# Residents of Okpoko in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State were jolted awake by a devastating fire outbreak that destroyed a residential building housing 28 apartments and several shops along Orumba Street.
The incident occurred at No. 32 Orumba Street, shortly after electricity supply was restored to the area.
The landlord of the building, Mr. Kingsley Oguejiofor, said he was alerted by frantic shouts from tenants, only to discover that the building was already engulfed in flames.
According to him, attempts by residents to put out the fire were unsuccessful as the inferno spread rapidly, consuming both the residential apartments and the shops located within the building.
Some shop owners affected by the incident told journalists that they received emergency calls about the fire but arrived at the scene to find their shops completely destroyed.
# Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam Campus, is set to record another historic milestone with the official reopening and return to broadcast of its campus radio station, UniOjukwu 106.1FM, scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Department of Mass Communication Complex. The reopening coincides with a special visit by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, who will go on air during the maiden broadcast of the revitalised station.
UniOjukwu 106.1FM was originally established in 2013 as part of the accreditation process for the Department of Mass Communication.
Designed as a teaching and training radio, the station served as a practical platform where students acquired hands-on experience in broadcasting, programme production, news presentation, and media ethics. However, after years of operation, the station became faulty and was eventually taken off air, creating a gap in practical media training within the department.
The long-awaited restoration of the campus radio has now become a reality under the leadership of the Head of Department, Dr. Gideon Nwafor, whose vision and determination drove the rebuilding and upgrading of the station. With modern broadcasting facilities now in place, the radio station is once again positioned to fulfil its core mandate of bridging theory and practice, while serving as a voice for the university and its host communities.
The successful rebuilding of UniOjukwu 106.1FM was achieved with the strong support of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, whose personal and professional connection to Mass Communication has been a major catalyst for the project’s success.
# The President of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS) Prince Chigozie Nweke has called on all non-indigenes residing and doing business in Anambra State to remain calm, law abiding and respectful of constituted authority following the directive by Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo to lock down Onitsha Main Market for one week.
Prince Nweke emphasised that while the temporary closure of the market may pose economic challenges, non-indigenes must conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions or disrupting public order.
He cautioned that anyone who goes against the laws of Anambra State or defies the directives of the state government would face the full consequences of the law and be brought to justice accordingly.
ANIAS President specifically advised non-indigenes not to participate in any form of protest, demonstration or unrest in or around Onitsha Main Market concerning the market closure, stressing that such actions could jeopardise peace and security in the state.
Prince Nweke reaffirmed the association’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and cooperation with the Anambra State Government, noting that dialogue and lawful engagement remain the best channels for addressing grievances.
He urged all members of the association to continue to uphold the laws of the state, respect government policies and contribute positively to the peace, stability and development of Anambra State.
# Deputy Majority Leader, Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. Jude Akpua has inspect the Abagana-Ukpo-Abba-Awkuzu road.
Hon. Akpua, the lawmaker representing Njikoka two constituency, inspected the road project alongside members of his team and supporters.
As the legislator who attracted the strategic road linking three constituencies, Akpua described the project as a major milestone in improving inter-community connectivity and boosting socio-economic activities across the affected areas.
During the inspection, Hon. Akpua expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, noting that the project is now almost 98% completed. He commended the contractors for their commitment and urged them to sustain the momentum to ensure timely delivery, emphasizing that the road will greatly ease transportation, enhance safety, and improve the quality of life for residents.
The Deputy Majority Leader also appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and the transformation of Anambra State.
He reaffirmed his resolve to continue attracting people-oriented projects to Njikoka II Constituency and beyond, while community members expressed optimism and gratitude over the near-completion of the landmark road project.
# The Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State, Chijioke Okpalaugo, has described the one-week closure of the market by Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a wise decision to restore the market’s economic glory, lost as a result of the Monday sit-at-home order initiated by the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Okpalaugo disclosed this to journalists at his office in Onitsha, in reaction to the developments trailing the market closure, insisting that the decision to abolish the exercise is long overdue.
He insisted that the closure was for the good of the traders, customers and other residents of the state, adding that the market is losing huge revenue as a result of the exercise.
# Anambra First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has commended the state teachers for winning big at the maiden edition of the National Teachers’ Summit held in Abuja.
A teacher from Government Technical College, Onitsha, Chekwube Ifentike, during the event, organised by the office of the wife of the President in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, win the first of its kind award in the country, going home with N25 million prize.
Mrs. Soludo, who is also the founder of the ‘Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo’, while reacting, said the honour goes beyond just an academic exercise, but a result of deliberate ambition driven by sincere will and sustainable government vision.
The Anambra first lady stated this in a press statement she released on Wednesday, adding that Anambra teachers have been empowered like never before to succeed in the classrooms, outside the school walls, and elsewhere.
# Anambra State House of Assembly at plenary on Thursday January 29th 2026,
urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct relevant MDA’s of government, to commence the establishment of agricultural innovation and development centers across the three senatorial zones.
The House made the call through a motion sponsored by the Deputy Speaker,
Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye.
In his submission, Okoye who is the lawmaker representing Awka South two Constituency, maintained that agriculture remains the backbone of Anambra State’s economy and a vital source of livelihood for the majority of its citizens.
“Modern technologies such as precision farming, hydroponics, greenhouse cultivation, drone applications, and ICT-driven solutions are essential to improving yields, building resilience against climate change, and attracting the younger generation into agriculture;
“Over 40% of farm produce such as rice, cassava, yam, vegetables, palm produce, and fruits are lost annually due to inadequate storage, processing, and packaging facilities, thereby reducing farmers’ income while farmers continue to face low productivity, post-harvest losses, and limited access to modern technologies thereby limiting the State’s internally generated revenue (IGR);
“The establishment of at least one Smart Farming and Agri-Tech Demonstration Centre in each of the three senatorial zones of the State to train farmers and youths on modern farming techniques, encourage agri-tech entrepreneurship, and promote climate-smart agriculture, which shall also be provided in the State budget, will go a long way in improving the agric sector of the State.
“Establishing Agricultural Produce, Processing and Packaging Hubs alongside Smart Farming and Agri-Tech Demonstration Centres in the three senatorial zones will ensure regional inclusiveness, reduce unemployment, create new value chains, and position Anambra as a hub for agricultural innovation in Nigeria”. Rt. Hon. Okoye noted.
# Police Operatives acting on credible information arrested four suspected cultists in the Nkpor community.
The suspects include, Hampo Chidiebere, male, 20 years, Chinonso Edeh, male, 22 years, Chinedu Agu, male, 21 years and Abuchi Anigbogu, male, 18 years respectively.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of the Barger Confraternity, a cult group alleged to be terrorising the Nkpor community and its environs.
To this end, the Operatives has intensified efforts aimed at arresting other members of the group and recovery of their operational weapons.
The Anambra State Police Command assures the public of its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the State.
