# The Anambra State Government, through the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), has stopped an illegal revenue collection codenamed shop tax and warehouse permit across the state.
Speaking to newsmen after unsealing shops previously sealed over the illegal collection in Nkwelle-Ezunanka, Oyi Local Government Area, the Commander of the AIRS Special Squad, Mr. Nathan Obikwelu, warned that anyone who indulges in such unapproved illegal collections in any part of the state will be arrested and prosecuted, and will spend the rest of the festive season in jail.
Mr. Obikwelu explained that there is nothing like shop tax or warehouse permit in the state, warning that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo will not fold its arms and watch unscrupulous elements defraud Ndi Anambra.
He made it clear that anywhere such practices are seen or reported again in the state, the persons involved will be severely dealt with, while commending the Chairman of the agency, Dr. Greg Ezeilo, for his innovation and dedication.
Mr. Obikwelu, after chasing away buses and tricycles loading and offloading at Awkuzu Junction along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, warned them to operate strictly from the park and vacate the expressway, as he handed the park over to officers of the Udogachi security outfit.
# The General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander Joint Task Force South East, Operation Udoka, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, has charged soldiers to ensure that the entire South East is free of criminal activities so that those coming for the yuletide celebrations can spend Christmas peacefully with their loved ones.
Major General Fadairo gave the charge during a familiarization visit to the Onitsha Military Cantonment, where he urged the soldiers to dominate their entire area of responsibility and maintain maximum alertness, disclosing that several operations have been mapped out in the coming days and assuring them that he would continue to monitor the situation.
The GOC, who commended the soldiers for their perseverance and commitment to duty, said he had taken note of the challenges in the barracks and assured them that their welfare is sacrosanct, while also wishing them a happy Christmas on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff.
The GOC was received at the barracks by the Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment, Colonel Mohammed Yakubu, the Commanding Officer, 14 Field Engineers Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Kpamber, and other senior officers.
# The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning was part of a broad policy conversation as Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) hosted the maiden edition of the COOU Policy Discourse Series, with a focus on Anambra State’s ₦757.9 billion 2026 Budget Proposal.
The discourse, themed “Sub-National Budgets and Public Policy Realities: Understanding the Fiscal Choices in Anambra State’s ₦757.9 Billion 2026 Budget Proposal,” created a platform where academics, policymakers, professional bodies and civil society actors examined how public budgets translate into real development outcomes at the sub-national level.
Speaking as a panelist, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, shared insights on the thinking behind the 2026 budget framework, noting that budgeting in Anambra is increasingly guided by evidence, reform-driven priorities and the need to ensure that public resources deliver measurable benefits to citizens.
Nnake highlighted the importance of aligning fiscal choices with infrastructure development, human capital growth and social services that directly impact everyday lives.
The Vice-Chancellor of COOU, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, described the policy discourse as part of the University’s commitment to taking knowledge beyond the classroom and engaging with real governance challenges, while institutional stakeholders commended the initiative for promoting informed dialogue on public finance and accountability.
The lead paper was presented by Prof. Uzochukwu Amakom of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who provided a detailed analysis of the 2026 budget proposal, examining revenue assumptions, expenditure priorities and their implications for governance and development in Anambra State.
The panel session further explored these issues, with contributions from Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, Chairman of the Anambra State House Committee on Finance and Appropriation; Prof. Uche Collins Nwogwugwu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University; and Mr. Okey Onyeka of Civil Rights Concern, among others. The discussion was followed by an interactive session and the presentation of a draft policy communiqué.
# The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, alongside his wife, joined well-wishers, clergy, family, and friends to celebrate the 85th birthday of Mama Fada; mother of Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Ozonwafor, the Administrator of Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu as well as the golden birthday of his sister, giving thanks for God’s faithfulness and her miraculous healing.
The celebrations began with a Holy Mass celebrated by His Lordship, Most Rev. C. V. C. Onaga, Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese.
Barrister Ezeokenwa described the occasion as a testament to God’s mercy, longevity, and restorative power, and commended the family for their steadfast faith. He praised Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Ozonwafor and his family for their devotion and for sharing this moment of gratitude with the wider community.
# A bill for a law to provide for the sum of
766,374,487,705 for the services of the Government of Anambra State for the year ending 31st December 2026 and for related purposes, have been passed into law.
After the presentation of the report at the ‘Committee of the whole’ by Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Nobel Igwe moved a motion for the adoption of the recommendation of the Committee as a working document and was seconded by the Majority Leader, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme.
Hon. Ofodeme moved a motion for the third reading and passage of a bill and was seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi.
Earlier during the presentation of the report on the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, on the 2026 draft capital and recurrent estimates for the services of Anambra State, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, the lawmaker representing Anaocha two Constituency maintained that all MDA’s should endeavor to justify their proposal so that funds would be released for them for optimal performance.
” MD’s should be intentional about executing their priority project in 2026 fisical year. They should be conversant with provision of the Procurement act. Fisical Responsibility Law and tax law as amended.
” There is need for continuous training of officers in the civil, public service of the state, to imbabe the global best budgeting
practices”. Okechukwu stated.
# The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Command, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno led a delegation of senior officers on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the Ocha Brigade, Mr. Celestine Anere.
Speaking during the visit at the Ocha Brigade Headquarters in Agu-Awka on Tuesday, Asekhauno maintained that the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration between the FRSC and the Ocha Brigade, as well as familiarizing both agencies with strategies to improve road safety, traffic management, and enforcement on Anambra State roads and federal highways.
The FRSC boss commended the Ocha Brigade personnel for their commitment to maintaining a clean and orderly environment across the state, noting that illegal street trading and roadside activities significantly slow down traffic flow and increase the risk of road accidents.
Asekhauno emphasized the need for effective enforcement to curb indiscriminate parking, road obstructions, and unsafe commercial activities on highways.
The Sector Commander further pledged the FRSC’s support in building the capacity of Ocha Brigade personnel, particularly in traffic control and road safety management.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, the Managing Director of the Ocha Brigade, Mr. Celestine Anere, described the visit as a strategic courtesy call to strengthen partnership and align operational efforts between both agencies.
According to Anere, both agencies are committed to enforcing traffic regulations and environmental laws to prevent road congestion, accidents, and health risks associated with unregulated street activities.
# The Anambra State Police Command successfully hosted its 2025 Christmas Carol and End-of-Year Party at Vertex View hotel hall Nibo, Awka bringing together officers, stakeholders, and guests in an atmosphere of celebration, reflection, and appreciation.
The event featured the commendation of outstanding officers of the Command for their dedication, professionalism, and gallantry in crime fighting, as well as the recognition of key stakeholders for their continued support and cooperation with the Police.
Notably, the Commander, Special Anti-Cult Squad, Enugu-Ukwu, CSP Ayuba Ahmadu, was recognized by the Command as the Best Crime Fighter of the Year. He also received wider recognition at the national level by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for his exceptional contributions to crime control in the student environment.
Also recognized was Hon Ken Emeakayi, the Commander of the Agụnachmba Vigilante Group, for outstanding collaboration and support in maintaining security across the state
.
Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme the majority leader of Anambra State House of Assembly was honoured as the Best Supportive Stakeholder, while Hon. Ambrose Obinna Onuzulike received an award for selfless service and consistent support to the Police.
# A one-day on-farm skills training for women and youths in the poultry value chain has ended with a call on participants to make adequate preparations before embarking on the business.
The training was powered by the Department of Livestock Extension and Business Development, Abuja, under the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
Addressing participants at the Ministry of Agriculture, Awka, the Zonal Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, South East Zone, Dr. Benjamin Puja, said the capacity-building workshop was an initiative of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to encourage farmers by highlighting the importance of the livestock sector, noting that the era of viewing livestock farming as mere or ordinary farming is over, as the industry contributes about 32 billion US dollars.
Dr. Puja disclosed that the idea behind the creation of the ministry was to transform the nation into an industry capable of contributing about 74 billion US dollars to Nigeria’s economy by 2035, and therefore urged participants to be attentive and fully utilize all the processes to acquaint themselves with best practices in growing their birds and other agricultural activities.
