# The Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Hon. Chijioke Okpalaugo, has dissociated the market leadership and genuine traders from the ongoing protest over the temporary closure of the market, insisting that those involved are not traders but individuals attempting to hijack the situation.
Speaking to journalists in his office at the market on Tuesday, shortly after an indoor meeting with market leaders, Okpalaugo said the protest did not originate from recognised traders.
The market chairman commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, describing him as a progressive-minded leader whose decision was taken in the best interest of traders and the state economy.
# The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), host of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJGP), expresses deep concern over the continued closure of the Onitsha Main Market.
The organization has called for sustained dialogue aimed at an amicable and peaceful resolution of the matter.
In a statement signed by it’s Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike,
SIDEC said that dialogue remains the most effective and constructive pathway to resolving the issues surrounding the market closure.
The organization noted that every Monday of halted activity translates into millions of naira in lost revenue, weakened livelihoods, and reduced public resources for service delivery.
It commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his expressed willingness to engage with the leadership of the Onitsha Main Market. This step demonstrates responsible leadership and a recognition of the importance of inclusive governance and dialogue-driven solutions.
#The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim, has assured
Agbani Ifite Awka And Okpuno Communities in Awka South Local Government Area, that the Boundary Committee would expedite action to resolve the dispute.
The intervention came during a meeting convened by the Anambra State Boundary Committee Technical Team (ASBCTT) and presided over by Dr Ibezim, who is also the Chairman of the State Boundary Committee.
Dr. Ibezim also ordered the immediate suspension of all development activities within the disputed area, pending the final determination of the boundary to avert a breakdown of law and order.
During the meeting, presentations made by both communities revealed that there was no record of a historical boundary dispute between them, as they had co-existed peacefully for decades.
However, recent real estate developments and the sharp increase in land value in the area reportedly triggered disagreements over land ownership, resulting in sporadic violence and several police cases.
While Agbani Ifite Awka claimed that Mmili Imo Awka serves as the natural boundary between the two communities, Okpuno countered that the river is not a boundary but lies entirely within its territory.
# Ihiala Local Government Area has approved the award of scholarships to two hundred indigenes of the council area for part-time degree programmes at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam campus.
The scholarship initiative, spearheaded by the Chairman of Ihiala Local Government Area, Engr. Anayo Orjiakor, was unveiled during a visit to the office of the Vice Chancellor of the university in Igbariam, Professor Kate Omenugha, and attracted top officials of the local government council.
Speaking at the visit, the Mayor explained that the initiative was conceived to cushion the effects of insecurity, which had negatively affected many families and disrupted livelihoods, making it difficult for parents to sponsor their children’s education.
According to Orjiakor, the improved security in the area and the increased government presence at the Uli Campus since the assumption of office by the current Vice Chancellor of the university encouraged the council to take the bold step, while adding that the council had earlier demonstrated its commitment to education by sponsoring over one hundred students for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations last year.
The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Professor Kate Omenugha, in her response, expressed delight at the initiative, describing it as innovative and people-oriented.
The VC adding that many qualified individuals were unable to access higher education due to financial constraints, and that Ihiala had consistently shown strong academic potential and excellence in education.
# The Anambra State House of Assembly calls on the Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to direct the Head of Service, Barr. (Mrs.) Theodora Okwy Igwegbe, and the Chairman Local Government Service Commission Bar. Vin Ezeaka, to, as a matter of necessity, conduct a staff/personnel audit across all MDAs in Anambra State.
The 8th assembly made the call through a motion sponsored by Hon. Mimi Ifeoma
Azikiwe.
In her submission, Hon. Azikiwe maintained that a Staff and Personnel audit is a systematic and comprehensive review of an organization’s human resources policies, and practices to assess effectiveness and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
# Anambra state government will begin phased remodeling of the Onitsha main market.
Rising from a dialogue at the Light House, Awka, with traders in the market and adjoining markets, Governor Chukwuma
Soludo and the traders agreed to commence immediate reinvigoration of the market.
Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chijioke Okpalugo had earlier told the Governor that they decided to opt for the second option which is to remodel the market, but pleaded that they be given some time to remove their goods from places with illegal structures.
The Governor who stressed that sometimes, leadership is about taking some of the inconvenient steps, to be able to secure the future, pointed out that as a matter of emergency, the Onitsha main market parks will be reclaimed, walkways brought in, public conveniences erected, repainting and colour coding of shops and lines, among others, stating that it is in his manifesto to have planned and sustainable markets, communities and markets.
# The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services, (DSS), in Anambra State have resolved to enhance intelligence sharing, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and ensure the safety and security of lives and property in Anambra.
This resolution was reached when the newly deployed State Director of Security, DSS, Anambra State, Chuks Anukposi mni, paid a courtesy visit to Commandant Maku Olatunde, the State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence, Anambra State Command, at the State Command Headquarters, Awka.
The State Director of Security (DSS) notified the State Commandant that he recently assumed office and was on a familiarization visit aimed at strengthening and deepening existing relationships between the NSCDC and DSS.
Responding, Commandant Maku congratulated the State Director of Security on his posting and warmly welcomed him to Anambra. He reiterated the NSCDC’s disposition to working closely with the DSS and sister security agencies in the delivery of the Corps’ mandates of protecting Critical National, State, and Local Government Assets and infrastructure.
He acknowledged the vital role of the DSS in providing actionable intelligence, which has significantly contributed to the Corps’ efforts in combating insecurity in the state.
# The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State chapter has opened the 2026 monthly congress with merriment, celebration of God’s faithfulness, testimonies, and words of exhortation.
The Clergy woman, Mrs. Uche Kalu in her sermon cited Isaiah 43:18-19, urging members to forget the former things as God promises to do a new thing in their lives to supernaturally help them achieve their set goals for 2026.
Kalu enjoined them to always commit their ways and plans unto the Lord for divine wisdom and to direct their paths to collectively lead the association to greater heights.
The Chairperson of Anambra State chapter of NAWOJ, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, expressed her gratitude to God for the life, deliverance and sustenance of members throughout 2025 to 2026.
Ifejika, however, expressed sadness over the loss of a member, late Mrs. Ngozi Iwunze of the State Information Chapel in 2025 and prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul.
