# A student of St. Michael’s Model Comprehensive Secondary School (SMMCSS), Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area, has put Anambra State on the continental map, emerging as the Overall Champion of Spark Nation 3.0, an international debate competition for secondary school students across West and Central Africa.
Chukwuemeka Prosper Sochinweike, an SS2 student of the school, clinched the title at the competition held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, which attracted contestants from leading secondary schools across Nigeria, West Africa, and Central Africa. He distinguished himself through exceptional debating skills, critical thinking, and eloquence, earning a university scholarship and regional recognition as one of the continent’s brightest young debaters.
Spark Nation is organised by One Youth Global to promote critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership among secondary school students in the region.
Reacting to the achievement, the Principal of SMMCSS, Rev. Fr. Dennis Nwabueze, described the victory as a defining moment for the institution and a validation of its commitment to academic excellence and holistic education.
Rev. Fr. Nwabueze noted that Prosper’s success reflects the school’s philosophy of developing students who excel intellectually and morally, adding that it demonstrates the capacity of SMMCSS students to compete at the highest international level. He expressed confidence that the feat would inspire peers to pursue excellence, embrace healthy competition, and maximise opportunities for personal and academic growth.
# The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to mobilize well-meaning individuals, philanthropic organizations, and the organized private sector in the state to assist in evacuating stranded Anambra indigenes from South Africa.
The resolution followed a motion moved during Tuesday’s plenary by the Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme.
Presenting the motion, Ofodeme cited verified reports of xenophobic attacks, violence against immigrants, and worsening socioeconomic conditions in South Africa, which he said have left many Anambra indigenes facing hardship, systemic hostility, and legal challenges.
He explained that many of the affected citizens had travelled to South Africa in search of better economic opportunities but are now experiencing severe deprivation due to changing immigration policies and unfavorable local conditions.
According to the Majority Leader, the prolonged suffering of these individuals has not only undermined their dignity but has also placed emotional and financial pressure on their families back home.
Hon. Ofodeme appealed to the spirit of the Igbo philosophy of “Onye aghala nwanne ya” (do not abandon your brother), urging wealthy Anambra industrialists, captains of industry, and diaspora organizations to support efforts to bring the stranded citizens home.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Ebuka Igwe (Idemili South), Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke (Aguata one), Hon. Fred Ezenwa (Onitsha South one), Hon. Jude Umennajiego (Onitsha South 2), and Chief Whip, Hon. Jude Ngobili (Ihiala one), commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention to rescue Anambra citizens facing difficult circumstances in South Africa.
The lawmakers stressed that facilitating their return and reintegrating them into society would demonstrate the state’s concern for the welfare of its people.
# Members of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) Zone One, St. Joseph Parish, Enekwaspum has visited the Red Cross Motherless Babies Home, GRA, Onitsha, to identify with the children and donate relief materials in support of their welfare.
The delegation presented detergents, two cartons of biscuits, one carton of Indomie noodles, pampers and cash to assist in meeting the needs of the children.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairlady of CWO Zone One, Mrs. Chizoba Uzoma, said the outreach was aimed at demonstrating love, compassion and solidarity with the children, noting that beyond the material gifts, the group wanted the children to experience the warmth, care and affection of a mother’s presence.
Mrs. Uzoma encouraged the caregivers and children to remain hopeful and continue trusting in God despite life’s challenges. She prayed for God’s continued protection and blessings upon the home and everyone contributing to the well-being of the children.
The management and children of the home warmly received the delegation, expressing gratitude for the visit and generous donations. They offered prayers for the members of the organisation in appreciation of their kindness.
During an interactive session, the Matron of the home, Mrs. Nkechi Onuorah, disclosed that she assumed duty in April and that the facility currently cares for 51 children, outlining some of the major challenges confronting the home, including inadequate electricity supply, the high cost of fueling generators, the absence of a refrigerator for food preservation, a shortage of adult clothing and limited financial resources.
# Regina Caeli College of Nursing Sciences, Awka, has officially commenced full academic activities with the matriculation of 115 pioneer students who will undergo training leading to the award of National Diploma certificates.
Declaring the institution open during a Holy Mass held as part of the matriculation ceremony, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, said considerable efforts were made to secure accreditation for the college. He expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the institution a reality.
The Coordinating Provost of the college, Mrs. Mary-Michael Ezenwuba, urged the newly admitted students to make the most of the opportunity provided by their parents, guardians and sponsors. She appealed for additional infrastructure, including a new hostel block, an electronic mannequin for practical training, more library books and about 300 standard classroom seats to support the institution’s continued growth.
Mrs. Ezenwuba also commended Bishop Ezeokafor, the proprietor of the college, and other stakeholders for their commitment to expanding access to quality nursing education through the establishment of the institution.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area, Hon. Rome Ibekwe, praised the Awka Catholic Diocese for establishing the college, noting that it would complement government efforts to strengthen the healthcare sector.
Representing the APGA Anambra Central Senatorial candidate, Chief Dozie Nwankwo, he encouraged the students to embrace the “think-home” philosophy by contributing to the development of their communities.
# No fewer than 139 residents of Ogidi in Idemili North LGA benefited from free HIV counselling and testing, malaria and tuberculosis (TB) screening, health education and referral services during a community health outreach organised by the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) in collaboration with the University on the Niger Medical Students’ Association (UNIMSA).
The outreach, held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ogidi, was aimed at expanding access to preventive healthcare services while promoting the early detection and treatment of HIV, malaria and tuberculosis.
Participants received free HIV and malaria tests, TB screening, as well as health education on HIV prevention, the importance of knowing one’s HIV status, malaria prevention through proper environmental sanitation, early recognition of TB symptoms, routine medical check-ups and healthy lifestyle practices. Those requiring further medical attention were referred to appropriate healthcare facilities for continued care.
# The Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has continued to improve access to quality maternal healthcare through its free antenatal and delivery programme in government-owned hospitals across the state.
Launched in September 2023, the initiative provides pregnant women with free antenatal care, medications, laboratory tests, normal deliveries, and Caesarean sections at no cost.
The programme was introduced to reduce maternal and infant mortality, remove financial barriers to safe childbirth, and ensure that no woman loses her life because she cannot afford medical care.
Since its introduction, thousands of women have benefited from the initiative, leading to a significant increase in the number of deliveries recorded in public health facilities across Anambra State.
Governor Soludo has repeatedly affirmed that every pregnant woman deserves safe and dignified maternal care, describing the programme as part of his administration’s commitment to building a healthy and livable Anambra.
# The Anambra State Commissioner for Transport Edward Ibuzo has called for love, unity and mutual understanding among members of the joint Transporters forum.
The commissioner made this statement during a courtesy visit in his office. He emphasized that a united transport community is essential for ensuring peace, safety and the smooth operation of transportation across the state under one umbrella.
He also urged transport unions and stakeholders to put aside their differences and work together in support of the government and for the the drivers well fare.
President joint Transporters forum Anambra Elvis Okoye said their visit was to inform the commissioner that they have settled their differences and to ensure a lasting peace and unity among them.
President of Drivers Well Fare Association, Prince Moses Ohanabo said that resolving their differences as directed by the commissioner has joined the different union together to operate under one umbrella.
Further more, he disclosed how they have cared and supported many of their drivers during their difficult times and we are pleading support from State government to move transport sector forward.
# A health worker, Mrs. Chinyere Ogbula, has advised women to manage stress properly, describing it as a silent killer if neglected. She gave the advice during a health talk at St. John’s Methodist Church, Nkpor.
Mrs. Ogbula explained that prolonged and unmanaged stress could trigger serious health conditions, including hypertension, kidney failure, heart disease and other complications, which may eventually result in death if untreated.
She noted that women often shoulder multiple responsibilities, including cooking, washing, childcare and other household duties, leading to mental overload and unnecessary stress when everything is handled simultaneously.
According to her, proper planning and taking one task at a time are effective ways of reducing stress. She encouraged women to organise their daily activities to improve productivity and mental well-being.
Mrs. Ogbula also urged women to maintain a balanced diet, explaining that adequate nutrition provides essential nutrients needed for healthy living and strengthens the body against stress-related illnesses.
She further encouraged regular medical check-ups for early detection and treatment of diseases before they become chronic, stressing that prevention remains better and more affordable than cure.
The health worker advised participants to engage in regular morning exercise, drink adequate water daily and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to promote physical fitness, mental wellness and overall quality of life.
# The Anambra Dispatch Riders’ Association has presented a Wall Clock to the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ibuzo, as a token of appreciation and goodwill during a courtesy visit to his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex.
Presenting the gift on behalf of the association, a member, Mr. Aligwo Emmanuel, said the visit was to congratulate the Commissioner on his appointment, appreciate the good work he has commenced in the ministry, and establish a cordial working relationship with the leadership of the ministry.
He noted that the wall clock symbolises the association’s unity, commitment, and dedication to excellence in the dispatch and transport sector, while expressing confidence in the Commissioner’s ability to further reposition the ministry.
Responding, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ibuzo, thanked the association for the thoughtful gesture and assured them of his commitment to an open-door policy that encourages collaboration with relevant stakeholders. He stated that the ministry would continue to work with groups and associations that contribute positively to the development of the transport sector in Anambra State.
The Commissioner also appreciated the association for identifying with the ministry and assured its members of the government’s continued support towards improving transportation services across the state.
# Diocese On The Niger Polytechnic, known better as Gozie Anyacheblu Polytechnic (GOZPOLY), Onitsha, Anambra State, has hosted its practical Tech Skill Exhibition and Scholarship Awards .
The Tech Skill And Exhibition Scholarship Awards was aimed at promoting innovation, creativity and academic excellence among young people.
The event took place at the institution’s campus located within the All Saints’ Cathedral Compound, opposite Red Cross, Onitsha.
According to the management of the institution, participating secondary schools sent in their top 20 graduating students to take part in the programme.
The management explained that the exhibition was designed to provide students with an opportunity to showcase their talents, practical skills and innovative ideas in a competitive but educational environment.
