# The Anambra State Government has reiterated its determination to address the persistent erosion challenge threatening lives, property, and the state’s shrinking land mass.
This commitment was reaffirmed during a joint inspection of erosion-prone areas by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Architect Okey Ezeobi; the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu; and the Commissioner for Environment, Barrister Clem Aguiyi.
The team visited several affected locations, including Trans-Nkisi Layout in the 3-3 area of Onitsha, the Marine Area along Akpaka Road, and Opi Stream on the 3-3 Onitsha axis.
The inspection was aimed at assessing the extent of damage caused by erosion and flooding and identifying urgent intervention measures.
Speaking after the tour, Architect Ezeobi expressed concern over the level of destruction already recorded in the affected communities. He assured residents that the government would take necessary steps to curb further deterioration and urged citizens to avoid activities that contribute to erosion and environmental degradation.
Also speaking, Barrister Ojukwu warned that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo would not hesitate to demolish structures erected on waterways and other prohibited areas. According to him, illegal developments remain a major factor contributing to erosion across the state.
On his part, Barrister Aguiyi noted that many environmental challenges confronting the state are largely caused by human activities, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse and the construction of buildings on drainage channels and waterways. He urged residents to adopt environmentally responsible practices to help protect their communities.
In an interview, Chairman of Trans-Nkisi Layout, Chief Onyebuchi Ndulue, commended the state government for responding to the concerns of residents and appealed for urgent intervention, noting that several buildings in the area are at risk of collapse due to the advancing erosion.
# The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has called on legislative institutions across Nigeria, particularly in the South-East region, to repeal laws and practices that are harmful to the rights, dignity, and overall well-being of widows.
In a goodwill message marking this year’s International Widows’ Day, Rt. Hon. Udeze expressed sympathy for millions of widows in Nigeria who continue to face exclusion, discrimination, and hardship following the loss of their husbands.
He noted that many widows have suffered the loss of their homes, livelihoods, and identities, while others have been subjected to various forms of abuse and deprivation due to circumstances beyond their control.
The Speaker identified some of the challenges faced by widows to include social stigma, exploitation, manipulation of inheritance laws, and denial of assets and entitlements on cultural grounds. He therefore urged traditional rulers and custodians of culture to abolish harmful practices and customs that undermine the welfare and productivity of widows in their communities.
Rt. Hon. Udeze also called on well-meaning individuals and organizations to support the efforts of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Nonye Soludo, in improving the lives of widows through empowerment programmes and other forms of assistance that would positively impact them and their families.
# The Deputy Inspector General of Police overseeing the South-East and in charge of Logistics and Supply at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, has held an interactive meeting with key stakeholders in Awka to discuss security challenges and explore strategies for enhancing safety across Anambra State.
The engagement, which took place at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, journalists, and senior officers of the Anambra State Police Command.
Addressing participants, DIG Onwuemelie stated that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to maintaining security despite operational challenges and resource constraints. He noted that efforts are ongoing to streamline police procedures and curb abuses, particularly the arbitrary transfer of cases from state commands to zonal offices without following due process.
The DIG also encouraged citizens to utilize the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) to report procedural misconduct and other grievances, stressing that effective security requires the support and cooperation of all stakeholders.
Speaking at the forum, the traditional ruler of Uke, Igwe Charles Agbala, observed that security of lives and property has improved significantly in Anambra through the combined efforts of the police and the state government. He particularly commended the establishment of the Agunechemba Security Outfit and the enactment of laws aimed at strengthening the state’s security framework.
Igwe Agbala emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, and local communities in combating crime across Anambra and the wider South-East region.
# Official documents obtained have revealed that Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State, is facing scrutiny from three major law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies—the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigeria Police Force—over separate allegations linked to the institution’s administration under Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha.
The documents, comprising official correspondences and petitions, show that the agencies are either conducting investigations or have been urged to probe allegations ranging from procurement breaches and financial impropriety to abuse of office and forgery.
The latest development is the issuance of what the ICPC described as a “third and final notice” to the Acting Vice-Chancellor, demanding the submission of key institutional and staff records in connection with an ongoing investigation.
In a letter dated June 4, 2026, with reference number ICPC/ANS/TAVAFF/IA-003/2026, the anti-corruption agency expressed concern that its earlier letters dated April 22 and May 6, 2026, had not received formal responses from the university despite acknowledged receipt.
Acting under Section 28(1) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, the commission requested certified true copies of several documents, including personal files of specified academic staff, departmental handbooks, approved final-year results for the 2024/2025 academic session, postgraduate teaching eligibility guidelines, and records relating to students’ fees.
The ICPC also requested academic materials from the Department of History and International Studies, particularly documents relating to the course, Foreign Policy of Major World Powers, as well as the Faculty of Arts Information Handbook.
The commission directed that the documents be forwarded to its Anambra State Office in Awka within the stipulated period and warned that failure to comply could amount to obstruction of investigation, an offence punishable under Sections 15, 28(10) and 40 of the Act.
The agency reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and due process in public institutions.
# The Anambra State House of Assembly has invited the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi; the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu; and the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Architect Okey Ezeobi, to appear before it to discuss measures for addressing the flooding crisis affecting several parts of the state.
The invitation followed a Motion of Urgent Public Importance moved during plenary on Tuesday by the member representing Nnewi South two Constituency, Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi, who expressed concern over the increasing threat posed by flooding across vulnerable communities in Anambra State.
Hon. Akaegbobi lamented the loss of lives and destruction of property caused by recent floods and recalled the Federal Government’s flood warning alert. He cited communities and areas stretching from Ogidi to Okpoko as among the locations severely affected by the disaster.
According to him, the devastating impact of the floods is largely attributable to blocked drainage systems, which prevent the free flow of water during heavy rainfall.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided over the plenary, commended Hon. Akaegbobi for sponsoring the motion and reiterated that protecting the welfare of citizens remains one of the legislature’s primary responsibilities.
# Labour Party’s Anambra Central senatorial candidate, Ven. Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue, has described his emergence as the party’s flagbearer as an act of divine intervention, while calling on residents of the district to rally behind his aspiration ahead of the 2027 general election.
Ven. Ikezue made the statement during a homecoming reception organised in Ogidi to commemorate his emergence as the party’s flagbearer in the primary election.
The cleric-turned-politician said he experienced what he termed “the hand of God” throughout the process, describing his emergence as a divine redirection of his journey toward serving the people.
The Labour Party candidate, who was recently elevated to the rank of Venerable, stated that he views his return to politics as part of a broader assignment to contribute to public service.
Reflecting on his political journey, Ven. Ikezue recalled a significant conversation with the late Chief Ikwuka Okoye, former President-General of Ogidi, noting that the encounter further strengthened his determination to pursue the senatorial mandate.
# Fifteen entrepreneurs have been awarded grants totaling ₦8.25 million following a business pitch competition at the conclusion of the 2026 Entrepreneurship Training Programme organized by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) in partnership with the Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA)
The programme, which commenced with registration in February 2026, offered participants free online entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and opportunities to access grants.
Interested entrepreneurs completed mandatory courses on the BizAid Learning Platform and achieved at least 80 percent scores before qualifying for a three-day physical workshop held at the IDK Learning Centre, Awka.
Speaking after the pitching session, the Acting Managing Director of ASBA, Barrister Nonso Samson Emeka, said the training equipped participants with practical entrepreneurial skills and aligns with the administration of Chukwuma Soludo in tackling unemployment through enterprise development.
According to him, the state government remains committed to encouraging young people to embrace productive ventures, while ASBA continues to collaborate with development partners to provide access to funding and business support. He urged the grant beneficiaries to remain focused on their goals and use the opportunity to create value and empower others.
Representing DBN, Precious Ayegbayo commended the quality of entrepreneurs in Anambra, noting that the winners distinguished themselves through strong value propositions and businesses with positive social and environmental impact.
She encouraged beneficiaries to utilize the grants effectively and announced that another phase of the programme is scheduled for October 2026.
# The Anambra State Ministry of Health has renewed its call on residents to make regular heart and blood pressure checks a routine part of their lives, warning that cardiovascular related conditions remain among the leading silent killers worldwide.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, reiterated the importance of early detection and regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart health, stressing that many life threatening conditions often develop without noticeable symptoms.
The ministry’s warning comes amid growing public concern over sudden medical emergencies. On June 21, reports emerged of a middle aged woman who reportedly collapsed while returning from a shopping trip on a bridge in Lagos.
Eyewitnesses described the woman as healthy and active moments before the incident. Despite efforts by passersby to assist her, she did not recover, sparking widespread concern about the dangers of undetected health conditions.
# The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption has trained over 50 defense lawyers, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and judiciary correspondents in Anambra State on key innovations in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022 to fast-track justice delivery and decongest correctional centres.
The one-day capacity-building workshop focused on plea bargain, sentencing guidelines, bail administration, and other reforms under ACJL 2022.
The event is part of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA).
Facilitating the sessions, an Appellate Court Judge, Justice Pete Obiora, urged participants to embrace self-assessment and lead change from within the legal profession. He stressed that justice delivery depends more on the character of practitioners than on the provisions of the law.
The judge cautioned lawyers against unethical practices that prolong trials and erode public confidence in the judiciary, warning that such conduct contributes to prison congestion.
# The 3.5-kilometre Igboukwu–Amichi–Ekwulummili Road has been completed and opened for use, bringing relief to motorists, residents, farmers and business owners in Aguata Local Government Area(LGA).
The road project, awarded in January 2025 by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, was executed by NEVCLINTON Construction Company.
Connecting the three communities of Igboukwu, Amichi, and Ekwulummili, the newly completed road is expected to improve transportation, reducing travel time, facilitating the movement of goods and services, particularly agricultural produce.
Residents and road users have welcomed the development, noting that it puts an end to the difficulties previously experienced during the rainy season when sections of the road became difficult to navigate.
With the road now fully tarred and motorable, economic activities within the corridor are expected to receive a boost, accessing to schools, healthcare facilities, markets and other essential services is also expected to improve significantly.
