NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Anambra State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its public enlightenment campaign with a road show aimed at promoting safe road use ahead of the 2026 Sallah celebration. The sensitisation exercise, held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, focused on educating motorists, passengers and other road users on the need to strictly comply with traffic rules and regulations, with particular emphasis on the dangers of speeding and overloading. Speaking during the exercise, the Sector Commander, Bridget Asekhauno, noted that the initiative forms part of the Corps’ proactive measures to curb road traffic crashes and ensure the safety of lives and property, especially during festive periods often associated with increased vehicular movement. The rally took place across key locations within the Awka metropolis, including the busy Awka–Enugu Expressway and major motor parks, where FRSC personnel engaged drivers and commuters while distributi...

From Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka  A lawmaker in southeastern Nigeria, Chimezie Ikwunne, has provided economic support to at least 150 residents of his constituency through the distribution of vehicles, business equipment and cash assistance valued at more than ₦150 million (about $95,000). Ikwunne, who represents Awka North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, carried out the empowerment programme recently in Ebenebe, a community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State. Items distributed included 15 shuttle buses, 35 motorcycles, 30 grinding machines, 31 hair dryers and 35 sewing machines. Beneficiaries also received cash support intended to help them establish or expand small businesses. Speaking at the event, Ikwunne, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, said the initiative was aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive development in rural communities. “This empowerment is about restoring dignity to rural life, ...

As political consultations and permutations continue to shape the future of representation in Nigeria’s legislative chambers, attention is gradually turning to credible individuals capable of giving effective voice to their people at the national level. In Nnewi, many stakeholders believe that Ikebunwa Lotanna possesses the qualities required to represent Nnewi Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives of Nigeria. Across the towns and communities that make up the federal constituency—including Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo—the name Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna has increasingly come up in discussions about the need for vibrant and purposeful representation. Observers note that one of Lotanna’s greatest strengths lies in his youthful energy and progressive outlook. At a time when the country is experiencing a strong push for generational change in governance, many believe that Nnewi requires a representative who understands the challenges and aspirations of moder...

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has honoured the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, with the prestigious Life Reputation Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to public communication and reputation management in public service. The award was presented on March 13, 2026, during a colourful ceremony held at the International Conference Centre in Awka, the Anambra State capital. The event attracted a distinguished gathering of political leaders, captains of industry, traditional rulers, media practitioners, and members of the public relations community. Among the dignitaries present were Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe; renowned industrialist Chief Cletus Ibeto; and former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, alongside top government officials and other notable personalities. The Life Reputation Award i...

Rose Umeh, Anambra  A planned protest by electricity consumers in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria, against persistent power outages and high electricity tariffs has been suspended following security concerns raised by authorities. The protest, scheduled for Saturday, March 14, was organised by the Electricity Consumers Rights Network and led by consumer rights advocate Osita Obi. Addressing journalists on Friday in Awka, the state capital, Obi said the action had been suspended rather than cancelled after consultations with security agencies and the state government. According to him, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Anambra State Government advised that the protest could be hijacked by criminal elements, especially with the state preparing for the governor’s inauguration on March 17. “Having listened to these people, we decided to suspend the protest, not cancel it,” Obi said, stressing that the movement would continue to push for ...

The Nteje Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State has arraigned 36 traffic offenders before a Mobile Court as part of ongoing efforts to enforce road safety regulations and reduce road traffic crashes within the Nteje axis and surrounding communities. The exercise, carried out on Thursday within the Nteje Unit Command’s operational jurisdiction, is in line with the Corps’ corporate strategic goal of achieving a 10 per cent reduction in road traffic crashes across the country. The Mobile Court session, which held within the Nteje area, was presided over by Magistrate Maria N. Anyanbolu. At the end of the proceedings, 30 offenders were convicted for various traffic violations, while six were discharged. None of the offenders received a custodial sentence. Officials of the Corps said a total of 77 traffic offences were recorded from the 36 motorists arraigned before the court during the enforcement operation around the Nteje corridor, ...

A delegation from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has visited the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, to advocate for the enrollment of the institution’s staff in the Employees’ Compensation Scheme. During the visit, the NSITF team sensitized the rector on the importance of the scheme, noting that it was established under the Employees’ Compensation Act, which makes it mandatory for both public and private sector employers to register their employees. According to the delegation, the scheme provides insurance protection for workers who may suffer accidents, sustain injuries, or die in the course of performing their official duties. They explained that in the event of workplace accidents or injuries, affected employees are entitled to compensation, while in cases of death, the benefits are paid to the deceased employee’s next of kin. Responding, Dr. Awuzie welcomed the NSITF officials and expressed the institution’s readiness to compl...

By Kenechukwu Onyekwuluje AWKA  A socio-political support group, Anambra Patriots, has reiterated its commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, and greater political inclusion for the South-East region in Nigeria. The group made the declaration during its maiden meeting held at its newly established secretariat in Awka, the capital of Anambra State. Speaking at the meeting, the Convener of Anambra Patriots, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, disclosed that the group currently has 326 ward coordinators and 22 zonal coordinators working across the state. According to him, members deliberated on strategies to make the South-East region more inclusive in the nation’s political structure. Ezeobi noted that the group is also focused on building a strong grassroots base that would contribute positively to governance in Anambra and beyond. He emphasized that the Patriots operate independently and are not influenced by the financial interests of politicians. ...

A Frontline House of Representatives hopeful for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, yesterday joined party leaders and stakeholders at the Hollywood Event Center, Awka, for the official flag-off of the membership mobilization, registration and revalidation exercise of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).   The significant political gathering was hosted by the Anambra State chapter of the party, with its presidential hopeful Peter Obi, who also attended as the Special Guest of Honour.   The event attracted several prominent political figures and party stakeholders from across the state. Among those in attendance were distinguished senators including Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye, members of the House of Representatives such as Prof. Oby Orogbu, as well as other federal lawmakers, members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, and numerous aspirants contesting under the ADC platform.   A major highlight of the eve...

The frontline House of Representatives aspirant for Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, has intensified grassroots consultations as part of his political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a strategic meeting held at his country home in Nnewichi, the aspirant hosted Ward and Local Government Executives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) drawn from Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Local Government Areas. The meeting, which brought together party leaders from the three councils, came just days after Amb. Lotanna commissioned the Nnewichi Ward 1 party office, one of about ten ward offices in Nnewi North that he personally funded and fully furnished. The initiative is widely seen as part of his deliberate effort to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure across the federal constituency. Addressing the gathering, Amb. Lotanna explained that his continuous investments in party structures across the co...