# The Anambra State Police Command on Saturday 15th August 2026, confirmed the release of Chief J. J. Ezeokafor (Jezco oil) and a Rev. Sister, who were earlier abducted by armed criminals at Ifite-Awka.
According to a release by SP. Ikenga Tochukwu, Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State, the Command is currently taking necessary steps to establish the circumstances surrounding their release and obtain relevant information that will assist ongoing investigations and identification of the perpetrators.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama while commending the safe return of the victims, further directs intensified intelligence-led operations and manhunt for those responsible for the abduction.
The ongoing operation involves the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), the Military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Agunechemba Security Operatives and other relevant security agencies.
The Command appreciates members of the public for their support and cooperation and urges them to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in apprehending the perpetrators.
# The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Anambra State, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has visited St. John’s Anglican Church, Nise; St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka; and St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Obosi, as part of activities marking the ongoing August Meeting, joining women and church members to celebrate the occasion while highlighting the importance of unity, family values, women’s empowerment and the protection of children and vulnerable persons in society.
At the various churches, Mrs. Onyekesi commended the women for their contributions to the development of their families, communities and the state, and encouraged them to remain united in supporting initiatives that promote economic empowerment, peaceful homes and community development. She emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with churches, traditional institutions and community leaders in addressing issues affecting women, children and vulnerable persons.
The Commissioner called for stronger collaboration in the fight against domestic violence, child abuse, trafficking and other forms of violence against women and children, stressing that protecting families and vulnerable members of society requires collective responsibility. The visits provided an opportunity to interact with the women, share messages of hope and empowerment, and strengthen ties between the Ministry and faith-based communities across the state.
Mrs. Onyekesi expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the three churches for their warm reception and continued commitment to the welfare and advancement of women, children and families.
# The dangerous deep holes at the Ogbaru Relief Market axis of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway are currently being repaired by CBC Construction Company.
Speaking on the road repair, the Commander of the CBC Security Company, Mr. Uchenna Orji, who revealed that the road repair is being done under the Federal Ministry of Works, said that 14 trips of concrete have already been poured to fill the potholes, yet it has not gone up to half.
He, however, stated that the work will soon be completed because the company handling the project will work from the Umunya axis of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway down to the Bridge Head, and will assemble its equipment at the portion undergoing repair now.
Also speaking, a staff member of the Nigeria Forest and Security Service, Mr. Innocent Nwibo, who controls traffic at Upper Iweka, said the bad portions of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and the activities of touts cause serious traffic daily, and urged the construction company to expedite action for the easy flow of traffic on the expressway.
# The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, says human capital development and higher professional standards will be prioritised in the ministry to improve engineering practice and infrastructure delivery.
Ezeobi stated this in Awka when the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Awka Branch, paid him a courtesy visit.
He said one of his key objectives was to ensure that the ministry had seasoned and competent engineers, stressing that this could only be achieved through continuous training and capacity building.
The commissioner said there was a difference between designing a project and executing it in line with approved designs and specifications, noting that poor execution could undermine the lifespan of infrastructure.
He explained that a road designed to last 20 years could begin to fail after three or four years if it was not constructed according to specifications, adding that such failure ultimately affected the public.
# The Mayor of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, joined stakeholders and top police officers at the Anambra Security Stakeholders’ Interactive Session held at Anaedo Hall, Nnewi.
The event, organized by the Anambra State Police Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, is part of a state-wide engagement across the three senatorial districts aimed at strengthening community participation in security.
The session for Anambra South Senatorial District was chaired by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc, NPM, and brought together traditional rulers, council chairmen, PGs, security agencies, youth leaders, and other critical stakeholders.
Speaking at the interactive session, Hon. Anazodo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting community-oriented policing and strategic partnerships to ensure the safety of lives and property in Nnewi North.
He noted that peace and security are the foundation for development, and pledged that Nnewi North LGA will continue to collaborate with the Police and other security agencies to address security challenges at the grassroots.
In his speech, CP Ama emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing, early reporting, and collaboration between citizens and security agencies as key to building a safer Anambra.
# ‎The Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Dr. Maureen Umeakuewulu, has refuted claims that the hospital still relies on outdated methods for surgical procedures, describing such assertions as false and misleading.
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‎Speaking during an interview with journalists in her office, Dr. Umeakuewulu said the claims do not reflect the remarkable transformation taking place within the institution.
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‎She explained that COOUTH has fully embraced digital healthcare through its paperless initiative, introducing smart cards, Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and other technology-driven solutions aimed at improving patient care, boosting operational efficiency, and enhancing service delivery.
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‎According to her, the hospital has successfully moved from manual processes to a modern digital healthcare system that promotes efficiency, accountability, seamless communication, accurate record management, and better patient outcomes.
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‎She noted that these innovations are positioning COOUTH among Nigeria’s leading tertiary healthcare institutions while aligning its operations with global best practices in healthcare delivery.
# The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), has begun dredging and clearing the Ikenga waterway in Awka as part of measures to curb flooding and erosion in the state capital.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Dr. Ossy Onuko, said the exercise was designed to restore the free flow of stormwater through the channel, which drains into the Ezu River via Agu Awka.
He said the waterway had become heavily silted over the years and further obstructed by illegal structures, resulting in recurrent flooding and erosion during the rainy season.
According to Onuko, the Authority deployed a swamp buggy to dredge the channel and remove all encroachments hindering the natural flow of water.
He said the intervention would enhance stormwater discharge, reduce the risk of flooding and erosion, and protect lives, property and public infrastructure within the Awka Capital Territory.
The ACTDA chief executive said the project was in line with the urban renewal agenda of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, aimed at transforming Awka into a livable, prosperous and smart mega city.
He urged residents to support the initiative by desilting drainage channels, keeping waterways free of refuse and reporting cases of encroachment on public spaces and water channels.
# ‎Some parents in Anambra State have commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for banning elaborate graduation ceremonies in nursery, primary, and secondary schools, except for pupils and students completing their final classes. They described the directive as a timely intervention that will ease the financial burden on families.
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‎Speaking in separate interviews, Mrs. Amaka Ugwunwa, a parent, said her children’s school had refunded the graduation fees she previously paid, describing the development as a welcome relief.
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‎Another parent, Mrs. Gloria, praised the governor for the initiative, noting that the policy would save many parents from unnecessary expenses.
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‎She explained that families would ordinarily have been rushing to the markets to buy clothes and other items for graduation ceremonies, regardless of whether their children were graduating, simply to keep up with social expectations.
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‎Mr. Ugochukwu Orjiewulu also lauded Governor Soludo, describing the decision as another people-oriented policy. He said the administration’s free education programme had encouraged many children to return to school, while the graduation directive would further provide financial relief to parents.
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‎According to some parents, graduation ceremonies had gradually become occasions for unhealthy competition, with some families spending beyond their means to impress others. They noted that the new directive has encouraged schools to organise modest ceremonies focused solely on graduating pupils and students, making the celebrations more meaningful and less financially demanding.
# Lecturers of Agricultural Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic Oko, have commended the Rector of the institution, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, for her exemplary leadership and ongoing developmental strides in the school.
The Head of the Department, Dr. Jane Mmaduka said this when she led her delegation to pay a courtesy visit to the Rector. She expressed gratitude to the Rector for her unwavering support, particularly her role in the successful accreditation of the department’s National Diploma (ND) programme.
She also briefed the Rector on preparations for the forthcoming resource inspection of the Higher National Diploma (HND) programme and appealed for the continued support of the Polytechnic Management to ensure a successful exercise.
As a token of appreciation, the department presented the Rector with farm produce harvested from its departmental farm.
In her response, Dr. Awuzie appreciated the visit and the thoughtful gesture, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to academic excellence and institutional development. She assured the department of Management’s full support in providing the resources needed for a successful HND resource inspection.
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# No fewer than 1,000 traders benefited from a five-day free medical outreach organised by the Caretaker Chairman of Ogbo-Ogwu Bridge Head Market, Onitsha, Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwuleta, and his executive.
The outreach recorded a steady increase in participation as traders accessed free medical consultations, laboratory tests, eye examinations and medications.
Many beneficiaries described the initiative as timely and life changing, saying it enabled them to receive healthcare services they might otherwise have been unable to afford.
Speaking on the exercise, the Assistant Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Mr. Benjamin Akudo, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, noting that the increasing number of participants highlighted the need for accessible healthcare services in the market.
Akudo recalled the case of a trader who arrived at the outreach in poor health but recovered significantly after receiving medical attention and prescribed medication.
He added that various health screenings were conducted and essential drugs distributed free of charge throughout the exercise.
Some beneficiaries commended the organisers for prioritising the welfare of traders.
