NIGERIAN NOTCH

Mazi Ejimofor Opara  Okpoko — As we drove through various streets within, the slums that were the major nodes of the community could now be found only in the farthest parts of our memory.  While I was still trying to recall the now faint memories I have about what was the largest urban slum in the southeast, a coarse voice thundered from behind “Soludo jidere Okpoko taa ka kuli-kuli!” Following years of neglect that had taken its toll, leaving the area in a state of disrepair, one would agree that indeed something huge had happened to Okpoko. The roads, before now, were dilapidated, and in most parts non-existent, not a hospital, water, street light or any trapping of modern life could be found in the area. General social services were scarce, and the people had lost hope. But then, something changed. Since Governor Chukwuma Soludo took office, and with him, a new era of transformation began. Soludo had a vision for Okpoko – a vision of a thriving community, where ...

In an extraordinary move, President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months. This decision was announced in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The President cited the persistent breakdown of governance and security threats in the oil-rich state as the reason for his declaration. Rivers State has been embroiled in a prolonged political impasse, with tensions heightening after the controversial demolition of the State House of Assembly by Governor Fubara in December 2023. Despite calls for resolution from various stakeholders, including personal interventions by President Tinubu, the crisis remained unresolved. The Supreme Court, in a ruling on February 28, 2025, condemned the governor's actions, stating that Rivers State effectively lacked a functioning government due to the collapse of the legislative ...

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has called for closer ties between Nigeria and Republic of Cuba.  Akpabio also paid glowing tribute to liberation roles played by the Caribbean country during the struggle against apartheid in Africa. He made the remarks while receiving in audience on Monday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs  of Cuba, Bruno Rodriguez Parrila who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja. Speaking at the reception, the Senate President said the visit was not merely a gesture of diplomacy "but a reaffirmation of the enduring bonds between our two nations—bonds forged in the fire of history, strengthened by shared struggles, and sealed by an unyielding commitment to justice and sovereignty." Akpabio said the visit should mark not only a renewal of Nigerian/Cuban friendship "but the beginning of an even stronger alliance—one that translates our shared history into shared progress, our solidarity into economic strength, and our s...

In a bid to strengthen ties with the public, the Anambra State Police Command is set to partner with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to organize sports competitions. This initiative, proposed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, aims to promote social cohesion and improve communication between law enforcement and the community. The partnership, which was announced during a meeting between CP Orutugu and members of SWAN Anambra State Chapter, is expected to create a positive and engaging environment for the public. By leveraging the power of sports, the police hope to build bridges with the community and foster a sense of trust and cooperation. The Chairman of SWAN Anambra State Chapter, Mr. Chimezie Ananso, expressed his appreciation for the partnership and pledged his organization's support in actualizing the goals of the initiative. The police command and SWAN are currently reviewing proposals to select participants and determine the them...

Mazi Ejimofor Opara  Over the weekend, the National Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle was in Anambra State to “eye-mark” some groundbreaking projects of the APGA-led Administration of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo CFR, the Governor of Anambra State.  When it was time for him to address news men after the tour, he was so short of words that all he could say was, “Governor Soludo is a wizard!”.  Of course we know that Soludo’s “wizardry” needs no explanation or even introduction. Truth is, it is extremely difficult to DOUBT a Soludo! Those who did always ate back their words!  As a Party we are proud of our National Leader who has continued to be our Greatest Human asset since he joined the party in 2013. As he marks his 3rd anniversary in office today, critics and supporters alike are for the very first time in known political history in Anambra on THE SAME PAGE!  Everyone agrees that indeed, Soludo is a Transformation...

It was a reunion of sorts at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, as the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, received a delegation of Old Girls from Loretto Special Science School, Adazi-Nnukwu, Anaocha local government area. The delegation, led by Dr. Adaobi Okeke, who doubles as the Anambra Chapter President of the Association and the National Vice President of the Old Girls, came to show her support and solidarity for Dr. Awuzie, and to congratulate her on her appointment as rector.  The delegation was received by the Polytechnic's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chijioke Ibeziako, who led them to meet with the rector. Leader of the delegation, Dr. Okeke, congratulated Dr. Awuzie on her appointment as rector; while noting that Awuzie was among the foundation members of the Old Girls' Association, and currently serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees. She also pledged the association's support for Dr. Awuzie's tenure. W...

Renowned Human rights lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor has passionately condemned a viral video depicting National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) officials allegedly looting shops at the Onitsha Ogbo-ogwu market in Anambra State. This distressing footage has prompted calls for immediate government investigation and accountability for the victims. In a statement released on Saturday, Sir Ejiofor expressed his profound sadness after watching a female trader allege that NAFDAC staff had stolen her goods. “This alarming footage exposes a grave injustice that demands urgent action,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for a thorough inquiry into the actions of the agency's personnel. Sir Ejiofor had previously criticized the indiscriminate closure of shops purportedly aimed at combating counterfeit drugs, stressing that while this fight is essential, it must be conducted through lawful and ethical means that do not jeopardize the livelihoods of innocent...

The table water factory at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state, is back in full operation, marking a major victory for the institution under the leadership of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie. Dr. Awuzie, upon assuming office as 6th substantive rector a month ago, decried neglect of the instruction's major sources of internally generated revenues, and noted that her administration would make every effort to ensure that the school boosts its IGR base, so that it would not base solely on handouts from the federal government.  Dormant for years due to logistics and equipment failures, the factory's revival became a top priority for Dr. Awuzie upon assuming office. Wasting no time, the new rector embarked on a fact-finding mission to the Department of Food Science and Technology, which oversees the facility.  Her intervention led to the resocitation of faulty machines and the much-anticipated resumption of portable water production. Speaking during the offic...

A prominent human rights activist and attorney, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has strongly condemned the unlawful detention of approximately 30 native doctors in Anambra State. The native doctors were arrested weeks ago by state authorities and have neither been charged with any offense nor presented before a court of law, raising serious concerns about violations of their fundamental rights. Ejiofor emphasized that security is a collective responsibility and commended Governor Soludo for establishing the Agụnechemba security outfit to restore order. However, he clarified that his support for the government's efforts to combat insecurity does not extend to condoning human rights abuses. The human rights lawyer expressed concern about the handling of the detainees, who have not been placed in the custody of the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), or military agencies. He criticized those who support this breach of law and called for greater transparency and accountability...

By Chigozie Igbo The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Dr. Irene Chioma Awuzie, has admonished fresh students of the institution to be steadfast in their studies. The Rector gave the advice during the 41st matriculation ceremony of the polytechnic held at the institution's convocation arena on Friday, March 14. Dr. Awuzie reminded her young audience that the school award certificates, not based on academic performance alone, but also on character; adding that intelligence alone is not enough to make one the best graduate; rather, true excellence is attained when intelligence is combined with strength of character. She added, "The most intelligent student may not necessarily be the most successful in life. To stand out and excel beyond this institution, you must uphold integrity, discipline, and good moral conduct.  "Your education must shape, not only your intellect, but also your ethical values. Therefore, as you embark on this academic journey...