# Governor Chukwuma Soludo has issued a clarion call for a robust and formalized collaboration between the State Government and the Christian clergy to foster moral renewal and sustainable development.
Prof. Soludo articulated this vision during the 2026 Church Shift and Holy Spirit Conference, hosted at the International Convention Center, Awka.
Addressing the assembly, the Governor posited that the complexity of contemporary challenges—ranging from insecurity to the erosion of ethical standards—necessitates a paradigm shift in how the state and the church interact.
The Governor expressed deep concern over the increasing prevalence of transactional motives within public and spiritual spheres, warning that the modern tendency to pursue the “crown” while eschewing the “cross” is inimical to the progress of the nation.
# President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reappointed Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji as Executive Director, Corporate Services, of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).
Rt. Hon. Umeoji, who represented Aguata Federal Constituency, Anambra State, in the 9th National Assembly, had previously resigned from the position to pursue his political ambition.
# Governor Chukwuma Soludo has assured of partnership with the state command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The Governor gave the assurance during an event to mark the 2026 World Drug Day, held at Federal Secretariat in Awka, by Anambra State Command of NDLEA, with the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses”.
Prof. Soludo who was represented by the state Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Patrick Agha-Mba regretted the continuous increase of substance abuse in today’s society, why the various interventions of his administration in empowering youths in the state to discourage them from indulging in hard drugs abuse and trafficking.
In his speech, the Anambra State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Charles Onubogu called for a collaborative effort in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state for a drug-free and safer society, emphasizing that the NDLEA cannot do it alone.
The state Commissioner for Education, Dr Ekene Ogugua, represented by Dr Chukwuemeka Christian, and the state Commissioner for Environment, Barrister Clem Aguiyi who spoke on the theme of the event, advised young people to stay away from hard drugs and focus on the actualization of their dreams in life, while calling for all to step up actions to end drug abuse and trafficking.
# The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts to restore critical components removed from the scope of the ongoing Onitsha Enugu Expressway Project.
This followed a strategic meeting between the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, and the MTN Project Steering Committee at the SSG’s Office, Lighthouse, Awka.
The meeting was a follow-up to the Security, Safety and Traffic Management Summit jointly hosted by the Office of the SSG and MTN/CCGE CLI on June 2, 2026.
Discussions centred on implementing the summit communiqué and developing strategies for engaging the Federal Government to reinstate key de-scoped project components, including pedestrian bridges, optic fibre ducts, trailer park facilities, interchanges and highway street lights.
MTN Project Manager, Mr. Ikechukwu Uchendu, outlined the current status of the project, while CCGE Chairman and Principal Consultant, Engr. Chris Okoye, stressed the importance of restoring the affected components to maximise the project’s safety and economic benefits.
Responding, Mrs. Nnake appreciated the briefing and assured the delegation that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, would be promptly briefed to facilitate engagement with the Federal Government, on the matter.
She also reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to implementing the resolutions of the Security, Safety and Traffic Management Summit.
The meeting resolved to pursue coordinated advocacy for the reinstatement of the de-scoped components while strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the Onitsha Enugu Expressway Project and improve safety, security and traffic management along the corridor.
# There is a poor understanding of taxation and tax administration in Nigeria especially among business owners in the informal sector and this can only be reduced through intensive and grassroots-based sensitization.
This was the centre message of paper presentations and panel sessions at a colloquim organized by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, (CITN) Awka District and Society and Anambra Internal Revenue Service, (AIRS) to mark the maiden National Tax Awareness Day in Awka.
The colloquim was part of a two day event scheduled by CITN Awka District and Society to commemorate the National Tax Awareness Day initiated by the national body of the institute to mark the first anniversary of the signing into law of the Nigeria Tax Act.
In his speech, the Chairman of CITN, Awka District and Society, Dr Chikwelu Mbonu said that ignorance, disinformation and misinformation account for the major reasons tax authorities face resistance in tax collection and harped the need for partnerships to increase sensitization.
In his address, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Anambra Internal Revenue Service, AIRS, Mr. Ikeazor Okonkwo represented by the Executive Director of Internal Operations, Lady Ann Nwagwu restated Anambra State Government’s commitments to simplifying payment processes through user-friendly digital platforms.
The colloquim was followed by a five-city road walk by the institute across Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia and Ogidi targeted ensuring that more businesses in the informal sector is captured in the tax net as well as benefit from the opportunities provided by the new tax law.
# As the world commemorates the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, AIG Godwin Iguh-Eze, has called on young people across the country to reject drug abuse and embrace positive values that promote personal growth, public safety, and national development.
AIG Eze, who spoke through the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Chidera Oha, described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats confronting today’s youth, noting that the misuse of illicit substances continues to destroy lives, weaken families, fuel criminal activities, and undermine societal progress.
According to the Zonal Commander, many cases of violent crimes, cult-related activities, armed robbery, sexual offences, and other forms of anti-social behaviour are often linked to the influence of dangerous drugs and substance abuse.
He emphasized that, beyond its social consequences, drug abuse poses serious health risks, including mental disorders, depression, addiction, organ damage, poor academic performance, and, in severe cases, death.
He warned that young people who engage in drug abuse often jeopardize their future opportunities and become vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
# The Chidi Anyaegbu Foundation, in partnership with Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Onyebuchi Acho and the Living Hope Medical Team USA, has held the 2026 70th Birthday Edition of its annual free medical mission at Pat Angelina Anyaegbu Hospital, Amichi, in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, under the theme, “Shining at 70.”
The three-day medical mission attracted thousands of residents from Amichi and neighbouring communities, who received free medical consultations, laboratory investigations, eye examinations, surgeries, medications, and other healthcare services from a team of local and international medical professionals.
Speaking at the event, the founder of the Chidi Anyaegbu Foundation, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, said the annual medical outreach was organised in commemoration of his 70th birthday and reflects the foundation’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare, particularly for the less privileged.
He noted that the initiative is designed to promote healthy living and give hope to vulnerable members of society through the provision of free medical services.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, in his address, commended the foundation and its partners for supporting the government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery and described the outreach as commendable.
# A Joint Taskforce on Ifite Awka Regeneration, led by the Managing Director of the Awka Capital Development Authority (ACTDA), Dr. Ossy Onuko, has inspected the student-dominated area.
The team included the Awka South LGA Chairman, represented by a Supervisor in the Local Government, and the Dean of Student Affairs, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Kingsley Ubaoji.
The inspection revealed poor hostel conditions, with no water or electricity, leaking roofs, plumbing issues, and wastewater discharging into roads. Shop and kiosk projections narrowing access roads, and bad state of roads, and drainage in the area
Addressing the media during the inspection, Dr. Onuko said many buildings lack approval. Some were erected on waterways, especially around Yahoo Junction, and one was built under high-tension cables.
He called on owners of buildings under high-tension lines, as well as shop and kiosk owners with projections, to remove them within 7 days or face the law. He added that officials of the Raw Materials Testing Laboratory will conduct integrity tests on the soil to certify if the inspected buildings are fit for human habitation. If not, he said ACTDA will demolish the affected buildings.
Contributing, the Dean of Student Affairs, Ubaoji, advised students in the inspected buildings to relocate to their friends’ hostels. He said affected structures will be tested and demolished if certified unfit.
The Student Union President, Giant Comr. Chukwusom Samuel Ochuba, commended the taskforce for coming to students’ rescue. He urged students to heed the committee’s advice.
# Anambra State Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has unanimously agreed with stakeholders in the state’s petroleum and gas sectors to hold a conclave involving different associations and unions to harmonize all outstanding issues and generate a working document.
The resolution was reached during a one-day Petroleum and Gas Stakeholders’ Meeting in Awka, which had in attendance representatives of relevant state and federal ministries, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria (PEDAN), the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, the National Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, among numerous others.
Declaring the meeting open, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Charles Ofoegbu, stressed the need for all stakeholders to work harmoniously like one family and as a team for the success of their businesses in particular and that of Anambra State in general.
Professor Ofoegbu, who ordered tanker drivers to always display their vehicle number plates and provide evidence of payment of their personal income tax, also implored the midstream and downstream sectors of the industry to operate in a manner that is conducive to everyone and protects the environment in order to avert the engagement of a task force.
The Executive Chairman of IPMAN in charge of Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, parts of Kogi, Abia, and Imo States, Mr. Chinedu Anyaso, in his address, applauded the Commissioner’s decision to convene the conclave, saying that it would address their long-standing desire to operate according to an established standard that would benefit both the state and operators in the industry.
Mr. Anyaso maintained that it is their utmost desire to ensure the smooth supply and sale of petroleum products within Anambra State under a peaceful and conducive environment, devoid of any fear of molestation.
# Declaring environmental sustainability the state’s foremost existential priority, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has issued a formal state of emergency regarding the indiscriminate obstruction of waterways and rampant sand mining practices currently plaguing Anambra’s landscape.
Addressing the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council meeting, the Governor mandated the immediate, state-wide desilting of all drainage systems and the cessation of indiscriminate sand mining activities, warning that these practices are actively accelerating the state’s vulnerability to flooding and gully erosion.
Governor Soludo emphasized that Anambra is currently facing a dire environmental tipping point, noting that while the state possesses the second-smallest landmass in Nigeria, it is rapidly shrinking due to ecological disasters.
The Governor expressed deep concern over the role of human activity in exacerbating these disasters, citing the common practice of channeling residential run-off water directly onto roads and the deliberate dumping of waste into drainage infrastructure.
Shifting focus to the administrative landscape of the state, Governor Soludo addressed the implications of the recent Supreme Court judgment regarding autonomous communities. He announced a strategic pivot toward formalizing the role of communities within the state’s administrative hierarchy.
He clarified that while town unions have historically served as the de facto governing bodies for communities, their nature as voluntary associations has often led to fragmented governance.
