# Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, have congratulated the Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, on his 73rd birthday.
In a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo described the Archbishop as a shepherd of uncommon humility, wisdom and moral courage whose ministry has strengthened the Christian faith and nurtured hope across Anambra State and beyond.
Soludo noted that Archbishop Okeke had provided steady and prayerful leadership to the Archdiocese of Onitsha for more than two decades, speaking truth with charity and guiding the faithful with the humility and authority of a servant of God.
The Governor also commended the Archbishop’s contributions beyond the pulpit, particularly through the Church’s educational institutions, healthcare facilities and charitable initiatives, which he said had promoted human dignity, expanded opportunities for young people and extended compassion to the poor, the sick and other vulnerable members of society.
Similarly, Anambra Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, in a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the State Legislature, described Archbishop Okeke as an embodiment of humility, devotion and discipleship, as well as a good shepherd of the body of Christ.
# The Anambra State Ministry of Health has confirmed a case of Lassa fever involving a patient linked to Omasi in Ayamelum Local Government Area, who is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), Ebonyi State.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in Awka.
Following the confirmation, the commissioner convened an emergency meeting involving health partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), to coordinate response efforts and strengthen measures to prevent further transmission.
Dr. Obidike said the ministry had activated its emergency response mechanism and intensified public awareness, while strengthening disease surveillance and other public health measures.
He called for increased public awareness to educate residents on the symptoms and prevention of Lassa fever, as well as the importance of reporting suspected cases promptly.
# The Anambra State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to public safety through stronger collaboration with residents and community stakeholders.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, gave the assurance while hosting the Association of All Chairmen of 3-3 Estate and the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss security concerns, strengthen communication with the Police and identify areas of cooperation in crime prevention.
Speaking during the engagement, CP Nnanna urged residents, irrespective of their ethnic, cultural or geographical backgrounds, to remain security-conscious, report suspicious activities promptly and encourage their members to provide credible information to the Police.
He reassured non-indigenes living and conducting legitimate businesses in Anambra State of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, upholding the rule of law and ensuring their safety.
The CP also reiterated that residents can contact him directly through the dedicated WhatsApp security line 09169531886 to report security concerns, provide credible information or request police intervention. He urged the public to use the channel responsibly to facilitate timely responses and appropriate action.
The Anambra State Police Command calls on estate associations, non-indigenes, community leaders and other residents to sustain their cooperation with security agencies, stressing that timely information and collective responsibility are essential to preventing crime and maintaining peace across the State.
# The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has taken free HIV screening, counselling and testing services to residents of Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area(LGA), as part of efforts to promote HIV awareness, encourage early diagnosis and strengthen community based prevention.
The outreach took place during the Iri Ji (New Yam) Festival at Umuoli Village, Umuoji, with sponsorship from Chief Barrister Austin Arinze Obiefuna.
By integrating HIV services into a major community celebration, ANSACA brought essential health information and testing closer to residents, creating an opportunity for people to know their HIV status and make informed decisions about their health.
The initiative also highlighted the importance of taking HIV prevention services directly to communities, where cultural gatherings provide opportunities to reach people with vital health messages and encourage voluntary testing in a familiar environment.
ANSACA expressed appreciation to Chief Barrister Austin Arinze Obiefuna for sponsoring the outreach and to the people of Umuoji for their participation and support.
The agency also acknowledged the support of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for strengthening public health initiatives and supporting efforts to improve access to HIV prevention, testing, counselling and treatment services across the state.
ANSACA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding community based HIV interventions and working with stakeholders to achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The agency encourages residents to know their HIV status, seek reliable health information and access available testing and treatment services without fear of stigma or discrimination.
# The Senator representing Anambra North, Senator Dr. Tony Nwoye, has called for an urgent contract for palliative repairs on the failed portions of the Onitsha–Iyiowa–Odekpe–Atani–Ogwuikpele–Ndoni Federal Highway linking Anambra and Rivers States, as part of efforts to ease the hardship faced by motorists and commuters plying the road.
Senator Nwoye made the plea during an inspection tour of the highway alongside the Acting Controller of Federal Highway in Anambra, Engr. Timothy Emenike and the Member Representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene.
During the inspection, the senator emphasised the strategic importance of the highway to interstate commerce and oil and gas activities in the Ogbaru area, noting that its deplorable condition has continued to impose significant hardship on road users, as well as disrupt economic activities.
He expressed concern over the years of neglect that had left the road riddled with potholes, erosion, and failed sections, resulting in increased travel time, higher transportation costs, and heightened security risks for motorists.
Senator Nwoye further pledged to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Finance and other relevant government agencies to ensure the speedy completion of the major rehabilitation project, stressing the need for a lasting solution to the persistent challenges facing road users.
The senator’s call for palliative intervention on the road follows his earlier motion at the Senate, which called on the Federal Government to urgently repair and rehabilitate the strategic highway after years of deterioration.
# The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has urged students of Rosa Mystica High School, Agulu, to embrace excellence, build good character and prepare for future leadership, noting that the values they acquire during their formative years will shape their lives.
Bishop Ezeokafor gave the charge during a pastoral visit to the all-girls school, where 150 students received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The event also featured the commissioning of the renovated school chapel, the investiture of new students and the flag-off of the school’s inter-house sports competition.
In his sermon, the bishop urged the students to make the most of their secondary school years, pointing out that the lessons they learn now will influence their future. He said, “You have to live your life well now that you are still in secondary school because what you learn here will shape your future. There are many women in society who have made themselves, their communities and the nation proud.”
He cited the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, as examples of accomplished women whose achievements should inspire the students to pursue excellence and make meaningful contributions to society. He also stressed that “packaging and branding all should be embedded in excellence,” urging the girls to maintain high standards in their personal lives and future endeavours.
The bishop further called on parents and teachers to take their responsibilities in raising and guiding the students seriously. Referring to the biblical instruction to train a child in the right way, he emphasised the importance of proper upbringing and education in preparing young girls for responsible adulthood. He also used the Igbo expression, “Nwanyi bu ife,” to underscore the value and importance of women in society.
# The Anambra State Government has assured a widow living in a makeshift shelter with her children at Umuodu, Okpuno, in Awka South Local Government Area, of its commitment to protecting her and ensuring the welfare of her family.
The assurance was given by the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, during a visit to the widow to assess her living conditions and identify her welfare needs.
The widow and her children currently reside in a makeshift shelter, a situation that highlights the housing challenges and vulnerabilities faced by some families in the state.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Onyekesi assured the widow that she would not be abandoned to her circumstances, stressing the need to protect vulnerable women and children from abuse, neglect and other forms of hardship.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that women and children facing difficult circumstances receive appropriate attention and support to improve their well-being.
# The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, has directed the university’s Research Centre for Ageing and Psychological Health to develop proposals for new academic programmes and community outreach initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of older persons.
Prof. Anyaehie gave the directive when the Centre’s Director, Prof. Rita N. Ugokwe-Joseph, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office. He urged the centre to develop certificate courses and contribute to the design of undergraduate programmes in speech therapy, occupational therapy, autism, gerontology, medical social work and clinical psychology.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university’s diaspora engagement platforms had attracted prospective international partners willing to support the proposed programmes. He also requested the submission of a community outreach plan for the university’s consideration and possible support.
# Rt. Rev. Dr Samuel Ezeofor, the newly appointed Supervising Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Awka, has removed Sir Barr. B.E.I. Nwofor as Chancellor of the diocese over alleged actions undermining the authority of the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba.
In a letter dated October 17, 2026, the supervising bishop accused Nwofor of using his position to undermine the Primate’s authority and flouting lawful directives of the Church, actions the letter said could bring the Church of Nigeria into disrepute.
The letter formally withdrew Nwofor’s appointment as Chancellor with immediate effect and directed him to hand over all diocesan properties and documents in his possession to the Legal Secretary.
# The Secretary to the Anambra State Government (SSG), Her Honour, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, has received the Pillar of Moral Education Award in recognition of her contributions to moral education and the promotion of responsible conduct among young people.
Mrs Nnake received the award as Special Guest at the 12th Annual CHAPOL/PPSSC Conference on Moral Values for Students of the 274 Government Secondary Schools in Anambra State.
The one-day conference and seminar, held at the Women Development Centre, Anambra State, also marked the 12th anniversary of the annual programme.
The award underscores the importance of recognising efforts to promote moral discipline, character development and responsible citizenship among students.
The conference, organised by the Chaplain Corps Policing Explorers (CHAPOL), is part of the organisation’s sustained efforts to combat social vices and promote positive values among secondary school students across Anambra State.
