# Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State has intensified efforts to promote routine immunisation through stakeholder sensitisation and public awareness campaigns aimed at addressing misinformation, building public trust and increasing vaccine uptake.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Orumba South Local Government Secretariat, Umunze, the Head of the Health Department, Mrs Philomena Aniukwu, expressed concern over the area’s classification among the eight priority local government areas with the highest burden of zero-dose and under-immunised children in Anambra State.
The Orumba South Social Mobilisation Officer, Mrs Hope Ike, described routine immunisation as an essential public health intervention that protects infants and children against life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases.
She highlighted its benefits to include disease prevention, reduction in child mortality, development of herd immunity, cost-effective healthcare and access to free vaccination services. She urged stakeholders to spread the message across their communities to ensure that unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children receive the necessary doses.
# The Anambra State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has appealed to the state government to include Quantity Surveyors in the building approval process, emphasising their importance in cost management and infrastructure development.
The appeal was made by the chapter’s Chairman, QS Jude Oduenyi, during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, at his office in Awka on November 10.
Oduenyi expressed concern that Quantity Surveyors were excluded from a recent publication by the ministry outlining the professionals recognised in the building approval process. He argued that cost considerations were fundamental to development planning, particularly in urban renewal, building demolition and infrastructural projects.
He questioned how government could undertake projects such as building demolition and town beautification without considering the cost implications, stressing that Quantity Surveyors had important roles to play. He also cited Abia State as an example of a state where the profession had been recognised in the building approval process.
Responding, Ojukwu explained that the ministry’s publication was guided by the Anambra State Physical Planning Law, 2013, which specifies the professionals authorised to participate in the building approval process.
He maintained that the ministry could not include professionals outside the provisions of the existing law without risking legal consequences, adding that Quantity Surveyors could only be incorporated following an amendment of the legislation.
The commissioner disclosed that builders and insurance companies had also made similar appeals for inclusion, revealing that the ministry had already prepared a proposal for amending the existing law to address the concerns raised by the various professional bodies.
Ojukwu further stated that the ministry would study the physical planning laws of other states, particularly Lagos and other South-East states, to identify relevant provisions that could guide the proposed amendment and improve the state’s building approval framework.
# The Executive Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Echezona Anazodo, has inspected ongoing infrastructural projects across various communities in the LGA, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to quality service delivery and sustainable development.
The inspection tour, was aimed at assessing project progress, ensuring compliance with approved specifications and standards, and monitoring contractors’ adherence to agreed timelines.
Projects inspected during the exercise included the Umuezena PPCP Road Project, Abubor Nnewichi Erosion Control Project, and the ongoing Agbo Edo Motor Spare Parts Market Urban Regeneration Project.
During the visit, Anazodo expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded at some of the sites. He, however, urged contractors handling the projects to maintain high standards of workmanship and ensure timely completion without compromising quality.
The LGA chairman stressed that his administration was committed to executing people oriented projects that would address the needs of residents, boost economic activities and improve the overall living conditions of Ndi Nnewi.
He warned against substandard work, assuring residents that his administration would sustain regular project monitoring to ensure accountability and value for public funds.
# Rev. Dr. Chimezie Ogidi has urged christians to make love for their neighbours a guiding principle in their daily lives, describing it as the royal law that reflects God’s will for believers.
Dr. Ogidi gave the admonition during the Mid-Week Communion Service held at Calvary Chapel, Bishops Court, Onitsha, where he delivered a homily titled “The Royal Law,” drawing from James 2:8.
He explained that the royal law, which commands believers to love their neighbours as themselves, is rooted in the word of God and should guide their relationships, decisions and conduct.
According to him, the law transcends government legislation and cultural practices, as it represents a divine instruction that every christian is expected to uphold.
The cleric emphasised that the Word of God should serve as the compass for daily living, noting that obedience to scripture is a demonstration of commitment to God’s will.
He urged christians to allow the teachings of the bible to shape their attitudes and interactions with others, stressing that living by the royal law requires putting God’s word into practice.
# The Obiuno 2 Chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra has commenced preparations for the 2027 general election, focusing on grassroots mobilisation and party unity.
The chapter discussed its mobilisation plans at a strategic meeting held at the Igwe’s Palace in Obiuno Otolo Nnewi.
The meeting, sponsored by an APGA stakeholder, Hon. Ekene Iwuchukwu, focused on strengthening the party’s grassroots structures, mobilising members and encouraging greater participation in the electoral process.
Participants discussed strategies including ward level coordination, voter sensitisation and community engagement to enhance awareness and participation ahead of the elections.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for members to deliberate on ways to sustain party unity, strengthen internal coordination and expand the chapter’s reach at the grassroots.
# The Mayor of Anambra West Local Government Area, Hon.Tony Obierike, has commenced the distribution of monthly welfare stipends to the oldest persons in communities across the LGA, beginning with Ifite-Anam.
The outreach fulfils his administration’s commitment to providing monthly financial support to elderly residents.
During the exercise, Mayor Obierike personally presented the October stipends to Igwe Nwaozekwe Dibuo and Igwe Mmeze Okechukwu of Mmiata Anam, Chief Hycient Okechukwu, of Umuoba Aboegbu, Nzegwu Chidozie, Okpala Iyiora Anam and Igwe Nwaeyi Udekwe of Umueze Anam.
The Mayor reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the monthly support until the end of his tenure, describing the initiative as an expression of appreciation and recognition of the contributions of elderly citizens.
He also solicited their prayers, blessings and wise counsel, noting that their experience and knowledge remain valuable to community development and the preservation of cultural heritage.
According to the Mayor, the initiative is designed to promote the dignity and wellbeing of senior citizens while ensuring that their contributions to society are recognised through practical welfare interventions.
Shortly after receiving the stipend, the beneficiaries offered prayers and blessings for the Mayor, expressing their appreciation for the financial support and his administration’s attention to their welfare.
The programme, which commenced in Ifite-Anam, is scheduled to extend to all communities across Anambra West, with the administration maintaining that no community will be excluded.
# The Idemili South Mayor, Hon. Oluchukwu John Ilogbenu, met the Presidents General of the seven communities in the local government at the local government secretariat to discuss development priorities, challenges and opportunities across the area.
It was his first of such meetings since assuming office with emphasis on building a stronger working relationship between the council administration and grassroots leadership for lasting shared progress.
Ilogbenu stressed that meaningful and sustainable development required regular consultation, cooperation and shared responsibility between the council administration and the communities it served across the entire local government area.
He urged the Presidents General to continue promoting peace, security, unity and community advancement, while assuring them of his administration’s openness to dialogue and partnership at every stage of governance.
A key outcome of the meeting was the announcement of plans for scheduled visits to all seven communities, allowing the administration to interact directly with residents and assess their needs.
# The traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu, has pledged to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Alternative Development Programme.
Igwe Orizu made the pledge when the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, led the NDLEA National Coordinator, Alternative Development Programme, Dr Jonas Kolo, his deputy, Mr Idris Abdulahi, and the Anambra State Command of NDLEA on a visit to his palace in Nnewi.
Igwe Orizu said he would reach out to the President-General, Jude Osummuo, for a meeting with the Nnewi community to brief them, assuring that the message will be communicated to Nzukora Nnewi and other necessary bodies, while urging youths to imbibe self-control to shun drugs.
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Mefor, who congratulated the monarch on attaining 101 years, said the team came to bring the programme to Nnewi youths, having earlier taken the campaign against hard drugs to other communities in the state.
The NDLEA State Commandant, Charles Onubuogu, said Anambra is the only state in the South-East admitted into the programme, which will be supported by illustrious sons of Nnewi.
The Coordinator of the programme, Dr Kolo, who brought greetings from the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Marwa, commended Igwe Orizu for his contributions to nation building, noting that Marwa is concerned about drug use and trafficking in society.
# Anambra State has taken another significant step in its digital transformation journey with the launch of the Digital Anambra Handbook and NORA, its AI-powered digital assistant.
The unveiling, held at the Anambra State ICT Agency Conference Room, Light House, Awka, was themed; Anambra, Unlocked.
The Digital Anambra Handbook consolidates 35 digital platforms, including 19 online service portals, providing residents with a central resource to discover and navigate government services.
Speaking at the event, ICTA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, said NORA emerged from year-long efforts to build an AI system understanding Anambra’s government, people, institutions and unique context.
He described NORA as a state-owned AI-powered assistant designed to provide e-governance support, deliver verified government information and guide residents through available digital services.
Agbata explained that NORA can help users locate schools and health facilities, access government programmes and understand how to pay taxes, levies and other government-related charges.
# The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has intensified preparations for the 2026 World AIDS Day celebration, unveiling a series of activities aimed at accelerating HIV prevention, expanding access to treatment, tackling stigma and strengthening community participation in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
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 interventions, scientific innovations, sustainable financing and increased grassroots participation in the state’s HIV response.
The activities lined up for the celebration include a World AIDS Day press conference, the maiden International HIV Scientific Symposium, a high-level advocacy visit, an HIV awareness walk, community roadshows and a Community Champion Honorarium Dinner to recognise individuals, institutions and partners making significant contributions to HIV prevention and care.
Speaking on the preparations, Dr Okeke said the agency was determined to translate public awareness into measurable action.
“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 said.
