# The Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by declaring a state of emergency on environmental degradation caused by human activities across the state.
The government said the declaration became necessary due to the widespread blockage of waterways through indiscriminate dumping of refuse and other materials into drainage channels, construction on waterways, erection of illegal structures, encroachment on drainages and rights of way, as well as excessive sand mining.
In a statement jointly signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Barrister Clem Aguiyi, and the Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation, Dr. Law Mefor, the government directed the immediate cleaning of drainage systems across the state and announced a clampdown on uncontrolled sand mining, identified as major contributors to flooding and gully erosion.
According to the statement, Saturday, July 4, 2026, has been designated as the commencement date for a statewide desilting and waste evacuation exercise.
The exercise will involve markets, transport unions, youth groups, community leaders, churches, and all residents of the state.
To ensure a successful exercise, movement will be restricted across communities and businesses from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the scheduled date. However, essential service providers, including security agencies, health workers, ambulance services, journalists, the fire service, and other personnel on critical duties, will be exempted from the restriction.
The government also reminded developers and property owners constructing new buildings to make mandatory provisions for catch pits to properly manage runoff water, in line with existing environmental regulations.
Residents of the state were urged to cooperate fully with the exercise, warning that anyone who fails to comply with the directive will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
# Governor Chukwuma Soludo has awarded a full scholarship up to PhD level to Miss Chiazo Umeaniba, a student of Maria Regina Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nnewi, in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement.
The Governor announced the scholarship during the first anniversary celebration of Solution FunCity in Awka, after the student, who scored an impressive 344 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), participated in an entertainment performance at the event.
The scholarship will fund Miss Umeaniba’s education from the university level through the completion of her doctoral studies, underscoring the Soludo administration’s commitment to rewarding excellence and investing in the future of young people in Anambra State.
Speaking during the celebration, Governor Soludo described Solution FunCity as a strategic investment aimed at repositioning Anambra as a leading destination for tourism, leisure and investment. He said the facility is the first of several transformational projects designed to boost the state’s economy and improve the quality of life for residents.
# The Obi-in-Council of Onitsha Kingdom and the Management of the FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company has taken a major step towards strengthening electricity service delivery in the ancient commercial city with the official formation of a Joint Action Committee to tackle energy theft, meter bypass, meter tampering, electricity bill default and other practices undermining efficient power supply in the area.
The Committee, which was inaugurated during a follow-up engagement between the Obi-in-Council and the of FirstPower Team at the Palace of the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, as part of efforts to translate the resolutions reached during an earlier stakeholders’ meeting into concrete actions.
The latest meeting, which was graced by the revered monarch, principal members of the Obi-in-Council and the FirstPower management team, reaffirmed the shared commitment of both parties towards promoting accountability, customer compliance, network efficiency and improved electricity service across Onitsha Inland Town and surrounding communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Palace, the Odu Osodi Nkataukwu of Onitsha, Chief Albert Okechukwu Ibekwe, explained that the essence of the meeting was to formally conclude arrangements for the establishment of the Joint Action Committee that would coordinate community-based interventions and support the company in addressing electricity-related challenges.
According to him, the Committee became necessary following the outcome of the earlier engagement between the Obi-in-Council and FirstPower, where both parties extensively deliberated on the numerous technical and commercial issues affecting electricity service in the area, including the high rate of meter bypass, meter tampering, energy theft and poor payment of electricity bills.
Responding, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, expressed appreciation to the Obi of Onitsha and the Council for demonstrating uncommon commitment towards addressing electricity challenges through partnership rather than confrontation.
The MD gave a comprehensive overview of electricity distribution across Onitsha and its environs, explaining the structure of the distribution network, the prevailing service arrangements, band categorisation, the rising cost of energy procurement and other realities currently shaping electricity service delivery across the country.
# ‌‎The Senate of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) has prohibited the conduct of Sign Out Ceremonies by final-year students across all campuses of the institution.
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‎The decision was announced in a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Harrison Madubueze.
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‎According to the statement, the resolution was adopted during the university’s 149th Senate Meeting held on June 24 after the Senate considered the report of the Committee on Students’ Social Regulations.
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‎The university management explained that Sign Out Ceremonies are not part of the institution’s approved academic calendar and are not recognised as official student activities.
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‎Consequently, all Deans and Heads of Departments have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the directive within their respective faculties and departments.
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‎The Senate also mandated academic leaders to sensitise students on the implications of violating the directive and the importance of complying with the new policy.
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‎It warned that any student found organising, participating in, or engaging in activities associated with the banned Sign Out Ceremonies would be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.
# Abba Community in Njikoka LGA is on fire as two Presidents-General flex muscles over leadership of the community town union. Investigations into the town union crisis revealed that the two PGs are currently enmeshed in war of attrition casting aspersions on each other and laying heavy allegations on themselves.
The power tussle between the two PGs have degenerated into full blown war such that security vehicles and other apparatus which the current town union executives are supposed to work with to forestall security breaches in Abba town have been allegedly confiscated by a rival PG and his executives thereby making Abba town susceptible to criminal insurgents.
The two warring PGs who are Chief Alex Ekwuagana and Dr. Roy Chinwuba have become the proverbial elephants fighting while Abba community suffers the pain.
# The Management of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has continued its strategic engagement with customers and host communities, with a visit to the Onitsha G.R.A landlords association, where it reassured residents of the ongoing efforts to restore stable electricity supply following the recent explosion of the 5MVA transformer serving the estate.
The engagement came as the company installed a 2.5MVA transformer as an interim intervention to restore supply to the estate, pending the repair, return and reinstallation of the damaged 5MVA transformer.
The temporary transformer was redeployed from Nkwelle G.R.A. Housing Estate following the successful repair and restoration of the latter’s own 5MVA transformer.
Addressing the landlords during the meeting, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstPower, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, apologized for the inconveniences occasioned by the transformer failure, assuring residents that the company remained fully committed to restoring reliable electricity supply to the estate as quickly as possible.
He explained that the deployment of the 2.5MVA transformer was a deliberate intervention aimed at cushioning the impact of the outage while the damaged 5MVA transformer undergoes comprehensive repairs before its eventual return and reinstallation at the estate.
Responding on behalf of the landlords, the Chairman of the Onitsha G.R.A. Landlords Association, Chief Okwudili Otti, appreciated FirstPower for promptly intervening following the transformer failure and for maintaining continuous engagement with residents throughout the period.
He explained that the electricity project earlier executed within the estate followed due process, adding that investigations revealed the transformer eventually failed after a tall palm tree fell on the network, dragging an energized high-tension line and causing the extensive damage to the 5MVA transformer.
# The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Anambra State Command, joined the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and other stakeholders to commemorate the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.
The State Commandant, Commandant Maku Olatunde, was represented by the Command’s 2ic, Deputy Commandant of Corps, DCC Prominence Ukaobi, at the event held at the Federal Secretariat, Awka.
In his goodwill message delivered on behalf of the State Commandant, DCC Ukaobi reaffirmed the Corps’ unwavering commitment to supporting the national fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He stated that drug abuse remains a major threat to national security, youth productivity, and community peace.
Commandant Olatunde further charged parents, school authorities, and community leaders to be more vigilant and to partner with security agencies. He emphasized that early detection, open communication at home, and involvement in productive activities are key to keeping youths away from drugs.
# The Anambra State Government has officially commenced the reconstruction and modernization of the Onitsha Main Market as part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision to transform the market into a world-class international shopping complex.
The project received a major boost as the Commissioner for Housing, Architect Henry Arize, formally handed over the project site to ten contractors selected to execute various components of the reconstruction.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Main Market Hall in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Arize urged contractors, market leaders and other stakeholders to ensure the successful and timely execution of the project.
He disclosed that Governor Soludo is determined to have the project substantially completed before the 2026 Onitsha Carnival scheduled for December.
The commissioner assured contractors that the government would provide adequate security, electricity and other logistics to support night-time construction, noting that most of the work would be carried out at night to minimise disruption to trading activities.
According to him, the project is expected to be completed within 16 weeks and will feature modern facilities, including a medical centre, recreational areas, a modern parking facility, adequate open spaces and water fountains to improve the comfort of traders and visitors.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Nonso Ebonwu, appealed to traders to cooperate with the government and contractors throughout the reconstruction, noting that the completed project would significantly enhance the market’s appearance and commercial value.
Representing the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Obiora Okafor, urged the contractors to strictly adhere to project specifications and delivery timelines, stressing that Governor Soludo places high priority on quality and timely completion of projects.
Responding to concerns over the movement of construction materials and safety within the market, the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Hon. Chijoke Okpalaugo, assured traders and contractors of adequate security throughout the construction period.
# The Anambra State Ministry of Transport has inaugurated its Monitoring and Enforcement Team following an orientation programme aimed at enhancing accountability and efficiency in the transport sector.
During a briefing at the Anambra State Secretariat Complex, officials unveiled a Code of Conduct to guide the team’s activities. Members were directed to maintain professional standards through proper dressing, use of official identification cards, and respectful engagement with transport stakeholders and the public.
The Code of Conduct prohibits bribery, inducements, intimidation, harassment, unauthorised fee collection, bias, discrimination, and conflicts of interest. Members were instructed to submit accurate reports, document findings properly, protect confidential information, and report revenue leakages, illegal collections, and fraudulent activities through approved channels.
Officials also stressed strict adherence to government policies, lawful directives, and cooperation with security agencies where necessary.
Speaking at the inauguration, Transport Commissioner Hon. Edward Ibuzo urged the team to uphold integrity, resist corruption, and carry out their duties with fairness, professionalism, and respect for the public.
# The Labour Party flagbearer for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Chief Anthony Ikenna Okafor, has challenged Nigerian youths to embrace trade and entrepreneurship as indispensable tools for economic survival and national development.
Okafor, who is the Chief Executive Officer of TK Foods and Beverages, gave the charge at the Multipurpose Hall of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, during the 2026 induction ceremony of the Department of Educational Foundations, organised by the Educational Foundations Students Association (EFSA).
The event, themed, “Foundation for a New Nigeria: Reimagining Education for Innovation and Nation Building,” brought together academics, students, parents and well-wishers in celebration of academic excellence and purposeful leadership.
In a lecture titled, “Trade and Manufacturing as Igbo Sustenance and Lifeline,” Chief Okafor urged students to combine formal education with entrepreneurship, stressing that trade remains the fastest-growing profession and controls over 70 per cent of the global economy.
According to him, passion, determination to save, endurance in service, customer relations, accountability and humility are some of the ingredients required for success in business and life.
Also speaking, Prof. Kingsley Nwosu, in a lecture on “The God Factor: Foundations for True Success and Excellence,” reminded the students that genuine success cannot be divorced from God. He condemned examination malpractice, cultism and shortcuts to success, urging them instead to embrace discipline, hard work and moral uprightness.
The Staff Adviser of the Association, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezennaka, thanked participants for their support and noted that though the induction had suffered delays due to other engagements, the ceremony had officially given the students “wings to fly to success” as bona fide members of the department.
Earlier, the President of EFSA, Comrade Chinemelum Nwobu, welcomed guests and charged the inductees to remain open-minded and take their academic journey seriously.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Chumartins Onunkwo, expressed profound appreciation to the university management, resource persons, staff and students for honouring the invitation and contributing to the success of the induction ceremony. He particularly commended the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Anthony Ikenna Okafor, while urging the newly inducted students to uphold the values of discipline, excellence and integrity.
