# A total of 16,842 students are set to graduate from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, during its 20th and 21st Combined Convocation Ceremonies scheduled for November 15 to 20, 2026.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie, disclosed this on Thursday, November 12, while addressing journalists at a press conference held at the University’s Council Chamber.
He said the graduands comprised students from the 2025 and 2026 graduating classes, with 14,803 earning first degrees and 2,039 completing various postgraduate programmes.
Giving a breakdown of the first-degree results, Anyaehie said 194 graduands obtained First Class Honours, 4,230 earned Second Class Honours (Upper Division), while 7,992 graduated with Second Class Honours (Lower Division).
Another 1,936 obtained Third Class Honours, 65 graduated with Pass degrees, while 486 received unclassified medical and professional degrees.
#The Anambra State Government has approved the full implementation of the Hundred percent (100%) Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for all eligible health workers previously excluded from the earlier approval.
The approval, granted by Governor Chukwuma Soludo covers additional categories of health professionals under the reviewed 2024 CONHESS.
The newly covered professionals include pharmacists, environmental health officers, medical laboratory technologists, medical record technicians, dieticians, nutritionists, health education officers, social welfare officers, scientific officers, population programme officers, livestock officers, health attendants and health assistants, among others.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Soludo for extending the salary benefits to the affected health workers.
Dr Obidike described the approval as a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare, fairness and the strengthening of the state’s healthcare system.
He noted that the decision would address longstanding concerns among health professionals, promote industrial harmony and boost staff morale for improved healthcare delivery.
The Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the Governor’s gesture through dedication, discipline and professionalism, while reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the state’s healthcare transformation agenda.
# The Anambra State Government, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intensified efforts to combat drug abuse by taking its Alternative Development Programme to communities across the state.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, joined officials of the NDLEA from Abuja and the Anambra State Command on a sensitisation tour of selected communities to brief residents on the programme.
The communities visited were Nimo, Abatete and Ogidi, following earlier visits to Nanka, Oraifite and Nkwelle.
The exercise is a collaborative effort involving the Anambra State Ministry of Information and Value Reformation’s Value Reformation Project, the Ministry of Health’s Anambra State War Against Drug Abuse initiative, and the NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse campaign.
Speaking at Abatete, Dr Mefor said dangerous drugs had become a major concern in contemporary society, explaining that the NDLEA State Command initiated the programme, which the Ministries of Information and Health embraced because it aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s efforts to rid the state of illicit drugs.
“We will fight it seriously. It’s not just about drug dealers and users. Those here can help get others. Let’s work to save our people. NDLEA will work with the community to help our community,” he said.
# Governor Chukwuma Soludo has commended local government workers in Anambra State for their dedication and commitment to duty, declaring that they deserve their wages.
The Governor made the commendation during the Local Government Workers’ Week celebration in Awka, where he highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve workers’ welfare while outlining plans for further reforms in the local government service.
Soludo said his administration had cleared four years of outstanding gratuities, ensuring that retiring workers receive their pensions and gratuities as and when due.
“When I came, the gratuities owed for four years had been cleared. Those retiring are getting their pension and gratuities as and when due,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to workforce development, the Governor promised to reconstitute the relevant commission and address issues relating to staff training.
“We will reconstitute the commission and deal with the issue of training. For our own part, whatever is feasible to be done within budget constraints will be done,” he added.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government, Barrister. Vin Ezeaka, commended the Soludo administration for prioritising workers’ welfare, noting that the Local Government Service Week was introduced under the present administration.
# The Mayor of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, in line with his vision of strengthening governance for a progressive and prosperous Nnewi North, has appointed 10 cabinet members to help galvanise the administrative affairs of the local government.
Those appointed into the cabinet include: Hon. Chief Austin Manuel Jideofor – Supervisor for Finance. Hon. Barr. Marcel Dim Udebuani – Legal Adviser. Dr. Amobi Chikwendu – Senior Special Adviser on Political Matters. Hon. Azubuike Uchedife – Supervisor for Peace and Security
5. Hon. Godwin Odinanka Ekwulugwo – Supervisor for Works. Hon. Damian Okala – Supervisor for Agriculture. Hon. Prince Chukwudi Onyekaba – Supervisor for Environment
8. Hon. Onyeka Ibeneme – Supervisor for Education. Hon. Mrs. Uche Nwokenagu – Supervisor for Health. Hon. Prince Ifekanachi Okeke – Press Secretary / Special Adviser to the Mayor on Media
Receiving their appointment letters at the Council Chambers, the Mayor charged them to bring their wealth of experience to bear toward achieving greater Nnewi.
# The traditional ruler of Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra, Igwe Ben Chibuzor Okekeifi, has urged indigenes to unite and support the newly appointed town union caretaker committee to restore peace and promote development.
Okekeifi made the call on Nov. 9 while speaking with journalists at his palace, following the appointment of the caretaker committee by the Anambra Government.
He described the intervention by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration as a necessary step towards resolving the prolonged leadership crisis, restoring confidence among stakeholders and creating an atmosphere conducive to peace and development.
Chibuzor Jonathan Okoli, was expected to stabilise the community, reconcile aggrieved parties and organise a credible election to usher in a substantive town union administration.
He expressed confidence in the committee and pledged the support and cooperation of the traditional institution, describing its assignment as an opportunity to give the community a fresh start.
Okekeifi said disagreements, particularly over the town union constitution, had contributed to divisions in the community and hindered collective efforts towards development.
He urged committee members to discharge their responsibilities with fairness, transparency and humility, while ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders were considered.
The traditional ruler also appealed to community leaders, elders, women, youths, village representatives and Ndiowu indigenes in the diaspora to support the committee and set aside their differences.
# A cleric of the Anglican Communion, Rev. Canon Henry Nwachukwu, has urged Christians to remain grateful to God and appreciate His goodness and blessings, irrespective of their circumstances.
Nwachukwu gave the advice while delivering a sermon at the cash harvest of St. Stephen’s Zone, St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, Ifite Awka, with the theme, “Harvest of Open Doors.”
He urged Christians to make thanksgiving a way of life, citing the biblical account of Jesus Christ healing 10 lepers, only one of whom returned to express gratitude.
He said that Christians should never take God’s goodness for granted, adding that a grateful heart was important in recognising and appreciating His blessings.
The cleric, an indigene of Ifite Awka and a member of the church, appreciated members of the zone for coming together to thank God through the annual harvest.
Nwachukwu, who serves at St. Barnabas Parish, Ojoto, also encouraged Christians to appreciate people who make positive contributions to their lives, noting that such gestures could motivate them to do more.
He urged members of the zone to give according to their abilities and with sincere hearts.
# The Diamond Fitness Club of Nigeria has inaugurated Chief Azubuike Ekweozor, an indigene of Umuawulu in Anambra State, as its new President, alongside other executive members, to steer the affairs of the association.
In his address, the new president, Chief Ekweozor, said his administration would prioritise the collective interests of members and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and actively involved in the development of the club and society.
Ekweozor, a registered freight forwarder with the council for the regulation of Freight Forwarding Practice in Nigeria, pledged to take the club to greater heights through initiatives aimed at promoting unity, improving members’ welfare and strengthening the organisation.
He emphasised the need for members to work together, irrespective of their differences, noting that a united club would be better positioned to achieve its goals.
The president also highlighted the importance of physical activity, noting that it plays a critical role in an individual’s overall behavioural development and helps prevent various illnesses.
He advised Nigerians to shun sedentary lifestyles and embrace regular physical activity as part of their daily routines.
# The Association of Anambra State Development Unions (AASDU) has honoured 38 indigenes of Anambra State for their professional accomplishments and contributions to community development.
The award presentation took place on Nov. 7 in Lagos as part of the association’s 2026 Lecture and Award Dinner, which attracted community leaders, distinguished personalities and other indigenes of the state.
Among the dignitaries at the event was the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Esther Onyekesi.
In her remarks, Onyekesi urged Anambra indigenes living outside the state to maintain strong ties with their homeland and embrace the Aku Luo Uno philosophy by contributing to the development of their communities.
She also stressed the importance of parents communicating with their children in Igbo to preserve the language and cultural identity of younger generations.
The commissioner commended the unity among Anambra indigenes in Lagos and congratulated the award recipients on their recognition.
Delivering a lecture titled, “Leveraging Diaspora Assets for Sustainable Homeland Development,” Fwdr Eugene Ifeanyichukwu Nweke highlighted the importance of harnessing the financial, intellectual, professional and entrepreneurial resources of Anambra indigenes in the diaspora to promote sustainable development.
He urged AASDU to strengthen development partnerships through investment, knowledge transfer, innovation, skills development and institutional collaboration.
In his welcome address, the President of AASDU, Chief Amechi Ebeledike, disclosed that the association had embarked on the AASDU Mega City project at Mgbakwu, Awka.
He said the project aligned with the Aku Luo Uno philosophy, which encourages indigenes to invest in and contribute to the development of their homeland.
# World Adoption Day highlights the importance of providing vulnerable children with safe, loving and permanent family environments through responsible, transparent and lawful adoption practices.
The annual observance recognises adoptive parents, adoptees and others whose lives have been shaped by adoption, while promoting awareness of children’s rights and the need for appropriate alternative care arrangements.
In Anambra, the observance underscores the importance of strengthening child protection and alternative care systems under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo
Through the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, the state government has introduced measures aimed at improving alternative care arrangements, including caregiver screening, monitoring and adoption procedures.
The measures are intended to ensure that children requiring alternative family care are placed in safe environments and that adoption processes comply with established legal requirements.
The government has also warned against illegal adoption, child trafficking and the sale or exploitation of children, emphasising that all adoption processes must follow due legal procedures.
