# Traders at Odera Market and the Old Timber/Arthur Eze Road Market in Awka have appealed to Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, to urgently intervene over a collapsed concrete drainage system that has caused severe flooding and placed more than 20 shops at risk of collapse.
The traders made the appeal during the statewide environmental sanitation exercise held on Saturday at Odera Market, Awka.
Chairman of Odera Market, Comrade Nnaemeka Nworah, said the drainage infrastructure, which has served the market for over a decade, had completely deteriorated, posing a serious threat to nearby shops.
According to him, floodwaters from the neighbouring communities of Amaenyi, Umudioka and Umuogbunu pass through the market, worsening flooding whenever there is heavy rainfall.
He lamented that the persistent flooding has continued to damage traders’ goods, adding that those operating at the Old Timber/Arthur Eze Road Market face similar challenges.
Chairman of the Old Timber Market, Mr. Chukwujekwe Maduka, said traders had managed the problem on their own for years but could no longer cope with the financial burden following the total collapse of the drainage system.
Maduka disclosed that the local government chairman had been informed and had promised to inspect the site but was yet to visit due to other official engagements.
# The Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, has commissioned a newly constructed road in Akaboukwu Village, Uruagu, Nnewi.
The road was single-handedly funded and constructed by philanthropist, Chief Chukwudum Ozochukwu, as part of his commitment to community development.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Anazodo commended Chief Ozochukwu for his selfless gesture and dedication to improving the lives of the people.
The council chairman said the project aligns with the vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to make Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland through community-driven development.
In his remarks, Chief Ozochukwu expressed appreciation to the council chairman and the people of Akaboukwu for their support. He said the road project was his way of giving back to the community that nurtured him and pledged to embark on more projects that would positively impact the lives of the people.
# Popular entrepreneur and technology investor, Linus Williams Ifejika, popularly known as B-Lord, has pledged support for the Anambra State Government’s drive to modernise public transportation through electric mobility and smart transport infrastructure.
B-Lord, an indigene of Umuji, Ebenebe in Awka North Local Government Area(LGA), recently made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Edward Ibuzo, where both parties explored areas of collaboration to promote sustainable transportation across the state.
Renowned for his contributions to technology, fintech, cryptocurrency and digital innovation, the entrepreneur expressed his readiness to partner with the state government in providing affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly transport services for residents.
Speaking during the meeting, the commissioner for transport disclosed that the state government is already working on smart bus stops equipped with passenger shelters, seating areas, surveillance cameras, digital information displays and real-time bus arrival systems to improve commuter safety, comfort and convenience.
# The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance policy on child trafficking, illegal adoption and all forms of child abuse.
Speaking during a meeting with the Association of Registered Community Children’s Homes, held as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen child welfare administration and safeguard the rights of children under institutional care, Onyekesi stressed that all children’s homes must operate in strict compliance with the Anambra State Child Rights Law and other relevant regulations.
She maintained that the welfare and protection of every child in the care of registered homes remained non-negotiable, warning that the ministry would not hesitate to sanction any home found violating the law or operating below approved standards.
The Commissioner also announced that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and security agencies, would begin a statewide revalidation and inspection of both registered and unregistered children’s homes. She said only facilities that meet the prescribed standards would be permitted to continue operations.
# The Anambra State Capital Territory Development Agency (ACTDA) has carried out a comprehensive environmental clean-up exercise across Awka as part of efforts to improve sanitation and reduce flooding in the state capital.
The exercise followed the directive of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, aimed at promoting environmental sanitation, preventing flood incidents, and maintaining a clean, safe, and flood-free capital city.
During the operation, ACTDA personnel were deployed to strategic locations across Awka, where they cleared blocked drainage channels, evacuated refuse, and removed debris obstructing the free flow of water. Flood-prone areas affected by clogged drainages received special attention.
Speaking during the exercise, the Head of Administration of ACTDA, Mr. Azubike Ogugua, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fully implementing the Governor’s environmental sanitation agenda.
Mr. Ogugua described environmental cleanliness as a collective responsibility and urged residents to support government efforts by disposing of waste properly, regularly desilting drainage channels around their homes and business premises, and maintaining clean surroundings.
# Women in Amesi community, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State have expressed their readiness to participate in the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) Project as community entry and sensitization activities continued across the state.
The meeting, held at the Amesi Social Club of Nigeria (ASCON) Hall, attracted women, community leaders and major stakeholders who were sensitized on the objectives and benefits of the World Bank supported project being implemented by the Anambra State Government.
Welcoming participants, the Local Government Facilitator, Dr. Ebere Charity Okonkwo encouraged the women to embrace the programme regardless of their background or place of origin.
She described Amesi people as hospitable and commended the impressive turnout, urging participants to set aside any misconceptions they may have had about cooperatives.
Also speaking, the Project Coordinator, Ms. Hope Okoye, said the programme was designed to improve the socio economic wellbeing of women and youths through empowerment and financial inclusion. She noted that women often face economic challenges that contribute to domestic hardship, emphasising that empowering women would strengthen families and communities.
Speaking on behalf of the President-General of AmesiDevelopment Union, Engr. Austin Ezechukwu, represented by Onyike Johnbosco Ebuka, described the initiative as a welcome development that would provide women with the information and support needed to grow their businesses. He commended the state government for prioritizing women’s empowerment, noting that many women in Amesi are engaged in trading, farming, palm oil production and cassava processing.
# The Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), led by its Managing Director, Mr. Monday Nwokoye, has destroyed illicit hard drugs worth over ₦50 million in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
Speaking during the exercise, Nwokoye said the hard drugs were recovered from Awka and its environs during the agency’s operations. He disclosed that suspects arrested in connection with the illegal drug trade had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.
The SASA Managing Director explained that the seized drugs were destroyed to prevent them from finding their way back into circulation, warning drug dealers and peddlers to desist from operating in Anambra State or face the full weight of the law.
According to him, the confiscated substances included cocaine, Ghanaian loud, tramadol, cannabis sativa, mkpulu mmiri, and other illicit drugs.
Mr. Nwokoye reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to carrying out its mandate without fear or favour. He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his continued support for the agency and assured residents that SASA would sustain its campaign against illicit drugs, touting, and other forms of criminality across the state.
He also urged Ndi Anambra to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within their communities to the appropriate authorities, stressing that collective efforts are essential to building a safer, more secure, and prosperous Anambra State.
# The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, has directed staff of the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) to strictly comply with public service rules and financial regulations, warning that violations will not be tolerated.
Dr. Mefor gave the directive during an oversight visit to the agency alongside the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo. He reiterated Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive that all government financial transactions must be conducted through designated government accounts and not through private or corporate third-party accounts.
The commissioner condemned the practice of some staff using personal accounts for government transactions or operating private advertising businesses while serving in ANSAA, describing such actions as conflicts of interest and violations of public service rules and financial regulations.
Dr. Mefor also stressed the importance of utilising government-owned advertising infrastructure to disseminate official information, noting that the state has strategic billboard locations across major entry points and should not depend unnecessarily on private advertising practitioners for government messaging.
He observed that ANSAA has operated without a substantive Managing Director for four months and pledged to continue appealing to Governor Soludo to appoint one to enhance the agency’s operations.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by the agency in enforcing compliance, the commissioner urged staff to discharge their regulatory duties professionally and with empathy.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, reminded all staff, both civil servants and non-civil servants, to adhere strictly to the Public Service Code of Ethics and Financial Regulations.
She also reaffirmed the governor’s directive that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must operate properly designated and transparent accounts to strengthen accountability and financial discipline.
Responding on behalf of the agency, the Officer-in-Charge, Engr. Chika Ngobili, appreciated the commissioner’s team for the visit and pledged to correct identified lapses while ensuring appropriate sanctions for erring staff.
# The Mayor of Ayamelum Local Goverment Area, Chief Alphonsus Ofumelu has commissioned a one point five kilometers Omor-Umuerum road, five classrooms laboratory centre at Community Secondary school Igbakwu, renovated Ayamelum Local Goverment Administrative house, brand new legislative building, solar street lights, beautified local government gate as well as landscaping of the council’s headquarters all built by his administration.
Commissioning the projects amidst joy by the people of the area, Chief Ofumelu appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo for giving him the enablement to achieve the milestone as well as Ndi Ayamelum, adding that his administration will continue to touch the lives of his people positively.
The Immediate past Commissioner for Petroleum and Minerals Resources, Barrister Anthony Ifeanya who was equally a one time council Chairman of Ayamelum, showered encomiums on the Mayor for doing a fantastic job with him, adding that only the Ofumelu’s administration that has performed tremendously well after his tenure almost two decades ago.
The Deputy Mayor of the council area, Mrs Felicia Mbanugo-Oruia and the All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate for the for Ayamelum in the forthcoming local government election, Chief Emmanuel Mgbechi-Igwebuike all praised Chief Ofumelu for setting a big record in terms of infrastructural and human capital developments, praying God to continue to bless him immensely.
Also speaking, the senior prefect of Community Secondary school Igbakwu alongside other students and the people of Igbakwu prayed for God to continue to lead the Mayor for him to continue his good works, while the commissioning of the projects climaxed the event attended by the council of councillors, APGA stalwarts, Ndi Ayamelum as well as the Staff and Management of Ayamelum Local Goverment Area.
# ‎The Anambra State Government has issued further clarification on the operations, leadership and funding structure of the Anambra Development and Investment Corporation (ADIC), following growing public interest and questions about the corporation.
‎In a Public Service Announcement issued by the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, the government stated that the appointment of Mr. Nwabunwanne Okonkwo as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ADIC followed due process and fully complied with the law establishing the corporation.
‎The government explained that ADIC is governed by its own constitutional documents and does not fall under the direct oversight of the Anambra State House of Assembly. It emphasized that the corporation is not a ministry, department or agency of government, but a state-promoted investment and development corporation designed to partner with the private sector.
‎According to the statement signed by the commissioner, ADIC’s primary objective is to attract investors, mobilise capital and invest in projects capable of creating jobs and generating economic value for the people of Anambra State adding that the corporation would operate with private-sector efficiency while maintaining strong corporate governance standards.
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