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NJIKOKA RESIDENTS MARK ANAMBRA LIBERATION DAY, REFLECT ON DEMOCRACY, RULE OF LAW

By Bridget Uju Nwoye

Residents of Njikoka Local Government Area on July 10, joined other citizens across Anambra State to commemorate Anambra Liberation Day, reflecting on the importance of democracy, justice, peace and the rule of law.

The residents, drawn from communities including Abagana, Nawfia and Enugwu-Ukwu, described the annual observance as a reminder of the need to uphold constitutional governance and strengthen democratic institutions.

Anambra Liberation Day is observed annually on July 10 to commemorate the resistance to the 2003 political crisis, during which an attempt was made to force the then Governor, Dr. Chris Ngige, from office. The incident is widely regarded as a watershed in the state’s democratic history and the struggle against political godfatherism.

Speaking during the commemoration, a community leader in Abagana, Chief Chukwuemeka Okafor, said the events of 2003 underscored the need to protect democratic values and uphold the rule of law.

“The events of 2003 taught us that justice and the rule of law are essential to the growth of any society. Today’s commemoration reminds us that peace, unity and democratic governance must always be protected,” he said.

Also speaking, a trader, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwankwo, said a peaceful political environment was vital for business growth and investment.

“When there is peace and stability, traders can carry out their businesses without fear. We hope our leaders will continue to promote policies that improve the economy and create opportunities for young people,” she said.

Another resident urged young people to learn from the state’s political history by embracing peace, respecting the rule of law and contributing to community development.

Residents also expressed optimism that the lessons of the past would continue to strengthen democratic institutions, encourage peaceful elections and promote sustainable development across Anambra State.

Bridget Uju Nwoye is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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ANAMBRA POLICE BUST CHILD TRAFFICKING SYNDICATE, ARREST THREE OVER SALE OF TWO CHILDREN

By Chizoba Njaka
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‎The Anambra State Police Command has announced another major breakthrough in its sustained fight against child trafficking, confirming the arrest of three female suspects at a motor park in Onitsha on the evening of July 11.
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‎According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects, identified as Florence Nnakuzie (45), Hannah Ugah (52) and Chinasa Daniel (27), were apprehended by police operatives attached to Awada Divisional Headquarters. Preliminary investigations revealed that between June and December 2025, Chinasa Daniel allegedly brought two children to Hannah Ugah on two separate occasions a two-week-old baby and a four-year-old child.
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‎Chinasa further disclosed that the four-year-old was subsequently handed over to Florence Nnakuzie and allegedly sold for N2,000,000, while the two-week-old baby was allegedly sold to another woman who remains at large.
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‎The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu described child trafficking as a grave violation of human rights and a crime against humanity. He ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for a comprehensive and discreet investigation.
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‎CP Orutugu also directed operatives to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend all members of the trafficking syndicate. He mandated coordinated operations aimed at locating, rescuing, and reuniting the trafficked children with their biological families.
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‎The Command expressed gratitude to members of the public whose timely and credible information led to the successful operation. It urged residents to continue supporting the police with useful intelligence to strengthen the fight against child trafficking in Anambra State.
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‎Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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NZAM–ODOTEMOKA ROAD PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION, SET FOR COMMISSIONING SOON — ANAMBRA WEST MAYOR

By Felix Igboanugo

The Mayor of Anambra West Local Government Area(LGA), Hon. Mrs. Edith Nkeiru Ndive, has announced that the 1-kilometre Nzam–Odotemoka Road Project is nearing completion and will be commissioned soon.

Hon. Mrs. Ndive made the announcement during an inspection visit to the project site on July 13, where she expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work executed.

The mayor said that the project reflects her administration’s commitment to providing infrastructure that enhances connectivity, supporting economic activities and improving the welfare of residents in the area.

According to her, the completed road will ease transportation challenges, improving access within the community, creating better opportunities for farmers to transport their agricultural produce to markets.

She noted that residents of Olumbanasa Wards 1 and 2 stand to benefit from improved mobility, stronger community connections and increased commercial activities resulting from the project.

Hon. Mrs. Ndive commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his visionary leadership and commitment to rural development through impactful infrastructure projects across Anambra State.

She acknowledged the Governor’s support in promoting inclusive development, ensuring that communities in Anambra West benefit from the state government’s transformation agenda.

The mayor reiterated her administration’s dedication to people centered governance, urging the contractors handling the project to maintain high standards as the work approaches completion.

Felix Igboanugo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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‎INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST SAND AND DUST STORMS: SUSTAINING A CLEANER, GREENER ANAMBRA

By Chizoba Vivian Anazonwu
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‎Every year on July 12, the international community observes the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, a United Nations initiative aimed at raising awareness about the increasing environmental, health, and economic challenges caused by sand and dust storms.
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‎The observance also highlights the importance of sustainable land management, environmental conservation, and stronger collaboration among nations to address this growing global concern.
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‎For Anambra State, the occasion serves as a timely reminder that safeguarding the environment is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of government, communities, and individuals alike.
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‎Under the visionary leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, environmental sustainability has remained a key priority through strategic initiatives such as urban regeneration, erosion control projects, improved waste management systems, tree-planting campaigns, and the beautification of cities and communities across the state.
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‎The Soludo administration’s commitment to building a clean, green, smart, and livable homeland aligns closely with the objectives of the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms. Through sustained investments in environmental sanitation, restoration of degraded lands, and the promotion of responsible waste disposal practices, the government is laying a solid foundation for healthier communities and a more resilient environment.
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‎However, government efforts alone cannot deliver lasting environmental sustainability. Residents also have an important role to play by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse, discouraging bush burning, planting and nurturing trees, protecting vegetation, and actively participating in sanitation exercises within their communities.
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‎As the world commemorates the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, it should inspire renewed commitment from governments, communities, and individuals to protect the environment. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Anambra State while advancing Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of a prosperous and environmentally responsible homeland.
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‎Chizoba Vivian Anazonwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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COMMISSIONER SEEKS FOOD, NUTRITION SCORECARD TO STRENGTHEN ANAMBRA’S FIGHT AGAINST MALNUTRITION

By Maureen Agbala

The Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Chukwukadibia Okoye, has called for a comprehensive food and nutrition performance scorecard to strengthen the state’s intervention programmes and improve its performance in future national assessments.

Okoye made the call on July 10, during an advocacy visit by members of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition to his office in Awka, saying the report should capture the state’s 2024 assessment, identified gaps, interventions undertaken and outstanding challenges to support an evidence based memorandum to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.

He said the scorecard would provide government with a clear picture of progress made and areas requiring further intervention, adding that local government councils should leverage their autonomy to fund nutrition related activities while the state government provides policy direction and coordination.

The commissioner also stressed the need for recommendations submitted to government to be backed by official documents, including meeting minutes and formal correspondence, to facilitate informed decision making.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Chinyere Nwabachili, said the ministry serves as the coordinating agency for the State Committee on Food and Nutrition, which was established in 2016 and revitalised in 2024 after years of institutional setbacks.

She said Anambra recorded no score in a previous national nutrition assessment but had since partnered with relevant national authorities to address identified gaps, leading to marked improvement. She added that achieving food security and improved nutrition requires the active participation of ministries, departments, agencies and the 21 local government councils.

Also speaking, the State Nutrition Officer, Dr. Rose Amasiani, appealed for stronger collaboration with local government chairmen to ensure sustained funding for nutrition programmes at the grassroots.

Amasiani said committee members had relied on personal resources to carry out activities due to the absence of dedicated funding and called for annual budgetary provisions to support meetings, monitoring and implementation of nutrition programmes across the state.

Responding, Okoye said he was concerned by reports placing Nigeria among countries with a high burden of malnutrition and would review the available data and its source. He reaffirmed the Soludo administration’s commitment to strengthening food security, reducing malnutrition and promoting greater planning, accountability and collaboration across all levels of government.

Maureen Agbala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH CELEBRATES REV. FR. BONAVENTURE JIDEOFOR ON FIRST PRIESTLY ANNIVERSARY

By Regina Aforgu

St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Enekwasumpu, has extended warm congratulations to Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Jideofor on the occasion of his first priestly ordination anniversary.

The parish community joined in celebrating the milestone on July 12, describing Rev. Fr. Jideofor as a devoted shepherd, teacher and friend whose ministry over the past year has positively impacted many lives.

Parishioners expressed gratitude for his pastoral care and spiritual guidance, noting that his life reflects faith, service, wisdom and compassion.

“Father, you have been a blessing to us. We are proud of you,” some parishioners stated in their goodwill message.

The parish acknowledged his dedication to caring for the sick, reaching out to the less privileged, describing his pastoral zeal as a source of inspiration to the church community.

St. Joseph the Worker Parish prayed that Almighty God would continue to grant Rev. Fr. Jideofor good health, wisdom and many more fruitful years of service in His vineyard.

The message concluded with the traditional prayer, “Ad multos annos, Father!” wishing him many more years of grace-filled ministry.

Regina Aforgu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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INEC EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF 2027 CANDIDATES’ LISTS TO JULY 14

By MaryAnn Chukwuma

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit candidates’ lists for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections to midnight on July 14.

The extension was announced in a press release issued by the commission on July 12 and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

INEC stated that the original deadline of July 11, as contained in the revised timetable for the 2027 General Election, had been officially extended by three days.

According to the commission, the decision followed an appeal by the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on behalf of political parties experiencing difficulties in uploading candidates’ names and personal particulars.

The electoral body explained that the extension reflects its commitment to inclusivity while ensuring strict compliance with the provisions of the law governing Nigeria’s electoral process.

INEC urged all political parties to make use of the additional time to complete the upload of all required candidate information before the new deadline expires.

The commission stressed that parties should ensure every necessary detail is submitted within the extended period to avoid missing the revised deadline.

The extension is expected to provide affected political parties with sufficient time to conclude the nomination process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

MaryAnn Chukwuma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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CHIEF PRIMUS ODILI CONGRATULATES ARCHBISHOP VALERIAN OKEKE ON 45TH PRIESTLY ANNIVERSARY

By Claribel Udah

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and stakeholder in Anambra North, Chief Primus Ugochukwu Odili (Mgbologwu Okosisi Aguleri), has congratulated the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, on the 45th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

In a goodwill message issued on July 12, Chief Odili described the archbishop’s 45 years of priestly ministry as a testament to unwavering dedication to God, the church and humanity.

He noted that Archbishop Okeke’s leadership has continued to inspire countless faithful within the Archdiocese of Onitsha and beyond.

Chief Odili commended the archbishop for his contributions to evangelism, education, healthcare and the promotion of peace and justice, stating that his pastoral leadership has made a lasting impact on both the church and society.

He acknowledged Archbishop Okeke’s spiritual guidance and fatherly support to the people of Anambra North Senatorial District, describing him as a beacon of faith and moral leadership.

Chief Odili prayed that Almighty God would continue to grant the archbishop good health, renewed strength, wisdom and many more years of fruitful service in His vineyard.

He assured the archbishop of his continued prayers and best wishes as he marks the milestone anniversary.

Claribel Udah is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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OBOSI COUNCILLOR DONATES BUS TO STUDENTS, LEADS FIGHT AGAINST CULTISM

By Chiedu Uche Okoye

Hon. Obichukwu Anyafulu (Zik), Councillor for Obosi ward, has donated a bus to students, who attend schools located in Obosi.

The councillor made the disclosure in an interview with the journalist at his Obosi country home, on July 11.

Hon. Anyafulu said that the humanitarian deed he performed for the students was borne out of his belief that education is the cornerstone of national development.

“Education is the bedrock of national development. And only educated people who possess knowledge and skills can drive our developmental initiatives.

“Based on that, I don’t want students in Obosi to stay at home on school days because their parents cannot give them transportation fares,” he said.

He further clarified that the bus would serve the additional purpose of conveying people to churches on
Sundays, stating that religion is a tool for moulding the personalities of young people.

More so, Hon. Anyafulu narrated how he waged battles, ceaselessly, to stem the tide of cult killings in the ancient Obosi kingdom.

In the past, Obosi town quaked with cult clashes, with their calamitous effects, which necessitated the formation of the Movement Against Cultism in Obosi (MACCOB), of which he is the leader.

According to him, members of MACCOB do host seminars in schools, periodically, the aim of which is to pre-empt and prevent young people from joining cult groups.

Hon. Anyafulu further said that the glamorous funeral processions, which are given to deceased cultists, have been outlawed in the town, as it hold great fascination for cultists. And they fantasize about them.

Chiedu Uche Okoye is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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NWOKEDI FELICITATES REV. FR. OBIEKEZIE ON FIFTH PRIESTLY ANNIVERSARY

By Juliana Nwachukwu

The Founder of the Akaekpuchionwa Movement, Hon. Chris Nwokedi, has congratulated Rev. Fr. Joshua Obiekezie on the occasion of his fifth priestly anniversary.

Nwokedi spoke on July 12, at the anniversary celebration held at St. Lwanga Field, Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, where parishioners, community leaders and other guests gathered to honour the Catholic priest.

He described Rev. Fr. Obiekezie as a humble and devoted servant of God whose ministry had positively influenced many lives through spiritual guidance, compassion and selfless service.

According to him, the priest has remained committed to promoting peace, unity, moral values and the welfare of the people, while providing leadership that continues to inspire hope within the community.

Nwokedi also commended the celebrant’s dedication to the Church and humanity, describing him as a respected spiritual leader and a supporter of the Akaekpuchionwa Movement.

He prayed for God’s continued grace, wisdom, good health and strength upon Rev. Fr. Obiekezie, wishing him many more fruitful years in the priestly ministry.

The celebration featured thanksgiving, prayers and goodwill messages in honour of the priest’s five years of service in the Catholic ministry.

Juliana Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State