State News

News from all over Anambra State

ANSEC DEEPENS FIGHT AGAINST EROSION, APPROVES BOLD REFORMS FOR TRANSPORT, TRAFFIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

By Lilian Ezejiegu

The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), at its meeting on Monday, July 13, 2026, approved far-reaching measures to strengthen erosion control, improve transport safety and promote community-driven development across the state.

During an interview with journalists at his office in the Government Secretariat, Awka, on July 14, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, said erosion remained ANSEC’s top priority, reflecting Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s long-held position that it is Anambra’s greatest environmental challenge.

Dr. Mefor recalled that Governor Soludo recently declared a state of emergency on the environment, encouraging residents to clear drainage channels while government evacuated the debris. “I rate that compliance 80 to 90 percent, very impressive,” he said.

Building on that progress, he disclosed that ANSEC has resolved to deepen the intervention by working more closely with communities and encouraging greater grassroots participation in protecting the environment from erosion.

“ANSEC would mandate the communities to take specific measures against erosion in their communities,” he said, stressing the need to stop harmful practices such as dumping refuse in drainages, building on water channels and piping water directly onto roads.

Dr. Mefor described the initiative as a bottom-up approach that empowers community leaders to champion environmental restoration. He added that the campaign will also reach primary and secondary schools to encourage positive environmental habits from an early age.

On transportation, the Commissioner announced that ANSEC approved plans to modernise and digitise motor parks across the state, introducing standard facilities to improve commuter experience, enhance safety and eliminate long-standing operational challenges.

“If after the period of grace… a park in Anambra that is still not measuring up, such parks will be closed down until the standard facilities approved by government are put in place,” he warned.

The Council also approved tougher traffic penalties, including heavier fines and mandatory mental status examinations for dangerous traffic violations, describing reckless driving as a serious threat to lives, property and public safety across the state.

Dr. Mefor commended Ndi Anambra for supporting the Soludo administration through the Private and Public Community Partnership (PPCP), which has helped communities co-fund roads, schools and hospitals. “No government is ever enough… cooperation of the people will help government facilitate development,” he said, urging residents to sustain the partnership.

Lilian is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.

AnambraIsRising #SolutionIsHere #Solution2.0 #SolutionContinues #ANSEC

‎ANAMBRA POLICE REITERATES PLEDGE TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY POLICING VIA CREATIVE CONTENT PARTNERSHIPS

‎By Chizoba Njaka
‎
‎
‎The Anambra State Police Command has reiterated its pledge to strengthen community policing by forming strategic partnerships with creative content producers including skit makers, comedians and other digital media influencers to promote peace, security awareness and responsible citizenship across the State.
‎
‎
‎Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said on July 15 at the Command Headquarters in Awka that the initiative aims to leverage the wide reach and persuasive power of creative content to educate the public on crime prevention and to encourage law‑abiding behaviour.
‎
‎
‎The programme is also designed to deter cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, gender‑based violence, misinformation and other social vices, while building mutual trust and cooperation between the Police and the citizenry.
‎
‎
‎The Command underscored that the collaboration aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s community policing philosophy and the objectives of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), which focus on preventing crime through advocacy, public enlightenment and youth engagement.
‎
‎
‎Police Command further assured residents of its continued commitment to adopting innovative and inclusive approaches to crime prevention and public safety.
‎
‎
‎
‎Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
‎
‎
‎
‎#Ministryofinformationandvaluereformation
‎#Anambraisrising
‎#PowerInfrastructure
‎#Solutionishere
‎#Solutioncontinues
‎
‎
‎

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY URGES SOLUDO, PRIVATE SECTOR TO EVACUATE STRANDED INDIGENES FROM SOUTH AFRICA

By Chizoba Okeke

Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to mobilise well-meaning individuals, philanthropic organisations and organised private sector in the state to urgently assist in the evacuation of stranded Anambra indigenes facing hardship in South Africa.

The call followed a motion sponsored by the Majority Leader, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme and other members of the House on July 14, expressing concern over the plight of Anambra citizens affected by xenophobic attacks, unfavourable immigration policies, economic hardship and other hostile conditions in South Africa.

Hon. Ofodeme noted that many of the affected persons travelled abroad in search of better economic opportunities but are now confronted with severe deprivation, insecurity and legal challenges, which have placed emotional and financial burdens on their families back home.

He stressed that the situation requires urgent intervention in line with the Igbo philosophy of “Onye aghana nwanne ya” (one should not abandon one’s brother), while appealing to wealthy Anambra industrialists, captains of industry, diaspora organisations and other stakeholders to support the evacuation effort.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, thanked the mover of the motion.

Also, the member representing, Aguata Constituency 1, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke, Hon. Jude Ngobili representing Ihiala Constituency 1 and Hon. Fred Ezenwa representing Onitsha South 1, commended the mover of the motion and said it is a call for humanitarian action, noting that the plight of Anambra stranded indigenes in South Africa requires collective actions.

Chizoba Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

Ministryofinformationandvaluareformation

Anambraisrising

Informationiskey

Solutionishere

Solutioncontinues

ANAMBRA TO BEGIN STATEWIDE ASSESSMENT OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO DEEPEN SOLUDO’S EDUCATION REFORMS

By Obiageli Nwankwo

The Anambra State Ministry of Education will begin a statewide assessment of public primary schools to identify challenges and strengthen the implementation of Governor Charles Soludo’s education transformation agenda across the state.

Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, disclosed this on July 10 during a familiarisation meeting with head teachers of public primary schools, mission public primary schools and ASUBEB directors at the ASUBEB Unity Hall, Awka.

He said the planned visitation forms part of his familiarisation with education stakeholders and will enable the ministry to assess school conditions, identify pressing challenges and provide practical solutions that will improve teaching and learning.

Ogugua described head teachers as the foot soldiers of basic education, stressing that the successful implementation of Governor Soludo’s education policies depends largely on their dedication, leadership and commitment at the grassroots.

“As part of this familiarisation, my team and I will visit every primary school to assess your challenges and provide solutions. We cannot implement Mr. Governor’s vision for education without your support.” The Commissioner said.

The Commissioner reminded the head teachers that they were custodians of children’s future, urging them to nurture pupils with diligence because the quality of students produced today will ultimately shape society tomorrow.

“The kind of students we have are the kind you prepare for us. Please guide them well because your work has a way of either positively or negatively affecting society,” he said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, urged head teachers to openly present the challenges affecting their schools, assuring them that the ministry remained committed to addressing issues hindering effective service delivery.

Also speaking, ASUBEB Chairman, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu, said that Governor Soludo’s vision was to make Anambra pupils globally competitive through smart schools, free education, school renovation and the recruitment of qualified teachers statewide.

Delivering vote of thanks, the Head Teacher of Igwebuike Primary School, Abagana, Mrs. Ndidi Nriagu, expressed optimism that Dr. Ogugua’s appointment would usher in lasting solutions to challenges confronting public primary school head teachers.

*Obiageli Nwankwo is of Ministry of Information and Value Reformation,Anambra State.

Ministryofinformationandvaluareformation

Ministryofeducation

Anambraisrising

Informationiskey

Solutionishere

Solutioncontinue

‎ANAMBRA POLICE FOIL SUSPECTED KIDNAP PLOT, ARREST 66-YEAR-OLD OVER ALLEGED FRAUD SYNDICATE

By Chizoba Njaka
‎
‎
‎The Anambra State Police Command has foiled a suspected kidnap plot, rescued a victim and arrested a 66-year-old suspect, Kenneth Nnaji, over his alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate specialising in obtaining money under false pretences in Awka.
‎
‎
‎The development was disclosed in a statement issued on July 14 by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga in Awka. He stated that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, carried out the operation on the evening of July 11 following actionable intelligence.
‎
‎
‎According to the statement, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is allegedly a member of a three-man criminal syndicate believed to have been involved in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public through carefully orchestrated fraudulent schemes across Anambra and Enugu States.
‎
‎
‎The Police spokesperson disclosed that during interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted his involvement in the criminal operation and provided investigators with useful information regarding the syndicate’s mode of operation. The group reportedly disguises its members in branded overalls and caps while posing as representatives of reputable companies.
‎
‎
‎Under this guise, they allegedly persuade prospective victims to release goods as samples before directing them to another location with false claims of access to larger quantities of the goods at significantly discounted prices. Victims are then allegedly defrauded through the deceptive arrangement.
‎
‎
‎Further investigation revealed that the suspect identified other alleged members of the syndicate as Christopher (surname yet to be established), Jacob Musa and Joseph (surname yet to be established), all of whom remain at large. The Police Command stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.
‎
‎
‎The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, however, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution by verifying the identities and credentials of individuals claiming to represent companies before entering into any business transactions.
‎
‎
‎He also directed the investigating team to conduct a comprehensive investigation, ensure the arrest of all fleeing suspects, recover the proceeds of the alleged fraud and prosecute everyone found culpable in accordance with the law. The Police Command added that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
‎
‎
‎Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
‎
‎
‎#Ministryofinformationandvaluereformation
‎#Anambraisrising
‎#PowerInfrastructure
‎#Solutionishere
‎#Solutioncontinues

GOVERNMENT BEGINS RIGHT-OF-WAY CLEARANCE FOR 132KV POWER TRANSMISSION PROJECT

By Chukwuka Ugokwe

The Anambra State Government has commenced the clearance of the Right of Way (RoW) for the ongoing 132kV power transmission line project, marking another step towards improving electricity supply across parts of the state.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, disclosed this during an inspection tour on July 10 to identify and mark illegal structures obstructing the transmission corridor for removal.

The exercise covered parts of Umuogbo-Obiofia, Nnewichi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area(LGA), as well as Nnobi in Idemili South LGA.

Speaking during the inspection, Barr. Ojukwu said the exercise was necessary to clear obstructions along the Right of Way to enable the completion of the 132kV electricity transmission line, a project that had remained stalled for more than a decade.

According to him, the transmission line is expected to significantly improve electricity supply to Nnewi and neighbouring communities, enhancing industrial and commercial activities and improving the quality of life for residents.

The commissioner appealed to affected property owners and residents to cooperate with the government, assuring them that the exercise is in the overall public interest and aimed at delivering critical infrastructure for sustainable development.

Barr. Ojukwu was accompanied on the inspection by the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Casmir Chinenye Agbunma Agbamu (commonly known as Casmir Agummadu), alongside officials of the relevant ministries.

The Anambra State Government reaffirmed its commitment to removing obstacles to critical infrastructure projects as part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of improving public utilities and driving sustainable development across the state.

Chukwuka Ugokwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

anambraministryofinformationandvaluereformation

anambraisrising

powertransmissionproject

rightofway

infrastructuredevelopment

solutionishere

solutioncontinues

EJIKE OFOEGBU PUBLISHER AND OWNER OF IGBO TIME MAGAZINE ARRAIGNED BEFORE THE COURT, TO FACE CHARGES OVER, DEFAMATORY PUBLICATIONS AND FABRICATIONS

By Chinelo Okeke

Ejike Ofoegbu the online content creator and publisher of Igbo time magazine was arraigned today, July 13th before the Magistrate courts of Amawbia

The Defendant was accused of misrepresentation and Spreading false information aimed at tarnishing the good image of the Anambra state Governor Professor Charles Soludo and his Family, centering on his son Ozonna.

According to the Prosecutors, the Defendant had reported and fabricated stories making allegations stating that Soludo has disowned his son, while on the other hand that Ozonna in question has no regrets or regard for his father as he sees his father as a drunk and woman beater while growing up which is a malicious damage to the dignity of his father and to his political career.

Though the defendants had issued a public apology to the Governor and to Ndi Anambra, and retraction of his claims, the legal proceedings is still ongoing

The legal action is being followed under the stringent provisions of Nigerian law, including the cybercrimes (Prohibition Prevention, Etc) Act 2015_Specifically Section 24 (1b) Concerning cyberstalking and Section 38 regarding Identity theft as well as the 2024 Amendment to the Cybercrime Act.

Also the Defendant was Charged under Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act pertaining to Criminal defamation

The Presiding Magistrate C.O. Onyekwere during proceedings maintained and ruled that the Magistrate Court lack the requisite Jurisdiction to preside over the matter and court mandated that the case file be transmitted to the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the State for further action

The learned Magistrate C.O.Onyekwere, advised the defendant to approach the high court in Awka, in case he wishes to pursue application for bail.

The court was adjourned to July 27, 2026 for further proceedings.

Counsel for the plaintiff A.A. Nwanri, with the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, CSP OK.Nkuma, and Inspector Tobechukwu Echemagu of the State CID, moved for the Defendant to be remanded to the Awka Correctional Center.

Chinelo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

FakeNews

Cybercrime

FakeNews

MagistrateCourt

CriminalCodeAct

RuleOfLaw

MinistryOfJustice

MinistryOfInformation

SOLUTION 2.0: ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT TO EMBARK ON STATEWIDE MOBILISATION FOR EROSION CONTROL, CRACK DOWN ON TRAFFIC OFFENDERS

PRESS RELEASE

On Monday, July 13, 2026, the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), in its sixth meeting of the second term of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration, held at Light House, Awka, took far-reaching decisions aimed at deepening good governance, environmental sustainability, and public safety in the state.

Key resolutions include:

STIFFER PENALTIES FOR SERIOUS TRAFFIC OFFENCES
ANSEC resolved to approach the Anambra State House of Assembly for an amendment to the extant traffic law to impose tougher sanctions on dangerous driving.
Offences such as driving against oncoming traffic and driving across dual carriageways to shorten U-turn distances will attract very heavy fines and a Mental Status Examination (MSE).
The measure is intended to curb recklessness and protect lives on Anambra roads.
GOVERNMENT WELCOMES FAIR CRITICISM, CONDEMNS CRIMINAL DEFAMATION
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to open governance and welcomed constructive public criticism.
However, it strongly condemned the spread of fabrications and falsehoods on social media, describing them as criminal defamation.
Public servants whose character and reputation are injured by such fabrications were advised to seek legal redress.
Content creators were also cautioned to distinguish between fair criticism and criminal fabrication.
The Council further reiterated the government’s resolve to sustain the fight against fake native doctors, fake pastors, and other fraudulent practices.
STATEWIDE MOBILISATION FOR EROSION CONTROL
Following the state of emergency on the environment declared two Saturdays ago, ANSEC resolved to deepen the intervention at the grassroots.
Communities will be mobilised to take proactive steps against erosion and to enforce compliance against practices that worsen it, including:

Dumping refuse in drainages
Channeling runoff water from homes directly onto roads
Building on water channels

Primary and secondary schools will play a central role in the mobilisation to entrench environmentally responsible behavior among young people.

STANDARDISATION AND DIGITISATION OF MOTOR PARKS
To improve the quality of transport services, all motor parks in the state will be standardised and digitised.
The modernisation will ensure a minimum infrastructure benchmark for parks and streamline intrastate and interstate commuting.
Parks that fail to meet the set standards within the stipulated grace period will be phased out.
NIGERIA FOR WOMEN PROGRAM SCALE-UP PROJECT
The Council reviewed progress on the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), a Federal Government initiative supported by the World Bank and aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of rural and peri-urban women.
As the first standalone programme dedicated to women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria, NFWP seeks to bridge gaps in opportunity, skills, and resources.
Strategies were mapped out to ensure that women targeted by the programme in Anambra State receive the full benefits.

Law Mefor, PhD,
Commissioner for Information & Value Reformation,
Anambra State.

July 14, 2026

FABRICATION, NOT CRITICISM: MEFOR DRAWS THE LINE AS BLOGGER FACES SUIT OVER SOLUDO FAMILY CLAIMS

By Lilian Ezejiegu

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, has drawn a clear distinction between free expression and criminal defamation following a lawsuit against blogger Ejike Ofoegbu over allegedly fabricated stories targeting Governor Chukwuma Soludo and members of his family.

Speaking with journalists at his office in the Government Secretariat, Awka, Dr. Mefor explained that the blogger’s conduct amounted to criminal defamation, a matter distinct from legitimate criticism and one that falls within the purview of the Nigerian Police.

“This young man’s case has been very typical,” Dr. Mefor said, noting that the blogger did not merely speculate but deliberately fabricated the story against the Governor, his son, and his family.

He stressed that because the claims were consciously invented rather than mistaken, they could not be excused as opinion. “He knew it was a lie, he made it up,” Dr. Mefor said, adding that the motive appeared to be financial gain.

According to the Commissioner, the blogger reportedly used the fabricated content to drive traffic to his social media platforms, benefiting from monetisation as engagement increased through the circulation of the false claims.

Dr. Mefor urged content creators and social media users to exercise responsibility, reminding bloggers that there is a clear boundary between fair criticism, which strengthens democracy, and criminal defamation, which carries legal consequences.

He reaffirmed that the Soludo administration welcomes fair and constructive criticism, describing it as valuable feedback that helps improve government policies, strengthens implementation, and promotes greater accountability in public service.

“Criticism, when fair and constructive, is healthy for democracy,” Dr. Mefor said, noting that Governor Soludo’s administration actively encourages such engagement from the public.

However, he made it clear that the government draws a firm line at criminal defamation, pledging support for any public officer seeking legal redress against fabricated claims deliberately intended to damage personal reputation.

“Everybody has a name to protect,” Dr. Mefor said, urging public officials to press charges where necessary to expose fabrication for what it truly is.

Lilian is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.

#AnambraIsRising #SolutionIsHere #Solution2.0 #SolutionContinues

PROTECTING ANAMBRA’S FUTURE: SOLUDO ADMINISTRATION STRENGTHENS CHILD PROTECTION AND WELFARE

By MaryAnn Chukwuma

Children are the foundation of every society, and their well being depends on deliberate investments in education, healthcare, protection and social welfare. In Anambra State, the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has continued to prioritise policies and programmes aimed at safeguarding the rights and future of every child.

One of the administration’s landmark interventions is its free education policy, which has removed financial barriers for thousands of children, enabling more pupils to enrol in school, remain in the classroom and access quality education.

At the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, Governor Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to protecting children’s rights, declaring that no child should be engaged in street hawking during school hours, describing the denial of education as unacceptable in a state where basic education is free, pledging stricter enforcement against practices that deprive children of learning opportunities.

The governor announced plans to provide land for the establishment of a Juvenile Correctional Centre, introduce a toll-free line for reporting child abuse, strengthening inclusive education for children living with disabilities.

Through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, the state government has continued to protect vulnerable children by responding to cases of abuse, combating child trafficking and child labour, discouraging street hawking, promoting children’s rights and supporting family reunification where appropriate.

Complementing these efforts, the Wife of the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, through her Healthy Living Initiative, has continued to champion programmes that promote child nutrition, healthy lifestyles, education and safe environments for children across the state.

The administration has invested in safer learning environments and digital education initiatives, including Code Anambra and Kids Code Anambra, equipping children with digital literacy and innovation skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.

These initiatives reflect a holistic approach to child protection—one that goes beyond legislation to create opportunities for children to learn, grow and realise their full potential.

As Anambra continues to pursue sustainable development under the Solution Agenda, investing in children remains a critical step toward building a safer, more prosperous and inclusive future for the state.

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