NIGERIAN NOTCH

RAYMOND OZOJI reports The House of Representatives member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency at the National Assembly Rt.Hon.Dr Paschal Arinzechukwu Agbodike has taken his scholarship scheme to Federal Cooperative College Oji River Enugu State where about 500 students of Ihiala origin would benefit immensely.  Agbodike who visited the school recently, described Federal Cooperative College Oji River as very serene and conducive for learning; declaring that the school has what it takes to train and empower Nigerian youths with requisite economic cum entrepreneurial skills to enable them become future wealth creators and employers.  Agbodike who explained that the scholarship programme will cover their tuition and hostel fees, said that the import of the education support programme was to assist indigent boys and girls from Ihiala whose parents couldn't afford tertiary education for them.  He also stated that another reason for his scholarship schemes were ...

In a significant operation, the Joint Security Force comprising the Police, Military, and Anambra State Vigilante Service successfully raided a notorious criminal camp in Isseke, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The operation, conducted on May 24, 2025, resulted in the destruction of a local bomb factory and the recovery of several improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The criminal camp, which had served as a stronghold for secessionist groups and other criminal elements, was used to plan and execute violent activities that had terrorized the state for over two years. The joint security team's decisive action has dealt a significant blow to the criminal network, disrupting their ability to carry out further attacks. During the operation, the security forces encountered several IEDs buried around the camp, one of which exploded and damaged a nearby road, was however curtailed, thanks to the professionalism and bravery of the security personnel, n...

Lilu, a once-vibrant community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been reduced to a ghost town, its streets echoing with the silence of fear and desolation. Since 2020, unknown gunmen, hiding under the guise of secessionism, have unleashed a reign of terror on this border town, leaving a trail of death, destruction, and displacement. The traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Godson Onyediri, along with many notable residents, remains in exile, their homes and heritage reduced to ashes. Despite earlier claims of liberation by the state-backed Agunechemba Security outfit, the reality on the ground paints a grim picture: Lilu is still a town under siege. The scale of devastation is staggering. The palace of Igwe Onyediri, a symbol of cultural pride, lies in ruins, alongside his residence, security post, and Obi. The homes of prominent figures like Chief Chidi Nwanoneze, Chief Christian Awugosi, and High Chief Ifeanyi Ozodimbu have been looted or razed. Community infra...

The Human Rights Liberty Access and Peace Defenders'Foundation (HURIDE) and Campaign for Democracy (CD), South East Zone have unequivocally condemned  the exploitative and extortionist tendencies of the National Agency for Drugs Administration and Control  ( NAFDAC) in Onitsha Anambra State. In a press statement issued in Enugu State signed by the  Executive Director of HURIDE and Chairman of Campaign for Democracy (CD), High Chief Dede Uzor A Uzor,  the rights groups said the extortion of seven hundred thousand naira (700,000 ) per individual  trader in the name of penalty charge against traders at Onitsha Drug Market was a clear case of extortion and ethnic victimisation.  NAFDAC had on March 6th,2025, at Onitsha Drug market with combined  security operatives of the Nigerian Army,the DSS and  the Nigerian Police and other security forces invaded the market and clamped down on it with aim of impounding and confiscating unwholesome and...

The Anambra State Police Command has commended the people of Awka for their peaceful and crime-free celebration of the 2024 Imoka Festival. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, praised the community's commitment to peace and cooperation with security agencies. The festival, which showcased the state's rich cultural diversity and traditions, passed off without any reported cases of crime or violence. CP Orutugu urged other localities to emulate Awka's example, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation in maintaining public safety. The police chief also lauded sister agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, for their contributions to the festival's success. He reiterated the command's commitment to an all-inclusive policing system, encouraging citizens to provide information that would enhance public peace and safety in the state.

In the early hours of this Saturday, the trailblazing Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, paid a strategic inspection visit to the Senator Barnabas Gemade Medical Centre at the Ufuma Campus - a brand new, state-of-the-art health facility set to be commissioned as one of the landmark achievements of her first 100 days in office. Poised to redefine healthcare delivery within the institution and its host community, the Gemade Medical Centre stands as a symbol of purposeful leadership, swift execution, and a deep commitment to staff and student welfare. Dr. Awuzie, with her characteristic poise and hands-on approach, expressed satisfaction with the progress and reaffirmed her resolve to transform Federal Polytechnic Oko into a hub of innovation, service, and excellence.

In a gesture of fraternity and goodwill, the Knights of St. John International, Ekwulobia Diocese, paid a courtesy visit to the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie. The delegation was led by Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Ezennaka, and Sir. Peter Anyiam, the current diocesan leader of the Order, alongside other distinguished members, including Sir. Ik Ezenwankwo, a former leader of the Knight and one-time staff of the polytechnic. The purpose of the visit was twofold: to heartily congratulate Dr. Awuzie on her well-deserved appointment as substantive Rector and to symbolically extend an invitation for her to consider joining the Knighthood of St. John International, a body known for its devotion to service, discipline, and the promotion of Christian values. Dr. Awuzie warmly received the delegation, expressing gratitude for their thoughtful visit and lauding the Order’s longstanding reputation for integrity and commitment to community service. The event which ...

The effort of the Rector, Dr.Chioma Irene Awuzie, to ensure consistent power supply in the polytechnic has paid off.  Dr.Awuzie on Thursday, May 22, 2025 received in her office, the visiting TETFund committee on Alternative Energy solution for tertiary institutions.  The committee came for assessment of the energy needs of the polytechnic. The committee was led by Dr. Adeola Eleri. Recall that Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) recently announced it was introducing a Special Intervention to address the issue of incessant power failure in the nation’s tertiary institutions and subsequently inaugurated the steering committee to work out alternative Energy solution initiative to tertiary Institutions. The initiative is part of the TETFund’s commitment to support government efforts to have steady power supply in tertiary institutions across the country . The federal government had earlier disclosed plans to provide power supply to tertiary institutions throug...

The Anambra State Market Stakeholders & Elders Forum has strongly condemned Hon. Echezona Anazodo's denial of collecting taxes from traders in Agboedo Market Nnewi F Line. In a statement issued to newsmen in Onitsha, the leader of the forum, Mr. Oliver Nwachukwu expressed dismay at how Hon. Anazodo could lie to journalists he called to have a media chat with him over the weekend that his administration was not engaging in any kind of taxation. He said it's disheartening that someone like a local government chairman can go this low to lie against substantial evidences that abound and even when accounts where provided to that effect.  Mr. Nwachukwu also bemoned the statement credited to the honorable member representing Nnewi North LGA at the state house of assembly, who came out to support the chairman for working against the government of Prof Charles Soludo by overstressing the traders with tax, and wondered why Hon. Augustine Onyekachukwu Ike, is defending the...

....calls for the Govt Altruistic Approaches to humanity  From Uchenna Ezeadigwe  Awka A non-governmental organisation under the auspices of Tropical Gate Foundation has held a one-day free medical outreach for the elderly in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. The event which took place at the Salvation Army, Amesi on 17th May, 2025 with the Theme: El RIO- The Lord That Sees Me, Genesis 16: 13 saw these women and men undertake Free medical check up, free drug for malaria and Typhoid, Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Prostrate health, and eye checks among others. Speaking at the Outreach, the Convener, Apostle Dr Nnamdi Mbaigbo, said his journey as a humanist has always revolved around the betterment of humanity. "With a background as a Salvationist, I have been instilled with the values of compassion and service—principles that encourage us to extend a helping hand to those in need while keeping our hearts anchored in faith. A pivotal moment came in 2015 when ...