# In a decisive move to enforce compliance with the state’s directive against the controversial Monday sit-at-home order, Anambra State Governo Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the immediate shutdown of the Onitsha main market for one week in the first instance.
The action follows repeated defiance by traders at the popular Markets, who did not open for business despite a government warning to disregard the sit-at-home order imposed by non-state actors.
The order, which has disrupted economic and social activities across the Southeast for years, was publicly condemned by the Soludo administration, which urged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear.
The Governor stated that if they don’t open at the expiration of the shut down, the market will be shut down for one month and so on and so forth, pointing out that the closure is a necessary step to protect law-abiding citizens and reinforce the authority of the state, stating that the government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy.
Security personnel, including the police, army among others, were immediately deployed to seal the market gates and ensure compliances.
# Ahead of the forthcoming local government election in Anambra State, a community leader and political economist, Comrade Martin Ebuka Okafor, has thrown his weight behind the position of Nzukọ Ọra Nnewi Town Union on the ongoing debate surrounding the rotational chairmanship arrangement in Nnewi North Local Government.
Okafor, a UK–based indigene of Nnewi, made his position known while reacting to the controversy, which has remained a subject of intense public debate for over one month and still counting.
He described the stance of Nzukọ Ọra Nnewi as lawful, equitable and consistent with the historical framework that has guided political leadership in the town since 1997.
According to him, the rotational agreement among the four quarters of Nnewi is not a mere political convenience but a binding social contract that has helped to preserve peace, mutual respect and inclusion within the community.
# Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Infrastructure carried out an on-the-spot inspection of the ongoing internal road and drainage construction within Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Uli Campus.
The lawmakers inspected the 4.2-kilometre road project awarded by the Anambra State Government, aimed at improving accessibility and strengthening critical infrastructure across the campus.
Speaking during the inspection, the Chairman of the Committee, Engr Emma Nwafor, said that the inspection was part of the Assembly’s oversight function to ensure strict adherence to approved specifications and quality standards.
Nwafor noted that materials on site, including concrete mix and reinforcement components, meet required engineering standards, assuring that the committee would sustain close monitoring to guarantee timely completion and durability of the project.
Also speaking, the member representing Ihiala One Constituency, Hon. Jude Ngobili, described the road construction as a clear indication of the growing strategic importance of COOU Uli Campus within the university system.
Ngobili commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for keeping faith with his promise to improve infrastructure in state-owned institutions, describing the project as a boost to educational development in the area.
# The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programmes, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, has commended Dr. Cletus Ibeto for what he described as rare selfless service and show commitment to the growth of the Church.
Dr. Omenugha, maintained that Ibeto’s
consistent support for faith-based development reflects his deep sense of responsibility and leadership that transcends personal or material interests.
According to him, such acts of quiet sacrifice serve as a strong inspiration to young Nigerians, particularly those in leadership and entrepreneurial spaces, on the importance of giving back to society through purposeful service.
He added that the cathedral project and the Episcopal gathering further underscore the role of private individuals in complementing communal and institutional development efforts, especially in areas of faith, entrepreneurship, education and social cohesion.
# The Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area, Hon. Rome Ibekwe has
commissioned a 60,000-litres water storage capacity solar powered borehole at Afor Akwaeze.
In his remarks during the event, the Mayor
said his administration does not concentrate only in the ten communities that make up the council area, but has ensured that all the nineteen wards has felt the developmental impacts of governance.
Hon. Ibekwe noted that immediately he assumed office, a survey was conducted to know the exact need of their people and the outcome is where he has concentrated in providing basic amenities that will help improve their living standards.
He announced that soon, his administration will commission an automobile skill acquisition centre in Akwaeze where their youths will learn different skills using Information Communication Technologies after which they will be empowered.
He also added that through the help of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, they have equipped all the health centers in Anaocha while the education sector receives top notch attention including the provision of school bags and learning materials to students.
# The Coordinator of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Orumba South,
Comrade Uchenna Ejeri says this year (2026), his administration will continue to engage stakeholders so as to achieve its visions, aim and objectives.
Speaking in an extended local government and ward excos meeting held in Umunze, Comrade Ejeri outlined visions agends and targets for the year.
“In keeping to terms with some of the ethos of NYCN, which are, but not limited to; consistency, progression and direction, we are not leaving any stone unturned in making the youth community of Orumba South consistent in our engagements, progressive in our output and focused to our visions, aim and objectives (direction)”. Ejeri submitted.
The central highlights of the meeting are: the assessment of 2025 progress by the Council members and suggestions for a better 2026.
Other highlights are the announcement of Orumba South youth’s cultural carnival 2026, inauguration of the carnival’s planning committee, the appointment of Comr. Ekeneme Cosmos as the Head, Directorate of culture and entertainment NYCN Orumba South.
# The Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Mr. Christopher Molokwu, has charged the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to ensure that all public relations practitioners maintain high ethical standards and integrity in reputation management to prevent the chaotic practice of public relations by quacks.
Mr. Molokwu made the call when the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Anambra State Chapter 2026 Annual General Meeting/Election Committee, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, and his members paid him a courtesy visit in Awka, stressing the need for the institute to educate all practising journalists on why NIPR membership is necessary, even as he called for the building of a properly coordinated NIPR that will provide people with sources of livelihood.
Speaking, the Chairman of the NIPR 2026 AGM/Election Committee, Dr. Omenugha, explained that their visit to ABS was to initiate a strategic partnership with the organisation ahead of their 2026 Annual General Meeting and Summit themed “Managing Reputation Capital in the Digital Age,” stating that ABS, as a custodian of public trust, shaper of narratives, and mirror of Anambra State’s identity to the world, is a credible partner for the summit.
While urging the station to create content that will position it as a leader in reputation management discourse, Dr. Omenugha also disclosed that the summit will convene senior government officials, media executives, editors, corporate leaders, brand custodians, and digital communication experts.
# The leadership of Nzukọ Ọra Nnewi Town Union has reaffirmed the town’s long-standing rotational agreement on elective political positions, declaring that the current administration of Nnewi North Local Government led by a Chairman from Umudim quarter must complete its full four-year tenure before power shifts to Nnewichi quarter.
This position was contained in a joint communiqué issued after a meeting of the President General of Nzukọ Ọra Nnewi and the Presidents General of the three quarters of the town, following deliberations on issues affecting unity, fairness and political harmony among Ndi Nnewi.
The communiqué, which was jointly signed by the President General of Nzukọ Ọra Nnewi, Hon. Prince Jude Osumuoh FCAI, JP, alongside President General of Uruagu Quarter, Hon. Innocent Okoli; President General of Otolo Quarter, Hon. Amobi Adukwulu; and President General of Umudim Quarter, Hon. Uzochukwu Anyadiegwu; was also copied to the traditional leadership of the town, including the Igwe of Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu III, JP, CON, as well as the Obis of the respective quarters.
According to the communiqué, the rotational arrangement guiding political leadership in Nnewi is clear and non-negotiable, with each quarter serving four-year term whenever it is their turn.
