# Residents of Awka in Anambra have decried the recent increase in transportation fares, describing the development as worrisome and burdensome.
A cross section of residents, who spoke with newsmen in Awka said the rising cost of transport had significantly affected their daily lives.
A corps member, Mr Sina Afolabi, said transportation had become more expensive, noting that he now pays N700 instead of the usual N500 to get to his workplace.
Afolabi said the increase had negatively impacted him, forcing him to cut down on personal expenses to cope with the situation.
Similarly, Mr Onyeka Akanna, a civil servant, attributed the hike in transport fares to the rising cost of fuel, noting that it had also affected the prices of food items.
He added that a tricycle operator conveying his children to school had increased the monthly school run charges.
# Stakeholders in Anambra State’s health sector have reaffirmed their commitment to improving primary healthcare delivery following a baseline validation meeting held under the Strengthening Public Accountability for Results and Knowledge (SPARK 2) Project.
The session brought together government officials, development partners, members of Ward Development Committees (WDCs) Community Empowerment Network, (COMEN) and civil society representatives.
It reviewed and validated key findings from a comprehensive assessment of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and related interventions across selected local government areas and health facilities in the state.
The Executive Director of Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), Ugochi Ehiahuruike, explained that the findings will guide policy and programmatic decisions for the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Ministry of Health.
Ehiahuruike explained that the health component uses the Basic Health Care Provision Fund as an entry point, and detailed assessments were conducted on transparency, implementation processes, and inclusivity.
# The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Anambra State Command has deployed 1,500 personnel, including Special Marshals, to oversee key traffic points across the state for the Easter celebration.
The Command has also placed emergency response teams on standby to handle any reported incidents. It has tow trucks, Patrol vehicles, motorbikes, and Ambulances ready in case of emergencies and obstructions.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Anambra State Command, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, urges drivers to prioritize road safety, obey traffic rules, and exercise caution on the roads, especially during this period of increased traffic.
The Command appeals to passengers to take responsibility for their safety by wearing seat belts, avoiding overloading, and reporting reckless driving to authorities.
The Sector Commander noted that the Command remains committed to saving lives, public enlightenment, and prompt rescue services.
# The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim, challenged priests to be more committed to their calling so as to remain spiritually alert in their ministries.
Most Rev. Ibezim stated this at the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith, Awka, where he conducted the renewal of ordination vows previously administered to the priests by the legal counsel of the Diocese, consecrated the chrism, and washed the feet of the priests and their wives.
In his sermon, Ibezim reeled out factors that prevent priests from fulfilling their ordination vows, including bad influence, evil communication, lack of accountability, starting well but falling along the way, and the love of money.
# Sachet and bottled water vendors in Awka and surrounding areas have decried mounting losses due to erratic electricity supply, which has forced them to depend on costly ice blocks to preserve their products amid intense heat.
The vendors, who spoke in separate interviews with newsmen in Awka, said the situation had drastically reduced their profit margins and threatened the sustainability of their businesses.
Mrs Chinonye Amadi, a sachet and bottled water seller, lamented that unstable power supply had made it nearly impossible to sell without chilling products.
Amadi added that the price of an ice block had surged from about N400 to N1,500 within a year.
Mrs Anthonia Uzoma, a soft drink vendor, also expressed concern over the rising cost of cooling.
# The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie and his team, has undertaken a major facelift of key administrative spaces, with the complete remodeling of the University Records Department and the top floor of the VC’s wing.
The renovation, which reflects the administration’s commitment to institutional efficiency and modern standards, saw the Records Department transformed into a more organized, digitization-friendly environment.
The upgraded facility is expected to enhance documentation processes, improve access to records, and support seamless administrative operations within the university system.
Similarly, the last floor of the Vice-Chancellor’s wing was redesigned with contemporary fittings, improved office layouts, and enhanced workspaces to reflect a modern academic leadership environment. The transformation underscores a broader agenda aimed at repositioning the university’s administrative infrastructure for optimal performance.
Members of the university community have commended the initiative, noting that the development not only improves working conditions but also aligns with global best practices in university administration, further strengthening the institution’s reputation for excellence.
# Members of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Anambra State Council, have commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo, for what they described as a purposeful and reform-driven first term, while expressing optimism for greater strides in his second tenure.
The Union made its position known in a statement and congratulatory message addressed to the Governor following his recent inauguration for a second term in office.
In the statement jointly signed by the State Chairman of MHWUN, Comrade Johnbosco Ementa; and the Secretary, Comrade Ugwu Nnabugwu, the Union lauded the administration for prioritising workers’ welfare and strengthening the healthcare system across the state.
The group particularly highlighted the Governor’s lead in the implementation of the ₦75,000 minimum wage, describing it as a bold step towards improving the living standards of workers and reinforcing his administration’s labour-friendly stance.
# Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
has reassured members of the public of its determination to ensure their safety and security before, during, and after the celebrations.
Consequently, Commandant Maku Olatunde, the NSCDC State Commandant, has ordered the deployment of 991 officers and men and other operational assets of the command for intensive and proactive visibility patrols across all worship centers, recreational centers, vulnerable and key points, including banks and other financial institutions, government facilities, and other critical national, state, and local government assets and infrastructure.
The State Commandant gave the directive during his tactical digest meeting with Heads of Departments (HODs), Heads of Units (HOUs), Area Commanders, Divisional Officers, Composite Commanders, and Tactical Commanders at the State Command Headquarters, Awka on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
The State NSCDC boss directed that the existing security measures be sustained, and that the NSCDC would collaborate with other agencies to provide continuous security coverage and maintain law and order during the celebrations.
In his charge, the NSCDC State helmsman emphatically directed that all officers and men deployed for this assignment must be properly supervised to ensure professionalism and courtesy to law-abiding citizens, but firm and ruthless to criminal elements who might want to take advantage of the festive period to perpetuate their unholy and criminal acts.
Commandant Maku strongly cautioned vandals, miscreants, hoodlums, and disgruntled elements to avoid critical national assets and infrastructure, stating that the Corps will take tough action against anyone caught or found culpable. He also directed VIP orderlies to strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures, Rules of Engagement, and Service Orders while on duty.
While felicitating with Anambra residents and the Christians across the country as they commemorate one of the most significant periods on the Christian calendar, marking the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus, Commandant Maku appreciates the citizens for their support and called on them to continually cooperate with the NSCDC and other security agencies.
The Command enjoins citizens to be security-conscious, be vigilant, and report any untoward incident or happenings observed in their locality to the nearest NSCDC formation or call the following numbers: 08035771835, 08036172748, 08036789255, 07049388100.
