# The Anambra State Government has urged property developers across the state to obtain building permits before commencing construction, warning that structures erected without the required approval could face enforcement action, including demolition.
Anambra Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu, made the call in a press release, urging developers to consult the appropriate authorities for guidance on the procedures and requirements for obtaining building approval.
Ojukwu explained that such consultations would help developers understand essential planning requirements, including right-of-way and setback regulations, provision of adequate drainage channels, avoidance of high-tension electricity corridors and proper siting of buildings.
He noted that compliance with these requirements would promote orderly development and help prevent avoidable mistakes and costly consequences during and after construction.
The commissioner stressed that the regulations apply to all categories of development, including residential buildings, churches, business premises and other structures, emphasising that obtaining a building permit before construction is mandatory.
According to the statement, buildings erected without the appropriate approval could attract enforcement measures, including possible demolition.
Ojukwu therefore advised developers to visit the nearest Physical Planning office to make enquiries, obtain necessary guidance and secure the required approval before embarking on any construction project.
He reiterated the need for developers to embrace legal, safe and smart building practices to promote orderly urban development and ensure that structures comply with approved planning standards.
# Experts at the 2026 National Child Rights Summit have called for child centred Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies and urgent support for displaced children to protect their rights, safety and access to education.
The call was made at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, during the summit themed “Harnessing Digital Technologies for Child Protection and Empowerment in Developing Countries: Opportunities and Challenges.”
The event brought together policymakers, academics, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious leaders, child rights advocates and technology experts.
Speakers noted that AI could improve personalised learning, translation, research and access to educational resources for children with disabilities. They, however, warned that inadequate safeguards could expose children to privacy breaches, misinformation, discrimination, impersonation, online exploitation and harmful content.
# The Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health (SMOH), Dr Obiageli Uchebo, has urged local government authorities to prioritise primary healthcare through effective leadership, resource mobilisation and accountability.
Uchebo made the call during a technical presentation at an engagement meeting held at Best Western Melloch Hotel, Ifite, Awka.
The meeting brought together officials of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), SMOH, development partners, local government mayors, supervisory councillors for health, directors of primary healthcare across the 21 local government areas and other stakeholders.
She said the presentation was aimed at clarifying mayors’ responsibilities in primary healthcare delivery and explaining how political leadership could support health professionals without taking over technical management.
According to her, the engagement also focused on practical measures to improve healthcare financing, facility readiness, workforce support and community participation, alongside measurable performance indicators and a 90 day action plan.
Uchebo said mayors should make primary healthcare a priority in their development plans, mobilise political, financial and community support, and work with primary healthcare directors and relevant state agencies to address service delivery challenges.
She urged them to monitor performance data, follow up on commitments, promote accountability and represent community needs while respecting clinical and professional boundaries.
She identified key areas requiring local government attention as planning, resource mobilisation, facility readiness, essential supplies, workforce support, maternal, newborn and child health, community mobilisation
# Jubilation filled the arena of Idemili South Local Government Headquarters, Ojoto, as the new Executive Mayor of Idemili South, Hon. Oluchukwu Ilogbenu gifted the Council workforce a big ram in appreciation of their support and dedication to duty.
Hon. Ilogbenu, who personally presented the ram to the workers said the gesture was a token of appreciation for the cooperation he has enjoyed since assuming office.
The Mayor stated that his administration will run a workers-friendly government where staff welfare will be given top priority.
According to him, a motivated workforce is key to achieving his development agenda for Idemili South.
Reacting, the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Mr. Victor Okey Orji, on behalf of the Management and Staff, pledged unalloyed loyalty and total support to the Chinemeze administration.
While thanking the Mayor for identifying with the workers, he charged staff to remain dedicated and shun any act capable of tarnishing the image of the Council.
Also speaking, the Chairman of NULGE, Idemili South Chapter, Comrade Innocent Edoziuno, commended the Mayor for his transparent, inclusive and democratic leadership style, describing it as a good omen for improved workers’ welfare and accelerated development of the LGA.
The event ended with a group photograph and a special prayer for the Mayor, led by the Head of Department, Education and Social Development, Comrade Nnamdi Nweke,
# The Anambra State ICT Agency and the Ministry of Works have reviewed DocTracker ahead of its official launch, with discussions focusing on expanding public access to road project information.
The review, held at the Ministry featured inputs from the Commissioner for Works, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, who emphasized the need to make the platform more public-facing.
The proposed direction would enable citizens to follow road projects from contract award through construction and completion, with attention to maintenance needs where necessary.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, assured the Commissioner that the recommendations would be worked on ahead of the platform’s official launch.
Developed by ICT Agency, DocTracker is designed to support the tracking and management of infrastructure projects, contractor information and related documentation within the Ministry of Works.
The proposed public-facing dimension would give citizens a clearer view of road projects and their progress, while supporting continued attention to infrastructure after construction is completed.
# The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, has expressed the hospital’s readiness to collaborate with Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo on initiatives to advance women’s empowerment, cultural preservation and community development.
She gave the assurance while receiving the association’s President General, Iyom Josephine Aninih, and other members during a familiarisation visit to the hospital.
The delegation congratulated Dr. Umeakuewulu on becoming the first female CMD of COOUTH, discussing opportunities for cooperation between the hospital and the association. It also invited her to its forthcoming event scheduled for October 27, at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Speaking during the visit, Iyom Aninih said the six-year-old association brings together Igbo women by birth and marriage to promote women’s participation in society, preserve Igbo cultural heritage and encourage positive social change.
She highlighted the need to teach children the Igbo language, noting that preserving the mother tongue is essential to sustaining the identity, values and traditions of the Igbo people.
In her response, Dr. Umeakuewulu commended the association’s efforts, stressing that meaningful social progress requires shared responsibility and the active participation of women.
She said COOUTH was willing to explore practical areas of cooperation with the association and other organisations whose objectives align with the hospital’s mission.
# The Enugwu Agidi Community Vigilante Group, Agunaechemba, has received two motorcycles from community leader and philanthropist, High Chief Nnamdi Okam (Nwachinagbaluogu), to improve mobility and support security operations in the Anambra community.
The Enugwu Agidi Brotherly Union (EBU Nigeria) commended the donation in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbuonu Echezona Daniel, on behalf of the President-General, Executive Committee and community.
According to the union, the motorcycles are expected to help vigilante operatives move more easily around the community and respond more promptly to security concerns.
EBU Nigeria said the donation reflects Okam’s continued contributions to community welfare and development, noting that his support has earned him appreciation among residents.
The statement quoted the union as saying: “High Chief Nnamdi Okam has consistently demonstrated exceptional love for Enugwu Agidi through his selfless service and philanthropic interventions.”
The union expressed appreciation for the donation and called on other indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, to support local security and development initiatives.
# The newly elected Leader of the Legislative Arm of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Nwangwu Ifunanya Stella, has expressed appreciation to the Executive Mayor, Hon. Ikechukwu Mofunanya Ezeoba, for the confidence reposed in her, pledged to work closely with the executive arm to advance the interests and welfare of residents.
Nwangwu, who made the pledge following her emergence as Speaker, assured that the legislative arm would maintain a cordial working relationship with the executive to promote effective governance and deliver meaningful dividends of democracy to the people of Onitsha South.
She also expressed gratitude to her fellow councillors for the opportunity to lead the legislative house, promising to work collaboratively with them to strengthen the legislative process and contribute to the development of the local government area.
The new Speaker/leader equally acknowledged her predecessor, Rt. Hon. Regina Udogaranya, for the smooth handover of leadership, described the transition as an important step towards ensuring continuity and stability in the legislative arm.
She reaffirmed her commitment to providing purposeful legislative leadership, fostering unity among councillors and supporting initiatives that would improve the lives of the people.
The house leader stressed that the collective responsibility of the legislative and executive arms remained central to achieving sustainable development and responsive governance in Onitsha South.
# A socio-political group, Women Unity of Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, has pledged its support for the administration of the Mayor of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon. Oluchukwu John Ilogbenu, during a courtesy visit to his office.
The delegation, led by the group’s President, Hon. Helen Ikegbunam, congratulated Ilogbenu on his electoral victory and inauguration, expressing its readiness to work with his administration in advancing initiatives that promote community development and improve the welfare of the people.
Introducing members of her executive, Hon. Ikegbunam explained that Women Unity has a presence across the wards in Idemili North and South Federal Constituency. She reaffirmed the group’s commitment to collaborating with the Mayor, strengthening grassroots engagement and promoting women’s participation in political and community affairs.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Women Unity in Idemili North, Mrs. Ethel Atuokwu, reiterated the group’s commitment to promoting unity, political participation and grassroots mobilisation across the constituency.
In his response, Hon. Ilogbenu thanked the delegation for the visit and its expression of support. He welcomed the prospect of working with the group, particularly in strengthening community engagement and grassroots mobilisation as political activities ahead of the forthcoming elections gather momentum.
The Mayor also urged members of Women Unity to remain committed to their political engagements and sustain their support for the administration of the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR. He emphasised the importance of unity, cooperation and effective grassroots participation in advancing the State Government’s development agenda under the Solution Agenda.
# The Mayor of Oyi Local Government, Hon. John Elochukwu Igbem, has held a brief but decisive meeting with members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) at the council hall, charging them to demonstrate 100% commitment to their official duties.
Addressing the workers, Hon. Igbem assured them of his administration’s commitment to improving working conditions and fostering a cordial and productive working relationship with the workforce.
The Mayor emphasised the need for discipline, dedication, punctuality, and seriousness in the discharge of their responsibilities. He urged all staff members to resume work early and remain committed to their respective duties to ensure effective service delivery.
Hon. Igbem further disclosed that he would embark on unscheduled visits to various departments to monitor staff attendance, assess their level of commitment, and ensure compliance with official working hours. He warned that any staff member found wanting would be identified accordingly.
He therefore called on all NULGE members and council workers to align with his administration’s vision of a more productive, accountable, and people-oriented Oyi Local Government.
# The 2026 Anambra State Civil Service Week has commenced with the Solution Novelty Cup, an inter-ministry football competition aimed at promoting physical fitness, teamwork and productivity among civil servants.
The tournament kicked off at the rear grounds of the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka, with civil servants from various ministries participating in the opening fixtures.
Addressing participants, the Head of Service, Barrister Ngozi Anuli Iwouno, described the competition as an important prelude to the annual Civil Service Week celebrations.
Iwouno urged the participating teams to demonstrate discipline, dedication and fair play, stressing that the values displayed on the football field should also reflect in their conduct and commitment to effective public service delivery.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Honourable Patrick Agha Mba, said the tournament aligned with the vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to promote grassroots sports through school competitions, market tournaments and community-based health and lifestyle programmes.
According to him, a healthy workforce is essential to achieving the administration’s vision of a livable and prosperous homeland.
He noted that physical fitness, teamwork and mutual respect could strengthen relationships among civil servants and contribute to improved productivity across ministries.
