# The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has called on the Federal Government to immortalise former Anambra State Governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba, by naming a befitting federal government institution after her in recognition of her contributions to the country.
Udeze made the appeal as Dame Etiaba, the first female governor in Nigeria, marked her 84th birthday.
In a congratulatory message on behalf of the State Legislature, the Speaker described Dame Etiaba as a virtuous woman, renowned teacher, role model, selfless politician and devout Christian whose emergence as governor in 2006 marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political history.
He said God used her to provide leadership in Anambra State at a critical period when the state’s political situation was turbulent, noting that her emergence brought calm to the political environment.
According to Udeze, Dame Etiaba deployed her motherly disposition and commitment to peace to run an inclusive and godly administration.
In a statement signed by Emma Madu, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Udeze highlighted some of the former governor’s achievements, including signing the Child Rights Law, constructing roads, reviving moribund parastatals and clearing outstanding gratuities and pension liabilities.
He also commended her personal charity initiatives targeted at widows and persons living with disabilities across the state.
The Speaker said naming a federal government institution after Dame Etiaba would serve as a fitting recognition of her contributions and the historic role she played in projecting Nigeria’s image before the international community as its first female governor.
# The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has intensified preparations for the 2026 World AIDS Day celebration, unveiling strategic activities aimed at accelerating HIV prevention, expanding access to treatment, tackling stigma and strengthening community participation in the state’s HIV response.
Under the leadership of its Executive Director/Project Manager, Dr. Nkem Okeke, the agency is mobilising government institutions, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, youth organisations and communities towards achieving an HIV-free Anambra by 2030.
With the theme, “Ending AIDS Starts with Access: Equity, Ownership and Sustainability,” this year’s commemoration will focus on practical solutions, scientific innovations, sustainable financing and increased grassroots participation in the fight against HIV.
Activities lined up for the celebration include a World AIDS Day press conference, Maiden International HIV Scientific Symposium, high-level advocacy visit, HIV awareness walk, community roadshows and a Community Champion Honorarium Dinner to recognise individuals, institutions and partners making outstanding contributions to HIV prevention and care across the state.
Speaking on the preparations, Dr. Okeke reaffirmed ANSACA’s commitment to translating awareness into measurable action.
He said ending AIDS requires collective commitment, accessible prevention services, widespread testing, effective treatment and sustained efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination.
“Our message is clear: ending AIDS is possible, but it requires more than promises. We must take HIV prevention to every community, make testing and treatment accessible to everyone, confront stigma wherever it exists and build a sustainable, community-driven response. No one must be left behind,” he stated.
Dr. Okeke noted that the initiatives align with the vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, whose administration continues to prioritise human capital development, accessible healthcare and a healthier, more productive Anambra State.
ANSACA has therefore called on traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, tertiary institutions, civil society groups, the private sector, development partners and residents to actively participate in activities marking the December 1, 2026, World AIDS Day.
# The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Edward Ibuzo, and the Managing Director of the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), Engineer Emeka Okonkwo, to enforce the mandatory use of designated vehicle terminals by commercial buses entering the state through the First Niger Bridge.
The House also urged the state government to prohibit unauthorised loading and offloading of passengers along the Bridgehead–Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha to address persistent traffic congestion on the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Aguata Constituency two, Dr. Tony Muobike, who raised concerns over the indiscriminate loading and offloading of passengers by commercial buses along the highway and its service lanes.
Muobike observed that the practice had continued to obstruct traffic, reduce the effective capacity of the road and cause avoidable delays for motorists, commuters and traders. He added that the situation also exposed road users to security risks and created difficulties for vehicles entering or exiting the main highway.
He noted that the availability of suitable vehicle terminals within approximately 100 metres of the Niger Bridge provided a practical opportunity to organise commercial transport activities without obstructing the highway.
The lawmaker stressed the need for coordinated enforcement by the Ministry of Transport and ARTMA, supported by clear road signage, public enlightenment and consistent monitoring.
He further described the Bridgehead–Upper Iweka corridor as a major gateway into Anambra State, noting that the traffic situation in the area did not reflect the image the state wished to project to visitors.
# Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State has erupted in protest over the dissolution of its democratically elected Town Union Executive Committee by the state government and the subsequent installation of a caretaker committee to administer the affairs of the community.
The community, which staged a peaceful protest march at the weekend, described the government’s action as an affront to its democratic rights and a threat to the peace and development it had enjoyed following the return of elected leadership in 2021.
The protesters specifically rejected the caretaker committee reportedly constituted by the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government and Town Union Matters in October 2026, with Mr Jonathan Okoli, popularly known as Joe Japan, appointed as its chairman.
The ministry had dissolved the executive committee led by Mr Sunday Enemuo, citing a 2016 court judgment obtained by some individuals over the alleged setting aside of the 1990 Constitution of Ndiowu Town Union.
Speaking during the protest, Mazi Uchenna Iloh, Chairman of the four traditional quarters in Ndiowu, former Chairman of Umudiabo Village and a member of the Eze’s Cabinet, accused the state government of removing a democratically elected leadership whose tenure was expected to end in December 2028 and replacing it with an unelected caretaker committee.
Iloh argued that the 2016 judgment relied upon by the ministry was directed against an earlier caretaker committee and not the democratically elected executive currently in office.
Recounting the history of the leadership crisis in the community, he said an earlier caretaker committee headed by one Abednego Okoli was installed by the Anambra State Government several years ago but subsequently set aside the community’s 1990 Constitution, triggering a protracted legal battle that culminated in the 2016 judgment.
According to him, the court ruled that the caretaker committee had no authority to set aside the 1990 Constitution of Ndiowu.
“Sadly, after the judgment, the caretaker committee, which the judgment was meant to remove, remained in office for over six years,” he said.
He further recalled that following the departure of the Abednego Okoli-led committee, another leadership crisis erupted when Hon. Emeka Aforka, an indigene of the community, allegedly submitted a fresh list of nominees to the state government, resulting in the installation of another caretaker committee headed by Mr Nnaemeka Nwajagu, despite the subsisting court judgment.
According to Iloh, the community protested against the arrangement, leading to the removal of the caretakcaretaker committee and paving the way for the election of a substantive Town Union Executive Committee led by Engr. Chike Emenike in December 2021.
He said the election marked the restoration of democratic leadership after what he described as eight years of painful caretaker administration.
“Ndiowu was happy that democracy returned after eight years of torturous caretaker leadership. It was under the caretaker committee that Ndiowu received N40 million in two tranches from the state government under GovernorWillie Obiano.
Unfortunately, the caretaker committee squandered the N40 million meant for the development of Ndiowu. But after the 2021 Town Union election, which brought Engr. Chike Emenike in as President-General, peace and development returned and remained in Ndiowu,” he added.
# The Secretary to the Anambra State Government (SSG), Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, has called for the institutionalisation of a long-term development framework for Anambra State, stressing the need for continuity, consistency and sustained commitment to development beyond the tenure of any administration.
Nnake made the call at a one-day sensitisation workshop on Policy Implementation and Performance Review, organised by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government at Best Western Hotel, Awka.
The workshop, had as its theme, “Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for Effective Policy Implementation, Performance Tracking and Service Delivery in Anambra State.”
The SSG emphasised the importance of developing and sustaining a comprehensive 2070 development plan that would provide a clear strategic direction for the state, irrespective of changes in political leadership.
She noted that development planning must transcend the lifespan of the present administration, explaining that while the current government has approximately three and a half years remaining in office, its development vision must establish a foundation that successive administrations would be committed to sustaining.
According to her, the objective is to build an enduring developmental framework that prioritises human capital development, infrastructure and socioeconomic advancement, ensuring that the gains already recorded are consolidated rather than abandoned with changes in government.
Nnake urged planning officers to recognise their strategic responsibility as custodians of government policies and development objectives, noting that effective planning requires curiosity, professionalism, commitment and a thorough understanding of the long-term implications of government programmes.
She challenged them to move beyond the conventional measurement of government performance through outputs and activities to a more comprehensive assessment of the actual impact of policies and programmes on the lives of citizens.
She explained that monitoring and evaluation should establish not merely the number of projects executed or programmes implemented, but also their broader socioeconomic benefits, including jobs created, livelihoods improved, economic opportunities generated and the extent to which government interventions have improved the living conditions of the people.
The SSG further stressed the need for a strong institutional structure that would protect the state’s development blueprint from unnecessary alterations whenever there is a change in political leadership.
# The Anambra State Accounting Staff Association (ASASA) has celebrated this year’s International Accountants Day with activities promoting professional development, community service and members’ wellbeing.
The two-day celebration, featured a road walk, orphanage visits, capacity-building sessions, health seminar and recognition of retirees.
As part of its humanitarian activities, the association visited Model Community Home, Real Estate, Awka, and Chiema Orphanage Home, Awka, donating foodstuffs, beverages, exercise books and household essentials.
The Chairman of ASASA, Mr. Onyekwe Albert Ude, led members in presenting the donations, reaffirming the association’s commitment to supporting vulnerable children and promoting community welfare.
During the programme, participants benefited from free medical examinations and basic health checks organized by the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA).
# The Mayor of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon. Oluchukwu John Ilogbenu has received the newly appointed Special Assistant on Disability Affairs.
During the meeting, the Special Assistant presented proposed programmes and initiatives aimed at advancing the welfare of persons with disabilities.
He also expand opportunities for their empowerment and ensuring their inclusion in the council’s development activities.
Hon. Ilogbenu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a governance approach that recognises the rights, abilities and contributions of every individual.
He stressed that persons with disabilities must have equal opportunities to participate in community life and benefit from programmes designed to improve the well-being of residents.
The Mayor noted that the Idemili South Rising vision places importance on human dignity, accessibility and equal participation.
He assures that the administration would continue to promote initiatives that address the needs of persons with disabilities.
