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Okija Man, NSCDC, Anti-Tout, Agunechemba Beat Police, Trader To Point Of Death In Onitsha Market  RAYMOND OZOJI reports Honourable Okwudili Anigbogu, a native of Enugwu-Ukwu community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, would have been a dead man when operatives of the Special Anti-tout squad, Agunechemba operatives, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps accompanied by daredevil hoodlums unleashed terror and mayhem on him on 23rd December this year.  Anigbogu, a trader at Jesus The King Line, Emordi Shoe Dealers Association in Ochanja market Onitsha, said security operatives who were on illegal duties and allegedly sponsored by one Chief Nwabueze Friday Umeh popularly known as Ofiafulu Ego Na Okija, manhandled him until he was soaked in his own pool of blood as hoodlums hired by Ofiafulu Ego Na Okija matcheted him to the point of death but was rescued and rushed to the hospital by people who witnessed the terror.  Anigbogu w...

Foundation celebrates Christmas with elderly women, distributes palliatives  Chinedum Treasure  A women group, Ada Nri Global Initiative (ANGI) has distributed Christmas largesse to 180 elderly indigent women in Nri community in Anaocha local government area of Anambra state. The beneficiaries, 30 from the six villages that make up the community were given bags of rice, beans, vegetable oil, tomatoes and other food condiments. Speaking during the distribution, Global President, Nkechinyere Ezeani said the gesture tagged, "Day With The Elderly" was aimed at alleviating the plights of the indigent women in the area. She said, "The association is made up of daughters of Nri from 21 years and above. This project was initiated by our late founder, Patricia Akudinobi in 2014.  "But we've sustained the legacy even after her demise in 2017. The occasion offers us opportunity to put smiles in the faces of the elderly, indigents and vulnerable.  "The bene...

Foundation celebrates Christmas with elderly women, distributes palliatives  Chinedum Treasure  A women group, Ada Nri Global Initiative (ANGI) has distributed Christmas largesse to 180 elderly indigent women in Nri community in Anaocha local government area of Anambra state. The beneficiaries, 30 from the six villages that make up the community were given bags of rice, beans, vegetable oil, tomatoes and other food condiments. Speaking during the distribution, Global President, Nkechinyere Ezeani said the gesture tagged, "Day With The Elderly" was aimed at alleviating the plights of the indigent women in the area. She said, "The association is made up of daughters of Nri from 21 years and above. This project was initiated by our late founder, Patricia Akudinobi in 2014.  "But we've sustained the legacy even after her demise in 2017. The occasion offers us opportunity to put smiles in the faces of the elderly, indigents and vulnerable.  "The bene...

Soludo's aide, Onitsha market leadership, embezzlement threatening lives of yuletide returnees, road users By Chuks Collins, Awka Dec 25,2025 Except a last minute reprieve from Gov Chukwuma Soludo, peace and smooth yuletide would not be guaranteed in Onitsha, the commercial hub of the South East geopolitical zone and environs this season.  Danger signal that all was not well followed series of frantic announcements by the Special Adviser to governor on Parks/Market, Chief Evaristus Ubah that the Iron Dealers Market, Atani Rd must relocate by Dec 31,2025 or be forcefully moved out.  Chief Ubah, according to the announcement ordered the about one thousand traders to relocate within 14 days or have themselves to blame. He insisted that the traders must relocate out of the place before December 31,2025. So to draw the governor's attention if he was not yet aware,  journalists visited the Iron Dealers Market yesterday to see the situation first hand. It was overloo...

Nnewi Union In Atlanta Georgia make Christmas merrier for less privileged persons  From Seun Miracle  Nnewi Union in Atlanta, Georgia, USA has again made Christmas merrier for the less privileged persons at home. The group in her 2025 Christmas empowerment program sent rice and cash to selected less privileged persons in the four quarters of Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra. At Nnewichi-Nnewi, the distribution of palliative incentives from the group took place at the secured and serene compound of Late Chief Sydney Okeke(Aghariaku). Speaking during the exercise, Mrs Grace Okeke who anchored the distribution at the zone said that the initiative is not politically motivated. She noted that Nnewi Union in Atlanta Georgia USA as part of her annual empowerment program has always been offsetting bills of patients who are not financially capable to do so. Mrs Okeke however said that the hospital visitation was deliberately removed from the package in the 2025 program b...

Eze n'Ukpo at 2025 Ofala prays for peace, security, more dev in coming year From Omah Ngozi, Awka  Dec 22,2025 The traditional ruler of Ukpo, Dunukofia Council of Anambra State, HRM Igwe Dr Robert Eze, the Okofia has called for abundant peace, security and increased development Nigeria especially his community, Ukpo.  The monarch 's prayer came in his welcome remarks this afternoon during his 2025 annual Ofala festival at his palace in Ukpo.  The well attended event which attracted guests from all tribes, cultural and religious backgrounds also drew scholars, historians, researchers, lecturers and students from all parts of the world. Also in attendance were top functionaries of various levels of government.  The historic annual event was a rare occasion the traditional ruler set aside to spend time with his subjects as well as all other visitors.   It's also used to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Ukpo Ancient Kingdom with traditiona...

How we defeated poverty, turned tenants to landlords at building materials market Ogidi - PG By Toby Chuks  The President General (PG) of Building Material International Market Ogidi Chief Jude Nwankwo alias Jolity has narrated how the market union under his leadership took bold steps to effectively address the issue of poverty in the market and in the same vein changed the status of many traders in the market from tenants to landlords.  Addressing a crowded audience in the market during a prayer section to mark the end of year 2025, Chief Nwankwo explained that he firstly sort for peace in the market when his administration came on board and with the support of his executives and other relevant stakeholders including the Board of Trustees (BoT) and patrons, the target to bring peace in place was achieved.  The PG who is also a patron of Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) stated that the return of peace paved the way for his administ...

Soldiers’ Wives unveil playground for kids' recreation in Onitsha  From Isaac Ojo  It was celebration galore at the Onitsha Army Barracks in Anambra State as the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA) officially unveiled a newly constructed playground designed to promote relaxation, recreation and bonding among military children. Col Mohammed Yakubu, Commander 302 Artillery Regt Onitsha and Lt Col Eric Kpamber Commanding Officer 14 Field Engineer regiment Onitsha The unveiling ceremony, which took place at the Command Playground within the barracks, was performed by the Commanding Officer, 14 Field Engineer Regiment, Onitsha, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Kpamber. The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Patrick Akobo, Diocesan Merit Award (DMA) Public Affairs Analyst, to journalists in Awka, the Anambra State capital. Speaking during the unveiling, Lieutenant Colonel Kpamber reflected nostalgically on his childhood days in the barrack...

FIDA Award Day: Anambra CJ, others honoured as speakers urge fight against violence   From Isaac Ojo  International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA) Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter has honored Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu for his contributions to the fight against gender inequality and inequity. Anyachebelu was honoured alongside others who have contributed in various ways to advance FIDA's mandate in the State during the 2025 FIDA Week and Award Day themed, "Unmasking the Pain: An Exploration of the causes and consequences of intimate partner violence among adults”.  Chief Judge appreciated the honour done to him, pledging continued support to the organization, which he noted has grown in strength over the year.  “I commend FIDA for advancing the rights of the vulnerable and the way it has grown in strength. I also thank your executives both past and present for steering the ship very well," he added. Earli...

Bishop Ezeofor urges priests to promote peace, unity among parishioners From Isaac Ojo  Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt Rev Samuel Ezeofor has charged ministers of God to always promote peace and unity amongst the people, especially those they are serving. The bishop gave the advice during the ordination of nine ordinands as Deacons at the advent ordination of Aguata Diocese held at the Cathedral Church of St John, Ekwulobia. Ezeofor who doubles as National Chairman, Evangelical fellowship in the Anglican communion EFAC Nigeria also urged the priests to be diligent in reading and studying the Holy scripture as well as preaching the undiluted word of God. Earlier in his sermon, the guest preacher, Ven Oliver Ofoegbu expressed concern over challenges facing Christianity, especially in recent times. He charged them, especially the clergy to always listen to positive advise and take corrections for them to excel in their Ministry. While warning the faithful against working for...

Students demand Odoh's reinstatement as UNIZIK VC From Isaac Ojo  Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra state have called on Federal Government to fully implement the judgment of the National Industrial Court ordering reinstatement of Prof Bernard Odoh as Vice-Chancellor of the institution. Speaking with newsmen in Awka, President of Nigerian Students and Youth Association, Unizik Chapter, Chisom Nwangwu urged Minister of Education to act without further delay in reinstating Odoh, in strict compliance with the court’s ruling. According to him, Odoh was removed from office by Federal Ministry of Education following allegations by some of his opponents that he was not a professor and was therefore unqualified to occupy the position.  "However, the court has since affirmed that Professor Odoh was duly promoted to the rank of Professor in 2015 and consequently ordered that all his rights, entitlements, and privileges be fully restored. "Res...

Group applauds members for massive contributions to Gov Soludo's reelection  From Miracle Seun  The Convener of Grass Root Warriors Initiative (SWGI), Chief Hon Rogers Orjiewulu has applauded the officials and members of the group for their massive contributions to the reelection of Gov Charles Soludo. Hon Orjiewulu made the commendation during the end of the year get together put together for the members and friends of the group. He pointed out that SWGI consisting majorly of Labour Party (LP) members who believe in the revolutionary administration of Gov Charles Soludo worked tirelessly in the reelection efforts. The SWGI strongman however appealed to his followers who felt neglected shortly before, during and after the election of November 8, not to despair noting that all is not lost. He pointed out that he is still discussing with the powers that be on the need to carry on the need to carry the former LP members along in the scheme of things. "On the whole, we...

Lilu Killings: Security Expert Wants Soludo To Consider Forest Guards For Local Security  RAYMOND OZOJI reports Following recent attack on a church at Lilu community Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State where the church was burnt down by daredevil hoodlums including vehicles parked inside the church premises and some worshipers who were killed while others sustained varying degrees of severe injuries from gun shots, Anambra-born security expert, Amb. Dr. John Metchie has advised Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to consider forest guards for local security in the state.  Metchie who gave the advice during an exclusive interview with this journalist in Umueri his country home in Anambra-East Local Government Area, maintained that it has become very necessary for the government in power to establish forest guards as part of the state's security architecture especially in forested areas like the Anambra-South senatorial district hitherto under the captivity of...

Federal Cooperative College Oji River Organises Staff Reorientation On Emerging Trends In Public Service  By Raymond Ozoji, Awka  The Federal Cooperative College Oji River Enugu State has organized a one-day interactive reorientation course for her entire workforce aimed at keeping them abreast with new trends and changes in government policies with emphasis on public service rules and regulations.  The one-day interactive session which was held at the college multipurpose auditorium was very impactful as it afforded staff members ample time to acquaint themselves with emerging trends in the public service. It was indeed a platform for cross pollination and cross fertilisation of ideas.  Addressing the college workforce, Provost of the Federal Cooperative College Oji River Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu said it was necessary to hold such routine exercises so as to prepare them irrespective of the number of years they have spent in the service.  Obidiegwu...

NAU Yoruba staff celebrate 2025 cultural day amidst call for unity From Seun Miracle  Yoruba staff at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State have been charged to keep love and unity as the secret of their strength. The traditional ruler of the Yoruba Community in Awka, Oba Abdulrazak Olahan who gave the charge in his royal advice during the 2025 Cultural Day of the association, urged his brothers and sisters regardless of their states of origin to work together in the spirit of love tolerance and forgiveness.  Oba Olahan was represented by Mr Joshua Oluobafemi. “Kabiyesi is happy with you. He would have been here in person but he has travelled to Ile-Ife for an important engagement.  Kabiyesi has asked me to advise you to always remember that we are on a sojourn here. Keep working hard so that your stay will be eventful.  “He also admonishes that you do your best to raise your children to appreciate our tradition, culture and language.  “Let's...

Federal Cooperative College Oji River To Offer Mass Communication, Agricultural Technology, Other New Courses  By Raymond Ozoji, Awka  The Federal Cooperative College Oji River Enugu State has initiated the process of establishing five new market driven academic departments. The proposed departments include Mass Communication, Agricultural Technology, Home and Resource Economics, Hospitality and Tourism Management and Science Laboratory Technology.  These academic programmes will add value to currently accredited academic programmes of the college while focusing on producing a generation of self-reliant youths with the requisite technical and vocational skills for job and wealth creation.  Speaking to this journalist in his office shortly after a routine staff reorientation exercise held at the college ultramodern multipurpose auditorium yesterday, Provost of the Federal Cooperative College Oji River, Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu, said that the first admiss...

Anambra Women Mobilise to End Digital Gender Violence Chinedum Treasure  Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has vowed to intensify the fight against digital violence against women and girls in Anambra state. Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike stated this during a one-day road show by SIDEC’s Women of Resilience in collaboration with State Ministry of Health in commemoration of 16 days of activism. The walk themed, "Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls" drew women across the state, including divorces, single mothers, widows, those with disabilities and others who had experienced Gender Based Violence. The women, carrying placards with varying inscriptions matched round the state capital and rounded up at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku. Some of the placards read, "Stop deep fake image manipulation", "stop hate speech", "stop online harassment," "stop digital ...

Umueri PG Commends Anambra-East Chairman For Carrying Out Free Medical Mission From Raymond Ozorji  The President-General Umueri General Assembly in Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Amb. Dr. John Metchie has commended the Chairman of Anambra-East council area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze for carrying out a 5-day free medical outreach in the council area.  Describing the 5-day free healthcare mission as a scheme designed to save lives and provide more access to comprehensive medical services in the grassoots; Metchie noted that what the local government Mayor did was in line with what Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was doing in the health sector as evident in the upgrade of Umueri General Hospital, where the free medical outreach was conducted. Metchie who praised Mayor Chinweze's developmental strides, maintained that his administration has brought visible transformations in Anambra-East with Umueri community as a beneficiary. He said that the free ...

Stakeholders move to boost PHCs' operational capacity in Anambra  Chinedum Treasure  Stakeholders in the health sector have identified coordination engagement as critical platform capable of creating actionable strategies towards addressing challenges faced by Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Anambra state. They also emphasized the need to deepen collaboration with development partners and communities' stakeholders for effective management and implementation of healthcare programmes especially at the public primary healthcare levels (PPHCs). The stakeholders who spoke at a one-day coordination meeting in Awka for improved services in the health sector were drawn from Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) Ministry of Health, Ward Development Committees (WDCs) Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Community Empowerment Network, Officers incharge in PHCs, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Ministry of Health and local government health authorities...

Coup: Time for Africa to work with God, not waiting for God to bring good leaders - Declares Onitsha based Man of God *Says Africa needs good developmental framework, ahead of good leaders *Recommends framework set on 3Es as: Evaluation, Evolution & Eradication By Toby Chuks As the news of coups after coup continue to resurface across Africa, Onitsha based journalist turned global preacher, Evangelist Theo Rays Ejikeme has called on Africans most particularly Nigerians to as a matter of urgency and importance learn how to work with God and stop waiting for God to bring leaders. Speaking to journalists in Onitsha following another report attempted coup in Benin Republic, Evangelist Ejikeme who is the Convener of Divine Illumination on Africa attributed the current wave of coup in Africa to "passionate interest of the people in good leaders"  The preacher observed that the interest in good leaders among Africans is undermining both the purpose of God and the str...

Non indigenes set to erect N500m secretariat in Anambra  *as Soludo commends their positive support From Seun Miracle  Gov Chukwuma Soludo has commended the leadership and members of the Association of Non-Indigenes, Anambra State(ANIAS) for their immeasurable support and peaceful coexistence within the 179 communities of Anambra State.  The State Governor dropped the heartwarming commendation this afternoon in Amawbia, Awka South Council during the end of the year celebration, and the fundraising of the association's N500million event for its three storey secretariat.  Soludo who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Dr Alex Obiogbolu applauded the leadership of the group for galvanizing their members positively all over the State for productivity. Dr Obiogbolu noted that non indigenes have been contributing significantly to the successful run of the government, especially in the recent Nov 8,2025 Governorship election. The Special...

Multiple celebrations for non indigenes in Anambra, gets govt commendation  From Seun Miracle  The sleepy town of Amawbia in Awka South LGA of Anambra State witnessed an inflow of eminent personalities from far and near as non indigenes in the State held her end of the year celebration. The celebrants under a very strong umbrella of Association of Non-Indigenes Welfare, Anambra State (ANISA/ANIAS), marked the end of the year in a grand style. ANISA/ANIAS also used the occasion to do a fund raising for her five hundred million Naira, three storey building complex. In his welcome address, the President General (PG) of the association, Chief Amb. Great Ikechukwu Ugwuoke (JP) said that the occasion marked another significant milestone in the existence of ANISA/ANIAS. He said that the journey has been that of unity, progress and shared desire to build a peaceful and prosperous community for all. Amb. Ugwuoke revealed that the vision of the group is clear and noble as it...

GPSDC trains journalists on GBV reportage From Isaac Ojo  Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre(GPSDC) Nibo in Awka South LGA of Anambra on Thursday held a training for media practitioners on gender based violence reportage. The training which took place at Vertex Hotel, Nibo saw twenty media practitioners taking part. In her opening remarks, Ozoemena Ogechukwu the Project Manager of GPSDC said that her group has been sensitizing Christian women, women leaders and others on gender based violence in Nigeria. She said that GPSDC through her voices from altar to voice for change against GBV has strengthened grassroot church organisations. In his presentation, Dr Julius Chibuikem Nwosu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka noted that gender based violence could be physical and emotional. He said that journalists have responsibility of raising the voices of the victims through their reportage. Also Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu' of NAU in his presentation identified the rol...

Metchie  Hails Enugu Governor For Equipping Trained Forest Guards With Sophisticated Guns To Fight Kidnappers, Terrorists ...Lauds Tinubu's Choice Of Defence Minister  Anambra-born international security expert Amb. Dr. John Metchie has commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State for equipping very well-trained forest security guards with sophisticated guns and other technologically-driven gadgets to fight Kidnappers, bandits and other terrorist groups operating in the forest regions.  Metchie also commended Governor Mbah for the launch of security drones with capacities to mount surveillance in the entire Enugu state and beyond; describing it as a high profile initiative intended to detect as well as nip criminal activities in the bud.  Giving the commendations in an exclusive interview with this journalist, the security expert, said Governor Mbah's decision to train and equip forest guards with state-of-the-art security apparatus was a bold an...