NIGERIAN NOTCH

No fewer than 200 youths are currently undergoing intensive training in livestock farming, networking and security installation at the Skill Development Centre of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, under the IDEAS-TVET Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education. The institution was highly rated among participating Training Service Providers (TSPs) during the IDEAS Cohort 2, Batch 2 flag-off ceremony held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Other participating TSPs from Anambra State include Federal Technical College, Awka, UNIZIK Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, Holy Rosary Vocational and Innovative Institute, Great AI-Mac Nigeria Limited, Ever Fresh Vocational Institute, African Network for Disaster Risk Reduction Sustainable Development, Derbrino Global Concept Aguata, Institute of Arts and Craft Uga and Wokin Tools Nigeria Limited. The six-month programme, organised by the Federal Ministry of Education with support from the World Bank, is designed to equip Nigerian youths with ...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, has intensified its public enlightenment drive with a church advocacy programme aimed at promoting safer road practices among residents of the state. The outreach, held on Sunday at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Igbo Ukwu, forms part of the Command’s strategy to reduce road traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities by at least 10 per cent through sustained community engagement. Addressing the congregation, Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekauno, underscored the need for collective responsibility in ensuring safety on the roads. She highlighted key issues such as pedestrian safety, the compulsory use of crash helmets by motorcyclists, the dangers of overloading and mixed loading, proper road crossing habits, and the grave consequences of dangerous driving. She urged motorists, commercial drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and serve as ambas...

...Unveils Career Development Mentorship Programme From Uchenna Ezeadigwe Awka The Anambra State Town Unions Council, Youth Wing (known as ASTUC YOUTH) has inaugrated the twenty one local government youth-mayors, three Zonal liaison officers as well as sworn in twelve youth leaders who will oversee the activities of the youths in their various communities.  The event, hallmarked by the presence of the state executives, former youth-mayors, leaders and community youth executives from some communities, was held at the ASTUC secretariat hall, Government House, Awka, on Saturday, 21st, Feb, 2026. In his welcome remark, the President General ASTUC youth wing, his Youthfulness, Comrade Ken Okoli disclosed that the inauguration of the newly elected youth leaders was a mandate from the bye-law so as to official welcome them as members of ASTUC YOUTH. The swearing in of the 21 youth-mayors was also constitutional mandate of Mr President who appoints them to represent him at the ...

A prominent political figure in Yobe State, Alhaji, Dauda Usman Zamani, has distributed ₦5,000 each to more than 500 Muslim faithful in Potiskum as part of his Ramadan support initiative. Zamani, a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Yobe State Coordinator of Young Nigerian Voices, said the gesture was aimed at assisting beneficiaries to break their fast amid the ongoing economic challenges. Speaking during the distribution in Potiskum Central on Saturday evening, Zamani described Ramadan as a season of compassion, sacrifice, and support for the less privileged. “I distributed ₦5,000 to 500 people in Potiskum Central for Ramadan Kareem,” he said. “This is a modest effort to support our Muslim Ummah during this sacred period and to encourage the spirit of giving and unity.” He noted that the initiative was part of broader humanitarian outreach efforts targeted at vulnerable groups across the state. Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke ...

Your next best employee isn’t hard to find; you’re just not looking far enough. They’re in Nairobi. They’re in Accra. They’re in Lagos. And increasingly, they’re building the technology that powers the global economy. The Talent Myth For years, global hiring has followed a predictable map: Silicon Valley, London, Berlin, New York. Companies competed within the same crowded markets, paid escalating salaries, and complained about “talent shortages.” But here’s the uncomfortable truth: the shortage isn’t global. It’s a geographical bias. Africa is home to one of the youngest, fastest-growing, and most digitally connected populations in the world. Across the continent, engineers are shipping production code, product managers are scaling startups, designers are building world-class interfaces, and data scientists are solving high-impact problems. The talent is not emerging. It is already here. Innovation Without Borders Walk into a tech hub in Nairobi, and you’ll find developers...

A recent town hall meeting convened by Comrade General Kennedy Iyere, a prominent Humanitarian Activist, Justice Crusader, and Philanthrepreneur, at Radisson Blu, Victoria Island Lagos, has sparked a renewed call for change in Enugu State. The meeting, which brought together citizens from across Nigeria, emphasized the need for youth to take up political space and shape the future of the state. Comrade Iyere, Founder of Youths of the Street Initiative (YOTSI), FUBD-YES Cooperative, 40Million Ballots movement, Food4All Initiative, and other organizations, has been a vocal advocate for social justice and youth empowerment. His efforts to mobilize citizens and drive positive change are widely recognized. The town hall meeting, hailed as a first of its kind, featured free speeches by young and old people from different states, all echoing the same message: it's time for a new direction in Enugu State. Participants stressed that the state must "get it right...

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu  The first Nigerian Catholic Priest to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Very Reverend Father Professor Edwin S.C Obiora, JSD, SAN, on February 13th 2026, delivered the 6th Tansian University inaugural Lecture Series.  Delivering the Lecture, entitled “Obfuscation of Primogeniture Syndrome and Dethronement of Ergonomic Organogram of the ‘Diokpala’ in Nigerian Law of Succession, Inheritance and Distribution of Estate", Fr. Obiora who was recently elevated to the rank of Professorship in the Faculty of Law, Tansian University, Umunya, in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State described primogeniture as the state of being the first born child (generally male) among siblings”, saying that jurisprudentially, the term “connotes the common-law right of the first born son to inherit his ancestor’s estate, usually, to the exclusion of his younger siblings.  Delivering on the topic, the  resource person and Professor of Property...

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EEDC) has announced that it experienced a partial system collapse on Wednesday at about 11:54 a.m., resulting in widespread power outages across the South-East. In a statement issued on February 19, 2026, and signed by Emeka Ezeh Group Head, Corporate Communications EEDC the company said the incident disrupted electricity supply to customers served by its subsidiary companies — MainPower, TransPower, FirstPower, NewEra, and EastLand. According to EEDC, the cause of the partial system collapse has yet to be determined. The company, however, assured customers that it is on standby and awaiting restoration of supply. “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this development has caused our esteemed customers,” the statement read. The development adds to ongoing concerns over grid stability in the region, as customers await further updates on the restoration of electricity supply.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GetBundi Education Technology, Osita Oparaugo, has made a case for the application of technology across all government processes to eliminate the trust issues citizens have with the government. Oparaugo said that while technology does not create trust, it removes hiding places. He stated this on Monday while appearing as a guest on a Channels Television programme, Beam. The programme focused on the topic, “Can technology fix Nigeria’s trust issues with the government?” “Trust doesn’t come from press statements or official assurances. Trust comes from shared facts. From the evidence, people can verify themselves,” Oparaugo said. “When public spending is transparent, government services are predictable, and complaints are tracked and resolved publicly, trust stops being about hope and starts being about proof,” he said. Speaking further, the GetBundi Founder queried why, for instance, the Nigerian government cannot deploy technology effe...

Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday intensified their grassroots mobilisation ahead of the February 21 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, engaging residents in Gwarinpa and urging them to support the party’s candidates at the polls. Among those present was former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was joined by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and other senior figures of the party. Speaking during the outreach, the ADC leaders described the forthcoming elections as a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic process, stressing that the conduct of the polls would reflect the readiness of electoral authorities to deliver free, fair and credible elections. They also framed the election as an opportunity for residents of the FCT to make a decisive political statement about governance and accountability. Addressing voters, the ADC leaders urged residents to turn out in large numbers and cast their ballots for the party’s candidat...

...vows to mobilize 50,000 student voters By Uchenna Ezeadigwe  Awka Anambra State Students, acting under the auspices of the Solution Student Movement of Nigeria, Anambra state chapter, have declared their intention to contribute money to buy the “Expression Of Interest Form” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contest for a second term in office in 2027. The group also said that they were ready to mobilise over 50,000 youths and students for his second term endorsement rally, adding that President Tinubu has proved within the last three years to be genuine a progressive worthy of their support. The convener and student leader who is the Special Assistant to Governor Soludo on Student Matters, Hon Okoye Mathew Okpala (Nwa Soludo) made this known during a student meeting, held at theETF hall of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, (COOU) Igbariam campus, Anambra State, on Saturday, 14th Feb, 2026 to deliberate on the Theme: "Discovering Purpose and Working in Ordina...

From Ijeoma John, Nnewi Crisis erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Sunday, February 15, 2026 as Nnewi North party executives stormed Obi Nnewichi Hall to stop what they tagged as 'illegal meeting' convened by the State Secretary of the party, Pastor Lawrence. Speaking to our correspondent, Mr. Ndubuisi Tabugbo Unachukwu from Okpuno- Ezeobuo Nnewichi, Nnewi said according to the rules and regulations guiding the party, they must be consulted as the Local Government Excos before any meeting must be held in their council. "We are the custodian of ADC in Nnewi North, for security reason, we must know the attendees of any meeting, agenda because if anything happens in ADC Nnewi North, the security agencies will hold us responsible. They have arranged their meeting, we only received invitation" he emphasized. Unachukwu noted when Pastor Lawrence approached the Nnewi North ADC Chairman, Prince Chijioke Ofordile he told the Chairman that the ...

From Ijeoma John, Nnewi  A few days ago, I came across a video on social media that made me smile. A young man, clearly a first-time visitor to Nnewi, was sharing his shocking experience. He said he travelled to Nnewi and while eating at a restaurant, he tried to charge his phone. The phone refused to charge. He discovered that his charger had spoiled. In frustration, he was complaining when a man sitting close to him told him to bring the charger. The man took the charger into his small repair shop, opened it, removed a faulty part, replaced it, and the charger started working again. The young visitor was shocked. He said in his life he had never seen where people repair chargers. Normally, when a charger spoils, you throw it away and buy another one. Out of curiosity, he ran to his car and brought his laptop charger that had been bad for a long time. The same man repaired it. In his words, “It means nothing is a waste in Nnewi.” That short story explains everything ab...

The 12th Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Oko has approved the appointment of Mr. Ayoola Adeleke Akeem as the institution’s substantive Registrar. The appointment was ratified at a council meeting held on February 12, 2026, and the letter of appointment was formally presented to the new Registrar by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Barnabas Gemade. According to the council, Mr. Ayoola emerged through a transparent and competitive interview process conducted in strict compliance with the Polytechnic Act, as well as guidelines stipulated by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Before his elevation, Mr. Ayoola served as Deputy Registrar and Nodal Officer, SERVICOM, at the institution, where he played key roles in administrative coordination and service delivery reforms. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and is a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria (FCAI). He is also a...

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is plotting to deploy the judiciary to weaken the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urging opposition figures to remain vigilant against what he described as anti-democratic manoeuvres. Atiku made the remarks on Thursday night during a visit to the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, following reports of an attempted arrest at the airport. Earlier on Thursday, Muyiwa Adekeye, media aide to El-Rufai, alleged that security operatives attempted to arrest the former governor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon his return from Cairo, Egypt. In a post on X, Adekeye claimed that operatives approached El-Rufai shortly after he disembarked from his flight on Wednesday but that he declined to accompany them in the absence of a formal invitation. “Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir El-Rufai as he arrived on a flight from...

By Chigozie Igbo  The interview granted former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, yesterday by ARISE News has stirred fresh political debate, raising questions about strategy, timing, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape ahead of 2027. In a wide-ranging appearance, El-Rufai made pointed allegations and strong political assertions that many observers interpret as calculated moves in a growing contest between key northern political figures and the ruling establishment. El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria after more than three months abroad,during which he publicly acknowledged visits to Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, was preceded by claims that attempts were being made to arrest him. Political analysts say the timing of his return, followed immediately by high-profile media engagements, suggests a carefully planned re-entry into the national political conversation. By speaking first, they argue, he framed the narrative before an...

Counsel to former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has condemned what he described as an unlawful attempt by security operatives to arrest his client upon arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday afternoon. In a statement issued in Abuja on February 12, 2026, Ubong Esop Akpan of the Chambers of Ubong Akpan alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest El-Rufai shortly after he arrived on Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo. According to the statement, the action followed an earlier invitation reportedly extended to El-Rufai by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The legal team argued that the invitation was delivered to his residence while he was outside the country, making immediate compliance impracticable. Akpan stated that his chambers had, since December 2025, communicated with the EFCC on El-Rufai’s behalf, assuring the commission of his willingness to honour the ...

From Uchenna Ezeadigwe  The African Democratic Congress Party (ADC) on Tuesday, 10th Feb, 2026 opened its party office in Nawgu Community, Dunukofia LGA as a way of reaching to the people at the graceroot and given them the rightful platform to represent their constituents. Heavily present were ADC party stalwarts, State Executives, party faithfuls, and a large crowd of community indegenes gathered at the Ezinwaegwu - Simon plaza Nawgu to welcome and show solidarity to one of their illustrious son, former President General of Nawgu community, Hon Nnamdi Okeke who brought the party to the community. In his Welcome Address, the Chairman ADC party in Dunukofia  Mr Ikechukwu Akata (ozomesiliofumbosi-ukpo) while expressing happiness said the ADC party office ward 1 and 2 have opened to all the sons and daughters to join the party and exercise their electoral powers. He disclosed that the presence of the party will usher in a new fresh of leadership in the country and do...

From Ijeoma John Ambassador Ikebunwa Lotanna has declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, pledging to pursue what he described as “visible, people-centered development” for the industrial hub. Describing the constituency as a “powerhouse of enterprise and innovation,” Lotanna said Nnewi’s long-standing reputation as a center for auto spare parts manufacturing, trade and entrepreneurship has earned it national and global recognition. He noted that beyond its thriving markets and industrial clusters, the constituency boasts skilled artisans, professionals, creative youths and resilient women who have significantly contributed to Anambra State’s and Nigeria’s economic growth. However, he argued that the area has yet to receive federal infrastructure and representation commensurate with its economic contributions. “Our roads require improvement. Our publi...

Anambra state born journalist and media consultant, Comrade Uchenna Ezeadigwe has extended warm and heartfelt felicitations to Apostle Dr. Nnamdi Mbaigbo, Chairman of the Tropical Gate Foundation for Sustainable Development Global, on the joyous occasion of his birthday. In his goodwill message dated on 11th Day of February 2026, Comrade Ezeadigwe while celebrating a day of birth for Apostle Dr. Mbaigbo, described him as a visionary leader, an advocate of sustainable development, and a distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management. He commended his unwavering commitment to humanitarian service, peace building, and community empowerment, noting that his work through the Tropical Gate Foundation continues to inspire hope and create meaningful impact across communities. The News Echo Senior Correspondent, Comrade Ezeadigwe further acknowledged Dr. Mbaigbo’s remarkable contributions as a respected professional bearing the presti...

The Imo State Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Chika Emedo, has held a strategic meeting with youth leaders from Owerri Zone aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and internal coordination within the party. The meeting, which took place at the party’s State Secretariat in New Owerri, brought together zonal, local government and ward youth leaders from across the nine local government areas in Owerri Zone. Addressing participants, Hon. Emedo commended the youth leaders for their commitment to party growth and grassroots engagement. He described young people as a vital force in building a strong and stable political structure, stressing the importance of unity, discipline and effective communication. The state youth leader urged leaders at all levels to intensify engagement within their wards and local governments, noting that vibrant grassroots structures remain central to increasing political participation and strengthening party visibili...

The Senate has approved a proposal permitting the electronic transmission of election results from polling units, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral process. The decision followed a motion moved by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, who sought to rescind the chamber’s earlier rejection of real-time electronic transmission of results. Last Wednesday, the Senate had retained provisions of the Electoral Act, 2023, which effectively restricted the electronic transmission of polling unit results. With the adoption of the new proposal, the Senate passed an amended Clause 60(3), allowing the presiding officer at each polling unit to electronically transmit election results after Form EC8A has been duly completed and signed. Under the approved amendment, electronic transmission of results is permitted where the technology is available and functional. However, in cases where electronic transmission fails or is not feasible, the duly completed and signed...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaechie, as part of efforts to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation in the higher education sector. Dr. Awuzie was accompanied by senior members of the Polytechnic’s management team, including the Deputy Rector (Administration), Dr. Ferguson Ezeokafor; the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Nwabu Ezemba; the Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Kenneth Ezekwe; the Director of ICT, Dr. Amobi Chiamogu; and the Director of TETFund Projects, Dr. Helen Nnabuenyi. During the visit, the Rector congratulated Professor Anyaechie on his appointment and formally welcomed him to Anambra State, which she described as a state known for its hospitality and strong support for education. She expressed confidence in the Vice-Chancellor’s vision for Nnamdi Azikiwe University and his ability to further reposit...

No fewer than two persons lost their lives on Sunday following a fatal road traffic crash along the Ihiala–Onitsha Road, directly opposite the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office in Ihiala, Anambra State. The incident, which occurred at about 9:30 a.m., involved a commercial tanker and a motorcycle, both reportedly without registration numbers at the time of the crash. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the tanker was travelling at high speed before the driver lost control and rammed into a road barricade. The impact triggered an explosion, leading to a fire outbreak that also affected a motorcycle trailing the tanker. The driver of the tanker and his conductor died at the scene, while the motorcycle rider sustained injuries and was promptly rescued. The injured victim was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, for medical treatment. A total of three adult males were involved in the crash, with preliminary investigations by the FRSC attributing the probable caus...

By Chinwe Onuigbo, Anambra Operators in the riverine sand mining sector in Anambra State have called for clearer coordination between federal and state authorities to improve ease of doing business and sustain economic activities along the River Niger. The appeal followed a peaceful protest by members of sand miners’ and tipper drivers’ associations at the Onitsha Area Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Friday. The operators said the visit was aimed at seeking institutional guidance and regulatory clarity on their operations along the River Niger. Onitsha, a major commercial hub in the South-East, relies heavily on sand supply for construction and allied industries. The protesters, estimated at between 150 and 200, carried placards and official documents, explaining that they operate under licences issued by NIWA and the Federal Ministry of Mines. According to the operators, recent enforcement actions by regulatory agencies have resulted in the seiz...

The management of Federal Polytechnic Oko has announced the commencement of full operations at its Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registration Centre. In a public notice, the institution disclosed that the centre is now fully active and attending to prospective candidates seeking to register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Candidates, popularly referred to as “Jambites,” are invited to visit the Mass Communication Centre within the institution for their JAMB registration and related processing. Prospective candidates are advised to come with the required registration materials, including a valid National Identification Number (NIN), which is mandatory for all applicants. They must also have generated their JAMB profile code using their NIN prior to registration. Other requirements include an active Nigerian phone number to be used throughout the admission process, a valid and accessible email address—preferably Gmail—linked to the...