NIGERIAN NOTCH

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and aspirant in the forthcoming Nnewi North Local Government Area election, Mr. Nnanna Osita Nzewi, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, announced his withdrawal from the council chairmanship race, citing the need to preserve peace, unity, and stability in Nnewi. Nzewi made the announcement at a media press conference held at Dove Resort, Nnewi, where he addressed developments surrounding the Nnewi North Local Government Area election, the issue of rotational arrangements, and rising political tensions within the one community LGA, particularly in Nnewichi. He said his decision to speak publicly was informed by his deep roots in Nnewi and Nnewichi, noting that peace, genuine brotherhood, and sincere engagement must always take precedence over personal political ambition whenever Nnewi is faced with sensitive choices, like the present one. According to him, although public discourse has largely centred on rotation of the ch...

Aspirant for the position of Mayor in Nnewi North local government area of Anambra state, on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr. Cornel Osigwe, has promised to replicate the giant strides of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in the council area. He gave the assurance on Friday, January 30, while fielding questions from newsmen at his Nnewichi country home. Mr. Osigwe, a frontline contender for the race, noted that Nnewi, the one-time local government area, stands at a defining moment in its history, and needs an administrator at the grassroots, who understands what it means to pool human and material resources together to achieve a defined goal. He said, "Our governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, is working relentlessly to build a prosperous, livable, and smart Anambra state. His vision is bold, transformative, and people-centered. However, for that vision to be fully realized, it must be translated to the grassroots level, where g...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr The Supreme Knight of the Order of the Knights of Saint Mulumba Nigeria (KSM), Sir Steve Zakari Adehi, SAN, CKSM, KCSS, has called for moral renewal and institutional strengthening in Nigeria, warning that the country faces deepening ethical and social challenges. Sir Adehi made the call on Thursday, January 29, 2026, during his maiden media briefing held at the KSM National Headquarters in Onitsha, following his election as the Supreme Knight of the Catholic Order. Addressing journalists, the senior advocate said Nigeria is experiencing not only economic and political pressures but a growing moral fatigue that has weakened public confidence and lowered societal expectations. According to him, the nation’s present condition is the result of years of tolerated injustice, neglect, and the gradual withdrawal of institutions meant to protect citizens from hardship. He explained that while the Knights of Saint Mulumba have traditionally carried out their acti...

Nnewi North Local Government Area stands at a pivotal crossroads at the moment, one that demands visionary leadership anchored on integrity, competence, and people-centered governance. That moment is now, and that leadership style is embodied in Cornel Osigwe. Renowned as a strategic communicator and development-oriented professional, Cornel Osigwe represents a refreshing blend of capacity, compassion, and credibility.  His experience as former Head of Corporate Communications at Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM) and Chief Executive Officer of Freshmind Associates, reflects a career defined by innovation, excellence, and results. Beyond professional accomplishments, Cornel Osigwe is distinguished by his deep sense of humanity and unwavering commitment to service.  A God-fearing man guided by strong moral values, he exemplifies integrity, empathy, transparency, and accountability, qualities essential for responsive and responsible leadership in today’s Nigeria. H...

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has fixed February 15, 2026, for its primary elections, the statement was signed by Ejimofor Opara, the National Publicity Secretary of APGA.  The party also announced the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for aspirants seeking elective positions at the local government level. According to the statement, aspirants for the position of Local Government Chairman are required to purchase a nomination form for ₦5 million, in addition to an expression of interest form priced at ₦1 million. Similarly, aspirants vying for Councillorship positions are to obtain their nomination forms at ₦500,000, while the expression of interest form costs ₦100,000. The statement said the arrangements were part of the party’s preparations to ensure a transparent and credible primary election process.

The Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has elected new members into its Council Selection Board, a key body responsible for overseeing the appointment of principal officers of the institution. At separate emergency meetings of the Congregation and the Academic Board held on January 27, 2026, at the Polytechnic Auditorium, Engr. Dr. Ananti John Egbunike, Mr. Chike Nwolum and Comrade Innocent Okeke were elected by the Congregation as members of the Selection Board. In the same vein, the Academic Board elected Dr. Kenneth Ezekwe and Mr. Chioma Nwankwo as its representatives on the board. Announcing the outcome of the elections, the Rector of the Polytechnic and Chairman of both the Congregation and Academic Board, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, charged the elected members to conduct themselves with utmost fairness and objectivity, stressing the need to ensure that only the most qualified candidates emerge in the selection process. She explained that the Selection Board is mandate...

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EEDC) has announced a loss of power supply affecting parts of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states. In a statement issued on Tuesday, 27th January 2026 signed by Emeka Ezeh, Group Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, said the outage occurred at about 10:48 a.m. following a loss of supply from its source of power. According to the company, the development led to a widespread blackout across areas served by its subsidiary distribution companies—MainPower, TransPower, FirstPower, NewEra and EastLand. EEDC noted that the cause of the supply loss was yet to be ascertained but assured customers that efforts were underway to restore electricity as soon as possible. “The company is currently on standby and in active liaison with relevant stakeholders to ensure the prompt restoration of power supply across the affected areas,” the statement said. EEDC appealed to customers for patience and understanding, while apologising for a...

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has upgraded the operating licences of leading financial technology firms and microfinance banks, including Opay and Moniepoint, granting them national status and authorising them to operate across the country. The regulatory upgrade follows the firms’ compliance with stipulated requirements and reflects their rapid expansion beyond regional boundaries. Beneficiaries of the approval include Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, Opay, Kuda Bank, PalmPay and Paga, all of which have leveraged mobile technology and extensive agent networks to scale their services nationwide. Confirming the development in Lagos, the Director of the CBN’s Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department, Mr Yemi Solaja, said the affected institutions had effectively been operating at a national level prior to the formal upgrade. “Institutions like Moniepoint MFB, Opay, Kuda Bank and others have now been upgraded. In practice, their operations are already nationwide,” ...

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that investigations uncovered evidence linking some military personnel to an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, several months after the Federal Government dismissed speculations surrounding national security threats. Rumours of a coup attempt first emerged in October 2025 following the abrupt cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day military parade scheduled for October 1, a development that sparked widespread public concern. In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the military had concluded a comprehensive investigation into the matter and identified officers with cases to answer. According to him, the findings of the investigation have been forwarded to the appropriate superior authorities in line with extant military regulations. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the ma...

Awka, Anambra State, was alive with joy and cultural pride as Nwoke Udi Palmwine Bar, a beloved landmark in the city's entertainment scene, proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary.  The milestone event, spanning three memorable days, culminated on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with an outpouring of appreciation for loyal customers, thrilling competitions, and generous rewards. The highlight of the grand finale included a series of exciting contests that had everyone cheering.  Ebere Obi, a talented dancer from Ihiala and based in Awka, emerged victorious in the dance competition, claiming the top prize.  Other highlights featured intense drinking and eating contests, where participants showcased impressive skills and determination. All winners and participants went home smiling, handsomely rewarded with cash prizes and attractive gift items, courtesy of the visionary CEO, Ogbuefi Ndubuisi Eze.  True to the bar's reputation for hospitality, regular...