# The World Bank has confirmed that Anambra State did not express interest to participate in its 2024 HOPE-Governance Program, contrary to misleading media reports alleging that the State was denied the World Bank loan facility due to poor performance benchmarks.
According to the World Bank, in its Implementation Status & Results Report on Nigeria HOPE-Governance (P181476), dated July 07, 2025, _“35 states and the Federal Capital Territory have expressed interest in participating in the Program. Anambra State did not express interest to participate in the Program.”_
The report makes no mention of disqualification or failed benchmarks, only that interested states engaged the Bank for guidance.
In a press statement signed by Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to
the Governor, Anambra’s non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision, not a penalty.
# Idemili North residents have expressed excitement over Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s promise to address rising house rents in Anambra State, describing the initiative as timely and beneficial for struggling tenants.
Speaking in Nkpor, several residents commended the governor’s commitment, noting that the increasing cost of accommodation has placed significant financial pressure on families and individuals.
A widow, Mrs. Chidiebere Israel, said she would be delighted if the promise becomes reality, stressing that most of her earnings are spent on rent rather than feeding, clothing, or welfare.
She lamented that the burden of annual rent payments has become unbearable, leaving many residents with little income to cater for other essential household and personal needs.
Another resident, Mr. Chibuzo Emeh, described the governor’s intervention as a blessing, saying it would help many tenants remain in urban communities instead of relocating to villages.
According to him, some landlords increase rents arbitrarily without considering prevailing economic realities or the hardships tenants face, making survival increasingly difficult for low and middle-income earners.
Mr. Udor Chikezie alleged that some landlords justify rent increments with promises of renovations, painting, roofing repairs, or borehole projects, yet fail to implement such improvements afterward.
# The Anambra State Ministry of Culture Entertainment and Tourism, has directed all hotel owners, guest house operators, and apartment managers in the state to register with the ministry and become members of the state hotel association to enhance coordination within the hospitality industry.
The Commissioner for Culture, Mr Udoji Amedu, gave the directive during a meeting with hotel owners and stakeholders, explaining that the registration exercise would create a direct communication link between the government and hospitality operators through digital platforms such as WhatsApp and email.
According to the Commissioner, the initiative became necessary to address challenges associated with poor coordination, inadequate data on hotel operations, and illegal revenue collection by unauthorized individuals and groups.
Speaking during the meeting, the Director of Hotels, Rev. Barr. Nwikwu Fredrick, disclosed that Anambra State currently has between 570 and 600 hotels, including both locally and foreign-owned establishments, operating across the state.
# Ekwusigo Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State is poised for a major development milestone as Governor Chukwuma Soludo prepares to commission series of landmark projects executed by the LGA Chairman, Hon. James Chimezie Obi.
For years, the local government, comprising Ozubulu, Orifite, Ihembosi and Ichi communities, struggled with inadequate infrastructure and limited social amenities. Today, however, residents say the area is witnessing a remarkable transformation driven by deliberate investments in infrastructure, security and public service delivery.
Hon. Obi, who previously served as Transition Committee Chairman before emerging as the elected LGA chairman, has been widely commended for his prudent management of resources and commitment to grassroots development. Under his administration, Ekwusigo has recorded significant improvements across key sectors and is increasingly regarded as one of the safest LGA in Anambra State.
Among the projects scheduled for commissioning are a three-kilometre road fitted with streetlights linking Ekwusigo to neighbouring communities, a renovated and fully furnished legislative building at the local government secretariat, and a reconstructed Community Town Hall.
Other projects include the rehabilitation of the former intro-tech laboratory and WAEC Hall at Community Secondary School, Ihembosi; installation of CCTV cameras across the LGA; construction of a 30KVA mini-grid powering the entire Local Government Secretariat; a traditional rulers’ building; functional boreholes; an ICT and surveillance control room; and modern toilet facilities within the secretariat.
# Public Relations practitioners have been advised to use their public relations skills to manage crisis and mental health issues in a troubled society.
Rev Prof Chika Gabriel Okpalike of the Department of Religion and Human Relations, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka stated this in Awka while delivering a Business Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Anambra State Chapter.
Speaking on the topic “Crisis and Mental Health Management in a Troubled Society: The Public Relations Perspective,” Prof Okpalike described crisis management as a core function of Public Relations (PR), which involves anticipating, preparing for, and navigating unexpected emergencies to protect an organisation’s reputation.
According to him, PR experts control the narrative, maintain transparency, and foster trust when challenges threaten public perception.
He contended that PR crisis management strategy relies on preparation & proactive planning, rapid & transparent response, stakeholder communication, reputation recovery & long-term strategy to achieve desired success.
Prof Okpalike submitted that in a troubled society, public relations serves as a critical bridge between crisis management and community mental health where professionals mitigate panic, fight misinformation, and shape communication strategies that prevent reputational and societal chaos.
# The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, received Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria, Awka Chapter, during an advocacy and courtesy visit in Awka.
State President, Mr. Ikechukwu Obasoanya, congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment, describing him as an experienced professional whose leadership would strengthen the ministry and advance sustainable development across Anambra State.
Obasoanya explained the visit introduced environmental officers’ responsibilities, achievements, operational challenges, and sought stronger collaboration with the ministry to improve environmental law enforcement, compliance, and healthy urban development statewide.
He stressed environmental officers ensure quality building standards by recommending adequate ventilation, airspace, drainage systems, and other essential facilities that promote healthier living conditions in residential and commercial structures.
Commissioner Ojukwu urged environmental officers to broaden their activities beyond physical planning by intensifying inspections of food production facilities, restaurants, slaughterhouses, and other public places affecting community health.
He observed many restaurants require kitchen inspections, while numerous slaughterhouses lack adequate water supply and hygienic conditions, emphasizing strict enforcement of Public Health Law provisions to safeguard residents’ wellbeing.
The Commissioner clarified environmental health officers cannot seal ongoing building projects, explaining their responsibility is issuing compliance notices and recommendations, while only physical planners possess statutory authority to seal sites.
# A delegation from the NYSC Anambra State Secretariat, led by the State Coordinator, Pauline Ojisua, paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, at the Government House, Awka.
In her remarks, the Coordinator, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua said the visit was to express appreciation for the SSG’s unwavering support for the NYSC Scheme, particularly her commitment to the welfare of corps members since assuming office.
A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of a portrait to the SSG by corps members as a token of appreciation.
In her response, Mrs. Nnake thanked the delegation for the thoughtful gesture and reaffirmed the Anambra State Government’s commitment to sustaining its cordial relationship and support for the NYSC Scheme in the state.
# Youths under the umbrella of Adazi-Enu Youth Assembly, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, has held a solidarity rally in support of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s victory against 40-year agitation for the creation of autonomous community in the area and other part of the State.
The rally took place at the Enugwu village square, were the youths express their support for the decision, as well as show gratitude to the governor for putting an end to the age-long system.
The agitation for the system according to the youth brought a serious socio-economic stagnation, disunity and division among youths women, kindreds and even Churches, which is why we are all gathered here in solidarity with the executive of Enugwu village headed by Barrister Jideofor Okongwu to expressed our happiness and to celebrate the returned of peace to the area.
Speaking further, the leader of Adazi-Enu Youth Assembly, Comrade Okpala Chidozie Arinze while addressing the gathering, said the victory has restored togetherness, peace, unity and progress to the village, Adazi-Enu community, Anaocha Local Government and the state as a whole.
# The Awkuzu Progressive Union has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, reaffirming their support for her administration and pledging partnership with the University in critical areas, particularly security and community relations.
In his remarks, the President-General of the Union, Chief Ogugua Raphael, congratulated Prof. Omenugha on her emergence as the 5th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University and assured her of the steadfast support of the Awkuzu people.
He emphasized the community’s readiness to collaborate with the University in enhancing security, noting that Awkuzu remains committed to safeguarding the welfare and safety of students residing within the community.
Adding his voice, the Mayor of Oyi Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Nweke, commended the Vice-Chancellor for her exemplary leadership and recalled her years of service as a teacher at Awkuzu Boys Secondary School, describing her as a disciplinarian whose passion for excellence has remained evident throughout her public service journey.
In his address, His Royal Majesty, Prof. C. M. Anikweze, lauded the Vice-Chancellor for her visionary leadership and commitment to the growth of the University. He fondly remembered the contributions of Prof. Omenugha’s late father to the Awkuzu community and acknowledged the positive impact the family made during their years in the town. The royal father also presented some concerns and requests to the University management while offering prayers for a successful and impactful administration.
Responding, Prof. Omenugha expressed profound gratitude to the Awkuzu Progressive Union for their visit, support, and kind words. She appreciated the community for the warmth and hospitality extended to her family during their stay in Awkuzu and expressed delight at the glowing tributes paid to her late father.
# The corridors of the Anambra State Ministry of Education came alive as Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, embarked on an unscheduled inspection of offices.
The visit was not merely about checking attendance registers. It was a clear message that punctuality and commitment remain non-negotiable values in the state’s public service.
Moving from office to office, the commissioner expressed concern that despite repeated reminders, some workers still report late to duty. He warned that continued disregard for official resumption time could attract sanctions in line with civil service regulations.
Dr. Ogugua maintained that public service requires discipline, adding that workers who cannot comply with established rules are at liberty to relinquish their positions to others willing to serve diligently.
He also sought to clarify misconceptions surrounding closing hours, stressing that employees who arrive late cannot expect to leave at the same time as those who resumed work promptly.
Beyond enforcing discipline, the inspection also highlighted workers’ welfare concerns. Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, reminded the commissioner of the recurring salary deductions affecting workers since February and appealed for urgent intervention.
