NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Anambra State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Bridget Asekhuno, has met with the Onitsha Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Nzota Chidi, to strengthen inter-agency collaboration ahead of the Yuletide rush. The meeting, held in Onitsha on Thursday, focused on strategies to manage the anticipated surge in vehicular movement and ease congestion around critical corridors, including the Niger Bridge, the Second Niger Bridge and major routes within Onitsha metropolis. Asekhuno said the engagement was part of proactive measures by the FRSC to ensure free flow of traffic and enhance safety for road users during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. She emphasised that effective traffic management during the festive season requires strong synergy among security and traffic management agencies. “Working in synergy with sister agencies remains key to achieving seamless traffic ...

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of one Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), alongside 774 other senior and junior officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The promotions were approved on Thursday following written examinations and oral interviews conducted on December 17, 2025, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The exercise was presided over by the PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Hashimu Salihu Argungu. Among those elevated is AIG Mohammed Usman Gumel, who was promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police. Until his elevation, Gumel served as the AIG in charge of the Community Policing Project Department at the Force Headquarters. In the same exercise, seven Commissioners of Police (CPs) were promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs). They include CP Ihebom Chukwuma of the Force Criminal Investigation Departm...

The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has approved the promotion of teaching and non-teaching staff for the 2026 exercise, with effect from January 1, 2026. The approval was granted at the 124th meeting of the Council, chaired by its Chairman, Senator Engr. Dr. Barnabas Gemade. According to the decision, promotion letters will be issued to the affected staff in due course. The development underscores the institution’s commitment to staff welfare, motivation and adherence to due process in career advancement.

The Labour Party (LP), under the leadership of its Acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, has released a comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities to kick-start preparations for the 2027 general elections. The timetable, contained in a document dated November 17, 2025, was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and acknowledged by the electoral body on November 21, 2025. According to the schedule, the party’s National Convention is slated for February 28, 2026. Other key activities outlined include the inauguration of the National Steering Committee for membership revalidation and new registration, alongside the unveiling of a nationwide membership mobilisation drive tagged “Labour Party Connect 10 Million Nigerians.” The exercise, which was formally flagged off on December 17, 2025, is expected to run until January 10, 2026. The timetable further indicates that ward congresses will hold on January 13, followed by Local Governmen...

The Federal Government has reopened all 47 Unity Colleges across the country, reaffirming its commitment to the safety of students and the uninterrupted delivery of education nationwide. The Federal Ministry of Education disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Boriowo Folasade. According to the statement, academic activities have fully resumed in the affected schools following the strengthening of security measures within and around the campuses. Students have returned safely, with many currently concluding their December academic programmes, while others have successfully completed their examinations. The ministry assured parents, guardians and the general public that the safety, welfare and well-being of students remain a top priority of the Federal Government. It noted that the government is working closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy in school environments across th...

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, commended three police officers, Inspector Okoma Ewa, Corporal Chawalamoke Godsfavour and Constable Emekwisore Ifeanyi, for their exceptional courage, swift response and professionalism in the line of duty. The officers were commended for their uncommon bravery and tactical efficiency in responding promptly to a reported incident, a move that denied armed hoodlums the opportunity to unleash violence in the people. It was gathered that their timely intervention led to the recovery of arms, stolen money and other incriminating items. CP Orutugu however noted that the actions of the officers reflected the core values of the Nigeria Police Force and underscored the importance of discipline, dedication and selfless service to the public. He described their conduct as exemplary and worthy of emulation by other personnel of the Force. The Commissioner assured that acts...

The Anambra State Police Command, through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), will on Friday, December 19, 2025, organise a public awareness walk to discourage cultism and other social vices across the state. The walk, scheduled to commence at 7:00 a.m., will take off from Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, and forms part of the ongoing efforts of the Inspector-General of Police to promote peace, security and moral reorientation, particularly among youths. According to the Command, the initiative is aimed at sensitising members of the public on the dangers associated with cultism, drug abuse, violent crimes and other related vices, while encouraging positive behavioural change and greater community involvement in crime prevention. The event is expected to draw broad participation from security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, transport unions—including tricycle (keke) and bus operators—students, civil society groups...

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, inspected the ongoing construction work at the Hospitality Management Building Complex within the institution. The multi-purpose complex, which has reached an advanced stage of completion, comprises staff offices, two conference halls and state-of-the-art guest rooms designed to support teaching, learning and professional training in hospitality management. The project had remained abandoned for over a decade following the suspension of construction work. However, renewed efforts by the Rector after assuming office in February this year led to the resumption and revitalisation of the project through the intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). Dr Awuzie, who was accompanied by members of the institution’s management team during the inspection, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work. She noted that upon completion, the facility would sign...

The Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Worldwide Diaspora Network, Hon. (Dr.) Abdul-Malik Rabiu Jaafar, has raised concern over the growing wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Jaafar acknowledged that political realignment is a constitutional right but cautioned that the mass and strategic movement of elected officials and political actors into a single ruling party is pushing the country toward a de facto one-party system. According to him, such a development weakens opposition parties, erodes checks and balances, and undermines the foundations of participatory democracy. “A vibrant democracy thrives on strong opposition that questions policies, holds government accountable and provides credible alternatives,” the statement read. “What we are witnessing, however, is the systematic weakening of opposition parties...

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has said the Command recorded significant security successes in 2025, including the rescue of 35 kidnapped victims, the arrest of over 300 criminal suspects and the recovery of more than 2,000 arms and ammunition across the state. CP Orutugu disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters in Awka, as part of an end-of-year assessment of security operations in the state. Speaking on behalf of officers and men of the Command, the Commissioner noted that while total security is yet to be achieved, the cooperation, trust and timely support of residents played a critical role in the progress recorded during the year. He explained that crime patterns fluctuated in 2025 due to prevailing socio-economic realities and evolving security challenges nationwide. However, through proactive policing, intelligence-led operations and enhanced community engag...