NIGERIAN NOTCH

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  As preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 general elections, the people of Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo face an important decision: choosing a representative to the Federal House of Representatives who is not only accessible and people-oriented, but intellectually equipped to navigate the complexities of national lawmaking. At the heart of this choice lies a fundamental question: who possesses the academic depth, mental agility and intellectual capacity required to effectively represent a constituency of such strategic economic and political importance as the Japan of Africa. For many within the Nnewi federal constituency, the name that consistently stands out in this regard is Ambassador Ikebunwa Lotanna. Ambassador Lotanna’s academic trajectory reflects a pattern of excellence that has remained consistent over the years. From his early education, he distinguished himself as an outstanding student, recording exceptional results in ...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  At 90, many slow down, retreating quietly into the comfort of memory. But for Chief (Dr) Simon Nsobundu Okeke, former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, age has become less a marker of decline and more a testament to endurance, purpose, and grace. As he marked his 90th birthday, Dr. Okeke reflected on a life defined not merely by titles held or offices occupied, but by values lived and principles upheld. Calm, reflective and full of gratitude, the elder statesman looked back on nine decades of service, family, and faith with a rare sense of fulfilment. His story is one of quiet impact , a reminder that true greatness often speaks softly. Born and raised within the rich tapestry of Igbo tradition, Dr. Okeke’s formative years were guided by lessons of hard work, honesty, respect for elders and communal responsibility. These values, instilled early by his father, became the compass by which he navigated life. “I was raised to value decency and ...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has commenced a statewide sensitisation campaign against drunk driving, targeting commercial drivers as part of efforts to curb road traffic crashes and fatalities. The exercise, conducted on January 14, 2026, was designed as a data-driven intervention aimed at reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities in the state by at least 10 per cent. Addressing drivers during the exercise, the Anambra State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Bridget Asekahuno, noted that a significant proportion of road crashes recorded on Nigerian roads are linked to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She urged commercial drivers to shun drunk driving, stressing that alcohol and substance abuse impair judgment, reduce reaction time and endanger lives. Also speaking, the NDLEA Team Leader, Mrs Priscilia Onyema, warned agains...

Former leader of the Apex Youth Organization in Nnewi North Local Government Area, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, has officially commenced the funding of his political party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), beginning with Nnewi North LGA. Newday Reporters reliably gathered on Sunday that Amb. Ikebunwa has fully paid for all the ten (10) ADC ward offices in Nnewi North Local Government Area, following the earlier payment for the Nnewichi Ward office. This bold move signals a strong commitment to building a solid party structure at the grassroots level. The former Special Assistant on Grassroots Mobilization to the late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, through this action, has made a clear statement of intent to financially and strategically support the ADC as his chosen political platform. His objective, according to close associates, is to ensure effective representation for the people of Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency by laying a strong foundation ...

Residents of Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to intervene and extend the date for the proposed Igweship election, warning that proceeding with the exercise as scheduled could lead to unrest in the town. The appeal followed a peaceful protest by indigenes of the community against what they described as an alleged plan by the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct the Igweship (Eze Ndiowu) election on Monday, January 12, 2026, in violation of the community’s constitution. The protesters faulted the proposed use of a secret ballot system, which they said contravenes Ndiowu’s gazetted traditional constitution, as well as the alleged exclusion of women from the electoral process. Earlier on Saturday, during a town hall meeting with representatives of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, women, youths and elders of ...

By Izuchukwu Adichie “Anya huru ugo jaara ugo.” (The eyes that see the eagle should give it due praise.) This Igbo proverb finds its truth in leadership. No day spent one-on-one with Mr. Governor concludes without a lesson learned. In fact, to join him without a notebook feels like a missed opportunity, as you will inevitably need to jot down his insights. Travelling with him to events, in his official car, during this Christmas period offered another rare chance for free interaction. To be in his company anytime, anywhere, is to expect the unexpected—his probing questions demand that you come prepared with answers, solutions, and thoughtful suggestions. I once looked at the eagle logo on his red cap, now also woven into his Akwete attire, and thought it a simple nod to patriotism. I was only partly correct. Soludo embodies the eagle's very features. A study of this majestic bird reveals why. The eagle symbolizes strength, pride, and foresight. These are not mere symbols but the pi...

Ufuma community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State came alive with colour and pageantry on January 2, 2026, during the annual Oriri Ngwucha Aho Ovume festival, as several eminent personalities were honoured with chieftaincy titles. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the conferment of a chieftaincy title on the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie. She was honoured with the title Ugo Mmuta—meaning “the rising eagle of knowledge and inspiration”, by the traditional ruler of Ufuma, His Royal Highness Igwe S. Chika Uchime, Diji III. The honour, the monarch said, was in recognition of Dr. Awuzie’s transformative leadership at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, particularly her contributions to infrastructural renewal and institutional revitalisation, with notable impact at the Ufuma Campus. While conferring the title, Igwe Uchime described the rector as an uncommon achiever and a leader of distinction, praising her exceptional commitmen...

In a significant political development, Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi has formally joined the Action People's Party (APP), pledging to rescue Imo State from its current challenges and restore its former glory. Addressing a gathering of supporters and party faithful, Amadi declared that his decision was driven by deep concern over the state's direction, citing insecurity, poverty, failing infrastructure, and a crisis of governance. "Today is not just a ceremony; it is a declaration of intent," Amadi said. "Imo State must rise again, and that rise will not be powered by one man, one family, or one clique, but by the people." Amadi lamented the state's decline, noting that Imo, once celebrated for enterprise and resilience, is now mocked nationwide for problems that should never be normalized. He accused successive administrations of offering "deceit dressed as governance," pointing to the widening gap between official claims of ...

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has celebrated the conferment of two chieftaincy titles bestowed on her in recognition of her contributions to education, human capacity development and societal advancement. Dr. Awuzie was honoured with the title Nwayikaibeya I of Lude by the traditional ruler of Lude Ahiara Autonomous Community in Imo State, as well as Mmiri Doro Edo, conferred by the Joint Traditional Rulers’ Council of Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The colourful reception, held on December 28, 2025, at the residence of Chief Fidelis Awuzie in Ukpor, Anambra State, attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, academics, traditional leaders, family members and well-wishers. Among those in attendance were the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Dr. Basilia Igbokwe; the Head of Service of Anambra State, Barrister Mrs. Theodora Igwegbe; members of the Governing Council, management and staff of the Federal Polyte...

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has approved an increase in the carrying capacity of selected programmes at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, paving the way for higher student intake beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session. The affected programmes are National Diploma (ND) Science Laboratory Technology, ND Business Administration and Management, and ND Mass Communication, each of which has been granted one additional admission stream. The approval was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Rector of the institution and signed by the Director of the Polytechnic and Allied Programmes Department of the NBTE, Dr. (Mrs) Fatima Kabir Umar, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the board. The decision followed a resource inspection exercise conducted by NBTE officials at the polytechnic between December 10 and 12, 2025, at the invitation of the institution’s management. The development is seen as a significant milestone for the polytechnic and a...