# The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, joined the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), Anambra State, to mark this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, while speaking during the event in Awka
on the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam,” draw attention to the growing menace of trafficking disguised through fraudulent job offers, online scams, and deceptive recruitment schemes that continue to ensnare unsuspecting victims, particularly women, children, and young persons.
The Ministry reaffirmed its unwavering commitment, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, to the protection of women and children against exploitation and abuse, noting that the collaboration with NACTAL reflects government’s resolve to strengthen partnerships with civil society organisations in tackling this menace.
The Commissioner used the occasion to call on parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain vigilant against fraudulent recruitment schemes, and urged young persons to exercise caution regarding unverified job offers, particularly those requiring travel outside the country.
It commended NACTAL for its continued advocacy and reiterated its readiness to support all initiatives aimed at ending human trafficking in Anambra State.
# The Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr Patrick Agha Mba, has congratulated Anambra Football Association Chairman, General Chikelue Iloenyosi on his appointment as Special Adviser (SA) on Sports Development
Agha Mba described the appointment of
Iloenyosi as a well deserved recognition of his dedication and contributions to the growth of sports.
In a congratulatory message, Agha Mba noted that the appointment reflected Iloenyosi’s commitment, wealth of experience and outstanding record in sports development in Anambra State and across the country.
He noted that Iloenyosi had consistently demonstrated passion for talent discovery, youth empowerment and the promotion of excellence across various sporting disciplines.
The commissioner said the appointment aligned with the vision of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration to reposition sports as a catalyst for youth development and socio-economic transformation.
According to him, Iloenyosi’s vast experience in sports administration will provide strategic direction and strengthen ongoing efforts to develop the sector in the state.
Agha Mba expressed confidence that the new Special Adviser possesses the leadership qualities and professional expertise needed to support reforms aimed at enhancing sports structures and programmes across Anambra.
He stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, sports administrators and other stakeholders in achieving sustainable growth and excellence in the sector.
The commissioner also expressed optimism that the appointment would create greater opportunities for young athletes to develop their talents and represent Anambra with distinction at national and international competitions.
He wished Iloenyosi a successful tenure and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with him to advance the Soludo administration’s vision of using sports as a tool for youth empowerment and inclusive development.
# The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes with the arrest of two suspected members of a notorious interstate kidnapping syndicate linked to the abduction of a victim in Dunukofia Local Government Area.
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‎Briefing journalists, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence and painstaking investigations by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu.
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‎According to Ikenga, police operatives arrested one Dauda Mohamed, 38, in the early hours of July 27, for his alleged involvement in a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating from Kogi State.
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‎He disclosed that during interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in several kidnapping operations in Anambra State. The suspect identified one Umar Ali, popularly known as “Barjini,” 50, as the leader of the gang responsible for coordinating logistics and supplying weapons used by the criminal network.
‎The police spokesman added that the suspect also named two other alleged gang members, identified as Usman and Gongola, who are currently at large. SP Ikenga explained that investigations linked the suspects to the kidnapping of a victim at Divine Heritage Lodge, Ukwulu, in Dunukofia Local Government Area, on June 26.
‎The PPRO noted that armed hoodlums reportedly emerged from an uncompleted building behind the lodge, fired several gunshots, abducted the victim into a nearby bush, and later demanded a ransom of N30 million. Following negotiations, the victim was released after four days in captivity when N15 million was paid.
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‎According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate allegedly relocated from armed bandit enclaves in Nigeria’s North-West to establish criminal operations in parts of the South-East. The gang was also found to have used an AK-47 rifle allegedly supplied by its leader to carry out kidnapping and armed robbery operations.
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‎Acting on information obtained during the interrogation, police operatives extended the operation to Ugwuoba Gariki in Enugu State, where they successfully arrested the alleged gang leader, Umar Ali, also known as “Barjini.”
‎Reassuring residents of the command’s commitment to tackling crime, SP Ikenga said the police would continue proactive operations, strengthen intelligence gathering, and collaborate with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks.
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‎He urged members of the public to continue supporting the police by providing timely, credible, and actionable information to aid crime prevention and the arrest of criminal suspects.
‎The command noted that investigations are ongoing and assured that further updates would be communicated to the public as the case progresses.
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# The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Anambra State, Mrs Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has called on residents of the state to join hands in the fight against domestic violence and all forms of abuse against women and children.
The Commissioner made the call during her appearance on a programme at the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Radio, where she discussed the importance of the August meeting as a platform to promote peace, family values, and the protection of vulnerable persons.
Mrs Onyekesi urged families, communities, and traditional leaders to speak out against domestic violence, stressing that abuse should not be tolerated or hidden under the guise of family matters.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare to supporting victims of abuse, providing necessary interventions, and ensuring that perpetrators face appropriate action.
The Commissioner encouraged women and members of the public to report cases of violence and seek help through the Ministry, assuring that the government remains dedicated to building safer homes and communities across Anambra State.
# Traffic marshals of the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) deployed at Okpuno Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, have continued to receive commendation from motorists, traders, commuters and residents for their commitment to reducing traffic congestion, ensuring the smooth flow of vehicles along one of the city’s busiest road corridors.
Despite heavy vehicular movement, particularly during peak hours, the officers have remained dedicated to maintaining order, professionally directing traffic and preventing unnecessary gridlock. Their efforts have contributed to improved road safety and shorter travel times for road users.
Speaking with journalists, several motorists and commuters praised the discipline, professionalism and dedication of the ARTMA personnel, noting that their consistent presence has significantly enhanced traffic management within the area.
One of the road users, Mr. Ozzy, a commercial motorcycle operator, commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and ARTMA for improving the free flow of traffic across the commercial city, describing the initiative as a welcome development that has made daily commuting easier for motorists and residents.
The road users appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo for providing ARTMA with operational equipment and logistics that have strengthened the agency’s capacity to effectively manage traffic across the state.
They, however, appealed to the Governor to approve the repair and rehabilitation of damaged traffic lights and other traffic control infrastructure at major junctions within the Nnewi metropolis to further enhance road safety and traffic efficiency.
Residents expressed confidence that with the Soludo administration’s continued investment in transport infrastructure and effective traffic management, Nnewi will continue to experience safer roads, improved mobility and a more efficient transportation system.
# The Anambra State Police Command has continued to receive overwhelming goodwill and support from stakeholders following the recent promotion and decoration of the Commissioner of Police, AIG Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, as an Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
As part of the outpouring of congratulations and appreciation for the Command’s achievements under his leadership, stakeholders have embarked on a facelift of the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters, Awka, in recognition of the Command’s commitment to professional policing, improved public safety, and stronger police-community relations.
The gesture reflects the growing confidence of the public in the Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State and underscores the value of sustained collaboration between the Police and critical stakeholders in advancing security and development across the State.
The Anambra State Police Command appreciates the generosity and support of the stakeholders, noting that the initiative serves as further encouragement to sustain the ongoing reforms, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance service delivery.
The Command reiterates its commitment to consolidating on existing security gains, deepening community partnership, and ensuring the protection of lives and property throughout Anambra State. It also calls on residents to continue supporting the Police with credible and timely information to aid ongoing efforts aimed at preventing and combating crime.
# The Public Accounts Committee of the Anambra State House of Assembly has commenced the review of the state’s audited government accounts for the financial year ending December 31, 2025.
The exercise, chaired by Hon. Noble Igwe, is part of the committee’s constitutional responsibility to promote transparency, accountability and prudent management of public funds across Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Anambra State Government.
During the review, the committee cleared the Anambra State Small Business Agency, the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Ministry of Finance after finding their financial records satisfactory.
However, the committee rescheduled the appearance of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), the Anambra State Volunteer Service Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), directing them to provide additional documents and explanations where necessary.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Noble Igwe, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring accountability in the management of public resources, stressing that the review is aimed at strengthening financial discipline and ensuring compliance with established financial regulations.
# The second edition of the Akubudike Anambra State Football League are in top gear following a strategic meeting held in Lagos between the league’s sponsor, High Chief Jim Martin Nwabueze and Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA), Chikelue Iloenyosi.
The meeting focused on finalizing plans for the forthcoming season, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to building on the success of the maiden edition by delivering a more competitive, professionally organized, and impactful league that will further promote grassroots football development across Anambra State.
The Akubudike Anambra State Football League has revived a state football competition that had been dormant for more than 40 years. Since its return, the league has provided opportunities for talented young footballers, coaches, referees, and clubs while contributing significantly to football development across the state.
Following the meeting, Iloenyosi briefed the Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Patrick Aghamba, reiterating the shared commitment of all stakeholders to ensuring a successful second edition of the competition.
# The Anambra State Police Command continues to enjoy growing public confidence and support as the retired Inspector-General of Police, Former Police Service Chairman, RTD. IGP Mike Okiro, and the former Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Chief Simon Okeke, paid a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters, Awka.
The distinguished statesmen were also accompanied by Dr Michael Ibeh former Permanent Secretary PSC, and were warmly received by the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command recently promoted to an Assistant Inspector General of Police AIG Ikioye Orutugu fwc minps PhD. alongside members of the Command’s Management Team and other senior officers.
The visit underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Police, respected leaders, and stakeholders in advancing effective policing, strengthening public trust, and enhancing security across Anambra State.
The Command expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in the ongoing efforts of the Command to promote professionalism, intelligence-led policing, and community partnership in tackling crime and maintaining public safety.
# The Coordinator of the Solution Continues Team (SCT) in Ogbaru Local Government Area, Comrade Eze Ikechukwu Eze has commended the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the ongoing desilting of the strategic Sakamori drainage channel along Obodoukwu Road in Okpoko, describing the exercise as a practical demonstration of responsive governance and sustainable environmental management.
Speaking during an inspection of the project, Eze said the intervention reflects the Solution Administration’s steadfast commitment to creating cleaner, healthier, and flood-free communities through proactive environmental policies and strategic infrastructure maintenance.
He noted that the desilting of the drainage channel will restore the free flow of stormwater, reduce perennial flooding, protect lives and property, improve public health, and create a more conducive environment for residents, motorists, and businesses operating within the area.
According to him, environmental sustainability remains one of the critical pillars of the Soludo administration, adding that continuous investment in drainage infrastructure and sanitation demonstrates a government that prioritises the welfare and safety of its citizens.
While applauding the state government for the intervention, he called on residents of Okpoko and the wider Ogbaru community to complement government efforts by embracing responsible environmental practices.
He stressed that indiscriminate disposal of plastic bottles, nylons, and other waste materials into drainage channels remains one of the major causes of flooding and environmental degradation.
