NIGERIAN NOTCH

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...

Rose Umeh, Anambra  A planned protest by electricity consumers in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria, against persistent power outages and high electricity tariffs has been suspended following security concerns raised by authorities. The protest, scheduled for Saturday, March 14, was organised by the Electricity Consumers Rights Network and led by consumer rights advocate Osita Obi. Addressing journalists on Friday in Awka, the state capital, Obi said the action had been suspended rather than cancelled after consultations with security agencies and the state government. According to him, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Anambra State Government advised that the protest could be hijacked by criminal elements, especially with the state preparing for the governor’s inauguration on March 17. “Having listened to these people, we decided to suspend the protest, not cancel it,” Obi said, stressing that the movement would continue to push for ...

The Nteje Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State has arraigned 36 traffic offenders before a Mobile Court as part of ongoing efforts to enforce road safety regulations and reduce road traffic crashes within the Nteje axis and surrounding communities. The exercise, carried out on Thursday within the Nteje Unit Command’s operational jurisdiction, is in line with the Corps’ corporate strategic goal of achieving a 10 per cent reduction in road traffic crashes across the country. The Mobile Court session, which held within the Nteje area, was presided over by Magistrate Maria N. Anyanbolu. At the end of the proceedings, 30 offenders were convicted for various traffic violations, while six were discharged. None of the offenders received a custodial sentence. Officials of the Corps said a total of 77 traffic offences were recorded from the 36 motorists arraigned before the court during the enforcement operation around the Nteje corridor, ...

A delegation from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has visited the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, to advocate for the enrollment of the institution’s staff in the Employees’ Compensation Scheme. During the visit, the NSITF team sensitized the rector on the importance of the scheme, noting that it was established under the Employees’ Compensation Act, which makes it mandatory for both public and private sector employers to register their employees. According to the delegation, the scheme provides insurance protection for workers who may suffer accidents, sustain injuries, or die in the course of performing their official duties. They explained that in the event of workplace accidents or injuries, affected employees are entitled to compensation, while in cases of death, the benefits are paid to the deceased employee’s next of kin. Responding, Dr. Awuzie welcomed the NSITF officials and expressed the institution’s readiness to compl...

By Kenechukwu Onyekwuluje AWKA  A socio-political support group, Anambra Patriots, has reiterated its commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, and greater political inclusion for the South-East region in Nigeria. The group made the declaration during its maiden meeting held at its newly established secretariat in Awka, the capital of Anambra State. Speaking at the meeting, the Convener of Anambra Patriots, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, disclosed that the group currently has 326 ward coordinators and 22 zonal coordinators working across the state. According to him, members deliberated on strategies to make the South-East region more inclusive in the nation’s political structure. Ezeobi noted that the group is also focused on building a strong grassroots base that would contribute positively to governance in Anambra and beyond. He emphasized that the Patriots operate independently and are not influenced by the financial interests of politicians. ...

A Frontline House of Representatives hopeful for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, yesterday joined party leaders and stakeholders at the Hollywood Event Center, Awka, for the official flag-off of the membership mobilization, registration and revalidation exercise of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).   The significant political gathering was hosted by the Anambra State chapter of the party, with its presidential hopeful Peter Obi, who also attended as the Special Guest of Honour.   The event attracted several prominent political figures and party stakeholders from across the state. Among those in attendance were distinguished senators including Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye, members of the House of Representatives such as Prof. Oby Orogbu, as well as other federal lawmakers, members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, and numerous aspirants contesting under the ADC platform.   A major highlight of the eve...

The frontline House of Representatives aspirant for Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, has intensified grassroots consultations as part of his political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a strategic meeting held at his country home in Nnewichi, the aspirant hosted Ward and Local Government Executives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) drawn from Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Local Government Areas. The meeting, which brought together party leaders from the three councils, came just days after Amb. Lotanna commissioned the Nnewichi Ward 1 party office, one of about ten ward offices in Nnewi North that he personally funded and fully furnished. The initiative is widely seen as part of his deliberate effort to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure across the federal constituency. Addressing the gathering, Amb. Lotanna explained that his continuous investments in party structures across the co...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, has secured the conviction of 35 traffic offenders during a Mobile Court sitting held at its headquarters in Awka on Friday. The exercise, organised by the Corps as part of its ongoing enforcement drive, is aimed at strengthening compliance with traffic regulations and reducing road traffic crashes across the state. The Mobile Court session was presided over by Chief Magistrate Adaora N. Okoli, who heard cases involving offenders apprehended during special enforcement operations carried out by FRSC personnel within the command’s operational corridors. At the conclusion of the proceedings, 44 offenders were arraigned before the court. Out of the number, 35 were convicted, while nine were discharged and acquitted. A total of 72 traffic offences were recorded against the offenders. However, none of the convicted offenders was sentenced to imprisonment. The offences prosecuted included seatbelt viol...

By Mary Obi  More than 200 disengaged workers of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to review their dismissal following a restructuring exercise that included a competency assessment conducted in collaboration with consulting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The affected workers were retrenched after failing a strategic tax administration examination organised as part of reforms aimed at strengthening the efficiency and professionalism of the state’s revenue collection system. An internal memo dated February 18, 2026, issued by the Administration Department of AIRS and signed by Nwalusi Ifeanyi on behalf of the Chairman and Chief Executive, directed the disengagement of Community Revenue Officers and other staff who did not meet the required pass mark in the computer-based test administered during the exercise. Part of the memo instructed the affected staff to hand over all official materials, including identit...

The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has issued an electricity distribution licence to MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) after confirming that the company met all regulatory requirements to operate within Enugu State. The Chairman of EERC, Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, formally presented the licence to the Managing Director of MEDL, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, during a ceremony held at the commission’s corporate headquarters in Enugu on Friday. Speaking at the event, Okonkwo noted that the issuance of the licence followed the successful completion of all statutory and regulatory procedures required for electricity distribution within the state. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Board of Directors of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EEDC), including Dr. Steve Dike and Barr. Kester Enwereonu. They were accompanied by the Group Managing Director of EEDC, Engr. Praveen Chorghade. Members of the management team of ...

The Anambra State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), CN Onubogu Charles Orakwue, has called for the introduction of a mandatory Drug Integrity Test as a prerequisite for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The Commander made the appeal during an advocacy visit to the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, at the institution’s administrative headquarters. According to CN Orakwue, the proposal forms part of a nationwide campaign by the NDLEA aimed at curbing the growing menace of illicit drug use among young people. He explained that the initiative seeks to significantly reduce substance abuse among students and promote a healthy mental state conducive to academic excellence. Lamenting the prevalence of drug abuse among youths, the NDLEA State Commander disclosed that the agency has already visited six tertiary institutions in Anambra State to advocate the inclusion of drug integrity testing in their admission ...

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 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Umudim, forms part of the Corps’ strategic goal to reduce road traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities by at least 10 per cent through sustained community engagement and awareness campaigns. Addressing a congregation of about 1,500 worshippers, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekauno, underscored the importance of cultivating a strong road safety culture across all segments of society. She highlighted critical issues including pedestrian safety, the mandatory use of crash helmets, the dangers of overloading and mixed loading, adherence to traffic regulations, the risks of driving against traffic, the menace of underage driving, and the severe consequences of speeding a...

The Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has condemned what it described as a verbal assault on a journalist by the Governor of Abia State, Alex C. Otti, during a recent media chat. In a statement issued on Friday, the IPC-SPJ Hub, press freedom officer, Melody Akinjiyan, expressed concern over the Governor’s reaction to a question posed by Mr. Chika Nwabueze of Don Media Group during the question-and-answer segment of the interactive session. According to a viral video circulating on social media, the journalist had asked the Governor to provide verifiable data to support claims that his administration’s policies had improved the economic and living conditions of Abia residents beyond infrastructural development. Instead of addressing the substance of the question, Governor Otti reportedly responded by publicly rebuking the journalist and referring to him as “stupid.” Reacting to the incident, the Executive Director...

From Ijeoma John, Nnewi  The frontline House of Representatives candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, has strongly condemned the recent attack reportedly targeted at Peter Obi in Edo State, describing it as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic system. Speaking from Nnewi on Wednesday, Amb. Ikebunwa expressed deep concern over the incident, stressing that no Nigerian should be subjected to threats to life simply because they are contesting for political office. He emphasized that Mr. Obi, like every other qualified citizen, has the constitutional right to contest for any elective position and to move freely to any part of the country without fear or intimidation. According to him, such violent incidents undermine democracy and endanger the lives of citizens regardless of their political affiliations. He called on Nigerians of good conscience to collectively condemn the ...

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has appealed to its customers for patience and understanding following a noticeable decline in electricity supply across its franchise area. In a statement issued on February 27, 2026, by  Mr. Emeka Ezeh, Group Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC,t he company attributed the development to inadequate gas supply to thermal power generating stations, a situation that has adversely affected electricity generation nationwide. According to EEDC, the shortage in gas supply has led to a significant reduction in the volume of energy allocated to the distribution company. This, in turn, has impacted power availability to customers across its network. The company further disclosed that, in response to the substantial drop in generation and in a bid to maintain grid stability and prevent system disturbances, the Independent System Operator (ISO) has commenced load shedding across the national grid. EEDC assured cust...

No fewer than four persons lost their lives while nine others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a fatal road traffic crash that occurred on Thursday evening along the Nanka–Agulu Road in Anambra State. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, confirmed that the crash took place at about 6:18 p.m. on February 27, 2026, at Agulu Lake axis of the busy roadway. According to the Sector Public Education Officer, SRC Margaret B. Onabe, the accident involved four vehicles: a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number HAL676YG, a trailer (registration number unavailable), a shuttle bus with registration number UKP274YA, and a Toyota Hilux (registration number unavailable). Preliminary investigations by the FRSC rescue team from the Nanka Outpost indicated that excessive speed and loss of control were the probable causes of the crash. Although there were no eyewitness accounts, officials observed that one of the vehicles was descending the...

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 ...