NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has formally handed over the site for the construction of a new student hostel, signaling the institution’s commitment to improving student welfare and accommodation. Speaking during the brief ceremony, Dr. Awuzie disclosed that work on the project would commence imminently. Represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Comrade Chibuzor Asomugha, the Rector assured the contractor of the management’s full support and cooperation throughout the duration of the project. She also charged the contractor, Engr. Philip Onome, to adhere strictly to quality standards and deliver the project within the agreed timeline, emphasizing the institution’s zero tolerance for substandard work. According to Asomugha, the Rector places a premium on accountability and due process, noting that the project would be closely monitored to ensure compliance with specifications. Earlier, the project consultant underscored the importance of p...

In what many are already calling a major political turning point, frontline House of Representatives aspirant, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, has announced the official inauguration of the Good Governance Initiative (GGI) structure across Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency. The event, scheduled for April 11 at Anaedo Hall, Nnewi, will see the full unveiling of the Local Government and Ward Executives of GGI, now widely recognized as the biggest and most popular support group of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Anambra State. For many constituents, this is not just another political gathering. It is a strong signal that a new movement has taken over the political space, one that is driven by the people, not monetary inducements. Across the three local governments, hundreds of people have continued to join the Good Governance Initiative willingly. No inducement of any kind, no payments, just pure belief in a leader they trust. Speaking ahead of the ina...

Mounting internal strife within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is forcing key opposition actors to reconsider their political alignment, with growing attention shifting toward the Action Democratic Party (ADP) as a potential coalition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ADC, once positioned as a rallying point for opposition collaboration, is now grappling with deepening leadership disputes, legal battles, and the looming threat of derecognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The crisis has been further exacerbated by accusations from founding members who allege a “hostile takeover” of the party’s structure. Amid the uncertainty, multiple opposition stakeholders are said to be quietly exploring alternative political vehicles. The ADP has emerged as a leading option, with its leadership reportedly engaging influential political figures across the country. In an interview in Abuja, ADP National Chairman, Yusuf Sani, confirmed tha...

Frontline aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, has extended warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Ben Chuks Nwosu following his recent appointment as Chairman of the ADC Congress Screening Committee. Rt. Hon. Nwosu, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Membership Mobilization, Revalidation and Registration Committee (MMRRC) in Anambra State, earned this new responsibility in recognition of his outstanding performance and proven leadership capacity in his previous role. Reacting to the development, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna expressed great confidence in Rt. Hon. Nwosu’s ability to deliver effectively, noting that his track record speaks volumes. He emphasized that the success recorded during his tenure as Chairman of the MMRRC clearly demonstrated his competence, dedication, and strategic leadership, which ultimately paved the way for this higher responsibility. According to him...

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider its handling of the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that failure to do so could trigger a credibility crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections. IPAC also raised concerns over the timing of a proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise and condemned the ongoing killings in Plateau State, describing the developments as threats to democratic stability and national security. In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, the council said recent actions by the electoral body risk undermining public confidence in the political process. Addressing the ADC leadership dispute, IPAC criticised the reported removal of prominent figures, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, from INEC’s official portal, describing the move as premature and potentially destabilising. ...

Nigerian music star, Davido, has said he is no longer enthusiastic about pursuing a career in politics, expressing concern over the challenges celebrities face when transitioning into the political arena. The Afrobeats sensation made the revelation during a recent livestream on Twitch, where he reflected on his long-standing interest in partisan politics and why his perspective has changed. According to him, years of building a global brand, goodwill, and a loyal fan base now weigh heavily on his decision, as he considers the potential risks involved in stepping into politics. “Before, I wanted to go into politics but honestly, now, I see it two ways. All my years of goodwill, my name and my career, all the hard work and the fan base we have built—it is tricky,” he said. Davido noted that his reservations are largely influenced by the experiences of other entertainers who ventured into politics but struggled to achieve success or maintain their public appeal. “The way peopl...

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has commended the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Chioma Irene Awuzie, for sustaining peace and security within the institution. Orutugu gave the commendation on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Rector at her office in Oko. The police chief lauded the institution’s longstanding reputation, noting that the polytechnic has produced notable personalities across the country. He expressed personal admiration for the school, describing it as one with a rich tradition of excellence. He attributed the prevailing peaceful atmosphere and steady development in the institution to the Rector’s leadership qualities, including her humility, discipline, focus and deep understanding of the institution’s internal dynamics. According to him, Awuzie has effectively deployed her familiarity with the system, having emerged from within, to successfully manage the affairs of the polytechnic. Orutugu also highlighted improvemen...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its protracted leadership crisis, accusing the electoral body of misinterpreting a recent Court of Appeal ruling and yielding to political pressure. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said INEC’s decision to suspend engagement with factions within the party was inconsistent with both the facts of the case and the intent of the appellate court’s judgment. Abdullahi alleged that the commission acted under pressure from a “jittery government” unsettled by the ADC’s growing political influence, claiming there were deliberate attempts to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party state. “We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. The commission’s statement is riddled with contradictions and does not reflect the reality of the situation,” he said. He added that the party is...

By Chika Nweke The Director, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Business School, Professor PUIE V.C Okoye, has stated that aligning the university, industry and government in areas of development will foster as well as hasten human and economic growth in Anambra State and beyond. The University Don who spok e during the quarterly Business Roundtable on Tuesday, 31st March, 2026 at the Business school Hall, had its Theme: "Anambra Triple Helix System: University - Industry - Government Alignment", noted that the occasion was in collaboration with with the Anambra State ministry of Industry, Mines and Agriculture. In his welcome address, Prof Okoye said "the roundtable is a physical gathering of strategic platform for dialogue and action. It seeks to ensure that research output from Nnamdi Azikiwe University are aligned with the needs of industry, while government policies remain responsive to the realities of businesses across Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi." He further ...

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the suspension of official recognition of the rival factions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing ongoing legal disputes. In a statement issued by the Commission’s Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu, INEC said it would no longer accept correspondence from either the faction led by David Mark or that of Rafiu Bala. The electoral body added that it would also refrain from monitoring any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by the two groups pending the resolution of the matter before the Federal High Court. INEC said the decision followed its review of a recent Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, which relates to the leadership tussle within the party. As part of the directive, the Commission disclosed that it would remove the name of David Mark from its official portal in relation to the party’s leadership. The crisis within the ADC intensi...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Command, has deployed no fewer than 1,500 personnel, including Special Marshals, to strategic traffic points across the state to ensure a safe and hitch-free Easter celebration. The Command disclosed that emergency response teams have also been placed on high alert to promptly attend to any incidents during the festive period. Critical operational assets, including tow trucks, patrol vehicles, motorcycles, and ambulances, have been mobilised to manage road obstructions and emergencies. Sector Commander of the FRSC in Anambra, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, urged motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and exercise caution, particularly as vehicular movement is expected to increase during the holidays. She also called on passengers to take responsibility for their safety by wearing seat belts, discouraging overloading, and reporting reckless driving to the appropriate authorities. “We urge all road users to ...

From Chinwe Onuigbo, Anambra  As global attention turns to consumer protection, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has renewed its call for manufacturers to prioritize safety and quality in the production of goods, emphasizing that consumer well-being must remain central to sustainable economic growth. In an interview with Voice of Nigeria marking the recent World Consumer Rights Day, Engr. Obialor Francisca, Zonal Coordinator of the FCCPC Southeast Zone, stressed the importance of producing safe and healthy products to safeguard consumers and strengthen trust in markets. “The World Consumer Rights Day is the only globally recognized day dedicated to promoting consumer rights and needs,” she said. “The 2026 theme, ‘Safe Products, Confident Consumers,’ highlights the urgent need for secure and trustworthy goods in both physical and digital marketplaces.” She noted that as e-commerce continues to expand rapidly, ensuring product safety has ...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, on Tuesday received a delegation from the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) during a courtesy visit to her office. The delegation, led by NAPS Senate President, Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, was in the institution for its senate sitting. Speaking during the visit, Ayomide expressed appreciation to the Rector for what he described as her motherly disposition towards students and her unwavering support for student union activities. He disclosed that several institutions were approached to host the NAPS senate sitting but none responded positively until Federal Polytechnic Oko granted approval. He commended Dr. Awuzie for her prompt response and for fostering a student-friendly administration. “We are proud of your leadership and delighted to associate with Federal Polytechnic Oko,” he said. The NAPS Senate President further revealed that the Rector has been nominated for the “Best Rector of th...

Fresh concerns have emerged over the implementation of Nigeria’s prepaid metering policy as the President-General of one of the communities in Osumenyi, Nnewi south, Anambra State, Sir Tony Nzekwe, has questioned why electricity consumers are still being asked to pay for meters despite Federal Government assurances that they are free. Nzekwe’s query comes amid widespread confusion following recent directives by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Federal Ministry of Power that meters supplied under government-backed programmes should be installed at no cost to consumers. Speaking on the issue, the community leader described the situation as contradictory, noting that many residents in Anambra and beyond continue to face demands for payment before installation of prepaid meters. He called on relevant authorities to provide clear and consistent communication to electricity users, insisting that Nigerians deserve transparency on whether they are expec...

Nigeria’s banking sector is bracing for a new phase of competition as the deadline for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s recapitalisation programme expires tomorrow, with 33 banks having raised a combined ₦4.6 trillion to strengthen their capital base and expand lending capacity. Industry analysts say the successful capital mobilisation—achieved through rights issues, public offers, private placements and strategic investments—has set the stage for an intense battle among banks to deploy funds into profitable sectors of the economy. The recapitalisation exercise has significantly bolstered the financial strength of participating institutions, positioning them to finance large-scale transactions and support economic growth. However, attention is now shifting from capital raising to efficient deployment, which experts say will ultimately determine returns to shareholders. International Banks Exceed Benchmarks Under the revised CBN guidelines, commercial banks with internati...

An African Democratic Congress (ADC) stakeholder in Anambra, Amb. Lotanna Ikebunwa, has donated ₦1 million to support beneficiaries of the “One Girl, Two Skills” Empowerment Programme, reinforcing efforts to promote skills acquisition and entrepreneurship among young women. The donation was announced during the graduation ceremony of the programme held at Obi Uruagu Palace, Nnewi, Anambra State, where participants who underwent months of vocational training were formally celebrated. The initiative, organised by Hon. Mrs. Ijeoma Ike in collaboration with Nnewi Progressive Mandate, trained young girls aged 16 and above in practical, income-generating skills, including cosmetology, makeup artistry, cake and pastry production, and event decoration. Speaking at the event, Lotanna commended the organisers for what he described as a “forward-looking intervention,” noting that empowering young women with relevant skills remains key to reducing unemployment and fostering economic gr...

The Anambra State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its public enlightenment drive with a sensitisation outreach to Life of Faith Gospel Assembly, aimed at promoting safer road use and reducing traffic crashes. The exercise, held on March 29, 2026, featured a comprehensive lecture delivered by the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, who addressed the congregation on the theme, “Getting to Your Destination Safely is in Your Hands.” In her address, Asekhauno stressed that most road traffic crashes are caused by human actions rather than external or spiritual forces, urging road users to take personal responsibility for their safety and that of others. She advised parents to ensure that infants are properly secured in the back seats of vehicles, cautioned against the use of mobile phones while driving, and warned against overloading vehicles. The Sector Commander also called on motorists and other road users to ...

Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), entrepreneur, and grassroots mobiliser, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Real Estate Management and Corporate Governance by European-American University. The conferment ceremony, held at Ibis Hotel Ikeja, attracted a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, political stakeholders, business leaders, and well-wishers from across the country. The recognition comes amid Lotanna’s growing profile both in business and politics. Widely regarded as a rising force within the ADC, he has continued to build strong grassroots support while maintaining a thriving career in Nigeria’s real estate sector. He began his journey as a realtor with PWAN Group, where his performance and professionalism earned him national recognition. In 2025, he emerged as one of Nigeria’s top-performing realtors, recording property sales exceeding ₦1.5 billion within a year—an achievement that set him apart in the indus...

An Islamic leader in southeastern Nigeria has commended state governors in the region for strengthening security and promoting inclusive governance, while urging Muslims and other residents to sustain peace and unity as the country navigates complex social and political dynamics. In his Eid al-Fitr message, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, Sarkin Fulani (Fulani leader) in Awka and Chairman of the Arewa Community in Anambra State, said the commitment of Southeast governors to safeguarding lives and accommodating minority groups has helped to foster stability and intercommunal harmony. He made the remarks as Muslims across Nigeria marked Eid al-Fitr, the festival that signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Siddiki called on Muslim faithful to uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and lawful conduct, describing the period as one of reflection, gratitude, and renewed dedication to coexistence. He particularly urged Muslims living in Nigeria’s South East to remain law-abiding an...

As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, a frontline aspirant for the House of Representatives seat in Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Ikebunwa Lotanna, is gaining prominence within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for his growing grassroots influence and investment in party development. Party stakeholders describe his efforts as a notable demonstration of commitment and organizational capacity, following his reported funding and establishment of ward offices across Nnewi North Local Government Area. The offices, numbering ten, have been secured, equipped, and made operational, marking a significant shift from what observers say was previously a limited party presence at the grassroots level. In addition to providing physical structures, Ikebunwa is said to have supported party mobilization efforts at the ward level. In Nnewichi Ward 1, he reportedly extended financial assistance to executives aimed a...

...Kicks Against Quackery  From Uchenna Ezeadigwe Awka As part of its activities to mark the 2026 International Day for Practising surveyors, the Anambra State chapter have embarked on massive sensitisation walk.  The event which took place at Awka, Anambra State capital on Saturday, 21st March, 2026 was graced with over one hundred members March from Aroma to the state office at Amawbia. Speaking shortly after the walk, the chairman of Nigerian Institute of Surveyors, Anambra State chapter, and Fellow Nigeria Institute of Surveyors, Surveyors Chief Gabriel Okeke said (FNIS) said the day was to chowcase to the role what surveying is all about and also tell the people that survey is the bedrock of development. He emphasized that surveying practice in Anambra has gone digital and this is as a result of challenges such as insecurity and quackery faced during the discharge of our duties.  While advising developers to engage professionals and not amateu...

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

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

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

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