# The Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has extended welfare support to Divine Mercy Home in Nnewi and Model Children’s Home through the donation of foodstuffs, provisions, beverages and toiletries to support the care of children in the facilities.
The donations were made during visits to the two homes as part of the Ministry’s efforts to address the basic needs of children in residential care and improve their living conditions.
Speaking during the visits, Mrs. Onyekesi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to child protection, social welfare and the promotion of the rights and dignity of every child.
She stressed the need to ensure that children, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances, receive adequate care, attention and support to enable them to grow and develop in a safe and nurturing environment.
The Commissioner noted that effective protection of vulnerable children requires sustained commitment and collaboration among government institutions, caregivers, relevant stakeholders and members of the public.
She consequently called for continued support for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and overall well-being of children in residential homes.
# The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting schools and promoting moral rebirth among students across the state.
The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, represented by the Safe School Coordinator, Superintendent of Corps Afunanya Nneka Chibugo, made this known at the 12th Annual Chaplain Corps Policing Explorers (CHAPOL)/Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC) Conference held at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka.
The conference attracted participants from over 274 public and selected private secondary schools across Anambra State, with a focus on promoting discipline, patriotism and civic responsibility among students.
Delivering a lecture titled, “The Limiting Power of Examination Malpractice to the Moral and Mental Development of Students and the Heavy Price Society Pays as a Result,” SC Afunanya described examination malpractice as a major threat to academic integrity, youth development and national progress.
She stressed that success could only be achieved sustainably through hard work, integrity and discipline, warning that examination malpractice undermines the future of students and the nation’s development.
# The Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of women, children and vulnerable families as the world marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
The Commissioner emphasised the importance of creating safe and supportive homes where every family can live with dignity, access basic necessities and enjoy opportunities for social and economic advancement.
Speaking in commemoration of the day, Mrs. Onyekesi highlighted the need for collective action to address poverty, protect vulnerable individuals and promote inclusive development across communities in Anambra State.
She noted that poverty eradication requires more than financial assistance, stressing the importance of empowering women, strengthening families, promoting sustainable livelihoods and ensuring that children have access to education and adequate care.
The Commissioner also called on relevant stakeholders, community leaders and residents to support initiatives that improve living conditions, protect vulnerable households and create opportunities for families to become self-reliant.
Mrs. Onyekesi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting social welfare and advancing programmes that support women, children and disadvantaged members of society, in line with the state government’s development agenda.
She urged residents to work together towards building a society where poverty does not deprive anyone of dignity, security or the opportunity to thrive.
# The President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (NOCEN), Comr. Ewulum Adachukwu Patricia, has made history by becoming the first female SUG President of the College and the first student union president to represent the institution at an international leadership programme outside Nigeria.
Comr. Ewulum participated in the 9th Edition of the Nigerian Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Leadership Training Camp and Exchange Programme.
The programme, themed “Frontiers of Tomorrow: Equipping Nigerian Student Leaders for Continental Growth and Innovation,” brought leadership development and international exposure into focus.
Her participation marked a significant milestone in NOCEN’s student leadership history, providing an opportunity to gain valuable leadership knowledge, exchange ideas with other student leaders and broaden her understanding of innovative approaches to student representation and institutional development.
At the conclusion of the programme, Comr. Ewulum received a Certificate of Participation and was also entrusted with a separate certificate for presentation to the College in recognition of NOCEN’s representation at the international leadership programme.
# The Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, has passed a vote of confidence on the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, rejected the directive asking him to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave and threatened to withdraw from the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, if what it described as intimidation and interference in its affairs continues.
The position was contained in a communique issued after an emergency meeting of the Diocesan Board held on October 16, 2026, at the Chapel of Divine Favour, Ifite Awka, Anambra State.
The Board rejected the appointment of the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s compulsory leave.
The meeting was convened to deliberate on a letter dated October 13, 2026, by the Primate of All Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, directing Ibezim to proceed on the leave and appointing Ezeofor to oversee the diocese and coordinate the province during the period.
In its communique, the Board argued that the directive lacked constitutional and canonical authority, particularly as court cases involving Ibezim, the Primate and other parties remained pending before the Anambra State High Court.
# The Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB), Anambra State Chapter, has called on members of the public to show greater understanding, patience and support for visually impaired persons to promote their safety, independence and inclusion in society.
The call was made as the association joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 White Cane Day, observed annually on October 15 to recognise the rights, dignity, independence and achievements of persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Speaking during the celebration, the Anambra State Chairman of the association, Comrade Ernest Okanmelu, urged the public to exercise patience and offer assistance to visually impaired persons whenever they require help navigating their surroundings.
Okanmelu expressed appreciation to the Transport Company of Anambra State (TRACAS), Star Sunny Motors, the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and other supporters who provided facilities free of charge to ensure a memorable celebration.
In his keynote lecture, the Vice President of the Joint Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Ifeanyi Igwegbe, spoke on the origin, significance and benefits of the white cane as an essential mobility aid for visually impaired persons.
He explained that the theme of the celebration, “Be My Identity,” was a call on members of the public to extend a helping hand to visually impaired persons whenever they encounter them and assistance is needed.
# Thirteen clubs are expected to compete for honours and prizes at the maiden edition of the Anambra Governor’s Cup Lawn Tennis Competition scheduled to hold from October 27 to 30, 2026, at the Anambra Country Club, Awka.
The President of the club, Chief Damian Enekwechi, disclosed this to journalists in Awka, describing the competition as an annual sporting initiative designed to promote lawn tennis, physical fitness and healthy living.
He said the tournament is being organised by the Anambra Country Club, Awka, in collaboration with Audi Company Limited.
Chief Enekwechi noted that the club was open to sponsorship opportunities in lawn tennis, swimming and other sporting activities, adding that it boasts a secure environment and modern facilities for recreation and relaxation.
He also said membership was open to eligible married individuals who met the club’s admission criteria and wished to enrich their social lives, assuring that the club would sustain its commitment to excellence and efficient service delivery.
# Ofala Onitsha 2026 has ended with Azu Ofala – the second phase of the festival where various age grades in Onitsha process before the throne in homage.
The event which was held at Ezechima Square Awka Road, Onitsha provided another opportunity for Ndi Onitsha to express their loyalty to their monarch and be appreciated by Globacom Nigeria Limited, the official sponsor of the festival.
Speaking, a former Secretary General of Commonwealth of Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku who said he was witnessing the festival for the first time, described Onitsha Ado N’idu as a community that has preserved her culture and called on Ndi Igbo to shun bickering and be united as an important ethnic group.
Also speaking, Anambra State Commissioner for Youths Development and Sports, Mr Patrick Agha Mba encouraged Ndi Onitsha to continue to embrace the values of dignity, hard work, culture, innovation and peaceful co-existence as well as preserve the identity that defines them through their culture and tradition
Guests at the festival, congratulated and prayed for Igwe Achebe and his subjects while urging the people to remain loyal to their king.
# The General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada, Obosi, Harrison Anazodo, has pleaded not guilty to an amended eight-count charge bordering on alleged murder, child trafficking, unlawful isolation and separation of individuals from their families, and other offences brought against him by the Anambra State Government.
Following his plea, the court, presided over by Justice Jude Obiorah, adjourned the case to October 30, November 2 and November 16, 2026, for definite hearing.
Chineze Ononye-Ekwerekwu, Chief State Counsel at the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, is prosecuting the case on behalf of the state, while Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Emeka Anaenugwu, is now the lead counsel for the defendant.
According to the amended charge, the first count alleges that Anazodo, on or before February 2025 at Awada-Obosi, under the guise of being a pastor, encouraged one of his members, Ebuka Okanu, to accumulate wealth through supernatural means, described in the charge as an unlawful means of livelihood.
# The Clarissan Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament have honoured the Founder of Catholic Women Organization, CWO, Hon. Mrs Victoria Okoye, with an award of recognition for her generous services to the congregation.
The award ceremony was held at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, as part of activities marking the congregation’s triple anniversary – 75 years since it was founded, , 50 years in Nigeria and 45th death anniversary of their founder, Blessed María Inés Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament born Manuela de Jesús Arias Espinosa.
The award is in recognition of Mrs Okoye’s generous services, dedication and motherly support to the growth of the congregation and the Catholic Church over the years.
Hon. Mrs Okoye who is also the mother of the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, said she was happy for the recognition, noting that it gives her joy to see the Sisters celebrating the treble.
She thanked the Sisters for the honour and promised to continue to support the Church and the congregation.
In an interview, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, who chaired the occasion, praised Mrs Okoye for her selflessness and commitment to the service of God and humanity.
