# The Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, ASTRC, Conflict Resolution Committee, in collaboration with members of the Anambra State Town Union Council, ASTUC, has commenced hearing on a leadership dispute in Ideani community.
The hearing followed a petition filed by the traditional ruler of Ideani, HRM Igwe Steve Ezeji, against the President General of the Ideani Development Union, Engineer Paul Okoye, and some members of the town union.
The petition alleges actions capable of undermining the traditional institution and threatening peace in the community. The allegations include the establishment of a parallel leadership structure, violation of the Ideani community constitution, defamation of the traditional ruler, abuse of office and other actions allegedly capable of creating tension and instability in the community.
Speaking during the hearing, the Chairman of the Conflict Resolution Committee, Igwe C. N. Okpala of Awkaeze, said the process was part of the Council’s conflict resolution mechanism aimed at addressing intra and inter community disputes through dialogue and amicable settlement.
# Joy filled the Soludo family as the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, celebrated her daughter, Oduko Soludo, for graduating with a First Class Honours degree in Neuroscience from the University of Nottingham, describing the feat as the reward of diligence, sacrifice and unwavering faith in God.
Oduko, the governor’s fifth child and third daughter, earned the prestigious academic honour, drawing praise from her family and well-wishers.
Reacting to the achievement in a statement issued in Awka on Thursday, Dr Nonye Soludo said her daughter’s success was a reflection of years of dedication and commitment to excellence.
The First Lady offered prayers for God’s continued guidance and favour as Oduko begins a new chapter, urging her to remain steadfast in learning, humility and service to humanity.
Dr Soludo also conveyed the joy of the entire family, noting that Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Oduko’s siblings and other relatives were delighted by the remarkable academic milestone.
She further congratulated the University of Nottingham Class of 2026, wishing all graduating students success as they pursue their careers and aspirations.
# The Anambra State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, has urged residents of Nnewichi in Nnewi North Local Government Area to cooperate with the state government in the ongoing right of way clearance for critical infrastructure projects.
Ojukwu made the appeal while speaking with journalists in his office in Awka, saying the exercise was necessary to facilitate the construction of a 132 KVA electricity transmission power line at Umuogbo-Obiofia, Nnewichi.
He said the delivery of public infrastructure often comes with temporary inconvenience but remains essential for sustainable development and improved public services.
According to the commissioner, projects such as road expansion, schools, markets and courts require land acquisition in the overriding public interest, stressing that such infrastructure is necessary for societal growth.
Ojukwu assured residents that the Soludo administration would ensure fairness and due process throughout the exercise, recalling that owners of properties affected by the Anambra Beltway road expansion were compensated by the state government.
He expressed confidence that a similar approach would be adopted where necessary for the current project.
The commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Lands would, within the next two weeks, commence documentation of affected properties as part of the process for possible compensation before full execution of the project.
# As the World celebrate this year 2026 World Brain Day, Wife of the Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, noting that maintaining a healthy brain is essential to achieving overall wellbeing.
Mrs Soludo who is also the founder of the non-governmental organisation, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, made the call in a statement issued to Journalists in Awka.
She said practices such as eating nutritious meals, engaging in regular physical activities, getting adequate sleep, continuous learning and prioritising mental wellness could help protect brain health.
According to her, individuals should pay greater attention to their mental wellbeing and reduce the risk of neurological disorders through healthy habits, including exercise, proper sleep and managing cardiovascular risks.
# The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has recorded another significant operational breakthrough with the arrest of two suspects for criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products.
The Corps also impounded one truck conveying about 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Parading the suspects at the State Command Headquarters, Awka, Commandant Maku Olatunde, the NSCDC Anambra State Commandant, said the arrest followed intelligence-led operations initiated by the Command to clamp down on all acts of economic sabotage within the oil and gas industry in the state.
The NSCDC Anambra State helmsman, while stressing that the activities of vandals constitute economic sabotage, warned that the Corps will leave no stone unturned in carrying out its mandate of protecting Critical National, State and Local Government Assets and Infrastructure, and in the fight against the buying, selling and transportation of suspected adulterated products.
Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of their criminal activities, identify other members of the syndicate, and ensure that all those connected with the criminal enterprise are charged before a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Command urges residents of Anambra State to continue providing timely, credible, and actionable information that will help decisively tackle this menace.
# The Anambra State Government has offered plea bargain to all suspects standing criminal trial in the State except those standing trial for the offences of murder, kidnapping,, armed robbery and rape.
According to the statement issued by the Attorney General of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke SAN, this rare discretionary privilege is part of the ongoing efforts of the State Government to decongest the correctional centers and the courts and to align with the ongoing reform of the criminal justice sector in the State in line with the mandate of the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
The Attorney General has further to this, issued a Direction to all prosecutors in the State requiring them to issue the prescribed Plea Bargain Forms accompanying the Direction to all defendants in criminal cases before plea is taken.
The Direction is dated the 22nd July, 2026 and applies to all offences created by the laws of the State except the offences of murder, kidnapping,, armed robbery and rape
This will be the first time a State Government will be taking such a bold step to offer plea bargain to large members of the society facing criminal trial.
Under plea bargain, a Defendant is required to plead guilty and be given a lesser sentence by the courts.
# The Faculty of Physical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Uli Campus, has held its 2025/2026 induction and send-off ceremony for newly admitted and graduating students.
Speaking at the event at the New ETF Auditorium, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Emmanuel Onyema Iloh, urged the fresh students to adhere to the university’s academic regulations to ensure a successful academic journey. He also advised the graduating students to comply with the institution’s sign-out procedures and remain grateful to God for seeing them through their studies.
Delivering a lecture titled “Preparation for Life After School,” Prof. Leonard Onuba cautioned the students against examination malpractice, sexual harassment, indecent dressing and other unethical practices. He urged them to make productive use of their time, maintain healthy lifestyles and guard against stress, anxiety and depression.
The NUSSA Staff Adviser, Mr Nnaemena Ugochukwu, formally presented the fresh students to the Dean for induction into the faculty, while representatives of Keystone Bank sensitised participants on an ongoing empowerment programme.
Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Computer Science, Prof. Ike Mgbeafulike, advised the students to use the internet and social media responsibly, warning against cyberbullying, misinformation and excessive online engagement. He urged them to verify information before sharing it.
# A tragic incident has reportedly marred the 2026 edition of the Nwafor Ogidi Festival following the death of a young man who was allegedly stabbed by a masquerade during the cultural celebration in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to eyewitness accounts circulating in the community, the incident followed an alleged disagreement over money demanded by the masquerade. The victim was reportedly attacked with a dagger during the altercation and sustained injuries that later proved fatal.
The development has sparked outrage among residents and renewed concerns over public safety during traditional festivals, particularly allegations of harassment, intimidation and extortion associated with some masquerade activities.
Residents have called on the Anambra State Government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
# The Faculty of Environmental Sciences has successfully defended its male football title at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Staff Games, defeating the Faculty of Arts 2-0 in a final that capped a fiercely contested tournament involving fourteen faculties and units.
The champions, who kicked off their title defence on 10th June 2026, carried their form through to the final, where two well-taken goals settled the contest.
Dr Alom Anselem Chukwuma, Head of Department, Urban and Regional Planning, opened the scoring with a composed finish. Prof. Joseph Onyejiaka doubled the advantage soon after with a moment of individual brilliance, putting the result beyond the Faculty of Arts’ reach.
The Faculty of Arts took silver, while the Faculty of Social Sciences claimed bronze.
Team captain Dr Chiagozie Bert-Okonkwor commended his squad’s discipline and cohesion, crediting their title retention to the unity they maintained throughout the competition.
# A suspected transformer vandal has been arrested by community security operatives in Obiofia Nnewichi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended while allegedly attempting to remove cables from a community transformer.
According to community sources, the swift intervention of the operatives prevented the alleged vandalism from being completed and possibly saved the area from a prolonged power outage that could have affected homes, businesses and industrial activities.
Residents have commended the vigilance of the community security operatives, describing the arrest as a significant intervention in the fight against the vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure.
Residents therefore expressed concern that the continued vandalism of transformers and electricity cables could negatively affect economic activities and livelihoods.
