# The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze has called on the federal government to prioritize equal access to education by providing girls with the necessary tools, environment and opportunities they need to succeed.
In his goodwill message to the girls signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rev’d Emma Madu, as they celebrate this year’s International Day Of The Girl Child, Rt. Hon. Udeze enjoined stakeholders, parents, teachers as well as communities to always promote the empowerment of girls and fulfilment of their human rights, as well as to ensure that their needs and challenges are addressed accordingly.
The Speaker who maintained that girls with dreams become women with vision, purpose and impact, called for lasting solutions to barriers girls face such as discrimination, violence or inequality.
Rt. Hon. Udeze while calling for more legislations on girl child empowerment and creation of opportunities that will allow them to realize their potentials, commended the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo for mounting serious campaign against dehumanization, sex abuse and exploitation of girls in the state.
He emphasized the need to break the chains that have continued to hold the girls back, appealing for genuine investment in their education and general well-being.
# Determined to give Nigeria youths opportunity to take part in matters affecting their future, the Nzekwuabuo Foundation Akwaeze has floated campus debate tagged “South East Campus Debate” for undergraduates in universities in Anambra and South East in general.
The founder of Nzekwuabuo Foundation and conglomerates, Chief Ikenna Okafor announced this during a media briefing in Awka and said the winner of the debate will go home with one million naira star prize.
Addressing the media, Chief Okafor said he wants to see students think out of the box, say the truth as it affects them and the nation and proffer solutions through the debate by introducing topics that would come directly from their heart.
Chief Okafor said having had enough in arts and entertainment, there is need to channel the youths in this direction using their intellect, adding that the programme is very sustainable.
He said Nzekwuabuo Foundation has made series of contributions to the education sector by giving scholarships to pupils and students in primary, secondary and tertiary schools, giving support to people living with sickle cell anemia, to blind students, widows, and intervened in all the schools in Akwaeze and beyond and recently, introduced intervention in agriculture where farmers are equipped to engage in food processing such as in production of yam, cassava and plantain flours among others through her Agriroots initiative.
He urged the students to own the programme with a view to knowing and discovering themselves, speak out without fear or favour so that a saner society can be achieved.
In her words of encouragement, the wife of the Philanthropist, Dr Okafor said that the aim is to build a population of youths that can withstand tomorrow through holistic education and not students who are not properly educated.
# Anambra State Ministry of Health has commenced activities for the 2026 International Adolescent Health Week to promote young people’s health and encourage them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
The week-long programme, which runs from October 12th to 18th, is being observed under the theme, “Nothing About Us Without Us.” began on Monday with an advocacy visit to a school and a health awareness session at a vocational institute.
The activities reflect the commitment of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to improving healthcare and supporting the wellbeing of young people, as the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, is leading efforts within the ministry to promote adolescent health and improve access to reliable health information and appropriate health services.
The Soludo administration has also supported initiatives to improve the health and dignity of schoolgirls through menstrual hygiene education and the provision of sanitary pads, and these efforts help girls manage menstruation safely and continue their education with confidence.
The Coordinator of the Adolescent Reproductive Health Unit in the Ministry of Health, Mrs Ifeoma Nwakpadolu, is coordinating the activities aimed at raising awareness and ensuring that the health needs of adolescents receive proper attention.
With the theme, “Nothing About Us Without Us,” highlighting the importance of involving young people in planning and implementing programmes that affect their lives, their views and experiences will be considered essential to developing health services that respond effectively to their needs.
The week’s activities will also include school outreach programmes, radio and television discussions and collaboration with development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to promote adolescent health across Anambra State.
The activities are being supported by Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative AHNi in collaboration with other stakeholders working to advance adolescent health and wellbeing.
# The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its preparedness for the 2027 General Election in Anambra State, disclosing plans to deploy 5,720 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines across the state’s polling units.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, disclosed this while addressing stakeholders at the commission’s headquarters in Awka.
Agwu said the commission had procured 5,720 BVAS machines to cover the state’s 5,720 polling units and planned to deploy approximately 22,280 ad hoc staff for the election.
She expressed INEC’s commitment to conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible election in the state, noting that the commission had taken steps to strengthen its operational readiness ahead of the polls.
The REC urged residents who participated in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise between January and July to visit INEC’s headquarters or designated centres for the display of the voters’ register, claims, verification, objections and correction of errors.
According to her, the exercise would enable registered voters to verify their personal details and identify inaccuracies requiring correction before the final register is compiled.
# The Secretary to Anambra Government, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake says the state government is development focused, attending to the needs of citizens to ensure democracy dividends gets to everyone’s doorstep
Mrs Nnake stated this at a one day stakeholders’ consultative forum for the 2027 budget held in Awka.
The Secretary to the State Government explained that the the essence of the forum is to identify the areas of need of the citizens for the year and ensure that they are captured and prioritized in the fiscal year and stated that the State government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo places very high importance on citizen participation.
During his keynote address, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Chukwukadibia Okoye pledged to incorporate citizens’ priorities in the 2027 budget to ensure inclusive development, transparency and accountability in the implementation of public projects.
He said the budget would focus on infrastructure development, business and MSME growth, education, primary healthcare, digital skills and grassroots economic inclusion, in line with Governor Soludo’s Solution Agenda.
# Hez-Dike Schools, Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has dedicated the activities of the 2026/2027 first term to God, urging students to strive for academic excellence while upholding good moral values.
The dedication took place during a resumption Mass held on October 8, at the school hall, marking the commencement of the new academic session with prayers and thanksgiving.
Speaking on the significance of the Mass, the Director of Hez-Dike Schools, Mr. Peter Hezekiah Dike, said the celebration was organised to express gratitude to God for His grace upon the institution and seek divine guidance for a successful first term.
The Mass was celebrated by the Chief Chaplain of the Young Catholic Students of Nigeria (YCSN), Awka Diocese, and Manager of St. Mary’s High School, Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area, Rev. Fr. Cosmas Emengini.
In his homily, titled “We Will Like to See Jesus,” Rev. Fr. Emengini urged the students to develop a strong relationship with God while remaining focused on their academic pursuits.
He emphasised the importance of diligence, discipline and faith, noting that a combination of academic commitment and a sound relationship with God would help prepare the students for future success.
The priest commended the school management for prioritising spiritual development and recognising the importance of placing God at the centre of its activities, describing the initiative as a commendable example of faith-based education.
He also praised the students for their academic performance and conduct, encouraging them to sustain their achievements while continuing to develop their knowledge, discipline and moral character.
# The Traditional Ruler of Awba Ofemili in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Ernest Maduagwuna, has appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently equip the community’s mini-hospital and provide qualified medical personnel to prevent avoidable deaths.
The monarch made the appeal while receiving members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, led by its Chairman, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu.
Igwe Maduagwuna lamented that the only mini-hospital serving the community lacked both medical personnel and essential equipment, leaving residents with limited access to healthcare services.
He called on the state government to deploy certified nurses and arrange regular visits by a medical doctor to attend to patients in the community.
The traditional ruler expressed concern over what he described as frequent deaths in the community, noting that inadequate access to healthcare had made it difficult for residents to receive timely medical attention.
He also raised concerns about misconceptions surrounding certain illnesses, particularly diabetes, which he said some residents wrongly attributed to spiritual manipulation.
# The First Lady of Anambra State, Nonye Soludo, has been named a recipient of the Public Health Innovation Award at the Africa Future Leadership Conference and Awards, in recognition of her work in promoting public health, preventive healthcare and healthy living.
According to the award announcement by the organizers, the Anambra First Lady is among the distinguished honorees to be recognized at the ceremony scheduled for November 20, 2026, in Lagos.
The recognition comes amid the vast visibility of Mrs. Soludo’s Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, which promotes preventive healthcare, nutrition, physical fitness and healthier lifestyles across Anambra State and Nigeria.
Through the initiative, the First Lady has championed several programmes aimed at improving the well-being of residents, particularly women, children and young people.
Mrs. Soludo’s public health advocacy has become a central feature of her humanitarian engagements in Anambra, with the Healthy Living initiative working to promote practical lifestyle changes and improve health awareness at the household and community levels.
The Africa Future Leadership Conference and Awards brings together recognition for individuals whose work is associated with leadership and development across the continent.
The Public Health Innovation Award announced for the Anambra First Lady highlights the importance of community-based interventions and preventive health advocacy in advancing public well-being.
The award ceremony is expected to bring together leaders and other distinguished guests to celebrate individuals whose contributions align with the vision of building a stronger Africa.
For Anambra State, the recognition places further attention on the Healthy Living initiative and its efforts to make health education, improved nutrition, menstrual hygiene and physical fitness part of everyday life across communities.
# The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Anambra State Chapter, has taken its 2026 World Sight Day campaign to Achina community in Aguata Local Government Area, providing free eye screening, treatment, medication and spectacles to residents as part of efforts to prevent avoidable blindness.
The outreach, held under this year’s global theme, “Love Your Eyes. Every Story Counts,” was led by the Chairman of the Association’s Anambra State Chapter, Dr. Chiamaka Mba.
The campaign featured a Walk for Sight, followed by a grand finale in Achina, where the Association deployed its clinical team to provide free eye care services to residents.
Speaking during the exercise, Dr. Mba said the Association deliberately chose a rural community to reach underserved populations with limited access to professional eye care.
According to her, activities marking the celebration began earlier in the week with radio and television sensitisation programmes through which members educated the public on healthy eye habits and the dangers of harmful practices.
# Rotary Club of Nnewi Urban provided school bags and essential learning materials to students of Akaboezem Community School, Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State.
The intervention was carried out during a visit led by the club’s 10th President, Rotarian Obiora Aghazu, alongside members of the Rotary Club and Rotaract Club of Nnewi.
The team visited the school to assess its learning environment, facilities and the challenges confronting students and staff.
Students identified as being in need received school bags, exercise books, rulers, pens and other educational materials donated by the Rotary Club of Nnewi Urban.
Speaking during the visit, Aghazu said youth development and education would remain key priorities of his administration, stressing that children require an enabling environment and the necessary resources to learn effectively.
He said the club would continue to support improvements in school facilities and the broader learning environment, with the aim of contributing to better conditions for quality education.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the Rotary and Rotaract teams to engage directly with the school community, identify pressing needs and provide immediate assistance to students who required basic educational materials.
