NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Anambra State Police Command has announced plans to host a Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons and an End-of-Year Party on December 23, 2025, as part of activities to mark the yuletide season and strengthen community partnership in security management. The event, themed “Policing: A Shared Responsibility,” is scheduled to hold by 5:00 p.m. at the Vertex View Hall, Nibo, Awka. It is expected to attract a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including Ndi Anambra, security agencies, community leaders, and other relevant partners across the state. According to the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, MNIPS, PhD, the programme is designed to deepen collaboration between the Police and residents of the state, while promoting unity, trust, and a shared commitment to peace and public safety. He noted that the gathering would also provide an opportunity for the Command to appreciate stakeholders for their support, cooperation, and contributions to sustaining security in Anambr...

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected fake armed vigilante operatives allegedly involved in criminal conspiracy and armed robbery in Awka, as part of ongoing efforts to sustain public safety during the Yuletide season. Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, effected the arrests during an operation at Ring Road, Nibo, Awka, following intelligence-led investigations. Two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, an ash-coloured shuttle bus, face masks, a vehicle number plate and other incriminating items were recovered from the suspects. Those arrested, all males, were identified as Solomon Saddah, Okolocha George Kaosisochukwu, John Obi Ogwaju, Chukwuemeka Chisom Ikenwa and Eze Obinna Joshua. According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects operated in a shuttle bus while impersonating vigilante personnel, using the disguise to rob unsuspecting members of the public. During interrogation, the s...

The Management of Eastland Electricity Distribution Limited (EEDL), a subsidiary of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) Plc responsible for electricity distribution in Ebonyi State, has celebrated its workforce for dedication, teamwork and outstanding performance at its End-of-Year Party and Staff Recognition Awards ceremony. The event, held over the weekend in a warm and convivial atmosphere, brought together management and staff to reflect on the year’s achievements and recognise excellence across departments. Speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director of EEDL, Engr. Nnamdi Chuka-Nwosu, commended staff for their resilience, commitment and remarkable accomplishments during the year, describing the gathering as a moment of gratitude, reflection and renewed hope. “It has been a wonderful year and a remarkable experience working with all of you. You have been awesome. You have achieved new milestones, some of which once seemed unthinkabl...

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, led members of the institution’s Management, Governing Council and staff to the wedding ceremony of Engr. Uche Victor Ndife and Chioma Judith Ndife, held in Awka, Anambra State. Engr. Uche Victor Ndife is the son of a former Bursar of the Polytechnic, Mr. Bertram Ndife, and Dr. Chinelo Ndife, a member of the Governing Council and Director of the Ufuma Campus of the institution. The couple, who are both lecturers at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, made the occasion particularly significant, drawing a large turnout from the polytechnic community and giving the ceremony a distinct institutional flavour. The wedding, marked by joy, music and celebration, provided an avenue for staff and stakeholders of the Polytechnic to reunite, further reflecting the spirit of camaraderie, brotherhood and mutual respect that characterise the institution. Presenting gifts to the newlyweds on beha...

Ahead of Governor Peter Mbah’s visit to Achi, in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, the youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has sent a special message to the governor.  The message, signed by the group’s National Secretary, Comrade Obinna Achionye, stressed that, Ohanaeze youths, while felicitating with the Achi community on the visit, described Governor Mbah as a trailblazer, who had redefined governance in the state.  “We heartily welcome the record-breaking governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah to Achi community in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.  “On behalf of our National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, who is from the Achi community, we welcome the people’s governor. “We have always identified with His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, going by the numerous people-oriented projects he has been carrying out in Enugu State.  “As he visits the Achi community today, w...

By Chinwe Onuigbo, Anambra  The Anambra State Government has recorded a budget performance of over 70 per cent for the 2024 fiscal year, alongside a significant reduction in unresolved audit queries from ₦2.5 billion in 2023 to about ₦750 million in 2024. The State Auditor-General, Mr. Akosa Okocha, disclosed this on Thursday in Awka during the Audit Forum and Citizens Accountability Dialogue on the 2024 State Financial Statements, organised in line with the States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) framework and international best practices. Okocha said the state performed creditably during the year, posting a revenue surplus above its budget projection, despite a budget shortfall of 28.70 per cent. According to him, Anambra overachieved its expected revenue by ₦92.81 billion, representing 33.21 per cent of projected revenue. He explained that while the state projected an expenditure of ₦410.13 billion for 2024, actual spending stood at ₦292...

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, MNIPS, PhD, on Friday led a statewide walk and advocacy campaign against cultism and other social vices, warning perpetrators that the Command would no longer tolerate activities capable of undermining public peace and security. The exercise, held on December 19, 2025, brought together senior police officers, personnel of the Command, critical stakeholders and concerned members of the public in a show of collective resolve to rid the state of cult-related violence and criminality. Addressing participants during the walk, CP Orutugu “read the riot act” to individuals involved in cultism and allied crimes, stressing that the Police would deploy all lawful means to prevent crime, apprehend offenders and sustain law and order across Anambra State. He explained that the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) is a community-driven initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, which...

Barely months after assuming office on February 5, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has outlined early gains recorded under her administration, stressing discipline, peace and institutional renewal as pillars of her leadership. Dr. Awuzie spoke on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Polytechnic’s Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons held at the Convocation Arena, attended by members of the Governing Council, former rectors, principal officers, staff, students and other stakeholders. Reflecting on the significance of Christmas, the Rector described the season as one of hope, unity and moral rebirth, urging the Polytechnic community to embrace compassion, humility and shared responsibility. She noted that within Igbo culture, Christmas goes beyond celebration, symbolising communal living and mutual care. Commending staff for their dedication and resilience, Dr. Awuzie acknowledged the contributions of academic, administrative and technical per...

The Anambra State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Bridget Asekhuno, has met with the Onitsha Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Nzota Chidi, to strengthen inter-agency collaboration ahead of the Yuletide rush. The meeting, held in Onitsha on Thursday, focused on strategies to manage the anticipated surge in vehicular movement and ease congestion around critical corridors, including the Niger Bridge, the Second Niger Bridge and major routes within Onitsha metropolis. Asekhuno said the engagement was part of proactive measures by the FRSC to ensure free flow of traffic and enhance safety for road users during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. She emphasised that effective traffic management during the festive season requires strong synergy among security and traffic management agencies. “Working in synergy with sister agencies remains key to achieving seamless traffic ...

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of one Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), alongside 774 other senior and junior officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The promotions were approved on Thursday following written examinations and oral interviews conducted on December 17, 2025, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The exercise was presided over by the PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Hashimu Salihu Argungu. Among those elevated is AIG Mohammed Usman Gumel, who was promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police. Until his elevation, Gumel served as the AIG in charge of the Community Policing Project Department at the Force Headquarters. In the same exercise, seven Commissioners of Police (CPs) were promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs). They include CP Ihebom Chukwuma of the Force Criminal Investigation Departm...

The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has approved the promotion of teaching and non-teaching staff for the 2026 exercise, with effect from January 1, 2026. The approval was granted at the 124th meeting of the Council, chaired by its Chairman, Senator Engr. Dr. Barnabas Gemade. According to the decision, promotion letters will be issued to the affected staff in due course. The development underscores the institution’s commitment to staff welfare, motivation and adherence to due process in career advancement.

The Labour Party (LP), under the leadership of its Acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, has released a comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities to kick-start preparations for the 2027 general elections. The timetable, contained in a document dated November 17, 2025, was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and acknowledged by the electoral body on November 21, 2025. According to the schedule, the party’s National Convention is slated for February 28, 2026. Other key activities outlined include the inauguration of the National Steering Committee for membership revalidation and new registration, alongside the unveiling of a nationwide membership mobilisation drive tagged “Labour Party Connect 10 Million Nigerians.” The exercise, which was formally flagged off on December 17, 2025, is expected to run until January 10, 2026. The timetable further indicates that ward congresses will hold on January 13, followed by Local Governmen...

The Federal Government has reopened all 47 Unity Colleges across the country, reaffirming its commitment to the safety of students and the uninterrupted delivery of education nationwide. The Federal Ministry of Education disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Boriowo Folasade. According to the statement, academic activities have fully resumed in the affected schools following the strengthening of security measures within and around the campuses. Students have returned safely, with many currently concluding their December academic programmes, while others have successfully completed their examinations. The ministry assured parents, guardians and the general public that the safety, welfare and well-being of students remain a top priority of the Federal Government. It noted that the government is working closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy in school environments across th...

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, commended three police officers, Inspector Okoma Ewa, Corporal Chawalamoke Godsfavour and Constable Emekwisore Ifeanyi, for their exceptional courage, swift response and professionalism in the line of duty. The officers were commended for their uncommon bravery and tactical efficiency in responding promptly to a reported incident, a move that denied armed hoodlums the opportunity to unleash violence in the people. It was gathered that their timely intervention led to the recovery of arms, stolen money and other incriminating items. CP Orutugu however noted that the actions of the officers reflected the core values of the Nigeria Police Force and underscored the importance of discipline, dedication and selfless service to the public. He described their conduct as exemplary and worthy of emulation by other personnel of the Force. The Commissioner assured that acts...

The Anambra State Police Command, through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), will on Friday, December 19, 2025, organise a public awareness walk to discourage cultism and other social vices across the state. The walk, scheduled to commence at 7:00 a.m., will take off from Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, and forms part of the ongoing efforts of the Inspector-General of Police to promote peace, security and moral reorientation, particularly among youths. According to the Command, the initiative is aimed at sensitising members of the public on the dangers associated with cultism, drug abuse, violent crimes and other related vices, while encouraging positive behavioural change and greater community involvement in crime prevention. The event is expected to draw broad participation from security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, transport unions—including tricycle (keke) and bus operators—students, civil society groups...

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, inspected the ongoing construction work at the Hospitality Management Building Complex within the institution. The multi-purpose complex, which has reached an advanced stage of completion, comprises staff offices, two conference halls and state-of-the-art guest rooms designed to support teaching, learning and professional training in hospitality management. The project had remained abandoned for over a decade following the suspension of construction work. However, renewed efforts by the Rector after assuming office in February this year led to the resumption and revitalisation of the project through the intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). Dr Awuzie, who was accompanied by members of the institution’s management team during the inspection, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work. She noted that upon completion, the facility would sign...

The Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Worldwide Diaspora Network, Hon. (Dr.) Abdul-Malik Rabiu Jaafar, has raised concern over the growing wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Jaafar acknowledged that political realignment is a constitutional right but cautioned that the mass and strategic movement of elected officials and political actors into a single ruling party is pushing the country toward a de facto one-party system. According to him, such a development weakens opposition parties, erodes checks and balances, and undermines the foundations of participatory democracy. “A vibrant democracy thrives on strong opposition that questions policies, holds government accountable and provides credible alternatives,” the statement read. “What we are witnessing, however, is the systematic weakening of opposition parties...

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has said the Command recorded significant security successes in 2025, including the rescue of 35 kidnapped victims, the arrest of over 300 criminal suspects and the recovery of more than 2,000 arms and ammunition across the state. CP Orutugu disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters in Awka, as part of an end-of-year assessment of security operations in the state. Speaking on behalf of officers and men of the Command, the Commissioner noted that while total security is yet to be achieved, the cooperation, trust and timely support of residents played a critical role in the progress recorded during the year. He explained that crime patterns fluctuated in 2025 due to prevailing socio-economic realities and evolving security challenges nationwide. However, through proactive policing, intelligence-led operations and enhanced community engag...

Former Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, PhD, on Tuesday, 16th December received the 2025 Maltina Teacher of the Year, Ms. Sarah Yusuf, at his Abuja residence, where she formally presented her award following her emergence as the national winner of the Maltina Teacher of the Year award 2025.  Yusuf, an English teacher at Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), Lugbe, Abuja, and a member of the Young Nigerian Voices (YNV), Abuja Chapter, clinched the prestigious award after a rigorous nationwide selection process, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Congratulating her on the achievement, Hon. Nwajiuba described the feat as a testament to excellence, dedication, and the transformative power of education. He commended Yusuf for her commitment to teaching and social development, noting that her recognition had brought pride not only to herself, and the FCT but to the country at large. The former minister offered fatherly adv...

Olakunle Churchill, the former husband of Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh, has taken to social media to reflect on healing and personal growth, shortly after the actress publicly shared details of her past struggles with addiction and emotional challenges. Ms. Dikeh, 40, made the revelations during a church testimony, where she spoke candidly about battling alcohol addiction, smoking, prolonged anger issues and other personal difficulties. She described her experiences as a form of “demonic oppression,” adding that she was able to overcome them through faith and spiritual renewal. According to the actress, her journey to recovery began with a renewed spiritual life, which she said brought about significant changes. She disclosed that she had taken up smoking at a very young age and had struggled for years with various addictions before experiencing what she described as divine healing. She further stated that she was recently delivered from deep-seated anger, which she said h...

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has presented certificates of participation to staff members who successfully completed a training programme on career development and coaching. The presentation took place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, when the beneficiaries were formally received by the Rector. Dr. Awuzie congratulated the participants for completing the programme and urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to the benefit of students and the overall development of the institution. The training, themed “Discovering Career Paths in This Modern Age,” was organised by the Directorate of Career Services as part of ongoing capacity-building efforts aimed at equipping staff to serve as career coaches and mentors for students. Leading the participants to the Rector’s office, the Director of Career Services, Mr. Chioma Nwankwo, expressed appreciation to Dr. Awuzie for facilitating the training and ensuring its successful execution....

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has approved the appointment of Dr. Kenneth Ezekwe as the new Director of Academic Planning (DAP) and Chairman of the institution’s Ceremonial Committee. The appointment was conveyed to Dr. Ezekwe through official letters issued by the Rector on December 16, 2025. He is expected to assume duty in his new role as Director of Academic Planning with effect from December 17, 2025. Dr. Ezekwe, who is the immediate past Deputy Rector (Administration), takes over from Dr. Ferguson Ezeokafor, who has been appointed Deputy Rector (Administration). During a brief handover ceremony, Dr. Ezeokafor congratulated Dr. Ezekwe on his appointment and expressed confidence in his capacity to deliver effectively. He also prayed for divine wisdom, grace and strength to enable him discharge his responsibilities efficiently and contribute to the continued growth and development of the Polytechnic.

The Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has provided detailed clarification on the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of its former Registrar, Mr. Anthony Umeozor, amid widespread reactions and commentary on social media. In a statement aimed at setting the record straight, the institution noted that the matter predates both the current Governing Council, chaired by Senator Engr. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, and the incumbent Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie. While the 12th Governing Council was inaugurated in July 2024, the Rector assumed office in February 2025, making claims of vendetta or victimisation unfounded, the Polytechnic said. Mr. Umeozor was appointed substantive Registrar by the 11th Governing Council in June 2022. However, the Federal Ministry of Education later identified procedural irregularities in the appointment process and subsequently nullified it. Following this decision, an Acting Registrar was appointed with the approval of the Ministry. Dissatisfied with the dev...

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EEDC) has attributed the recent decline in power supply across the South-East to low system frequency caused by gas constraints affecting electricity Generation Companies. In a statement issued on Tuesday, by the company’s group head, corporate Communications,  Emeka Ezeh explained that the gas-related challenges had forced the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to implement load shedding of available energy on the national grid, thereby reducing power allocation to distribution companies. EEDC said the development has adversely affected the volume of energy allocated to it and, consequently, the level of electricity supply to customers served by its subsidiary companies—MainPower, TransPower, FirstPower, NewEra and EastLand. The company noted that relevant stakeholders in the electricity supply industry are working to resolve the challenges and restore normal power distribution as soon as possible. EEDC apologized...

An information security expert and Doctor of Information Security,  who is also an European engineer, Dr. Kingsley Chibuzor Aguoru, has cautioned that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and France’s tax authority, the Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP), may expose Nigeria to latent data security and digital sovereignty risks, despite official assurances that no Nigerian taxpayers’ data will be accessed or compromised. Dr. Aguoru warned that from an information security standpoint, tax and revenue systems constitute some of the most sensitive elements of national digital infrastructure. He noted that such systems hold vast amounts of personally identifiable information, financial records, behavioural data and strategic economic intelligence. According to him, data compromise does not occur only through direct database access or copying, but can also arise from system visibility, architectural influence and process a...

Dauda Usman Zamani, a popular political figure in Yobe State and a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has resigned his membership of the ruling party and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Zamani, who is widely known across the state and within the APC as a Special Adviser to the Yobe State Government, announced his decision in a formal resignation letter addressed to the APC Ward Chairman of Bolawa B Ward, Potiskum Local Government Area. The resignation takes immediate effect. He said the decision followed extensive consultations and engagements with his political associates, stressing that his defection to the ADC was driven by the desire to actualise the ARISE agenda for the development and progress of Yobe State. According to him, the move was taken after careful consideration and in the best interest of the state, as he believes the ADC provides a viable platform to pursue policies and programmes that would enhance good...

A former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Najeem Salaam, has emerged as the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2026 Osun State governorship election. The emergence followed the party’s governorship primary held on Monday at the Ultimate Civic Centre, Osogbo, with Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba PhD serving as the Returning Officer and Chairman of the panel of ADC 2026 Primary Election Committee. Speaking to party delegates before the commencement of the primary, Nwajiuba disclosed that Salaam was the sole aspirant cleared to contest the party’s ticket. “From the list and information provided by the ADC Organising Secretary’s Office, as well as the outcome of the screening exercise conducted by this committee, it is clear that Mr. Najeem Salaam is the only aspirant seeking the party’s governorship ticket,” Nwajiuba stated. A total of 528 delegates drawn from the 332 wards across Osun State subsequently lined up to cast their votes during the...

The leadership and members of Young Nigerian Voices (YNV), in collaboration with Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, PhD, have congratulated Ms. Sarah Yusuf, a member of the Abuja Chapter of the organisation, on her emergence as the Winner of the 2025 Maltina Teacher of the Year Award. In a statement issued on the official Facebook platform of Young Nigerian Voices, the organisation described the honour as a well-deserved recognition of Yusuf’s passion for teaching, unwavering commitment to excellence and selfless dedication to shaping young minds for a better Nigeria. According to the statement, signed by the Director-General of Young Nigerian Voices, Prince Collins Enwere, the prestigious award not only brings pride to her state and the YNV family but also places her among the nation’s finest educators whose impact transcends the classroom and contributes meaningfully to national development. Prince Enwere noted that Yusuf’s achievement stands as a powerful inspiration to teachers...

The Ogbe-Ozoma community of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Minister of Defence over what it described as the unlawful deployment of police and military personnel to invade its ancestral land. In separate petitions addressed to the IGP and the Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), and signed by the community’s solicitor, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the Ogbe-Ozoma people alleged a violent and bloody invasion of their land by Chief Chinedu Okeke, also known as “Ekwe-Ogidi,” allegedly aided by more than 40 armed policemen and soldiers. The petitions, titled “Violent and Bloody Invasion of the Ancestral Land of Ogbe-Ozoma in Okpanam Community, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State… Request for Urgent and Decisive Intervention,” accused Chief Okeke and his collaborators, including some individuals from the Issele-Azagba community, of persistent tre...