* Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity field, Onitsha was filled to capacity as Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Onitsha gathered for the Chrism Mass celebrated on Holy Thursday. The mass was presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke. In his opening remarks, the Archbishop said that Chrism Mass is where a Bishop consecrates the sacred Chrism oil used for confirmations, ordinations, baptisms, dedication of churches and altars. It is also an occasion for priests to renew their priestly vows.
* A bill for a law to prohibite secret cultism and similar activities and to provide for related matters on Wednesday scaled through second reading at the Anambra State House of Assembly. The bill which was sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo constituency Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme was red for the first time on Tuesday. Leading the debate Hon. Ofodeme stated that the fight against cultism involves all especially the church, parents and institutions.
* The Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Bishop, Diocese of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim has called on clergymen and Christian faithful in the diocese to renew their commitment to service with zeal, and emulate Jesus Christ in holiness and humility. Most Reverend Ibezim made the call at the Cathedral Church Of Saint Faith, Awka, during a special service to mark this year’s Maundy Thursday. The service was held to commemorate Christ Passover feast with his disciples and to re-enact what Christ did in reminding Christians their root so as to work out their salvation.
In his sermon, Archbishop Ibezim underscored the importance of true servanthood in the ministry and urged the clerics to work for the growth of the diocese in faithfulness and humble endeavor.
* Anambra State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) Mr. Maku Olatunde has ordered the deployment of one thousand and fifty one (1,051) officers and men across various critical national assets and infrastructure, worship centres , celebration venues, parks, recreational centres, and other strategic points ahead of Easter celebration. Maku while speaking on Wednesday said the aim of the deployment is to ensure safety of lives and property during, before and after the celebration.
* A bill for a law to provide for the prohibition of touting and related activities in all sectors, have scaled through third reading and passed into law, at the Anambra State House of Assembly.
Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Anambra Assembly Speaker stated that the law will take effect from 11th of April 2024.
Majority Leader, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme who sponsored the bill, moved a motion for the third reading and passage. He was seconded by the Minority Leader Hon. Johnbosco Akaebobi, after necessary corrections were made at the ‘Committee of the Whole’.
* The people of Urum Community, in Awka North local government area of Anambra state have resolved to assist the government in conducting free and fair Community elections in the area. They resolved after a meeting held at the Obu Ori Urum on the instance of the traditional ruler of the community, HRM Igwe (Dr.) B. O. Nweke , the Chairman of Akaeze Village and Chairman of all Chairmen, Mr. Fidelis Arinze. The meeting was attended by stakeholders, former Presidents General, and Chairmen of all the four villages that make up the community.
* Anambra Police Command says Neni Police Divisional Headquarters is still intact and that no life was lost. According to a release by SP Ikenga Tochukwu, PPRO Anambra, no policeman was whisked away and no armed was taken away at Neni Divisional Headquarters, instead, the hoodlums who attacked, threw IEDs into the police facility which touched part of the building. “Our operatives gallantry resisted the attackers which made them flee, operations are still ongoing and further development shall be communicated” SP Ikenga stated
