# Governor Chukwuma Soludo has expressed profound condolences and deep sorrow over the devastating fire incident that occurred and claimed lives at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025.
In a press statement signed by Mr.
Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to the Governor, Soludo commiserates with all families who lost loved ones in the unfortunate inferno, regretting that this catastrophic event, which transformed what should have been a joyous Christmas Eve into a night of unspeakable tragedy, has left numerous hearts heavy with grief.
The Governor is particularly devastated by the loss of three sons of Anambra State, namely Mr. Steve Onyeka Omatu (40), Mr. Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Mr. Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37), brothers from the Omatu family of Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area.
“These industrious young men, who were simply striving to earn an honest living for their families, have been taken from us in the most tragic circumstances. Their loss represents not just a family tragedy but a collective loss to Anambra State.
“As the Governor commended the response of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service, and all other emergency responders who worked tirelessly to rescue victims and contain the situation, he also advised Anambra citizens residing in Lagos and other parts of the country to always prioritise human life and personal safety over recovering property and goods in the event of a fire outbreak.
“Thus, Governor Soludo wishes all affected families the strength to bear and recover from their irreplaceable losses, while praying that the souls of all the departed rest in perfect peace. He also called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
# Prominent Lagos based lawyer, Barr. Odinaka Obiorah during the yuletide initiated sons of his late elder brothers and his own sons into the prestigious Nze na Ozo Society of Nanka community in Orumba North Local Government Area.
The event attracted several notable personalities from the Nze na Ozo Society of Nanka, who gathered at his home, The Statement House in Ifite Nanka to perform the sacred ritual.
On some of the obligations now incumbent on the newly initiated members, Obiorah said they now rank above their mates because of the new position they have attained.
# Some elders of Nise community in Awka South LGA of Anambra State, has clarified a rumour making the round that an Ozo title, been the highest traditional title in Igbo land, particularly in Anambra can be conferred to only men with monies irrespective of how the monies comes.
The elders while dismisses the remour, argue that the tittle can only be conferred on men with unquestionable wealth, reputation, a notable community developer and not for land grabbers, armed robbers and men without male children.
They made the clarification in their separate interviews, during the initiation of Chief Ejiamatu Damian Enekwechi into the ancient Ozo-Owulu of Nise Aniyi Kingdom (Ozo Ejiamatu N’Anyi) alongside his wife, Lady Ifeoma Enekwechi, who was also inducted nto the prestigious Iyom (Otu-Odu) Society as Iyom Ugwumsinachi, held at the celebrant’s residence, Ngodo Village- Nise.
Speaking further on the significance of the Ozo title, the Chairman of Ozo Nise Ichie Emeka Aghasili (Onwa Nise) described it as one of the highest traditional institutions in Igbo land, reserved strictly for men of proven integrity, good character and legitimate means of livelihood.
# A 79-year-old community leader and a retired teacher, Pa Anthony Onuchukwu Chukwuedozie, died while speaking against the ongoing gunmen and other criminal activities in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The first son of the late septuagenarian, Mr Tony Chukwu, who emotionally disclosed this while speaking to journalists during his father’s burial ceremony, held at the family compound, Umudaraigwe-Mbosi, in Ihiala LGA, said Pa Chukwuedozie passed away as a result of high blood related complication.
Speaking soberly further, Mr Chukwu appealed to the state and federal governments, particularly, Ihiala leaders of thought to intensify action in curbing disturbances in the area.
According to him, “my father died as an advocate of peace. He died while crusading for peace in the area, which is why we gather here today to honor and celebrate the life of a man whose journey through this world was marked by service, discipline, hard work and deep love.
# Nnobi title holders have put smiles on the faces of ten students that scored 250 you above in their joint Admission Matriculation Board examination JAMB drawn from three villages in Nnobi, ldemili South LGA.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the president of Nnobi Special title holders, Chief Obinna Ufudo said the empowerment programme started three years ago,when they first equipped Nnobi security agency to tackle crimes ravaging the community, followed by empowering youths and market women in order to boost their businesses and this year,they invested twenty five million naira for education empowerment with each beneficiary receiving five hundred thousand naira scholarship per annum, renewable annually subject to continued good academic performance for the duration of their university education.
In their separate remarks, the president General of Nnobi, Chief Aloysius Olubialu and Chairman of Ebenesi Nnobi,Chief Okechukwu Oraka pointed out the efforts of special title holders towards the growth of the community,while advising the students to utilize the opportunity and be good ambassador of Nnobi.
Speaking in an interview, some of the title holders who spoke to newsmen including Chief Obinna Ufudo, Ebuka Okafor, lkechukwu Azugo, and Halmiton Ezeonu, emphasized that education remains the most sustainable investment in the future of Nnobi,saying that the Scholarship scheme is designed not only to support students financially but also to inspire academic excellence, responsibility and service to the community.
# It was a moment when tradition met celebration, and honour found its rightful place, as joy radiated across Nise in Awka South LGA of Anambra State, turning the community into a hub of cultural pride and goodwill.
The atmosphere brimmed with excitement as the Chairman of Anambra Patriots for Soludo, Chief Damian Enekwechi, was formally admitted into the Ancient Ozo-Owulu of Nise Aniyi Kingdom, taking the revered title of Ozo Ejiamatu N’Aniyi.
The historic initiation ceremony, held at the Enekwechi Garden Residence, Nise, became even more remarkable as it unfolded into a double celebration for the Enekwechi family. On the same occasion, the wife of the newly installed Ozo title holder, Lady Ifeoma Enekwechi, was equally honoured with initiation into the highly respected Iyom Society of Nise Kingdom, where she emerged as Iyom Ugwumsinachi.
The landmark event drew an impressive gathering of government officials, political leaders, captains of industry, academics, business executives, community stakeholders, and religious leaders, who travelled from various parts of the state and beyond to identify with the celebrants.
# Anambra born businessmen Blord
reveals ₦1.1bn salary bill as he explains preference for female staff.
The businessman sparked an online debate by discussing his predominantly female workforce.
He attributes this choice to societal pressures faced by men, which he believes affect their workplace behavior.
Blord argues that women experience fewer societal pressures, leading to greater integrity in managing large sums of money.
# The 2026 edition of the Miss Nise Beauty Pageant has successfully concluded with the emergence of a new queen. The colourful event was held at the Nise Civic Centre, Eke Afor, Nise, in Awka South LGA.
The pageant featured thrilling stage performances from various artists across different categories, including music, dance, and stand-up comedy, all of which kept the audience entertained throughout the event.
One of the major highlights of the night was the impressive outing by the individual contestants. Their performances ranged from rich cultural displays to question-and-answer sessions conducted in the Igbo language, demonstrations of personal talents, and audience participation through physical (offline) voting—largely done via cash contributions by supporters.
At the climax of the event, winners were announced amid excitement and applause. Queen Chioma Achuke was crowned Miss Nise 2026, Queen Oluchi Ezeatum emerged Ada Nise 2026, while Queen Helen Anyadike won the Face of Nise 2026 title.
