# The coast is now clear for the commencement of academic activities at the newly established Transatlantic University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Umuchukwu, Anambra State, following the issuance of its operational licence by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The institution, described by its founder as a landmark project poised to redefine medical education and health research in Nigeria, officially received its operational licence and accreditation clearance on Friday at the NUC headquarters in Abuja.
The licence was presented by the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, to the university’s founder, Dr. Godwin Maduka, after the institution successfully met the Commission’s prescribed standards for operation.
With the approval, the university is set to commence admission into three faculties offering a total of 17 accredited academic programmes soon.
Speaking during the presentation, Professor Ribadu congratulated the institution on attaining the required benchmarks for licensing and programme accreditation. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting quality assurance, maintaining high academic standards, and positioning Nigeria’s university system to compete globally.
In his remarks, the founder, Dr. Godwin Maduka, a United States-based physician and pain management specialist, said the university would transform Anambra State into a leading hub for medical education, scientific research, and innovation.
He expressed confidence that the institution would not only contribute to advancing healthcare delivery but also create employment opportunities and provide young people in the community with access to quality education and rewarding career paths in the health sector.
# St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Amawbia, has joined the universal Catholic Church to celebrate the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly with a special Mass and recognition of parishioners aged 80 years and above.
The celebration themed “I will never forget you”, underscoring God’s enduring love and faithfulness to the elderly.
In his homily, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Donatus Oragwam, urged Christians to seek heavenly wisdom, using King Solomon as an example of someone who chose wisdom over wealth and material possessions.
The priest also encouraged the elderly to forgive those who may have wronged them and embrace the joy that comes with the gift of long life.
Speaking on behalf of the Family and Human Life Unit, Lady Philomena Umenduka assured the elderly that the Church had not forgotten them, while commending the parish for honouring their sacrifices and contributions.
The elderly parishioners expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a gesture that made them feel loved, valued and remembered.
# The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU Igbariam, Professor Kate Omenugha, has urged teachers to see teaching as a noble vocation and a divine call to serve humanity, rather than merely as a means of livelihood.
Prof. Omenugha stated this while delivering the keynote address at the Aguata Best Teachers, Pupils and Students Celebration held at the Council Field.
The VC commended the Aguata Local Government Chairman, Dr Chibueze Ofobuike, for prioritising education and supporting teachers and students across the local government area.
She explained that the impact of teachers in building character, shaping minds and developing human capacity cannot be adequately measured in monetary terms,
Omenugha noted that the saying that “a teacher’s reward is in heaven” should not be interpreted to mean that teachers should remain hungry on earth.
# The Anambra State Government has sealed the collapsed three-storey building at Amaokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area, reaffirming its commitment to stricter enforcement of planning regulations and safe construction practices.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, said preliminary investigations indicated structural failure and announced the site’s closure pending comprehensive investigations and structural integrity assessments.
Barr. Ojukwu warned that owners and developers of defective or non-compliant buildings would face sanctions, adding that ongoing construction projects across the state would undergo stricter monitoring and inspections.
An eyewitness, Prince Ifeanyi Ezefunamba, said the building, reportedly occupied by Federal Polytechnic Oko students, collapsed around 10:00 p.m. after occupants noticed cracking sounds and evacuated before the incident.
# The Anambra State Government has renewed its partnership with the Anambra State Waste Recyclers Multipurpose Cooperative Society, ASWARCOOP, to strengthen recycling and sustainable waste management across the state.
Speaking during the presentation of Certificates of Registration to pioneer primary cooperatives under ASWARCOOP in Onitsha, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi, described the cooperative as a strategic partner in the state’s environmental sustainability drive.
Dr Aguiyi said the government would collaborate with ASWARCOOP on the proposed Model School Waste Collection and Recycling Initiative, aimed at promoting waste sorting, recycling education and environmental consciousness among students.
He stressed that waste should no longer be seen merely as refuse, but as an economic resource capable of creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurship and driving Anambra’s circular economy.
# Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim, has disclosed that the process of establishing a Brigade Headquarters in Awka and a Battalion in Ihiala is underway as part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s sustained efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the state.
The Deputy Governor made this known when he received the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Professor Emmanuel Iloh, who led members of the faculty on a courtesy visit to his office at the Government House, Awka, ahead of the Faculty’s 2026 International Conference scheduled to hold on 11th August, 2026.
Dr. Ibezim reaffirmed the Soludo-led administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the state government will not negotiate with criminal elements but will continue to strengthen security through strategic interventions and collaboration with security agencies. He noted that the proposed Brigade Headquarters in Awka and Battalion in Ihiala would further enhance security operations across the state and consolidate the gains already recorded by the present administration.
# The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, wishes to make the following clarification regarding the arrest of two suspects and the impoundment of a truck conveying about 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, along Boromeu Road, Onitsha.
Following intense investigation, the Command hereby clears Oluchulwu Oil and Gas of any wrongdoing.
The Command states categorically that Oluchulwu Oil and Gas is not in any way connected to the suspected adulterated product.The command can attest that company is law-abiding and operates in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.
The NSCDC Anambra State Command, under the leadership of Commandant Maku Olatunde, recognizes Oluchulwu Oil and Gas as a law-abiding corporate organization that operates in full compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act and all other relevant regulations.
# The Anambra State Ministry of Commerce and Industry has endorsed the Nigeria Business Summit 2026 Regional Tour, describing it as a strategic platform for empowering entrepreneurs, manufacturers, traders, MSMEs, and stakeholders.
The summit, themed “Empowering Nigerian Enterprises for Growth,” will hold on July 29, 2026, at Blitz Event Centre, Awada Layout, Onitsha, bringing together business leaders, innovators, and industry experts.
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Chukwuma Ebonwu, encouraged entrepreneurs and business owners across Anambra State to participate actively and benefit from practical knowledge, partnerships, and business opportunities.
Ebonwu said the Ministry’s endorsement aligns with the Anambra State Government’s vision of promoting enterprise development, strengthening MSMEs, and creating a more enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He urged manufacturers, market leaders, cooperatives, startups, and aspiring entrepreneurs to leverage the summit for networking, knowledge sharing, and gaining insights into emerging business trends and best practices.
# Anambra State has taken a significant step toward improving rural water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services with the validation of baseline data to support evidence based planning and investment in the sector.
The validation workshop, at Fun Surge Hotel and Suites, Awka, was organised by the Anambra State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (ANA-RUWASSA) and the Anambra State Ministry of Power and Water Resources in collaboration with Teamwork Global Associates, consultants engaged by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation under the African Development Bank (AfDB) funded Inclusive Basic Services Delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Programme (IBSDLEIP).
The exercise focused on reviewing and validating WASH baseline data collected earlier this year by ANA-RUWASSA and Local Government Area (LGA) WASH personnel across 20 rural LGAs of the state. It also sought to strengthen institutional planning for equitable and sustainable WASH development in rural communities.
Representing the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Casmir Chinenye Agummadu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Victor Ezekwo, underscored the importance of reliable data in driving effective planning, policy formulation and the equitable distribution of resources.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the African Development Bank and Teamwork Global Associates for their support in advancing access to improved water, sanitation and hygiene services across Anambra State.
# As the pillars and managers of the family and society, women have been encouraged to live up to the roles of motherhood to restore family values, re-orientation, and morality to secure a serene society.
This was the crux of matters at the Annual General Meeting of Awka Development Union, Women Wing, held at the Emmaus House, Awka.
The programme, which has its theme as ‘Dwelling together for harmony, blessings and progress’, saw women from the thirty-three villages that make up the community, including branch presidents and executives, converge to brainstorm on how to get things right in their families, villages, and Awka in totality. They were also exposed to a series of scriptural references and prayers by Pastor Emeka Ezenwa, who led them through many aspects of being the salt of the nation as women, and a prayer session to be spiritually alert to defeat the challenges of Satan.
Members of the Ozo Awka Society paid homage to them, including other notable members of the Awka community, to encourage and plead with the women as the pillars of society to look inwards in addressing the challenges and social ills being experienced in today’s society.
Addressing the gathering, the Member Representing Awka North and South in the House of Representatives, Professor Oby Orogbu, said gone are the days when women are relegated to the back, and that they should stand strong, occupy their rightful position in society, be part of the nation’s decision-making, and support their fellow women so as to have a voice in the political circle.
In her address, the newly elected Women President General of ADUN, Mrs. Mma Okafor, asked the women to remain dependable partners in community development by promoting environmental cleanliness, supporting education, encouraging healthy living, empowering women economically, mentoring young women, protecting their cultural values, and contributing to the peace and development of Awka Kingdom.
In an interview, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Onyekesi, who spoke through the Director of Women Affairs in the ministry, Mrs. Bernice Uchendu, hailed the peaceful atmosphere witnessed on ground and called on them to support all government moves in empowering women and the girl child. She also advised them to go back to the days of yore when mothers groomed their wards to become good ambassadors of society.
On her part, the immediate past Women President General of ADUN, Barrister Oge Ekweozor, called for collective efforts to promote the vision and mission of ADUN Women Wing, even as she clamoured for unity, togetherness, oneness, and love amongst them, noting that with these they can achieve a lot.
