# Governor Chukwuma Soludo has embarked on an inspection tour of the Onitsha Main Market to assess the ongoing remodeling and infrastructural upgrade projects.
Soludo during the visit, interacted directly with the traders to evaluate the pace and quality of the construction work.
The traders gave a collective affirmative response, confirming that the renovation activities are progressing steadily and meeting expectations as the December 2026 shopping season approaches.
Professor Soludo made it clear that the state government will enforce strict regulations once the project is completed.
According to the Governor, specifically, the administration intends to clear out street traders and unauthorized street trading activities from the corridors and surrounding areas of the newly upgraded facility to ensure a seamless flow of traffic and a globally competitive standard of commerce.
# Anambra is among the states to receive new police leadership following a nationwide redeployment of Commissioners of Police approved by Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu to strengthen security and accelerate reforms across the Nigeria Police Force.
Under the reshuffle, CP Nanna Oji Ama has been posted to Anambra State, while seven other commissioners were deployed to Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Jigawa and Plateau.
Several senior officers were also assigned to key formations, including the Force Intelligence Department, Force Criminal Investigation Department and Counter Terrorism Unit.
IGP Disu charged the officers to drive intelligence-led policing, deepen community engagement and uphold professionalism in their new assignments.
# The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu has warned that architects who persist in submitting building plans that violate the state’s physical planning regulations may face disciplinary action, including petitions to their professional regulatory body.
Barr. Ojukwu issued the warning in a statement, expressing concern over what he described as widespread non-compliance with the state’s physical planning laws.
According to the commissioner, a review of more than 200 building permit applications received since he assumed office revealed that many failed to meet the requirements of the Anambra State Physical Planning Law, particularly the provisions governing setbacks and permissible building coverage.
Barr. Ojukwu noted that the level of non-compliance was disturbing, considering that architects are professionally trained and licensed to design buildings in line with approved planning standards.
He observed that some of the building plans submitted proposed structures covering as much as 90 per cent of the available land space, leaving little or no provision for essential facilities such as parking spaces and adequate setbacks.
The commissioner urged architects to uphold the ethics of their profession by ensuring that all building plans submitted for approval comply fully with the state’s physical planning regulations.
He warned that continued disregard for the law would compel the ministry to petition the Disciplinary Committee of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) to take appropriate action against offending professionals, including possible blacklisting.
Barr. Ojukwu reaffirmed the commitment of the Soludo administration to orderly urban development, stressing that strict compliance with physical planning regulations is essential to creating safe, functional and sustainable cities across Anambra State.
He called on all built environment professionals to support the government’s efforts by adhering to approved standards and promoting responsible urban development.
# A 27-year-old man, Wisdom Edem, has been convicted and sentenced by the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting at the High Court in Awka, Anambra State, for raping and sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl.
Edem was convicted in Charge No. A/3C/2024. The State v. Wisdom Edem, before Justice Peace Otti, on a three-count charge bordering on rape, sexual abuse and exploitation, and inflicting physical injury on the child.
The offences were prosecuted under Section 34(2) of the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004; Section 35(2) of the same law; and Section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, Anambra State, 2017.
The prosecution, led by Chinelo Akorah, Principal State Counsel in the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, called six witnesses and tendered several exhibits, including the defendant’s confessional statement and the medical report of the victim.
The 10-year-old victim, who testified as PW1, told the court that Edem lured her to his residence under the pretext of featuring in a comedy skit. According to her, she had previously participated in skits with the defendant and others, prompting her to accompany him to his house with her younger sister.
She said Edem subsequently sent her younger sister home to get a change of clothes for her before directing her into his room, claiming that other people were waiting there.
The victim said she discovered that nobody else was in the room, after which Edem locked the door and sexually assaulted her, resulting in bleeding and injuries.
A medical doctor who examined the child on the same day testified in court and confirmed the injuries.
Edem, while defending himself, denied raping the girl and claimed that she had seduced him. He alleged that the child removed his clothes and initiated sexual intercourse, and further claimed that she had told him she was 14 years old and had a boyfriend.
The court rejected the defence, stressing that a child cannot legally give consent to sexual activity.
Justice Otti also held that the victim’s account was corroborated by the defendant’s confessional statement, which admitted that the child had come to his residence with her younger sister.
The prosecution’s case was further supported by the testimonies of PW2 to PW6, including a police officer and a vigilante member involved in the defendant’s arrest.
The court described the offence as premeditated and carefully planned, dismissing the defendant’s claim that the child had seduced him.
The defendant, who had been on bail throughout the trial, was absent from court when judgment was delivered. The judge, relying on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State, proceeded to deliver the judgment in his absence.
The court subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest and ordered that he be declared wanted, with his photographs circulated to the police and online.
In its judgment, the court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt through the victim’s testimony, circumstantial evidence and the defendant’s confessional statement.
In an unusual directive, the court also ordered the defendant’s university not to issue him a certificate until he completes his prison term.
He was additionally ordered to pay N200,000 as compensation to the victim for the physical injury inflicted on her.
The prosecution counsel, Chinelo Akorah, Esq., Principal State Counsel and PRO of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), was commended for securing the conviction.
# The youth wing of the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC), has honoured the Chairman of Aguata Local Government Area, Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, with an Award of Excellence in Leadership in recognition of his contributions to grassroots development and youth empowerment.
ASTUC also recognise outstanding youth role models, representing the 14 communities in Aguata Local Government Area, for their contributions to community development and youth advancement.
The award was presented at a ceremony organised by the council’s youth wing to recognise individuals who have distinguished themselves through impactful leadership and community service.
Presenting the award, youth leaders said the honour was in appreciation of Ofobuike’s leadership and the achievements recorded under his “A Greater Aguata” agenda, which they said had inspired confidence among young people across the local government area.
Responding, Ofobuike expressed appreciation to the youths for the recognition, describing the award as both an honour and a motivation to deepen his commitment to public service.
He pledged to sustain programmes that create opportunities for young people through business support, education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and other empowerment initiatives.
The council chairman reaffirmed his commitment to policies and programmes that would promote youth development, economic growth and inclusive governance in Aguata Local Government Area.
The ceremony attracted youth leaders, community stakeholders and other dignitaries from across Aguata council area.
# The Anambra State Police Command has expressed delight at the growing interest among young people of the State in pursuing careers in the Nigeria Police Force, describing the decoration of an Assistant Commissioner of Police from Nnewi North Local Government Area as a significant milestone that is expected to inspire the next generation of police officers in the area.
The Command noted that the decoration of Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Nnamdi Anabuike, at the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 13 Headquarters by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 13, AIG Godwin Iguh Eze, psc(+), marks a proud moment not only for Nnewi North Local Government Area but for Anambra State as a whole. The achievement reflects the opportunities available within the Nigeria Police Force for dedicated, disciplined, and committed officers.
The Command believes that this achievement will inspire more young people from the area and across the State to embrace policing as a noble profession dedicated to the protection of lives and property, the promotion of justice, and national development.
The Command congratulates ACP Nnamdi Anabuike on this well-deserved recognition and wishes him continued success in his service to the nation. It also urges youths across the State to remain focused, uphold integrity, and take advantage of opportunities within the Nigeria Police Force to build rewarding careers in public service.
# The Anambra State Hospital Administrator, Dr Frank Ifeanaeme, has called on mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding as a vital step toward improving child survival and maternal health.
Dr. Ifeanaeme made the call during an interview with the Health Desk Officer in his office at the State Hospital Management Board, Awka, as the world marks the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7.
The annual event, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and partners, focuses on promoting breastfeeding for improved child nutrition, survival, and maternal well-being.
According to him, it is crucial to educate mothers on the importance of breastfeeding their babies exclusively for the first six months of life. He noted that exclusive breastfeeding provides adequate nutrition, reduces the risk of diseases and child mortality, and promotes healthy growth and development.
Dr Ifeanaeme also urged health professionals to intensify public enlightenment on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, particularly during antenatal visits, to ensure that expectant mothers are well-informed and prepared to practice it after delivery.
# The Priest-in-Charge of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Nnewi, Ven. Chiadikaobi Emmanuel, has urged Christians to prioritise their relationship with God above material possessions, stressing that seeking the Giver is more important than seeking His gifts.
Ven. Emmanuel gave the charge while delivering his sermon during a church service at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Nnewi.
Preaching on the theme, “Openness in Marriage,” the cleric encouraged married couples to build their homes on love, mutual respect and genuine commitment. He advised women to seek their husbands’ hearts rather than focusing on their financial status, noting that a healthy marriage is sustained by love and respect.
According to him, wives should strive to earn their husbands’ respect and continually demonstrate love, adding that although husbands and wives have different responsibilities, they are united in Christ.
The priest also reminded the congregation of the biblical injunction to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” assuring them that every other need would be provided by God.
# The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has called on women artisans to pray for Governor Chukwuma Soludo, his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, and Anambra State, seeking divine wisdom and guidance for the administration.
Onyekesi made the appeal when the President of the National Association of Women Artisans, Mrs Juliet Ezenwosu, led members of the association on a courtesy visit to her office in Awka.
She also urged women to pray for their families and children, stressing that strong family values and consistent prayers were vital to building a better society.
The commissioner encouraged women to acquire vocational and entrepreneurial skills to attain financial independence, noting that economic empowerment would reduce poverty and vulnerability among women.
Responding, Ezenwosu commended Onyekesi for what she described as her impressive performance since assuming office and pledged the association’s support for the commissioner and the Soludo administration.
She said the association, with members across the 21 local government areas of the state, remained committed to promoting craftsmanship, women’s empowerment and community development.
Ezenwosu described arts and crafts as a sustainable source of livelihood, welcomed the ministry’s empowerment initiatives, and assured the commissioner of the association’s continued prayers and support for Gov. Soludo and his wife.
# The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA BRIGADE) has raised concerns over the increasing cases of environmental abuse across the state, alleging that many of the offenders are visitors from neighbouring states.
The agency claimed that while these visitors observe proper sanitation practices in their respective states, they often disregard Anambra’s environmental laws upon entering the state.
In a statement made available to journalists, the agency reiterated that the law prohibiting open defecation and urination in unauthorized places remains fully in force across Anambra State.
“Anyone caught violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted,” the agency stated.
It expressed concern over the growing incidence of environmental violations, particularly among travellers and visitors passing through the state. According to the agency, investigations indicate that many offenders from neighbouring states deliberately ignore Anambra’s sanitation regulations despite being aware of them.
