# Leadership of Nsugbe community in Anambra East Local Government Area has appealed to Senator Tony Nwoye to allow peace to prevail as the community proceeds with the election of its traditional ruler.
The appeal was made on Sunday by the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee set up by the Anambra State Government, Mr. Victor Attah.
Attah said the state government suspended the Nsugbe Town Union on August 24, 2026, over several allegations, and constituted a caretaker committee to restore peace and conduct the election in line with the wishes of the people.
He explained that the crisis arose after the traditional stool was zoned to Ivite village. In response to agitations led by Senator Nwoye, the committee agreed to scrap the delegate system and adopt an all-inclusive process where every eligible person from Ivite would vote.
# High Chief Martin Nwabueze, Chairman and Founder of the Ichie Akubudike Foundation, has emerged as the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Man of the Year.
Nwabueze, who hails from Umudioka in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, will succeed the Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, who received the honour in 2025.
The announcement was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the NUJ, Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD; the Council Secretary, Dr. Okechukwu Onuegbu; and the Chairman of the 2026 Man of the Year Awards and Coral Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee, Comrade Ekpone Francis Emeka.
According to the statement, the grand finale of the 2026 NUJ Man of the Year Awards and Coral Anniversary celebration is scheduled for September 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Anabelle Event Centre, Awka.
Nwabueze, popularly known as Ichie Akubudike, Agubuzo na Dunukofia and Ozoma Ndi Ichie, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, traditional leader, sports enthusiast and community development advocate with interests spanning business, construction and the oil and gas sector.endent, Unbiased – Udeze
# The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze has said that the peaceful conduct of the Local Government Election across the the State, which recorded no trace of insecurity or electoral vices, has laid solid credence to the success story of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration on security of lives and property of the citizenry.
Speaking in his country home Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Area on the outcome of the local government election, Rt. Hon. Udeze expressed gratitude to the people of Ogbaru Council Area for participating enmasse during the election.
The Speaker commended electorates for exhibiting peaceful conduct, adding that APGA faithful in Ogbaru have once more demonstrated that they are one big family, committed to the peace, unity and progress of the State.
Udeze while congratulating Mayors-elect and the Councilors across the State on their victory, urged them to join the Solution Team led by Governor Soludo, who he said, has distinguished himself in governance through massive transformation of the State and upliftment of the living standard of the people.
He commended the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) for truly proving to be independent and unbiased by conducting free, fair and credible local government election without interference from any quarter, assuring that the superlative performance of APGA in the election will be replicated in the forthcoming general elections in the State.
He enjoined well-meaning citizens to avail themselves of the wonderful and conducive security environment provided by the Soludo administration to bring their businesses home and invest in the State.
# The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old suspected drug dealer, identified as Chinedu Nwankwo, and recovered a large quantity of suspected Cannabis Sativa, Methamphetamine and Colorado (Colos), estimated at ₦5.8 million.
The suspect was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Team during an intelligence-driven patrol operation along the Nteje–Otuocha Road.
According to SP. Ikenga Tochukwu,
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Command, preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect was allegedly conveying the illicit substances to Otuocha, Anyamelium, Nzam, Umuleri and Aguleri areas for delivery to suspected criminal elements.
Investigators are also examining the alleged connection of the consignments with activities capable of disrupting the ongoing Local Government Council elections in the State.
The suspect and recovered exhibits are currently in police custody, while investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify other persons who may be connected to the alleged network.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, while commending the operatives for their vigilance and sustained patrols, particularly during the election period, noted that illicit drugs remain among the factors that can fuel criminality, as drug trafficking and abuse may provide resources and embolden individuals involved in violent and other forms of crime.
The Commissioner therefore reiterated that the Command will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations and targeted raids on identified criminal hideouts and other locations of interest across the State, in collaboration with sister security agencies, to prevent criminal activities and nip them in the bud.
The Command further assures residents that it remains committed to maintaining public safety and protecting the integrity of the electoral process throughout the State.
# The Anambra State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Development, Patrick Aghamba; APGA Mayoral Candidate for Onitsha South Local Government Area, Peter Ezeoba; Councillor representing Odoakpu Ward One, Franklin Oyeke; and Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, are among the dignitaries who cast their votes in the Anambra State Local Government Elections at their respective polling units across Onitsha South and Onitsha North Local Government Areas.
Speaking with newsmen after casting his vote, Honourable Ezeoba said he was impressed by the turnout of voters, stating that he had expected voter apathy.
The stakeholders said the turnout reflected the strong desire and willingness of the people to participate in the democratic process and elect leaders of their choice.
They also commended the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, for what they described as the timely and orderly conduct of the election, optimistic of a free, fair and credible election.
# Teachers in the Otuocha Education Zone have commenced a digital skills training programme aimed at strengthening their capacity to integrate technology into teaching and learning.
The Solution Teachers Digital Skills Training, which commenced on Aug. 24, is ongoing at the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre of Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (NOCEN).
The programme is designed to equip participating teachers with practical digital competencies for classroom engagement, lesson delivery and the adoption of innovative teaching methods.
It also exposes the teachers to relevant digital tools and technologies to enhance instructional delivery, improve students’ learning experiences and promote innovation in education.
The training is part of efforts to develop a digitally competent teaching workforce capable of responding to the changing demands of education in the digital age.
Through practical sessions and hands on activities, the teachers are gaining confidence in integrating technology into their teaching activities.
The initiative is expected to contribute to a technology driven education system by equipping teachers with relevant skills for effective teaching in an increasingly digital environment.
# The Mayoral and Councillorship elections in Mgbakwu Ward, Awka North Local Government Area, were peaceful, hitch-free and successful as officials of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, arrived as early as 8am, while security personnel were also on ground to ensure the safety of voters.
During the monitoring of the election by newsmen, a large turnout of voters was observed, while the voting process was orderly and smooth from commencement to the end.
Speaking shortly after casting his vote at Community Primary School, Abor-Achalumana Village, Mgbakwu, venue for the elections, the APGA Mayoral Candidate for Awka North, Chief ThankGod Anago, rated ANSIEC and security agencies high for ensuring a successful election in the area, and assured the people of Awka North of more developmental projects if he emerge winner.
The APGA Councillorship Candidate for Mgbakwu Ward, Honourable Chidiebele Ikegbunam, commended the people of Mgbakwu for coming out en masse to participate in the election, noting that voters are becoming more intentional about participating in the electoral process, and praised ANSIEC for its level of preparedness.
# Relative peace, progress and massive development in Ogbunka, Orumba South Council Area were what was witnessed during the 2026 Ihejioku Festival of the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Dr Johnmark Anyaoha.
Igwe Dr Anyaoha popularly known as ‘Nka 1 na Ogbunka, Igwe Chimelueze’ was rallied round by his subjects who trooped out enmass to join him for the Ihejioku Festival known as new yam festival to thank God for a bountiful harvest as their farms yielded much fruits.
Celebrated at Awuka Ogbunka Palace of David Arena, was graced by other traditional rulers in the state, top government officials, cabinet members, Ndi Amala Ogbunka, women, youths and other groups who displayed their rich cultural heritage and traditions, as well as other cultural dances, masquerading and display of native foods.
A special Mass was held to appreciate and show gratitude to God for His mercies of going to farm and coming back with bountiful harvest, during which Rev. Fr Jeremiah Okafor, in his homily, said that the festival is all about celebrating peace, love, oneness and progress that Igwe Anyaoha brought to the community within short time, and also a moment of breaking any yoke of unforgiven spirit, envy, wickedness and sadness, thereby ushering in God’s unconditional love, advising Ndi Ogbunka to support and love their traditional ruler.
Speaking from the throne while performing the kolanut rituals, Igwe Anyaoha said they were celebrating God’s faithfulness upon the land as they have witness tremendous peace, cordial relationship between them and neighbouring communities, as well as demonstration of their identity and culture which was inherited from forefathers; and will be passed on to generations to come for them to know their root.
Igwe Anyaoha encouraged his subjects to embark on farming, even if it’s ‘Ugbo Azu Uno’, as their lands is blessed, commending Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his efforts in developing all sectors of the state economy, more especially in security architecture, and pledged their total support to him, even as he prayed God for greater bountiful harvest next year.
# The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has directed the immediate commencement of palliative repairs on failed sections of the road connecting the Second Niger Bridge, to ease the hardship being experienced by motorists while the main construction works on the corridor continue.
Umahi gave the directive during an inspection of the ongoing Obosi-Ogbunike-Ogidi Interchange Road, which connects to the Second Niger Bridge, where he also urged contractors handling the project to speed up construction and ensure that the road remains passable throughout the construction period.
The Minister directed the contractor, SKCC, to temporarily suspend further asphalt and concrete works on the affected sections and first undertake comprehensive measurements of all failed portions.
He ordered that the affected areas be milled out and treated with a 60 millimetre binder course as a temporary measure to improve the condition of the road.
Umahi stressed that the intervention was not the final fixing of the road, but a palliative measure designed to keep the corridor motorable and reduce the hardship faced by motorists pending completion of the major connecting road.
He also directed the contractor to commence desilting of existing drainage channels and construct additional drains within the project scope.
The Minister further directed that night operations be considered to minimise disruption to traffic and called for the involvement of the Federal Road Safety Corps and local traffic managers to ensure the safety of motorists and workers.
He also assured the contractor that certified outstanding payments would be addressed.
Umahi reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving critical infrastructure across the South East and appealed to the people of the region to recognise the interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly in improving road connectivity and creating an environment conducive to investment and economic development.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, described the intervention as a demonstration of renewed hope, saying improved connectivity through the Second Niger Bridge and the Onitsha and Asaba bypasses would ease movement and strengthen economic activities across the South East.
Ezeobi said the Anambra State Government was finalising arrangements to provide an additional five kilometres of right of way for the project, expressing confidence that the expanded corridor would provide sufficient space for the contractor to accelerate construction.
# The traditional ruler of Oba Ebo-Itenani Ancient Kingdom in Idemili South Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State, Igwe Engr. Augustine Emelobe (EzeOkpoko II), has led his people in celebrating the 2026 Ushiojioku Festival, marking his second New Yam Festival since ascending the throne.
The colourful ceremony at the monarch’s palace in Okuzu-Mbana, Oba, brought together indigenes, residents and traditional stakeholders to give thanks to God for a bountiful harvest, seeking continued peace, prosperity and progress for the community.
Speaking during the celebration, Igwe Emelobe described the festival as an important expression of Oba’s cultural heritage and a moment of thanksgiving for the abundance of food crops produced in the land.
He explained that the celebration, traditionally known as “Mmekolita Ushiojioku,” formally ushers in the season when Oba indigenes can begin eating the new yam, while encouraging families, kindreds, villages and quarters to observe the festival in their own homes.
Beyond the cultural significance of the occasion, EzeOkpoko II used the gathering to encourage Oba youths to take advantage of available empowerment and skills acquisition programmes as part of efforts to reduce unemployment and build self reliance.
The monarch prayed for the success of businessmen and women, civil servants, artisans, apprentices and other workers, while seeking divine blessings for families, young people and Oba indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
The President General of Oba Patriotic Union (OPU), Engr. Anthony Uzo Ejiofor, commended the monarch for sustaining the community’s cultural heritage, describing the festival as an opportunity to thank God for the productivity of Oba land.
According to him, the community has witnessed renewed peace and unity, urging indigenes to sustain the spirit of brotherhood and collective development.
Ejiofor called on youths to embrace skills acquisition and empowerment opportunities provided through initiatives supported by the traditional institution and OPU.
He noted that a committee on empowerment and skills acquisition had been established, with youths and women already undergoing various training programmes aimed at equipping them with practical skills and improving their economic prospects.
