# The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, said his visit to the Anambra Correctional Centre was aimed at encouraging inmates to take advantage of opportunities to better themselves through education and the acquisition of relevant skills. He made this statement on Friday after visiting the correctional facility in Amawbia.
During his interaction with the inmates, who expressed deep gratitude for the support, Obi urged them not to lose hope. He encouraged them to view their current circumstances as an opportunity for personal reform, renewal, and preparation to rejoin society as responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
Drawing from real-life examples, Obi emphasized that imprisonment does not mark the end of a purposeful life.
“History shows that confinement does not always mark the end of a meaningful life,” he said.
# Eziowelle in Idemili North LGa was enveloped in an atmosphere of worship, hope and transformation as Jesus Is Alive Church, Eziowelle, staged a three-day power-packed crusade and empowerment programme that left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands.
The event drew a massive crowd of worshippers from within and outside the community, all united by a hunger for spiritual renewal and tangible empowerment.
Delivering a sermon titled “The Jesus I Know”, the presiding Archbishop, Dr. Onyekachukwu Nzekwesi, charged believers to cleave firmly to Jesus Christ, believing in Him as the true and living God, described the crusade as a Holy Spirit-inspired experience, urging Christians to celebrate Christmas in peace and tranquility, while pledging the sustainability of the crusade in years to come.
In their remarks, Archbishop Dr Desmond Okereke of Depend on Christ Church, and Prophet Stephen Okafor of Jesus Is Alive Church described the crusade as unique, noting that there was no collection of offerings, seed sowing, or tithes. Instead, the focus was on giving to the people from God’s abundance, as divinely inspired. They revealed that over 20 machines, 10 shuttle buses, and more than 2,000 bags of rice would be distributed to participants.
# The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa attended the burial of Late Mrs. Adaobi Juliet Ubah (née Ezeokafor) in Uga and condoled with Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor (JEZCO), founder of Jezco Oil Nigeria Limited, over the loss of his beloved daughter.
In his tribute, Barr. Ezeokenwa described her as a devoted wife, loving mother, daughter, and sister whose life was marked by warmth, kindness, and compassion. He expressed profound condolences to Chief Ezeokafor and the Ubah family, commending their faith and resilience in grief, drawing strength from the Scripture: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Barr. Ezeokenwa was also present at the burial of the late Ezinne Catherine Onugbolu in Adazi-Nnukwu, Anaocha Local Government Area, where he stood with the family and well-wishers to honor her memory. He described her as a woman of exemplary virtue, whose life of love, humility, and unwavering Christian faith leaves a lasting legacy to inspire future generations.
The National Chairman urged both families to draw solace from the exemplary lives of the departed and the hope of eternal rest for the righteous, celebrating the virtues and enduring impact of Mrs. Adaobi Juliet Ubah and Mrs. Ezinne Catherine Onugbolu on their families and communities.
# Poised to ensure the continued growth of Emodi Shoe Dealers Association, ESDA, after the tenure expiration of its leadership, the Special Adviser to the Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba has inaugurated a new caretaker committee to oversee the union activities before a substantive election is conducted.
The inauguration took place at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat, Awka.
Speaking before inaugurating the thirteen member ESDA Caretaker committee, Chief Uba congratulated them while admonishing them to carry every union member along in fairness, sue for peace as the embargo on market elections will be lifted next year to pave way for an open, transparent and credible election that will bring in a new leadership, emphasizing that the ministry is open to always work with them.
In his remark, the ESDA Caretaker committee Chairman, Mr. Sunday Ezumezu expressed his appreciation for the confidence reposed on them, promising to give his best together with members which ensuring that the union moves forward, carrying all members along, not minding the challenges will be the focal agenda of the caretaker committee.
# Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its directive for the final relocation of all remaining traders operating along Port Harcourt Road, Uga Street, and Atani Road, Onitsha, to the Allied Building Materials International Market, Nteje, located at Kilometre 8 on the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway.
Speaking during an official visit to the market in Nteje, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, announced that affected traders have been given up to January 1, 2026, to complete their relocation to the permanent site.
Chief Uba emphasized that the timeline is final and non-negotiable, warning that any trader or union that fails to comply within the stipulated period will face appropriate enforcement actions, as the government will no longer condone street trading, traffic obstruction, and market disorder within the Onitsha metropolis.
According to the Special Adviser, the relocation exercise is part of Governor Soludo’s commitment to restoring order, safety, and economic efficiency in markets across Anambra State, especially in Onitsha, the commercial heartbeat of the South-East.
He further assured traders that the government has made adequate provisions at the KM 8 market to accommodate all affected unions, noting that the permanent site in Nteje offers better space, accessibility, and opportunities for expansion.
# Hon. Sir Charles Uchenna Okafor joined Sen. Dr. Tony Nwoye during a community outreach and town hall meeting with Ndi Ayamelum in Omor, Ayamelum LGA.
The outreach, part of Senator Nwoye’s end-of-year constituency activities, featured the distribution of about 300 solar-powered streetlights and Christmas largesse to the eleven communities and wards in Ayamelum, aimed at improving security and supporting residents during the festive season.
Hon. Okafor commended Senator Nwoye for inclusive and people-centred representation, while the senator reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of Ndi Anambra North and sustaining peace between the Anaku and Omor communities.
Stakeholders, community leaders and beneficiaries described the intervention as timely and impactful, calling for sustained collaboration to accelerate development across Anambra North.
President Generals of Omor, Anaku and Umumbo communities, alongside key stakeholders, party executives and other dignitaries, were present at the event.
# Hon. Lady Maureen Gwacham Completes Renovation of Igbakwu Town Hall, Wins Praises from Ndi Ayamelum
The renovated Town Hall, which now stands as a renewed centre for community meetings, cultural activities, and social engagements, now awaits commissioning yet the people of Igbakwu are full of joy and appreciation, Residents described the project as timely and impactful, noting that the Town Hall plays a vital role in fostering unity and communal development.
Speaking through community leaders, Ndi Igbakwu expressed deep gratitude to the Honourable Member for prioritizing projects that directly touch the lives of the people at the grassroots level. They praised her consistent delivery of people-oriented projects and her.
# The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, said his visit to the Anambra Correctional Centre was aimed at encouraging inmates to take advantage of opportunities to better themselves through education and the acquisition of relevant skills. He made this statement on Friday after visiting the correctional facility in Amawbia.
During his interaction with the inmates, who expressed deep gratitude for the support, Obi urged them not to lose hope. He encouraged them to view their current circumstances as an opportunity for personal reform, renewal, and preparation to rejoin society as responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
It will be recalled that inmates in correctional centres across the state had earlier sent an emissary to Mr. Obi, appealing for assistance due to their inability to pay NECO examination fees. In response, Obi gave an undertaking to NECO to allow the inmates to sit for the examinations, a commitment he has now fully honoured.
