NIGERIAN NOTCH

By Frank Okeke Health Correspondent As concerns about hypertension rise globally, health experts are drawing attention to one of the simplest and most natural tools for maintaining healthy blood pressure — water. Recent medical insights suggest that staying adequately hydrated not only supports general well-being but may also play a role in regulating blood pressure levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, water is vital for nearly every bodily function — from regulating temperature and transporting nutrients to flushing out toxins and lubricating joints. Yet, because the body continuously loses fluid through breathing, sweating, and urination, consistent hydration is key to maintaining cardiovascular stability. How Dehydration Affects Blood Pressure Cardiologists say that dehydration can have a paradoxical impact on blood pressure. “When the body loses more fluids than it takes in, blood volume decreases, which can initially lower blood pressure,” explained Dr. Ian del Conde ...

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Nigeria will be placed on a “watchlist for religious freedom violations,” citing what he described as “mass killings” of Christians by radical Islamists — a claim that has drawn sharp criticism and renewed debate over the framing of Nigeria’s internal conflicts. In a statement posted on his social media platform on Friday, Trump declared that Nigeria would be listed by the U.S. Department of State as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), a designation reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious liberty. “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump wrote. “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’.” The Nigerian government has repeatedly dismissed such allegations, insisting that violent conflicts in parts of the country are not religiously motivated but driven largely ...

As part of efforts to ensure smooth vehicular movement during the upcoming festive season, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, convened a crucial stakeholders’ meeting at the Onitsha Unit Command to deliberate on strategies for effective traffic management during the “Ember Months.” The meeting brought together representatives of major transport unions, law enforcement agencies, and key players in the transport sector, all committed to addressing the perennial traffic congestion, particularly around the Onitsha Bridge Head axis, during the Christmas and New Year festivities. Speaking at the meeting, the Anambra State Sector Commander of FRSC, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, underscored the need for synergy among all stakeholders to achieve a seamless and safe traffic flow during the high-mobility period. “Teamwork, effective coordination, and the sharing of ideas are essential if we are to manage the expected traffic surge successfully,” s...

The Amafor community in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, was aglow with colour and excitement as indigenes and guests gathered to celebrate the annual Amafor Day, a cultural festival that showcases the community’s rich heritage, unity, and gratitude to God. The event, hosted by the President-General of Amafor Nkpor, Engr. Chief Emma Idemili, drew dignitaries from across the state, including political leaders, traditional rulers, business executives, and cultural enthusiasts. Speaking during the celebration, Engr. Chief Emma Idemili expressed joy over the successful hosting of the festival and reaffirmed his commitment to the peace and progress of Amafor and the entire Nkpor community. He said the Amafor Day celebration is an annual event set aside to thank God for His blessings, protection, and continued prosperity of the community. “This celebration is a thanksgiving to God for keeping us united and prosperous. Amafor is one family, ...

By Uzo Ugwunze  Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has partnered with Anambra State Government To Train 200 youths on Table Fish production business system. The induction of the 200 Youths cum launching of the ECOWAS Youth Employability Program 2.0 in Anambra State took place at the ETF Building Auditorium, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam,  Speaking during the induction,the Coordinator Taenprowiz Production Business System and Technology Partnership Center Anambra State and MD/CEO Fishery and Aquaculture Business Development Agency (FABDA), Mr Emeka Iloghalu, expressed gratitude on the support the agency is getting from the state government and ECOWAS in facilitating the program which would alleviate youth restivity and provide more jobs. "We are here to launch and induct the training for 200 youths on Taenprowiz Production Business System and Technology. The Taenprowiz fish production business system and technology is...

Valentine Ozigbo, a 2021 Anambra Gubernatorial Candidaye and one of Nigeria’s most prominent political reform advocates, has condemned what he described as a “dark day for democracy” after the Supreme Court refused to hear his appeal challenging the outcome of the controversial outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Anambra State. In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, titled “Unbroken: We Will Not Bow to Darkness,” Ozigbo accused the nation’s highest court of yielding to “anti-democratic forces” and failing to uphold the principles of justice and due process. “Under the shadow of intimidation, our lawyers were silenced, and our case — a case of truth, merit, and hope — was denied a hearing,” Ozigbo said.  “They announced their verdict without listening, decided without examining, and declared without conscience.” The Supreme Court’s decision followed a months-long legal battle over the legitimacy of the candids...

The Young Progressives Party (YPP), Anambra State Chapter, has refuted claims allegedly made by Hon. Peter Uzokwe, member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, suggesting that the party has no candidate in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025. In a strongly worded statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Prince Oforbuike Okoli-Egbo, the party described Uzokwe’s remarks as “bogus, laughable, and a desperate attempt to remain politically relevant.” According to the YPP, Hon. Uzokwe — who was elected on the platform of the party has neither participated in any party activity nor convened a meeting with party members since his election, thereby lacking the moral and political standing to speak on behalf of the YPP in Anambra State. “His self-acclaimed leadership is as empty as his record of performance in office,” the statement read. “But for the influence and political goodwill of the late Se...

The Anambra State Joint Security Team has recovered a snatched Toyota Highlander belonging to a kidnap and armed robbery victim and arrested a female accomplice linked to the crime in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives attached to the 3-3 Police Station, in collaboration with the Agunechemba Security outfit, Nkwelle-Ezunaka Unit, made the breakthrough in the early hours of October 27, 2025. The arrested suspect, identified as Okonkwo Onyinye, 23, is said to have played a supporting role in the robbery operation that left the victim traumatized and millions of naira taken from him. Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was ambushed by five armed men operating in a Toyota Corolla at the Nkwelle GRA Gate. The gang reportedly forced the victim into the boot of his vehicle, a white Toyota Highlander SUV, and drove off to a bush in Umuoji Town. There, the ...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  As the November 8 governorship election approaches, Anambra State stands at a defining crossroads. The political atmosphere is charged with anticipation as three formidable contenders—Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), square off in what many analysts describe as a historic test of vision, governance, and grassroots power. By all standards this election is not just about party supremacy, it is about the direction Anambra will take in the next four years. Soludo and APGA: Continuity and Consolidation For incumbent Governor Professor Charles Soludo, the election represents both a validation and a verdict. His campaign message, “Consolidating the Transformation Agenda,” seeks to build on his achievements in infrastructure, education, and economic revitalization. Speaking recently in...

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has officially flagged off the institution’s Staff Sports Festival, organized by the Polytechnic Staff Sports Club. The event, which took place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, marked a significant step toward promoting health, fitness, and camaraderie among staff members. Represented by the Deputy Rector (Administration), Dr. Kenneth Ezekwe, the Rector reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to holistic institutional development, emphasizing that the sports club project was part of her broader vision to enhance staff welfare and improve the image of the Polytechnic through infrastructural advancement. In his address, Dr. Ezekwe commended the initiative, noting that the staff sports club was conceived to promote physical well-being and relaxation among staff members. “A healthy staff will be a productive staff and will invariably contribute enormously to the development of the institution,” he stated. He...