NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has announced the cancellation of the planned power outage earlier scheduled to affect parts of Enugu between Wednesday, October 22, and Friday, October 31, 2025. According to a statement issued on Thursday, October 23, 2025, by the company’s Head of Communications, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, the outage — which was expected to last daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — was called off due to unforeseen technical constraints communicated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The affected 33KV feeders included Kingsway Lines 1 & 2, Emene Industrial Lines 1 & 2, Thinkers Corner, Trans-Ekulu, Ugwuogo, and Ituku Ozalla. Mr. Ezeh noted that a new schedule for the planned maintenance would be announced once arrangements are finalized. He expressed regret over any inconvenience the sudden change may have caused customers and thanked them for their understanding and continued cooperation.

There is growing public anger over the conduct of “Nothing Pass God” Transport Company after one of its vehicles, identified as 1257 AWK ZC, embarked on the overloading of its vehicle on a night journey in defiance of a directive by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) restricting such.  The vehicle, reportedly meant to operate within the bounds of proper passenger carrage, departed its terminal late   tonight heavily overloaded with passengers and goods, in what many described as a blatant violation of safety regulations. Passengers who spoke to out against such violation expressed disappointment and fear over what they called the company’s “irresponsible and reckless” attitude toward their safety. They said that despite earlier assurances from management that no vehicle would be overloaded, company staff insisted on proceeding with the trip “to avoid losing money.” One passenger, identified as Ngozi, narrated her experience: “We were told the vehicle that we...

The Head of the Department of Management Information and Communication Technology (MICT) at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Prince Johnpaul Udoaku, has been elected as the Non-Teaching Staff Representative in the institution’s Governing Council. In the keenly contested by-election, Prince Udoaku secured a total of 146 votes, defeating Mr. Norbert Okoli, who garnered 29 votes, and Ms. Amara Nwosu, who polled 9 votes. The election results were announced by the Deputy Rector (Academic), Dr. Nkiru Akabuike, during an emergency congregation meeting held at the Polytechnic Auditorium, Extension Site. In her remarks, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, commended the conduct of the election, describing it as peaceful, transparent, and devoid of rancour. She expressed satisfaction that the by-election was free from the blackmail, campaign of calumny, and financial inducement that had sometimes marred previous contests in the institution. Dr. Awuzie lauded the elect...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched its 2025 Ember Months public enlightenment and sensitization campaign in Anambra State, urging motorists to take personal responsibility for their safety and strictly obey traffic rules throughout the festive season. Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony in Awka, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said the initiative is part of a nationwide effort to curb the surge in road crashes, injuries, and deaths that often occur during the busy end-of-year period. Represented by the Anambra State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, the Corps Marshal explained that the theme for this year’s campaign, “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” was chosen to emphasize the critical role of drivers in preventing accidents. She noted that the campaign seeks to address common driver-related offences such as speeding, drunk driving, overloading, the use of mobile phones while driving, and failure to ...

The quiet community of Omalima Layout in Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been thrown into turmoil following allegations of a coordinated land grab allegedly carried out by individuals linked to state government officials. Eyewitnesses and property owners in the area claimed that a group of men, purportedly representing the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security under the AVM Department, invaded several plots of land last week, forcefully displacing owners and tenants. The men, identified by residents as Hon. Chiejina Obieze, Sunday Ogaazi, Izuu (popularly called One Man 30), Chukwuma Okpolaezeukwu, and Ben Chiobi, allegedly claimed to be executing “government orders.” Their actions reportedly included the demolition of structures, including properties belonging to All Saints Anglican Church. One of the affected landowners, who pleaded anonymity, described the incident as “a brazen abuse of power.” “They cam...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has been conferred with the Distinguished Platinum Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership qualities, visionary direction, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence and institutional transformation. The honour was bestowed on her on Thursday, October 16, during the 3rd Hybrid International Conference of the School of Financial Studies, held at the Polytechnic Auditorium, Extension Site, Oko. Other notable awardees included the former Acting Chairman of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council, Hon. Omonibeke Kemelayefa; former Acting Rector, Dr. Ubaka Chukwugekwu; former Council Member, Dr. Joseph Chike Aroh; Dr. Mukail Aremu Akinde, Barr. JBC Obikwelu, Dr. Adaobi Ifejiofor, and Dr. Uche Chukwudire. Declaring the conference open, Dr. Awuzie commended the Dean of the School of Financial Studies, Dr. Nkechi Aroh, and the entire faculty for their consistency in promoting scholarship and for...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) have commenced a two-day capacity-building forum in Awka, Anambra State, aimed at promoting ethical reporting, inclusivity, and accountability among media practitioners ahead of the November governorship election in the state. The event, supported by the European Union (EU) under the Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II) programme, brought together journalists, editors, civil society representatives, and security agencies to deliberate on strategies for fair and credible electoral coverage. In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, emphasized that a free and independent press remains a cornerstone of democracy and credible elections. He urged authorities and political actors to respect press freedom and allow journalists to perform their constitutional duties without harassment or censorship. “The courage of journalists who tell th...

The Youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has come hard on the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Abdullahi over his verbal attack on former Enugu governor, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Abdullahi while appearing on Arise TV earlier in the week, said Ugwuanyi’s political role had diminished in Enugu State. He went as far as saying the former governor had reduced himself into a PA to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, literally carrying a bag for him, Wike. However, his claims did not go down well with the Ohanaeze youths, who questioned how he arrived at such baseless attacks on Ugwuanyi. In a statement by the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, he accused Abdullahi of either suffering selective amnesia or pretending not to know Ugwuanyi’s political prowess in Enugu State.  Okwu recalled that “Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as governor ...

From Echezona Okafor, Nnewi Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra state has called on the people not to disrupt the ongoing zoning arrangements among the three senatorial districts in the state, which has enabled power to rotate the three zones - one after another - without friction. The Anambra governor cautioned that voting a candidate outside Anambra South district in the November 8, 2025 election in the state will disrupt zoning. He also warned that voting any candidate from Anambra South other than him will mean giving the zone 12 years, as against the normal 8 years. Soludo gave the admonition on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, during a political rally organized in Nkpor, Idemili North local government area of the state.  "Zoning of governorship slot among Anambra Central, Anambra North and Anambra South has come to stay. It has brought stability to the political environment of the state. From Peter Obi to Obiano, now to Soludo, the governorahip slot has succe...

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Local Content, Hon. Boma Goodhead, has commended Zobis Electrical Nigeria Limited for maintaining international standards in its manufacturing processes and for its contribution to Nigeria’s industrial growth. Hon. Goodhead gave the commendation during an oversight visit to the company’s production facility located in Okoti, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. Speaking to journalists after inspecting the plant, she praised the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ezeobi John, for his commitment to excellence and innovation, describing Zobis products as “among the best in Nigeria.” “Our oversight visit is to ensure that local manufacturers produce to global standards and can compete favourably anywhere in the world. I must commend Zobis Electrical for maintaining such a high standard,” Hon. Goodhead said. She further urged the company to sustain its quality assurance and continue aligning with the o...