NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, led members of the institution’s Management, Governing Council and staff to the wedding ceremony of Engr. Uche Victor Ndife and Chioma Judith Ndife, held in Awka, Anambra State. Engr. Uche Victor Ndife is the son of a former Bursar of the Polytechnic, Mr. Bertram Ndife, and Dr. Chinelo Ndife, a member of the Governing Council and Director of the Ufuma Campus of the institution. The couple, who are both lecturers at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, made the occasion particularly significant, drawing a large turnout from the polytechnic community and giving the ceremony a distinct institutional flavour. The wedding, marked by joy, music and celebration, provided an avenue for staff and stakeholders of the Polytechnic to reunite, further reflecting the spirit of camaraderie, brotherhood and mutual respect that characterise the institution. Presenting gifts to the newlyweds on beha...

Ahead of Governor Peter Mbah’s visit to Achi, in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, the youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has sent a special message to the governor.  The message, signed by the group’s National Secretary, Comrade Obinna Achionye, stressed that, Ohanaeze youths, while felicitating with the Achi community on the visit, described Governor Mbah as a trailblazer, who had redefined governance in the state.  “We heartily welcome the record-breaking governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah to Achi community in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.  “On behalf of our National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, who is from the Achi community, we welcome the people’s governor. “We have always identified with His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, going by the numerous people-oriented projects he has been carrying out in Enugu State.  “As he visits the Achi community today, w...

By Chinwe Onuigbo, Anambra  The Anambra State Government has recorded a budget performance of over 70 per cent for the 2024 fiscal year, alongside a significant reduction in unresolved audit queries from ₦2.5 billion in 2023 to about ₦750 million in 2024. The State Auditor-General, Mr. Akosa Okocha, disclosed this on Thursday in Awka during the Audit Forum and Citizens Accountability Dialogue on the 2024 State Financial Statements, organised in line with the States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) framework and international best practices. Okocha said the state performed creditably during the year, posting a revenue surplus above its budget projection, despite a budget shortfall of 28.70 per cent. According to him, Anambra overachieved its expected revenue by ₦92.81 billion, representing 33.21 per cent of projected revenue. He explained that while the state projected an expenditure of ₦410.13 billion for 2024, actual spending stood at ₦292...

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, MNIPS, PhD, on Friday led a statewide walk and advocacy campaign against cultism and other social vices, warning perpetrators that the Command would no longer tolerate activities capable of undermining public peace and security. The exercise, held on December 19, 2025, brought together senior police officers, personnel of the Command, critical stakeholders and concerned members of the public in a show of collective resolve to rid the state of cult-related violence and criminality. Addressing participants during the walk, CP Orutugu “read the riot act” to individuals involved in cultism and allied crimes, stressing that the Police would deploy all lawful means to prevent crime, apprehend offenders and sustain law and order across Anambra State. He explained that the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) is a community-driven initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, which...

Barely months after assuming office on February 5, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has outlined early gains recorded under her administration, stressing discipline, peace and institutional renewal as pillars of her leadership. Dr. Awuzie spoke on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Polytechnic’s Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons held at the Convocation Arena, attended by members of the Governing Council, former rectors, principal officers, staff, students and other stakeholders. Reflecting on the significance of Christmas, the Rector described the season as one of hope, unity and moral rebirth, urging the Polytechnic community to embrace compassion, humility and shared responsibility. She noted that within Igbo culture, Christmas goes beyond celebration, symbolising communal living and mutual care. Commending staff for their dedication and resilience, Dr. Awuzie acknowledged the contributions of academic, administrative and technical per...

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...