NIGERIAN NOTCH

Grief is often quiet. It settles into the heart, heavy and unseen. But sometimes, grief chooses another path. Sometimes, it walks into the open, carrying food, hope and warmth for others. That was the story that unfolded in Isu-Awaa, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, as Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe and Brethren turned family loss into a powerful act of love for 21 communities in Awgu. Day before the burial of his late mother, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe, the Executive Vice-Chairman Baywood Group, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe and his brethren made a decision that surprised many and moved even more to think in this direction.  Instead of beginning preparations with feasting and ceremony, he chose to feed the hungry. Instead of focusing inward, he looked outward. The result was a large-scale Christmas palliative outreach that reached 1,050 families across all 21 towns in Awgu LGA, a gesture rooted not in publicity, but in memory.  *Morning breaks, hope arrives...

United States President Donald Trump has announced that U.S. forces carried out airstrikes against what he described as terrorist targets in northern Nigeria, marking what he said was America’s first direct military action in the West African country. In a statement posted late Thursday on his social media platform, Truth Social, Mr Trump said the strikes were directed at ISIS-linked elements operating in north-western Nigeria and accused the group of targeting Christian communities. “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorists in north-west Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” Mr Trump wrote. The announcement followed reports earlier this week that the United States had been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over Nigerian airspace since November. Those operations reportedly came after Mr Trump publicly threatened military action ag...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  In a period when public confidence in security institutions is critical to social stability and economic growth, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has emerged as a symbol of purposeful leadership and proactive policing. Since assuming office, CP Orutugu has pursued a clear and deliberate mission: to make Anambra State safe, peaceful, and livable for residents, investors, and visitors alike. At the heart of his strategy is intelligence-driven policing. CP Orutugu has strengthened intelligence gathering and analysis, ensuring that criminal activities are anticipated and neutralised before they escalate. This forward-looking approach has translated into sustained patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, and targeted raids on criminal hideouts across the state. The result has been a noticeable disruption of violent crimes, cultism, armed robbery, and other threats to public safety. Beyond enforcement, CP Orutugu...

Former Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, PhD, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, peace, and youth-focused development as the country celebrates Christmas. In a Christmas goodwill message to Nigerians, Nwajiuba extended warm greetings to citizens across the country, particularly Christians, describing the season as a period for reflection, gratitude, and recommitment to the values of love, sacrifice, and service to humanity. Drawing from his experience in public service, the former minister emphasized the central role of education in national development, noting that it remains the most reliable pathway to overcoming Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. He stressed that investing in education is critical to securing a brighter future for the nation, especially for young people whom he described as Nigeria’s greatest asset. Nwajiuba commended the resilience and determination of Nigerian youths who continue to pursue excellence and innovation d...

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately enforce the judgment of the Supreme Court mandating direct allocation of funds to local governments from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). Atiku noted that by July next year, the Tinubu administration would have spent two full years without implementing the binding ruling of the apex court, a development he described as a serious challenge to constitutional governance and the rule of law. According to him, the failure to act goes beyond administrative delay and amounts to open defiance of the Supreme Court. He stressed that judgments of the apex court are final and binding on all authorities, warning that persistent refusal to enforce them undermines the supremacy of the Constitution and violates the presidential oath of office. The former vice president emphasized that local governments remain the closest tier of government to the people and are critical to grass...

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, FWC, MNIPS, PhD, has called for renewed collaboration among government, security agencies, community leaders and residents to sustain peace and security across the state. Speaking at the 2025 Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons and End-of-Year Party of the Anambra State Police Command, CP Orutugu described the event as a moment of reflection, gratitude and recommitment to service, as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and prepare for the year ahead. He noted that the values of love, peace, sacrifice,and goodwill associated with the Christmas season align with the theme of the event, “Policing: A Shared Responsibility.” According to him, effective security cannot be achieved by the Police alone but requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious institutions, youth groups, the media and law-abiding citizens. The Police Commissioner expressed ...

The Amazon Ladies Association Ukehe has brought hope and joy to residents as it organised a Christmas charity outreach aimed at supporting less-privileged members of the community. The event was hosted under the leadership of the association’s President and Founder, Chief Pet Amaka Ugwu, who was ably represented by the Vice President, Mrs. Ekwy Ngwu. Participants were warmly received as the association reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian service. The highlight of the programme was the distribution of Christmas support to carefully identified beneficiaries drawn from various villages in Ukehe. The gesture brought smiles and relief to recipients, many of whom expressed deep gratitude for the association’s kindness. One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Virginus Akwolu Jnr., thanked the group, describing the intervention as a blessing and pledging that the generosity of the Amazon Ladies Association Ukehe would not be forgotten. Notable members of the association pre...

The Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Worldwide Diaspora Network, Hon. (Dr.) Abdul-Malik Rabiu Jaafar, has commended Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for what he described as a courageous and historic decision to defect to the ADC. In a press statement issued on December 18, 2025, Jaafar congratulated Senator Kingibe, noting that her move marks the first time an incumbent senator has joined the ADC. He described the development as a strong affirmation that integrity, principled leadership and loyalty to the electorate should supersede political convenience. According to him, Senator Kingibe’s decision sends a clear signal that Nigerian politics can still be anchored on conviction, accountability and genuine service to the people. He said her action represents a bold stand for democratic values and a renewed hope for citizens seeking responsive and people-centred governance. Jaafar further urged other elected officials acro...

The Anambra State Police Command has called on members of the public, including individuals, groups, political organisations, religious bodies and non-governmental organisations planning to distribute palliatives during the Yuletide season, to notify relevant security agencies ahead of time. The directive, according to the Command, is part of measures to ensure adequate security deployment, maintain orderliness and guarantee public safety during the festive period, while preventing any untoward incidents that may arise from large gatherings. In a statement issued on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said the initiative is aimed at strengthening collaboration between security agencies and the public in order to sustain peace and security across the state throughout the Yuletide celebrations. “The Command seeks the cooperation and understanding of all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, safe and secure Yuletide...

Residents of Omalima Layout, Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State have raised the alarm over an alleged illegal takeover of their lands, following what they described as a forceful invasion by armed men claiming to be acting on “government directives.” In an open letter addressed to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the residents appealed for urgent intervention to prevent further escalation of tension in the community and to restore public confidence in the rule of law. According to the petition, panic gripped the area on Tuesday when armed individuals reportedly stormed the layout, barred landowners from accessing their legally acquired properties, and destroyed homes and perimeter fences. The development, residents said, triggered a spontaneous protest as affected persons demanded immediate government action to halt what they described as intimidation and unlawful land seizure. Chairman of the Estate, Chief Moses, whose property was also alle...