# The President General of Ifitedunu Town Union and former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Branch, Professor Stephen Uchenna Ufoaroh, has received the Rotary Community Service Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community development, educational advancement and humanitarian service.
The award was presented during the installation ceremony of Rotarian Christopher Ewah as the 25th President of the Rotary Club of Awka GRA, District 9142, held in Awka, Anambra State.
In a further show of appreciation, the Ifitedunu Students’ Union of Nnamdi Azikiwe University presented Prof. Ufoaroh with a specially crafted portrait in recognition of his unwavering commitment to education, youth development and the advancement of Ifitedunu students and the wider community.
Responding to the honour, Prof. Ufoaroh expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club of Awka GRA for the recognition, describing the award as a call to even greater service. He reaffirmed his dedication to promoting education, youth empowerment, research, innovation and sustainable community development.
The recognition highlights Prof. Ufoaroh’s long-standing commitment to leveraging education, leadership and innovation as instruments for societal transformation.
# The Chairman of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Amaka Obi has officially flagged off the Idemili South Healthy Living Sports Competition, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, healthy living, and community development.
Speaking at the colourful opening ceremony held at the Council Field, Ojoto, Hon. Obi described sports as a powerful tool for promoting peace, unity, discipline, and healthy competition among young people. She noted that the competition was designed not only to discover sporting talents but also to encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen the bonds among communities in the Local Government Area.
The Council boss urged all participating teams to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship by playing with discipline, fairness, and respect for one another. She emphasized that while every team hopes to emerge victorious, the greatest achievement is fostering friendship, unity, and mutual understanding among the youths.
Hon. Obi further reiterated her administration’s resolve to continue investing in programmes that positively engage young people, promote grassroots sports, and create opportunities for talent discovery and development.
The competition features football matches involving teams from various communities across Idemili South Local Government Area, with outstanding teams and players set to receive prizes and recognition at the end of the tournament.
# In fulfillment of the United Nations General Assembly’s demand for the global celebration of world drug day, every 26th day of June, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University chapter of the War against Drug Abuse commemorated the annual celebration on the 24th day of July 2026 in Awka.
Leveraging on the theme of the celebration,” World Drug Problems: Persisting Issues,New Challenges, Innovative Responses’, the Vice Chancellor of Unizik, Professor Bond Anyaehie represented by the University’s Vice Chancellor Administration, Prof. Hilda Osisioma, declared the event open with a call on all stakeholders to rise in unison to say no to the increasing sad realities of drug abuse which have metamorphosed to substance abuse.
In a message to the occasion, the chairman of the event and the national chairman board of fellows, Pharmaceutical Society Of Nigeria, Pharmacist Uchenna Uzoma Apakama raised an alarm over the proliferation of drugs and substances abuse cases which have wrecked serious havoc in the world at large.
Pharmacist Apakama frowned at the disturbing drugs and substance abuse statistics in Nigeria and advocated serious intervention by the government, health care givers, communities and all relevant stakeholders.
The chairman who is also the MD/CEO PAXS pharmacy Onitsha announced that pharmacists are willing partners and stakeholders in the business of ensuring that Nigeria do not completely collapse in the war against drugs and substances abuse.
He called for prevention as an antidote to ameliorate the rising cases of drugs and substances abuse.
# The Chief Executive Officer of Pineleaf Estate, Archbishop Dr. Onyeka Nzekwesi, has been honoured with the title of ‘Oku Na Enye Ife of Africa’ by renowned Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ebube Mmụọsọ.
The honour was bestowed during the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2026 of Divine Rays British School, in recognition of Archbishop Nzekwesi’s outstanding contributions and service.
Expressing his appreciation, Archbishop Nzekwesi said: “I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful to be recognized by our Father, Ebube Mmụọsọ. This recognition is both humbling and inspiring, and I dedicate it to the service of God and humanity.”
# The youth wing of the Anambra State Town Union Council, ASTUC, has honoured eleven selected role models in Anambra East Council Area for their impact on community development, youth empowerment and individual achievements, as they were commended and advised to keep faith with the core values of Anambra State, which include fear of God, patriotism, discipline, amongst others.
Speaking during the event, the ASTUC Youths President-General, Comrade Ken Okoli, emphasized that values are what drive people and that the honour for the role models is a demonstration of faith in Anambra and the good governance it enjoys, commending the value system reorientation that the Governor has championed, and stating that they would take the value reorientation campaign to schools across the state to ensure that Anambra State remains the light of the nation.
The Anambra East Local Government Area Chairman, Mr. Ifeanyi Chinweze, in his remarks commended ASTUC Youths for the honour on the role models, noting that they have contributed to the development of their communities, including youth empowerment, but suggested that the honour be extended to everyday people who have defied the odds to rise and contribute to societal well-being, while congratulating the honoured.
The Chairman of the Occasion and the President General of Aguleri, Mr. Chike Nwabia, the ASTUC Youths Leader for Anambra East, Mr. Obiorah Odumegwu, and a Youth Stakeholder, Engineer Chidi Obiudu, in their remarks opined that youths are the powerhouse of every community and society, explaining further that the concerns of youths should be handled with care to create value and impact for a better future, and commending ASTUC for the honour on the role models.
The honoured role models, including the member representing Anambra East in the State House of Assembly, Honourable Obi Nweke; the former Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engineer Julius Chukwuemeka; and a popular traditionalist, Chief Emeka Nwakalor, expressed happiness for the honour and noted it would be an urge to do more and serve better, while others, including Chief Peter Odieli and Chief Kenneth Ogugua, also appreciated ASTUC Youths for the honour and commended the state government for its value reorientation and youth-friendly policies.
# The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo, for what he described as significant achievements in infrastructure development, security, and the restoration of normalcy across the state.
Bishop Ezeokafor made the commendation during the priestly ordination of six priests at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka. He lauded the Soludo administration’s ongoing infrastructure projects, describing them as clear evidence of purposeful leadership and a strong commitment to the sustainable development of Anambra State.
The Bishop also acknowledged the government’s sustained efforts to improve the security of lives and property, noting that the enhanced security situation has restored public confidence and stimulated socio-economic activities in many communities across the state.
Speaking on the government’s campaign against the Monday sit-at-home order, Bishop Ezeokafor observed that the initiative has contributed significantly to restoring normal social and economic activities in Anambra. He urged residents to continue supporting efforts aimed at promoting lasting peace, security, and stability.
# The Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC), Igwe Chidubem Iweka has officially unveiled activities for the 2026 Obiora Festival, the revival of the Ite Umatu Eze Obosi Festival and the 2027 Ito-Ogbo Obosi Festival.
The announcement, made at the monarch’s palace in Obosi, marked the commencement of preparations for the three cultural festivals with the inauguration of a 15 member organising committee.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Monarch said the Obiora Obosi Festival would hold on Oct. 24, 2026, describing it as an annual celebration of the new yam, peace, unity and thanksgiving.
He also announced the reintroduction of the Ite Umatu Eze Obosi Festival, scheduled for Aug. 30, 2026, noting that the festival had not been celebrated for many years and would be held for the first time since his ascension to the throne.
The traditional ruler further disclosed that the Ito-Ogbo Obosi Festival, celebrated once every three years, would take place on March 27, 2027, to honour Obosi indigenes and age grades whose members have attained the age of 80.
# The Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE), Anambra State Chapter, has honoured the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, with an Award of Excellence for his contributions to the mining, oil and gas sector.
The honour was conferred during a courtesy visit by the chapter’s Chairman, Engr. Bertram Onyekachi Nwajagu, and members of the institution to the commissioner, to introduce the association and strengthen collaboration with the ministry.
Nwajagu commended Ofoegbu’s leadership in advancing Anambra’s emergence as an oil producing state, describing him as a worthy recipient of the award. He said the recognition also reflected the institution’s desire to deepen collaboration with the ministry in promoting safety standards, professionalism and best practices in the oil and gas industry.
The chairman also presented an official invitation to Ofoegbu as Special Guest and Awardee at the institution’s Fourth Chairman’s Investiture, scheduled for Aug. 1, 2026, in Awka. The event is themed, “Advancing Public Safety: Collaborative Governance between Engineers and Regulators.”
# The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua has called on secondary school principals to join hands with the state government in making Anambra the benchmark for quality education in Nigeria and a model for the rest of Africa through committed and innovative leadership.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual Congress of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) held at Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, Dr. Ogugua described principals as the primary implementers of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s education transformation agenda. He said while the Ministry of Education formulates policies, the success of such policies depends on principals, who oversee their implementation in schools across the state.
Dr. Ogugua urged the principals to renew their commitment to service by leading with integrity, compassion, professionalism and courage, stressing that the government was determined to create schools where students feel safe, teachers are motivated and parents have confidence in the education system.
The Commissioner acknowledged challenges facing public schools, including inadequate infrastructure, increasing enrolment and changing educational demands, but assured the principals that Governor Soludo remained committed to tackling them through constructive dialogue, teamwork and practical, sustainable solutions.
# Former Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra West Local Government Area (LGA) and APGA flagbearer for the State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Felix Ikechi, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo following the Presidential approval for the dualization of the Otuocha–Anam–Nzam–Ibaji–Kogi Federal Road.
In a statement released through his media office and made available to journalists, Ikechi described the approval as a major milestone for Anambra State’s infrastructure development and a significant boost to economic growth in the riverine communities.
He noted that the road has served as a vital economic corridor for decades, adding that its dualization would enhance transportation, facilitate trade, strengthen economic and social links between Anambra and neighbouring states.
According to him, the approval reflects the gains of Governor Soludo’s sustained engagement with the Federal Government, demonstrating the value of constructive leadership and collaboration in delivering development projects.
Ikechi said the project offers renewed hope to thousands of residents, farmers, traders, transport operators and businesses that rely on the route for their daily activities and regional connectivity.
