# The Metropolitan Archbishop of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, has urged graduates of the College of Nursing Sciences, St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha, to practise the nursing profession with love, compassion and excellence.
Archbishop Okeke gave the charge during the 2nd Convocation Ceremony of the College, held at the institution’s premises in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The prelate described nursing as more than a career, stressing that it is a profound commitment to humanity which demands compassion, selflessness and professionalism, especially in the face of human suffering.
# Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Onitsha, has organised a one-day leadership retreat for its Heads of Department as part of efforts to improve service delivery, enhance accountability, and promote patient-centred healthcare.
The retreat, coordinated by the hospital’s SERVICOM Unit, brought together senior departmental leaders for a strategic engagement aimed at reorienting leadership towards improved public service standards.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director of FMC Onitsha, Dr. Mercy Anugwu, reaffirmed that SERVICOM remains the Federal Government’s key framework for ensuring transparent, fair, and responsive service delivery across public institutions.
She emphasised that healthcare facilities carry a heightened responsibility, given their critical role in saving lives.
# Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah of
The Sun Newspapers, member of the Correspondents Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Member, has won the Rukyatu Danjuma Prize for Health Reporter of the Year at the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award, 2025.
Attah, a Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), beat Clifford Ndujihe of Vanguard Newspaper and Eno Abasi Sunday of The Guardian to clinch the coveted prize, at the event held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
Organisers and panel of judges said about 800 entries were received across different categories from Journalists in Nigeria while the award now in its 33rd edition is the most prestigious journalism award across Africa patterned after the British Media Awards.
# The Chairman of Dunukofia LGA, Bar. Chijioke Ozumba has expressed deep sympathy with traders affected by the unfortunate fire outbreak at Umunnachi part of Afor-Igwe Market.
In his reaction, the Mayor described the incident as painful and distressing. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to victims who lost goods and means of livelihood in the inferno, and assured them that the Dunukofia Local Government Council stands in solidarity with them at this difficult time.
The local government boss also commended the efforts of Anambra State Fire Service and community members who worked tirelessly to contain the situation and prevent further losses.
Bar. Ozumba further called on traders to adopt enhanced safety measures within the market, particularly with regard to fire prevention, while pledging to work with relevant authorities to strengthen safety standards and emergency preparedness in markets across the local government.
# Reapfold Properties Limited Holds Second Annual Summit, Celebrates Realtors With SUV, Million-Naira Gifts, and Vacation Packages
Reapfold Properties Limited, a real estate company committed to making property ownership seamless in Nigeria, has held its second annual summit and fiesta in Awka.
The event attracted stakeholders from across the real estate sector, including government officials, industry leaders, professionals, investors, and real estate enthusiasts.
In his opening remarks, the Group Managing Director (GMD), Dr. Nonso Okafor, highlighted the company’s major milestones over the last two years. He noted that Reapfold now boasts about fourteen (14) major real estate development projects nationwide and operates from four different offices.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering value to clients while announcing new innovations aimed at expanding its footprint and improving service delivery.
# Stakeholders drawn from various regulatory bodies in Anambra State have held a one-day engagement programme to brainstorm on healthy practices in the production, distribution and consumption of food and water in the state.
The event was organized by the State Ministry of Health through its Department of Anti-Piracy, Food and Water Safety and Hygiene (WASH).
Declaring the event open at the conference hall of the ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, noted that real action needs to be taken to prevent people in the state from consuming harmful substances in the guise of food.
Uchebo explained that various diseases and ailments affecting the present generation are largely due to inadequate checks and balances, and even when such measures are in place, people often cut corners during the processes.
# The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Rock Foundation Hospital, Awka, Dr. Chukwudi Njelita, has emphasized the importance of health awareness and cautioned against overexertion during exercise, particularly for older individuals.
Dr. Njelita gave the advice at the 2025 End of the Year Program organised by the Anambra State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), themed Sudden death phenomenon; why fitness alone is not enough.
The CMD also highlighted the rising prevalence of hypertension among all age groups, stating, “Hypertension is no longer just an old person’s disease.
Dr. Njelita further explained the impact of diet on health, comparing the processed, sugar-heavy foods consumed in urban areas to the slower-digesting, natural foods of rural dwellers.
The medical expert urged those over 40 to regularly monitor their blood pressure and sugar levels, as the body’s efficiency declines with age.
# Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, has presented the Ministry of Health’s approved 2026 budget of ₦60,587,500,000, emphasizing the State Government’s commitment to expanding essential human resources for health and improving healthcare delivery across some local Government Areas.
The budget was adopted as presented through a motion moved by Hon. Ejike Okechukwu and was seconded by Hon. Patrick Okafor.
During the budget defense, House Committee Chairman On Health, Hon. Tony Muobike and Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, House Committee Chairman on Finance and Appropriation commended the ministry for their performance in 2025 urging them to do better in 2026.
The Committee who also approved the budget of State Hospital Management Board, and that of Indigenous Medicine and Herbal Practice, called for more training of health practitioners in areas of first aide ahead of emergencies.
The Committee also applauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his giant strides on the health sector and for according a good percentage of the budget to the health sector.
Dr. Obidike while speaking, stated that the Ministry recorded a 45% budget performance this year 2025. He highlighted that healthcare centres have been built and completed across some Local Government Areas of the state, noting that while some communities previously lacked health facilities, ongoing projects are scheduled for completion in 2026 to ensure equitable access to care.
