NIGERIAN NOTCH

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University College of Medicine (COOUCOM), Awka, Anambra State, has inducted Dr. Echezona Awuzie into the medical profession during its 12th Induction Ceremony held on Tuesday, November 18. The event, which marked the transition of 81 newly qualified doctors into professional medical practice, was attended by dignitaries, faculty members, and proud families at the Pathology Auditorium, Amaku, Awka. Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, the mother of the inductee, Dr. (Mrs.) Chioma Awuzie, who is the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, and his father, Chief Awuzie expressed profound gratitude to God for His grace and for the large number of well-wishers who joined them to celebrate the milestone. They prayed that God would grant their son the strength, wisdom, and compassion required to excel in his duties as a medical practitioner. Earlier in her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kate Omenugha, congratulated the inductees and reaff...

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has warned that the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) has crippled federal health institutions across the country, posing what it describes as a “national health emergency.” The President of PSN, Pharm. Ayuba Ibrahim Tanko, raised the alarm during a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, where he led a delegation of the Society’s leadership and past presidents. “All 73 Federal Health Institutions Are Shut Down” Tanko expressed deep concern over the scale of the disruption, noting that the strike had entered its fourth day with significant consequences. “We are deeply worried because all 73 Federal Health Institutions and several non-hospital facilities have been completely paralysed in the last four days. The impact is debilitating and threatens the stability of our health system,” he sa...

By Mazi Ejimofor Opara Peter Obi’s political legacy is not one of vision or transformation, but of mediocrity exaggerated by propaganda and lies. His candle only flickers because every other bulb around him has been deliberately extinguished. To sustain his myth, he ensures that no other light is allowed to shine. Illustration: Return of Schools To Mission The return of mission schools in Anambra is a perfect example. • Ngige initiated the process, returning 95 schools. • Obi merely formalized it. • Obiano completed the return. Yet Obi claims the glory as if it were his singular achievement. This pattern—claiming credit, erasing predecessors, and dismissing successors—defines his politics. What was Obi’s policy on education? What was Obi’s policy on health? Obi’s insecurity runs deep. For eight years, he dedicated himself to running down Ngige’s feats, comparing and demeaning them at every turn. Obiano’s tenure suffered the same fate. His team cultivated a toxic mindset: ev...

…Seek Political Solution to Southeast Challenges A coalition of 44 serving members of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and initiate a political solution to the escalating security and socio-political challenges in the Southeast. The lawmakers, drawn from various geopolitical zones across the country, made the appeal in a jointly signed two-page letter addressed to the President. They urged President Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to exercise his constitutional powers by discontinuing Kanu’s prosecution and paving the way for a broad-based dialogue. The group, operating under the banner of Concerned Federal Lawmakers for National Unity and Stability, was led by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere. Other signatories to the letter include Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Murphy Osaro, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Mudashiru Lukman, Ho...

Journalists were on Tuesday barred from entering the Anambra State House of Assembly complex on the orders of the Speaker, Rt Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze. Trouble began when the New Telegraph correspondent, accompanied by other reporters, arrived at the Assembly gate but was stopped by police officers stationed at the entrance. The officers insisted that journalists could only gain access upon clearance from one Emma Madu, who they said was acting on the Speaker’s directives. When contacted, Madu reportedly told the journalists that he had not received any instruction from the Speaker permitting media access to cover the day’s legislative proceedings. The development effectively shut out the press from a public institution, a move many described as a violation of journalists’ rights as guaranteed under the Freedom of Information Act. The incident has raised concerns about transparency and press freedom in the state’s legislative processes.

Twenty-five female students of Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, were abducted in the early hours of yesterday when armed bandits stormed the school and killed the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku. According to community sources, the attackers invaded the school around 5 a.m., operating without resistance and causing widespread panic. Witnesses said the bandits shot sporadically before gaining access to the students’ hostel. Residents said the Vice Principal was killed while attempting to protect the students. “He was shot as he tried to stop the attackers from taking the girls. It’s a huge loss for the community,” one resident, Aliyu Yakubu, said. Another resident, Sulaiman Abdullahi, said several unidentified bodies were found within the school premises, adding that the bandits arrived in large numbers. He added that air force jets arrived overhead about three hours after the incident, while security forces cordoned off the a...

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed profound shock and sadness over the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and several soldiers reportedly ambushed by terrorists, describing the development as a tragic reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis. In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Atiku criticised what he called the military hierarchy’s failure to provide a clear and credible explanation on the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death, noting that earlier official denials only deepened public anxiety. He described the incident as “one death too many” and warned that the renewed boldness of terrorist groups poses a grave danger the country cannot afford to ignore. Atiku said the tragedy reflects a broader failure of political leadership, insisting that the Presidency must urgently refocus on its constitutional duty to protect the lives of citizens. “The security of Nigerians is the President’s foremost responsibility as Command...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has recorded a major milestone with the official unveiling of its National Party Secretariat, a development hailed as a renewed commitment to purposeful leadership and national unity. In a statement issued on behalf of the ADC Voice Worldwide Diaspora Network, the Youth Leader, Hon. (Dr.) Abdul-Malik Rabiu Jaafar, FMNES, FCILRM , commended the party’s national leadership for what he described as a bold and visionary move. He noted that the new secretariat stands as a symbol of institutional strength, transparency and organizational readiness, adding that it reflects the ADC’s determination to engage Nigerians with a refreshed spirit of inclusiveness and progressive politics. “As a key youth constituency in the Diaspora, we understand the importance of strong party structures in enhancing political credibility. The unveiling of this secretariat sends a clear message that the ADC is prepared to lead with integrity, innovation and a dee...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, has commemorated the 2025 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims with a church visitation at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Maryland, Amawbia, on Sunday, 16 November. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about road safety within faith-based communities and encourage responsible behaviour among road users. During the event, Sector Commander Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno delivered a presentation highlighting key road-safety statistics in Anambra State, the main causes and consequences of road crashes, and the importance of compliance with traffic regulations, including speed limits and traffic signals. She cautioned against drunk driving, distracted driving—including mobile phone use—and reckless overtaking, while drawing attention to the vulnerabilities of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Faith leaders were encouraged to integrate road-safety messages into sermons and church programme...

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Federal Polytechnic Oko Branch, has honoured key institutional leaders and dedicated union members for their outstanding contributions to the growth and stability of the institution. The recognitions were made during the Regular Meeting of the Polytechnics and Others Trade Group Council of NASU, held at the Polytechnic Auditorium, Extension Site. The gathering brought together Chairmen, Secretaries, and Treasurers from NASU branches across Polytechnics, Colleges of Agriculture, and allied institutions nationwide. Declaring the event open on behalf of the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Nwabu Ezemba, commended NASU for its pivotal role in staff welfare, institutional progress, and maintaining industrial harmony. He praised the union’s consistent support in ensuring a stable and productive academic environment. In goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Academic Staf...