NIGERIAN NOTCH

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...

The Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has recently been classified as one of the best polytechnics in Nigeria. The institution is claciffied among the top ten in the country alongside similar other high ranking polytechnics like Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) in Lagos State; Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, The Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Kaduna State Polytechnic in Kaduna State; The Polytechnic, Ibadan in Oyo State; and the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro; among others. Factors usually considered in ranking include but not limited to Webometrics ranking, reputation, students enrollment, as well as infrastructure and learning facilities. Dr. Chidozie Ezekwere, Desk Officer, Freedom of Information Unit, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, held that the current classification is a resultant effect of the ongoing transformations in the institution, which he said, is a testament of astute leadership, infrastructural engagements, academic uprightness, moral justifications and sta...

By Jackson Udom President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the military to safe guard the economic interest of the country against the disruptive tendencies of terrorists and insurgents. President Tinubu made the call on Saturday at the combined passing-out parade for cadets of 72 Regular Course (Army, Navy and Airforce) Short Service Course and Branch Commission Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.  Represented by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu said the military must tackle insurgency to prevent the collapse of the economy, revitalize the Armed Forces and eradicate all forms of threats to the security of the country. "I will seize this opportunity to draw your attention to the ills of insugency and other security challenges to our nation. You must remember that the goal of the insurgents and terrorists is to counteract our developmental reforms by creating counter-states. "Yours is to safeguard the economic and core values o...

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Presidency of orchestrating a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his image. In a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate alleged that “faceless mercenaries” have been hired to fabricate and circulate false statements in his name. Atiku specifically disowned one Kola Johnson, who has been releasing statements purportedly on his behalf. He clarified that Johnson has never served as his aide, consultant, or associate. According to Atiku, Johnson has issued press materials falsely attributed to him, including claims suggesting that an Atiku-led administration would promote the interests of a single ethnic group. He described such reports as deliberate disinformation designed to discredit him in the public space. The former vice president urged media organizations that had published any of the fabricated statements to retract them immediately. He also wa...

The National Assembly, through a joint burial committee, has announced the official arrangements for the final rites of the late former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Agunwa Anaekwe. The announcement was made at a World Press Conference held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, by the committee comprising members of the Senate, House of Representatives, family, and close associates of the late lawmaker. Chairman of the Burial Committee and Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, Senator Osita Izunaso, paid glowing tributes to the late parliamentarian after leading a minute’s silence in his honour. He described Anaekwe’s passing at the age of 69 as a huge loss to his family, the Southeast, and Nigeria at large. “Chief Anaekwe left at a time his wisdom, experience, and political guidance were most needed,” Sen. Izunaso said, urging Nigerians to take solace in God’s will. The committee released the following programme of events: Th...

...Says Your Two Years In Senate, A Display Of Uncommon Leadership President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has described as "uncommon display of leadership, deep commitment to legislative duties and impactful representation of the good people of Kwara Central Senatorial District by Senator Saliu Mustapha.  Akpabio stated this in the birthday message he personally signed in celebration of the Kwara State- born Senator According to Akpabio, "I extend my warmest felicitations to my distinguished colleague, Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin Emirate, on the occasion of his birthday today. "In barely two years in the Senate, Turaki has already distinguished himself through uncommon leadership, deep commitment to his legislative duties, and impactful representation of the good people of Kwara Central Senatorial District. "Your passion for service, humility, and tireless dedication to the progress of our nation are truly admirable. I am proud to cal...

By Ugochimereze Chinedu Asuzu “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” ~ Proverbs 22:1 He arrives at this moment not as a sudden burst of newsprint but as the steady light of a long-burning lamp. Sir Bon Okechukwu Unachukwu - Sir Bon (ESV) to those who honour his professional standing - is a Registered Estate Surveyor & Valuer with the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers. His life has been a beacon of precision, discipline, and unyielding integrity. For decades, he has been the quiet custodian of worth: measuring land, honouring titles, and safeguarding value - not merely in acres and plots, but in trust and reputation. On this 26th of September, 2025, as he marks yet another birthday, reflection upon his journey becomes more than a biographical exercise; it is a tribute to a man whose life embodies the dignity of service and the consta...

By Mokwugwo Solomon The leadership of Nando United Brothers Association (NUBA), in collaboration with other respected stakeholders of Nando community, after careful deliberation and collective agreement, has made public its full endorsement and total support for the Executive Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, as he seeks a second tenure in office. The endorsement took place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the new Government House (now called The Light House) in Awka, the state capital. Speaking during the visit, President of the association, Chief Martin Chukwuka (Akajiugo Nando), noted that their decision was guided by facts that cannot be ignored.  According to him, since assuming office, Prof. Soludo has demonstrated rare courage, uncommon wisdom, and unshakable commitment to repositioning Anambra on the path of greatness.  Chief Chukwuka noted that Soludo's style of leadership has shown that politics can truly be used...

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has applauded Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, following her impressive fourth-place finish at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards held in Paris on Monday night. In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by its Head of Media and Communications, Ademola Olajire, the federation described Nnadozie’s achievement as a proud moment for Nigerian and African football. Nnadozie, who has twice been voted Africa’s Best Goalkeeper, also shone at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where she was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament and played a decisive role in Nigeria clinching a record-extending 10th continental title. “We heartily congratulate Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish in the race. It is a commendable feat given the calibre of goalkeepers she was up against,” NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said. “Finishing fourth is a big achievement, and we believe in her capacity to win this trophy very soon.” The fe...

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Mr. Okwuchukwu Ezimuo, in connection with the death of his relative, Mr. Joseph Dike, during a quarrel allegedly linked to a family land dispute in Awka-Etiti, Idemili South Local Government Area. Police reports indicate that the incident occurred on the evening of September 22, 2025, in Umunocha Village. The deceased, aged 65, reportedly collapsed after the suspect struck him on the chest during an altercation. He was rushed to the hospital but was confirmed dead by a medical doctor on duty. Officers from the Nnobi Divisional Police Headquarters visited the scene, documented evidence, and took photographs. The suspect was promptly arrested. The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, however expressed concern over the rising trend of violence in resolving family and communal disputes. He urged residents to embrace dialogue and peaceful settlement of disagreements. CP Orutugu has directed that the cas...

The Anambra State Police Command has issued a strong warning against caste-based discrimination, describing it as barbaric, unlawful, and a gross violation of fundamental human rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command emphasized that any attempt to humiliate, deny rights, or restrict individuals based on caste practices will not be tolerated. Citing Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Command noted that no citizen should suffer discrimination on the basis of community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion, or circumstance of birth. Similarly, Section 34(1) upholds the right to dignity of the human person and prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment. The Police further referenced the Discrimination Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which criminalizes all forms of discrimination and prescribes penalties for offenders. Addressing growing conce...

The atmosphere was charged on Tuesday afternoon at the APC State Secretariat, Awka, as party faithful thronged the venue for the formal inauguration of the Anambra Governorship Campaign Council ahead of the November 8, 2025 election. Excitement and chants of solidarity rent the air as the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, mounted the podium with his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, flanked by APC leaders and supporters. Ukachukwu, popularly called Ikukuoma, did not mince words in outlining his vision for Anambra. He promised to build an agricultural value chain that will create jobs, drive industrial growth, and reposition the state as an economic hub in the South East. “I am a billionaire. I cannot owe billions. Those throwing stones at me have no achievements to campaign with. That is why they resort to name-calling. Look at Anambra today; ranked 33rd in the economic index. Is that the great Anambra we all dream of? Certainly not,” Ukachu...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Command, has announced the assumption of duty by its new Sector Commander, Corps Commander (CC) Bridget Asekhauno.  She becomes the 16th substantive Sector Commander of the state following her deployment by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, mni, FCA, FCTA, CPFA. CC Asekhauno officially took over from her predecessor, CC Joyce Nnennaya Alexander, who has been redeployed to head the Delta State Sector Command, effective September 12, 2025.  Asekhauno, a native of Fugar in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, CC Asekhauno holds a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Jos, a Master’s degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Teachers Institute (NTI). She has also completed several professional courses, including the Strategic Course in Command Responsibility (SCCR) at the National Institute of Pol...

 By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu The members of Umuoji Improvement Union of Nigeria (UIUN) on Saturday, 20th September 2025, trooped out en masse at the Civic Centre (White House) to elect a new set of Executive that will pilot the affairs of the town union for the next three years.  The election, which started with accreditation of voters, head count, and then voting, had 292 delegates drawn from branches, Villages, Women wing, Umuokpu Adaora, Umuoji Youth Wing, Clubs, that make up the affiliate members of the Town Union. The election adjudged by observers as peaceful, free, fair, and credible produced Chief (Sir) Cyril Ifeanyichukwu Muoemenam (Ichie Chinechendo) as the President General. Sir Muoemenam, who is the incumbent President General, polled 243 to defeat his opponent, Chief Cosmos Ikeme (Ochiagha, Ichie Ugwunze), who polled 38 votes. Names of other elected officers are follows: Hon. Chudi Chukelu: First Vice President General, Chief Emeka Egbueh, -Second Vice Pr...

The National Coalition of Apostles, Bishops, Archbishops and Cardinals (NCABAC) on Saturday, September 20, 2025, inaugurated its Anambra State chapter at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka. The event, themed “Oh Lord, Here I Am, Send Me”, also featured the official launch of Chinyeaka Radio and Television Programme. Speaking at the inauguration, Cardinal David Olusegun Robert, National Leader and Founder of NCABAC, commended members of the new state chapter, urging them to serve with sincerity of heart in the one-year mandate given to them. He blessed the gathering and charged them to uphold the mission of the coalition with dedication. Also present were Rev. Dr. Chaplin Gideon Bamidele Akintunde, Interim National President; Apostle Dr. Victor Murrey, 2nd Interim National Vice President; and Chief Apostle Fidel Chimezie, Interim National Vice President and host of the event. In his remarks, Bishop Dr Uchem Obinna Joseph (Chap. Lt. Gen),  state ...