NIGERIAN NOTCH

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) have commenced a two-day forum in Awka, Anambra State, aimed at strengthening media reportage, inclusivity, and accountability among stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming Anambra governorship election. The forum, supported by the European Union under the Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II) programme, brings together journalists, editors, and civil society actors to discuss ways of improving electoral coverage and ensuring fair and ethical reporting. In his welcome remarks, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, emphasized that free and independent media is vital to deepening democracy and ensuring credible elections. He called on authorities and political actors to allow journalists perform their constitutional role as watchdogs of society without intimidation or censorship. According to him, “The courage of journalists who tell the ...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has appointed Dr. Chikwelu Mbonu of the Department of Accountancy as the new Director of the Open, Distance and Flexible e-Learning (ODFEL) Directorate. Open, Distance and Flexible Learning is an innovative educational approach that combines online instruction with periodic face-to-face interactions, offering students the flexibility to learn at their own pace, anytime and anywhere. Dr. Mbonu, who previously served as Dean of the School of Financial Studies, expressed his appreciation to the Rector for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to reposition the directorate in line with the Rector’s transformative vision and progressive educational policies aimed at elevating the Polytechnic’s academic standards and expanding access to quality education. The appointment underscores Dr. Awuzie’s commitment to enhancing academic delivery through modern learning platforms and promoting inclusivity in higher educat...

RAYMOND OZOJI reports  The Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) says it aided arrest of some of the suspects linked to the murder of Arise TV newscaster Miss Somtochukwu Maduagwu and the security man on duty, Barnabas Danlami.  Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence Department) of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) Dr. John Metchie who hailed the courage and intrepid disposition of the operatives of NFSS, said the role of the NFSS in the arrest of the suspects showed that the NFSS was the missing link in the nation's security architecture.  Metchie who spoke with this journalist exclusively on why governments at all levels should see the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) as a dependable complimentary security formation in the fight against crime and criminality, said that the NFSS provided critical support to the Nigeria Police in apprehending the armed robbery suspects who killed the Arise TV newscaster and security man on duty.  He noted that the NFS...

By Law Mefor  A brand new Anambra State is rising before the eyes of the world. Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, came into office well-prepared with his ambitious desire to turn Anambra State from a departure lounge to a destination of choice. It has been a praiseworthy work-in-progress turning Anambra into a liveable and prosperous smart mega-city where people can long to visit, live, learn, work, relax, and enjoy.  The concrete steps taken by Governor Soludo to put the requisite infrastructures in place have earned him the lofty title of “Oluatuegwu” from all the zones of Anambra State, even as he retains the humble mien of his natal sobriquet: Charlie Nwamgbafor! A lot of people may have forgotten that before Charlie Nwamgbafor came into office, eight local government areas, namely Aguata, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Orumba North, Orumba South, and Ihiala, were under siege by the vicious “Unknown Gunmen”. Soludo created a functional securit...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, has taken swift action to address the growing threat posed by a gully erosion site in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area. Responding to a distress call, operatives of the RS5.36 Oraifite Unit Command, acting on the directive of the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhaauno, promptly mobilized to the scene to safeguard motorists and pedestrians. The team, working in collaboration with Tamaic Construction Company, the Ekwusigo Mayor and his team, and officials from the Federal Ministry of Works, immediately put safety measures in place to manage traffic and avert accidents. The construction company also assisted in adjusting barricades and realigning diversions to improve movement around the affected area. The Federal Comptroller of Works, Engr. Okpara, alongside his field team, carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the erosion site to evaluate the extent of the damage and deter...

The Anambra State Police Command has commemorated the 2025 Customer Service Week on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen public trust and improve police-community relations across the state. In a statement issued by the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, officers across all Area Commands, Tactical Units, and Divisional Headquarters demonstrated empathy, care, and humanitarian values while carrying out their duties throughout the celebration period. The event however encouraged the Area Commanders, Heads of Tactical Units, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to produce customized T-shirts bearing the bold inscription “2025 Customer Service Week” alongside the Police logo. The Command also urged officers to engage in acts of public goodwill, including assisting school children to cross the road safely, showing compassion to complainants, and—where legally permissible—considering the release of suspects involved in minor offences. Officers a...

From Uchenna Ezeadigwe  Abuja The Cashew Processors and Packagers Association of Nigeria (CAPPAN) has endorsed the appointment of Ademola Adesokan as interim national president of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), describing the change as a long-awaited opportunity to restore transparency and accountability in the industry Adesokan will be taking over from Ojo Ajanaku, who, until now, spearheaded the affairs of NCAN as president. CAPPAN said the restructuring of the cashew association, which produced Adesokan’s leadership, followed years of agitation by stakeholders who accused the association’s former executives of exclusion and mismanagement. Tunde Awoyoola, managing director of Nutslink Limited, said the development represents a turning point that reflects what “we have consistently advocated, that NCAN must evolve into a body that truly represents farmers, processors, traders, and exporters, rather than serving the interests of a few ind...

From Uchenna Ezeadigwe  Awka The bustling commercial city of Onitsha witnessed a remarkable milestone in retail growth and development as Zara Stores Limited  officially opened its newest branch in the heart of the city.  The grand opening ceremony, held on 9th Oct, at the ultra-modern store located No 76 Limca Rd Old Road Nkpor, drew a large crowd of dignitaries, business leaders, customers, Religious leaders and members of the media. The event marked a significant step in Zara Stores’ expansion drive aimed at bringing quality products, affordable pricing, and an exceptional shopping experience to the people of Anambra State and the South-East region at large. In his opening address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zara Stores Limited, Chief Akai Egwuonwu expressed deep gratitude to God, the government of Anambra State, and the people of Onitsha for their warm support and hospitality. “Today marks another important chapter in our journey ...

Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has said that Nigerians can begin to receive verified election results within three hours of voting if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fully adopts and deploys modern technological tools in the electoral process. Aregbesola made the assertion during a panel discussion titled “Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025,” where he emphasized that advanced digital systems could significantly enhance transparency, efficiency, and public trust in Nigeria’s elections. He cited examples from Brazil, Venezuela, Israel, and Ghana, where the use of technology in voting and result collation has drastically reduced election malpractice and enabled citizens to access official results within hours of polls closing. “With the level of technological advancement in today’s world, there is no reason Nigerians should wait for days to know who won an elec...

By Chigozie Igbo The member representing Nnewi North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Augustine Onyekachukwu Ike, has denied allegations that he collected money from Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, to defect from the Young Progressive Party (YPP) to the APC. Addressing journalists in Nnewi on Monday, Hon. Ike described the allegation as “baseless and politically motivated,” urging the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-led government to present credible evidence if such ever happened. “I challenge anyone, including the APGA government, to show proof that I collected money from Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu or anyone else to join APC. My decision was based purely on conviction and the need to attract greater democratic dividends to my constituency,” he stated. The lawmaker emphasized that his political moves were guided by his commitment to credible governance and his desire to ensure Anambra Sta...

A fatal road traffic accident involving six vehicles occurred on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at about 9:12 a.m. near BASCO Hotel, along the Ihiala–Owerri Road in Anambra State. According to reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, the crash resulted in the death of one male adult, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries. In total, eight male occupants were involved in the collision. The vehicles affected include a Mack trailer, a Lexus 350 SUV (registration number YAB-131-DA), an Inveco truck (ABC-693-XD), a Mitsubishi L300 truck (JJJ-488-SQ), a Toyota Camry (MKA-331-AA), and another Inveco tipper (HAL-604-ZX). Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred when the Mack trailer, which was reportedly speeding, suffered a brake failure, lost control, and rammed into the other vehicles in its path. The injured victims were quickly taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, where the driver of the Lexus was confir...

By Uchenna Ezeadigwe, Awka In a renewed effort to curb illicit drug use, homelessness, and the growing number of out-of-school children, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, has embarked on a nationwide advocacy and humanitarian campaign across Nigeria and abroad. The Awka chapter, known as the Honduras Deck, joined the initiative on Saturday, October 4, 2025, with a road walk through major streets and motor parks in Awka. The event, tagged “Street Child Project”, carried the theme Against Drug Abuse and Homelessness, Back to School Project. Speaking during the awareness rally, President of the Honduras Deck, Engr. Okata Friday, said the campaign aimed to sensitize the public on the dangers of drug abuse and the social consequences of homelessness and out-of-school children. “NAS believes in advocacy and humanitarian service. We are always at the forefront of offering a helping hand where challenges abound,” Okata said. “Here in Awka...

A renowned cleric, Chief Apostle Fidel Chimezie, has disclosed what God told her about new Nigeria, and what are required to actualize the new nation. In a media chat to commemorate 65th anniversary of Nigeria's independent on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Chief Apostle Chimezie, who is the founder of the Nigeria Ministers Project, and Apostolic Discipleship Project, said that God showed her a vision of a new Nigeria, and a pattern to dislodge principalities and negative altars holding the country down. "When God called me, he said he has chosen me for a new Nigeria. He called the work a project. It is not a ministry; it is not a church. It is a project. My primary assignment is to gather ministers, principally apostles and prophets, to intercede and pray for a new Nigeria, and do all manner of works that will enable a new Nigeria to manifest. This call took place in 2007, after so many years of being born again.  "I was called in the order of apostolic work, pr...

Chief of Staff to former Governor Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano, Chief Primus Odili, has called on Anambra people to continue to support the government of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state. Chief Odili, a senatorial aspirant in Anambra North senatorial district in the 2023 general election, made the plea while addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council at the Godwin Ezeemo Secretariat, Awka, on Thursday, October 2, during the monthly Congress of the union. He urged media practitioners to be fair in their critiques and reportage of the activities of the APGA-led government in the state. "Anambra is in election season," he said. "Journalists should pay attention to what they put out there as news reports, especially on matters concerning the activities and achievements of the Anambra State government. We should ensure that what we present to the public is factual and reflects the reality on the ground...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, has confirmed a serious road traffic crash that occurred on Friday, October 3, 2025, along the Awka–Onitsha Expressway near Igbariam Junction. According to the Command, the accident, which happened at about 9:50 a.m., involved a wine-colored Mack tipper truck and a red HOWO tanker with registration number KWR133YQ. Four persons were involved in the crash. One male adult sustained bruises and was immediately rushed to Chira Hospital, Awkzu, for medical attention. No deaths were recorded. Preliminary investigations by the FRSC revealed that the crash was caused by the Mack tipper driver who lost control of the vehicle. Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, who confirmed the incident, wished the injured victim a quick recovery. She also advised motorists to drive cautiously and obey traffic regulations to avoid preventable accidents. “We urge all road users to remain vigilant and coo...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nnewi North, Anambra State, has inaugurated its Campaign Council for the forthcoming election, with Hon. Sam Atuchukwu (Sambros) appointed as Coordinator of the Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Senator Uche Ekwunife Campaign Council in Nnewi North.  Speaking at the inauguration, Hon. Ikedife pledged his total commitment to ensuring victory for the party’s candidates, promising that the successes previously recorded for Senator Ifeanyi Ubah would be replicated in Nnewi. “On behalf of Nnewi North APC and our support groups, I assure you that we will deliver victory. We are fully committed to this project. With Nnewi North being one of the most densely populated areas in Anambra South, APC will secure majority votes here,” Ikedife declared. He also thanked Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu for facilitating his appointment as Director-General, describing it as a recognition of Nnewi’s strategic importance. Ikedife further announced the inclusion...

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Abia State University, Uturu, Dr. Chidi Mba, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, Chairman of Innoson Motors Manufacturing Company, on the occasion of his 65th birthday anniversary. Dr Mba who also the president general of Uturu Development Association of Nigeria (UDAN),in a goodwill message personally released on Thursday and made available to journalists, Dr. Mba joined family, friends, and associates in celebrating the distinguished son of Nnewi, Igboland, and Nigeria. Describing Chief Chukwuma as a national asset and one of Nigeria’s most innovative entrepreneurs, Dr. Mba praised his remarkable contributions to the country’s industrial and economic landscape. “Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma has distinguished himself as one of Nigeria’s greatest entrepreneurs, who, starting from humble beginnings, has placed the nation prominently on the international stage,” Mba ...

By Uchenna Ezeadigwe  Abuja, Nigeria — The Interim National President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Mr. Ademola Adesokan, on Monday led a delegation of the association on a thank-you courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Distinguished Senator John Owan Enoh, in Abuja. Mr. Adesokan, in his remarks, congratulated the Minister on his recent appointment and expressed the association’s appreciation for the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export sector. He noted that cashew remains a vital agricultural commodity with vast potential to boost foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and empower farming communities across the country. “We are here not only to felicitate with you on my new role but also to reaffirm NCAN’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in advancing policies that will enhance cashew value-chain development,”  Mr. Adesokan stated. “The Nigerian ...

The Anambra State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that the state recorded fourteen cases of political assassinations between 2022 and 2024. The allegation, credited to one Mr. Salaudeen Hashim in a report by Punch Newspapers, was described by the Command as “false, misleading, and unfounded.” In a statement issued yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the publication was a product of the writer’s imagination and does not reflect the true security situation in Anambra State. “Ordinarily, the Command would not have responded to such baseless allegations. However, for the sake of public confidence, relative peace, and the safety currently being enjoyed not only in Anambra but across the South-East region, it has become necessary to set the record straight,” the statement read. The police explained that while there have been security incidents in the state, none of them qualified as political assassinations. Instead, the incident...

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON has said that the country is moving in the right direction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's reforms beginning to yield positive results. He also appealed to Nigerians to endure the pains of the reforms for just a little while longer “in the interest of our children and future generations”. Akpabio made the appeal in a congratulatory message personally signed by him to commemorate the country's 65th Independence Anniversary. The Senate President's statement reads in full: "My dear resilient and wonderful people of this great nation, I wish to heartily congratulate you for witnessing Nigeria's 65th Independence Anniversary celebration. At 65, we are matured and should be working for the unity of the nation and prosperity of our people. "We salute your resilience, patience and endurance in the last two years. We deeply appreciate your support and understanding. "In line with the theme of t...

The attention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Imo State Chapter, has been drawn to a fraudulent announcement circulating under the title “Imo ADC Youth Summit, Coming Up on 26th October 2025: Brochure Subscriptions.” According to the false notice, the event is purportedly billed to hold at Amaechi Hall, Rockview Hotel, Owerri, on Sunday, 26th October 2025, with supposed keynote speakers including Uche Njoku, Ph.D and Amb. Sleek Ukoha. The impostors, led by one Justine Ambrose (claiming to be Committee Secretary), also went as far as publishing outrageous brochure subscription fees, ranging from ₦500,000 for full inside front cover page adverts to ₦100,000 for half-page inside adverts. Shockingly, the fraudulent memo provides Access Bank Account Number 0050146533, in the name of Nobleiyke Edoziem, and telephone contacts 08065272120 and 08035412761, urging unsuspecting members of the public to pay into it. The African Democratic Congress, Imo State Chapter, wishes t...

By Ukpa Ewa  Stakeholders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Umudioka Ward Three, Awka South Local Government Area, have declared massive support for the re-election of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State. The declaration was made during an endorsement rally and inauguration of the ward polling unit campaign council held at Umudioka Town Hall. In his address, Deputy Governor Dr. Ibezim expressed gratitude to the people and leaders of the ward for their solidarity. He reminded them of Awka South prominent role in Anambra politics, recalling that APGA had produced former governors Mr. Peter Obi and Chief Willie Obiano, both of whom served eight years each. He urged the people to sustain the tradition by ensuring Governor Soludo’s return, noting that the governor had fulfilled his promises by providing roads, hospitals, and infrastructure in Awka as the...

Operatives of the police on Monday arrested the former President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Mr. Ojo Ajanaku, in Garki, Abuja, over alleged economic sabotage and abuse of office. Mr. Ajanaku, who has been at the centre of leadership controversies within NCAN, is facing multiple allegations including disobedience of court orders, misrepresentation of the cashew sector, and actions said to have undermined government policy directives. His arrest comes after years of dispute over his refusal to comply with a 2019 court judgment which limited his tenure as NCAN president to November 2022. Security and judicial sources told our correspondent that his continued stay in office beyond the court-ordered deadline, coupled with failure to conduct elections, plunged the association into prolonged crisis and destabilized one of Nigeria’s most vital non-oil export industries. According to filings seen by our reporter, the former NCAN president is also accused of...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr In less than a year in office, the Mayor of Orumba North Local Government Area has set a new benchmark for grassroots leadership in Anambra State through bold projects, people-oriented policies, and visionary governance. His achievements, which cut across infrastructure, health, security, empowerment, and social welfare, have earned him widespread praise as a true partner in Governor Charles Soludo’s mission to transform Anambra. While taking journalists on a tour of the local government area, Hon. Barr. Cashmir Chukwunoso Nwafor, popularly known as Ikolo Orumba, spotlighted key milestones of his administration, beginning with the immortalization of the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the respected former INEC Chairman whose role in the historic June 12 election remains etched in Nigeria’s democratic struggle. Beyond renovating the road leading to Prof. Nwosu’s residence, the mayor has initiated landmark projects within the LGA headquarters, including the con...

As the tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), draws to a close, speculation is rife about who will succeed him at the helm of Nigeria’s election management body. An exclusive report by Sahara Reporters on September 26, 2025, suggests that Professor Joash Amupitan, a prominent academic and legal scholar, is emerging as the frontrunner for the position. End of an Era at INEC Professor Yakubu, who assumed office in November 2015, is serving out his second and final term as permitted by law. Over the past decade, he has presided over two general elections—in 2019 and 2023—alongside multiple off-cycle governorship contests, bye-elections, and supplementary polls. Yakubu’s leadership has been marked by both innovations and controversies. He oversaw the introduction of new technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), aimed at strengthening transparency in...