC Nnewi. ALGAF initiave under the Directorship of Rev Fr Chima Benedict Okolo, with support from the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), had a strategic interface with NULGE recently. The purpose of the visit according to Rev Fr Okolo was to present the objectives of the ALGAF initiative, seek partnership and strategic collaboration with NULGE, and to explore areas of mutual interest in strengthening accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in Anambra’s Local Govern...

Applauds as transport operators hold solidarity rally in support of Gov Soludo's reelection bid From Isaac Ojo  Transport operators literarily locked down the commercial town of Onitsha Monday, as they held a solidarity rally in support of Gov Charles Soludo reelection bid. The endorsement rally which held at Ikpeazu Stadium Onitsha in Onitsha North LGA saw transporters trooping out in their good numbers from the 21 council areas to be part of the epoch making event. In his welcome address, the chairman of the occasion, Chief GUO Okeke, represented by Chief Nelson Enendu, thanked the governor for the great job he is doing. He pointed out that the communities under siege before Gov Soludo came on board have been liberated so that transport operators can now work in the affected areas. The Managing Director (MD) of Ocha Brigade,Chief Celestine Anaere in his own comment said that It's being long they made up their minds to return Gov Soludo in the November 8 guber poll...

NFSS Aids Arrest Of Suspected Killers Of Arise TV Newscaster,  Security Man  RAYMOND OZOJI reports  The Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) says it aided arrest of some of the suspects linked to the murder of Arise TV newscaster Miss Somtochukwu Maduagwu and the security man on duty, Barnabas Danlami.  Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence Department) of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) Dr. John Metchie who hailed the courage and intrepid disposition of the operatives of NFSS, said the role of the NFSS in the arrest of the suspects showed that the NFSS was the missing link in the nation's security architecture.  Metchie who spoke with this journalist exclusively on why governments at all levels should see the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) as a dependable complimentary security formation in the fight against crime and criminality, said that the NFSS provided critical support to the Nigeria Police in apprehending the armed robber...

SOFIG group Rallies Anambra grassroots for Ukachukwu *calling for new dawn in community-based politics   *By Emeka Chiaghanam/Chuks Collins*  The most meaningful step for Anambra State grassroots support and mobilization at this defining moment is a transformative change in leadership, one capable of steering the state toward greater progress and glory. That visionary leader, equipped with integrity and proven capacity, is none other than Prince Nicholas Chukwujekwu Ukachukwu. Consequently Barrister Kingsley Ezekwelu, the President of the Sustenance of Faith in Governance, (SOFIG) Family, made this declaration on Saturday at Ifite-Ogwari, Ayamelum Local Government Area, when he led the SOFIG Family executives to the flag off campaign of its 21 Local Government Area tour and mobilization of Polling unit Canvassers across Anambra’s 326 electoral wards ahead the crucial November 8, 2025 governorship election. Addressing the surging enthusiastic crowd, at Ifite Og...

Anambra Guber: Group endorses Gov Soludo's reelection  From Seun Miracle  Ahead the November 8, Anambra State governorship election, Leaders With Vision Initiative has endorsed the reelection bid of Gov Charles Soludo. The Coordinator of Leaders With Vision Initiative, Mr. Ifeanyi Gideon Oge, during an interactive session with journalists said that his group has put structure in place in all the council areas in the State to mobilize votes for Prof Soludo. He pointed out that Gov Soludo has proven in just three years that he is indeed a blessing to Anambra State and since reward for hard work will always be more work, it has become imperative to allow him to continue the great job. Mr Oge said as a matter of fact that Anambra State had never had it so good since her creation noting that the incumbent governor is positively transforming all the sectors. "Gov Soludo has positively impacted all the sections of the S...

SBMC harps on community participation in driving educational devt  Chinedum Treasure  School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) has stressed the importance of community participation in driving educational development.  National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Gwandu stated this in Awka, Anambra state at the official inauguration of the South East School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) Task Team. The team is an initiative aimed at deepening school governance, promoting inclusiveness, and improving learning outcomes across basic education institutions in the region. Addressing the team and other stakeholders from across the South East, Gwandu called for stronger ownership of schools by communities, stressing that quality education is shared responsibility between government, institutions, and citizens.  He assured the Southeast team of the national body’s continuous support, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring, evaluation, training, and retraining to s...