# The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Anambra State, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to empowering young people with the skills, opportunities and support needed to build productive and independent futures.
The commissioner stressed that youth empowerment must go beyond speeches and it must translate into practical skills, economic opportunities, protection and meaningful participation in society.
Mrs. Onyekesi urged young people across Anambra to embrace skills development, education, entrepreneurship, innovation and responsible citizenship, while rejecting social vices and taking advantage of legitimate opportunities.
The Commissioner congratulated Anambra youths and assured them that the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare will continue to champion programmes that promote their protection, dignity, inclusion and empowerment.
# The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter has congratulated CP Nnanna Oji Ama on his assumption of duty as the 36th Commissioner of Police.
SWAN Anambra Chapter sent the goodwill message in a Statement signed by Chimezie Anaso and Uche Ndeke, the Chairman and Secretary respectively.
The body of Sports Writers who welcomed Ama on his assumption expressed confidence in his wealth of experience, professional competence, and proven track record in intelligence, operations, and strategic leadership.
SWAN pledged its full support and readiness to work closely with the CP in promotion and development of sporting talents within the Command and across the state.
The body said it looked forward to a continued robust, productive and mutually beneficial relationship that will further advance the cause of sports and the well-being of the people of Anambra State.
# As the Global Community celebrates this year’s International Youth Day, the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze has called for full implementation of the “Not Too Young To Run Bill” passed by the National Assembly, which former President Muhammadu Buhari signed into Law in 2018 to avail Nigerian Youth the opportunity to fully participate and aspire to any role in politics, governance and leadership.
In his goodwill message to the youth, Rt. Hon. Udeze appealed to government at different levels to endeavour to create a system that nurtures the talents of the youth and ensures their robust development as they grow into the leadership of the society, adding that the education, knowledge, technical skills and character of the youth will determine the future conditions of the nations.
Rt. Hon. Udeze who revealed that Governor Chukwuma Soludo had already empowered more than thirty six thousand (36,000) youths across the State with various skills, of which many youths have acquired digital skills, accessed grants amounting to 5.5 Billion Naira, started businesses as well as the ongoing one million Anambra Digital Tribe Initiative, commended the Governor for building a prosperous, inclusive and smart society where young people are equipped to thrive.
He maintained that the 8th Anambra Assembly under his watch has prioritized youth oriented Legislation and will continue to give issues affecting the youth of the State the utmost attention that they deserve, noting that the State Legislature had in 2020 Enacted a Law for the establishment of the State Youth Development and Empowerment Commission, while a Law to ensure that only youths between the ages eighteen and thirty five benefit from the youth development programmes in the State will soon be passed.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Speaker reminded the youth of their critical role in shaping the future of the country, admonishing them to shun acts capable of jeopardizing their future such as drug abuse, rape, electoral vices, cultism among other negative social and immortal conducts.
# The Anambra State Government says its ongoing road construction programme is focused not only on expanding infrastructure but also on ensuring quality, durability and long term value for the people of the state.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arch. Okey Ezeobi, said the administration was committed to completing projects according to approved standards, noting that every completed road would create better connections between communities, improve transportation and open up new economic opportunities.
Ezeobi explained that contractors undergo rigorous technical screening before being awarded projects, adding that their performance is continuously monitored throughout the construction process. He said completed roads are also subjected to a six month rainy season retention period, during which contractors are responsible for correcting any defects that may emerge.
According to the government, major projects including the Anambra Aerotropolis are being developed in line with the state’s Vision 2070 framework, with the overall objective of building durable infrastructure and creating a more liveable and prosperous Anambra for present and future generations.
# Governor Chukwuma Soludo through his Deputy, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim has charged student union leaders to use their positions to make a positive and lasting impact on their institutions and society.
The Governor gave the charge when the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), led by its President, Comrade Ikezue Anthony, paid a courtesy visit to him at the Government House, Awka.
The Deputy Governor urged the student leaders to develop clear visions for their tenure and pursue initiatives that would bring physical, intellectual, and moral transformation to their institution.
Dr. Ibezim them to focus on generating ideas and solutions rather than merely discussing people and events, stressing that true leadership was measured by the positive changes achieved.
He also highlighted the achievements of the Soludo administration in security, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and infrastructure, urging the students to understand and support the development efforts in the state.
Speaking, the SUG President commended the state government for its interventions in various sectors and appealed for greater involvement of students in government programmes and decision-making.
He also appealed to the Deputy Governor to convey their concerns on students’ bursary and the proposed increase in school fees at their institution to the Governor, saying increased government support to the university could help reduce the burden on students and their parents.
# The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare has officially flagged off its 2026 Skills Acquisition Programme, reaffirming the Soludo Administration’s commitment to equipping women and youths with practical skills for economic independence and self-reliance.
The programme, which began on Tuesday
at the premises of the Ministry in Agu-Awka, brought together beneficiaries who will undergo intensive practical training in various vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
The training covers key areas including Catering and Confectionery, Computer Education, Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Tailoring and Fashion Design, and Arts and Crafts.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, urged the trainees to take the opportunity seriously, describing skills acquisition as a powerful pathway to financial independence, job creation and improved livelihoods.
The Commissioner encouraged the beneficiaries to remain committed, disciplined and open to learning, stressing that the objective of the programme goes beyond acquiring certificates but is focused on equipping participants with practical skills they can deploy to establish businesses and create opportunities for others.
According to the Commissioner, the initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to promote women’s empowerment, youth development and social welfare, in line with the vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to build a productive and economically resilient population.
The Commissioner further emphasized that empowering women and young people with relevant skills would help reduce unemployment, poverty and dependency while strengthening families and communities.
The Ministry said the programme is expected to produce beneficiaries who will not only become self-reliant but also contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Anambra State through entrepreneurship and job creation.
# Christians have been urged to stop allowing the pressures, uncertainties and struggles of everyday life to rob them of gratitude to God, but to make thanksgiving a constant part of their prayers and trust in His faithfulness.
The call was made by the Resident Minister, Christ Holy Church International, Number Two, Awka, Senior Evangelist Henry Damanze, who said many people, including Christians, had become so consumed by worries about their families, finances, health, future and other challenges that they often forgot to appreciate God for the blessings they had already received.
Senior Evangelist Damanze urged Christians to follow the biblical counsel of Apostle Paul by presenting their requests to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.
He stressed that thanksgiving should not be treated as an afterthought in prayer, but as an essential part of communicating with God, urging believers to appreciate God for what He had already done before asking Him for more.
# The management of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State to create more opportunities for corps members.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua, and other officials at the NYSC State Secretariat in Awka.
Speaking during the visit, Engr. Okafor said the engagement was aimed at deepening collaboration with the NYSC and securing increased deployment of corps members, particularly graduates of engineering, electrical/electronics, law, accounting and other relevant disciplines.
He described FirstPower as one of the largest employers of labour in Anambra State and the South East, noting that the company remains committed to providing corps members with practical industry experience in the power sector.
The Managing Director also identified areas for future collaboration, including technical training, capacity building, community development projects, energy awareness campaigns, innovation and mentorship programmes.
Responding, Mrs. Ojisua welcomed the delegation and commended FirstPower for its commitment to youth development, describing the company as a strategic partner capable of providing corps members with valuable professional exposure and practical workplace experience.
The NYSC State Coordinator, however, appealed to organisations engaging corps members to prioritise their welfare, urging FirstPower to support improved electricity supply to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp ahead of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Orientation Course scheduled to commence on August 4.
# The Chief Medical Director, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Dr. Maureen Umeakuewulu, says the State Government has approved N500 million for the acquisition of major medical equipment and funding for the accreditation of critical departments in the hospital.
Dr. Umeakuewulu disclosed this while defending the hospital’s 2025 financial year before the Public Account Committee of Anambra State House of Assembly, while e appreciating the State Government for his support and commitment to repositioning the institution.
She said the hospital had commenced innovations and rejuvenation aimed at transforming it into a centre of excellence capable of providing quality healthcare services not only to people of Anambra State but also to neighbouring states.
The Chief Medical Director also assured the lawmakers that the hospital management would implement the 2026 budget strictly in line with the approvals granted, while addressing the observations and corrections raised during the review of the 2025 financial year.
Dr. Umeakuewulu said some departments of the hospital required immediate accreditation and that funds had been approved to facilitate the process, stressing that the management is working round the clock to ensure that the institution gains national and international recognition.
The Chief Medical Director thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his support and appealed for continued collaboration as the hospital works towards achieving its vision of becoming a globally recognised centre of excellence.
# Communities across Anambra are intensifying preparations for the annual New Yam Festival, with traditional rulers, village heads, age grades, women and youth groups, cultural troupes and organising committees set to celebrate the harvest season and preserve Igbo cultural heritage.
Known as Iri Ji, Iwa Ji, Ihejioku or Afiaolu in some communities, the festival is generally celebrated between August and September. Communities including Abatete, Omor, Uga, Nimo, Ogbunka, Abacha, Umuoba-Anam, Igboukwu, Ezi Agulu-otu, Ikenga, Akwaihedi, Oba, Utuh, Umuona, Akwaeze, Ezinifite Nnewi, Okija, Awkuzu, Mbosi and Ikem-Ivite have announced dates, while others are finalising their programmes.
More than a harvest celebration, the festival is a period of thanksgiving for a fruitful farming season, appreciation of hard work and a reaffirmation of unity, peace and communal living.
Across Anambra, the festival attracts indigenes from different parts of Nigeria and the diaspora, providing an opportunity for families to reunite, reconnect with their roots and participate in community development activities. Celebrations are often marked by royal processions, cultural dances, masquerade displays, traditional music, local cuisine and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving individuals.
