By Chioma Nwamah-Ahamefula
The Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim, has disclosed that the process of establishing a Brigade Headquarters in Awka and a Battalion in Ihiala is underway as part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s sustained efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the state.
The deputy governor made this known when he received the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Emmanuel Iloh, who led members of the faculty on a courtesy visit to his office at the Government House, Awka, ahead of the Faculty’s 2026 International Conference scheduled to hold on August 11.
Dr. Ibezim reaffirmed the Soludo-led administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the state government will not negotiate with criminal elements but will continue to strengthen security through strategic interventions and collaboration with security agencies.
He noted that the proposed Brigade Headquarters in Awka and Battalion in Ihiala would further enhance security operations across the state and consolidate the gains already recorded by the present administration.
The deputy governor commended the late former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju for initiating the establishment of the university and applauded Governor Soludo for consolidating those efforts through improved infrastructure, enhanced security and continued investment in education.
Describing members of the academic community as partners in the development of Anambra State, Dr. Ibezim praised the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Emmanuel Iloh for his examplary leadership at the Faculty of Physical Sciences and assured the delegation of his support.
Earlier, Prof. Iloh, said that the delegation’s visit is to formally invite the deputy governor to the Faculty’s 2026 International Conference, explaining that the faculty selected Dr. Ibezim as keynote speaker in recognition of his commitment to education and his outstanding contributions to public service. He added that the deputy governor would also be honoured with the Faculty’s Platinum Award for Excellence during the conference.
The dean commended Governor Soludo for the remarkable improvement in the road network leading to the university campus and the administration’s security initiatives, which he said have created a conducive environment for teaching, learning and research. He also appreciated the cordial relationship existing between the Anambra State Government and the university community as he applauded the Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, for her tremendous works in attracting government presence in the campus.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs. Florence Idigo Ibenta, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Hon.
Okoye Bethel Ekenechukwu , the Sub-Dean of the faculty, Heads of Departments from the faculty, chairman local organising committee of the conference, alongside other professors and members of the conference committee, were present during the courtesy visit.
Chioma Nwamah-Ahamefula is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
