# The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC in collaboration with the Anambra State Federal Mines Officer, has sealed two illegal mining sites at Atani in Ogbaru LGA and Iyienu, Ogidi in Idemili North LGA, respectively.
This was disclosed by Superitendent of Corps (SC) Okadigbo Edwin, the Head of Media and Tactical Operations at the State Command Headquarters, Awka.
Speaking for the State Commandant, Commandant Maku Olatunde, SC Okadigbo Edwin said the operation was carried out following meticulous intelligence gathering and surveillance which revealed that the operators of the laterite/sandstone and sharp sand sites had no valid documentation authorizing their mining activities.
In his words, “the Mines and Solid Minerals Development Unit headed by Assistant Commandant of Corps, Ochie Paul jointly with Engr. Edet Anthony, Anambra State the Federal Mines Officer launched an investigation into the activities of these illegal miners and raided the sites.
“On sighting the enforcement team, the suspected illegal miners escaped , leaving behind equipments and fleeing into the nearby bushes. However, various exhibits were recovered at both locations before the sites were sealed.”
Continuing, he said that at Atani, Ogbaru LGA, the operation took place at about 13:04 hours at an illegal sharp sand site where items recovered include one long shovel, two gallons of 25 litres of gasoline, one big excavator battery and four litres of power steering oil.
Thereafter, the team moved to Iyienu, Ogidi in Idemili North LGA where an illegal laterite/sandstone mining site was sealed and the following exhibits were recovered: four shovels, two sledge hammers, one cutlass, three rakes, four hand hammers, two chisels and one small sieve.
He maintained that operations would continue across Anambra State and warned illegal miners that attempts to flee during security raids would not shield them from eventual arrest and prosecution.
Okadigbo said the success of the operation reflects the gallantry and professionalism of our operatives. It is a clear warning that the government will no longer tolerate activities that undermine the growth and development of Nigeria’s mining sector, degrade the environment, and threaten public infrastructure.
The State Commandant commended the joint enforcement team for their determination to protect natural resources, preserve the environment and safeguard communities affected by mining activities.
He noted that the level of land degradation, erosion threats, and flagrant violations of environmental regulations, which pose serious risks to lives, property, and public infrastructure, necessitated the swift action.
# The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, made an unscheduled stop at the University’s Ifite Gate, where he proceeded to Garuba Square for an immediate on-the-spot assessment of the popular student hangout and reading spot.
The surprise inspection comes ahead of the planned facelift and reconstruction of the facility, as the Vice-Chancellor seeks to reposition the square into a modern, attractive and functional space befitting the status of the University.
Garuba Square, one of the most popular relaxation and lounge spots for UNIZIK students, is expected to undergo a major transformation as part of the administration’s vision to improve the University’s physical environment and student experience.
Prof. Anyaehie, who personally inspected the facility and its surroundings, reaffirmed his resolve to give Garuba Square a world-class outlook, signalling what could be a major new chapter for one of the University’s most familiar student spaces.
# The State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, Commandant Maku Olatunde Adekunle, on behalf of the officers and men of the Command, heartily felicitates with Professor Chukwuma Soludo, and people of Anambra State on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the creation of the State.
He applauds Ndi Anambra for their enterprising spirit, peaceful coexistence, and steadfast support for security agencies. He extends special appreciation to Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Town Union Presidents, Youth and Women Leaders, as well as Civil Society Groups for collaborating with the NSCDC in the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and in sustaining peace across the State.
The State Commandant further assures Ndi Anambra that in line with NSCDC core mandates, the Corps remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property, the safeguarding of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, and the provision of professional and proactive security services.
He reaffirms the Corps’ determination to support the Government of the day in its drive to ensure peace, security, and sustainable development in the State. He therefore enjoins citizens to be law-abiding, security conscious, and to continue to partner with the Corps and other security agencies towards a safer and more prosperous Anambra.
In the words of the State Commandant, the 35-year journey of Anambra State showcases the resilience, productivity, and progress of Ndi Anambra, and he observed that the State’s continuous growth is a product of the unity, enterprise, and commitment of its citizens to national development.
As Ndi Anambra mark this celebration, Commandant Maku prays for continued peace, unity, and prosperity in the State, and calls on all citizens to keep working together for the progress of Anambra.
# Solution FC and Edel FC are top seeds in the Anambra Football Association/ Ministry of Sports preseason football tournament, which kicked off in Awka.
The two Anambra based Nigeria National League clubs will lead Olive Charles FC, Peace FC, Alleluia FC, Bona FC, Ozalla FC and UC Diamond FC in the eight teams tournament.
The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba,
performed the kickoff ceremony at the Awka township stadium.
Mr. Mba said the platform was part of the government’s commitment to youth talent discovery, grassroots sports development and building of a sustainable sports economy.
He said the preseason tournament would enable the two NNL sides to prepare for the league season ahead and give footballers the platform to showcase their skills, to compete for space in the big clubs and keep their pursuit of professional career in football on track.
The Commissioner advised them to approach the competition with seriousness and play safe and avoid injuries while urging match officials to uphold the highest standards of fairness, integrity and professionalism.
# The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has extended its grassroots health campaign to Ekwulobia, Aguata LGA, providing residents with free health screening, education and basic medical services.
The two-day outreach, held at the Cathedral Church of St. John’s Hall, Ekwulobia, was organised by Youths on Ground Progressive and Mentorship Initiative, in collaboration with ANSACA and KNCV Nigeria.
Residents received free screening for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, typhoid, hepatitis B and C, as well as blood pressure checks. Health education, treatment and medications were also provided where necessary.
ANSACA commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his continued support for community-based health interventions and for creating an enabling environment for the Agency to take essential HIV and other health services closer to people at the grassroots.
# The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command has put in place comprehensive security arrangements to ensure a peaceful, credible, and hitch-free conduct of the 2026 Anambra State Local Government Elections scheduled for Saturday, 29th August 2026, across all 21 Local Government Areas of the State.
As part of the preparations, the Command has strategically deployed personnel across the twenty-one Local Government Areas of the State to reinforce security and guarantee the safety of lives, property, and electoral materials before, during, and after the elections.
Commandant Maku Olatunde, the NSCDC State Commandant, stated this on Friday, 28th August 2026, while addressing officers and men ahead of their deployment for the assignment.
While urging officers and men to ensure the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, he warned that any act of electoral violence, vandalism, thuggery, intimidation of voters, or disruption of the electoral process will be met with the full weight of the law.
According to him, perpetrators, sponsors, and their accomplices, irrespective of status or affiliation, will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
Commandant Maku further assured residents that NSCDC’s personnel deployed for the exercise will conduct themselves with the highest level of professionalism, neutrality, and respect for human rights, and in strict compliance with extant laws.
He appealed to candidates, party supporters, and stakeholders to embrace peace, noting that the NSCDC in collaboration with sister security agencies has adequately deployed manpower to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, and materials.
The Command reassured the good people of Anambra State of a safe and secure environment throughout the electoral process. Members of the public are enjoined to promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest NSCDC formation or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08035771835, 08036172748, or 08036789255.
# As part of efforts to ensure quality and comprehensive healthcare delivery in Anambra State, the Richard and Caroline Nwafor Foundation has built and donated an international standard hospital called Nanka Health and Telemedicine Research Centre located at Ubahu Nanka, Orumba-North Local Government Area of the state.
The cutting edge health facility which was singlehandedly built by Professor Tochukwu Samuel Nwafor, a US-based professor of internal medicine in honour of his late parents Richard and Caroline Nwafor is expected to address the medical and health needs of not just Nanka people and Ndi-Anambra but Nigerians at large because of the telemedicine technology in the hospital which enables patients and health professionals to access help from other health professionals across the globe.
Prof. Tochukwu Samuel Nwafor who is the first child amongst the three sons of late Richard and Caroline Nwafor, told journalist shortly after the burial ceremony of their mother late Hon. Mrs. Caroline Chinwe Nwafor that the Nanka Health and Telemedicine Research Centre was conceived inorder to detect diseases early, treat them and control them so as to prevent such diseases from causing high mortalities in the community.
The US-based medical expert who observed that about 34% of people in Nigeria have hypertension, said there is a relationship between hypertension and stroke and that about 80% of people with strokes have hypertension as a contributing factor just as he believes that stroke has significant mortalities.
# ‎High Chief Dozie Donat Okolo, has reiterated his commitment to the service of God, the catholic church and community development after being honoured as Chairman of the occasion at the dedication of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ufuma, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
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‎The dedication ceremony was performed by the Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, and featured prayers, thanksgiving and celebrations attended by clergy, parishioners, community leaders and other guests.
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‎Speaking at the event, Hon. Okolo expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the church. He said supporting worthy projects and serving God remained important aspects of his personal commitment.
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‎He encouraged parishioners, individuals and other supporters of the church to continue contributing to the development of the parish, particularly its evangelisation and infrastructural projects.
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# The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has called on residents to take greater individual responsibility for environmental cleanliness, saying proper waste disposal at household level will help reduce indiscriminate dumping across the state.
Dr. Aguiyi made the call while supervising the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Onitsha Metropolis.
The Commissioner described the turnout for the exercise as fair, noting that while some residents remained at home, others came out to clean their surroundings and participate in the exercise.
He identified individual stewardship as a major factor in maintaining a clean environment, questioning whether residents who complain about indiscriminate waste disposal have waste bins in their homes.
Dr. Aguiyi stressed the importance of providing and using individual waste bins, saying that if households adopt the practice, about fifty percent of waste littered around the environment could be reduced.
He called for greater involvement of corporate organisations and individuals in environmental issues, stressing that maintaining a clean environment requires collective responsibility.
The Commissioner urged residents to make proper waste disposal a daily habit and support government efforts to keep Anambra clean and healthy.
# The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Anambra State, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has commended renowned philanthropist, Sir. Emeka Offor, for his sustained intervention in the lives of widows and vulnerable persons in the state.
Mrs. Onyekesi gave the commendation while attending a Mega Empowerment Programme for Widows held in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, where Dr. Offor empowered all the widows in the community with two bags of 50kg rice each, in addition to taking care of all their medical bills.
The Commissioner described the initiative as a remarkable demonstration of humanitarian service, noting that the gesture would go a long way in improving the economic well-being of the beneficiaries and strengthening their capacity to support their families.
She said the intervention was particularly significant at a time when government and individuals must work together to reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of vulnerable members of society.
According to Mrs. Onyekesi, the intervention by Sir. Offor complements the efforts of the Anambra State Government under the leadership of Professor Chukwuma Soludo to promote women empowerment, social inclusion and improved welfare for vulnerable groups.
She assured widows across the state that the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare would continue to prioritise their welfare and ensure that they are carried along in relevant government empowerment and social intervention programmes.
The Commissioner further stated that the Ministry would continue to collaborate with philanthropists, organisations and other well-meaning individuals whose interventions contribute to improving the lives of women, widows and vulnerable persons.
Mrs. Onyekesi expressed appreciation to Sir Dr Emeka Offor for the initiative, urging other individuals and organisations to emulate his philanthropic efforts and contribute to building a more inclusive and supportive society.
