* Launching of beams is currently on going on the Arroma flyover, a project embarked upon by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Men of GELD Construction Company, the firm handling the project, were seen in their numbers discharging their duties at various levels.
Speaking, Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Engr Ifeanyi Okoma, and the Project Manager, Engineer Nilos Bouev, said the launching of beams will be completed in four days from yesterday, after which decking of the bridge will take place, adding that the project will be completed within one month.
* The people of Iruobieli Village in Enugwu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State have raised an alarm over what they described as an authorized invasion of their land by land grabbers and self-acclaimed real estate developer, who also went on social media advertising the sale of the land without their consent.
The villagers made the call on Saturday, February 1, when they stormed the land to dismantle the authorized culvert already being constructed at the entrance of the lands to make its invasion and access much easier for the suspected land grabbers and their agents.
There were plank frames and the iron structure already constructed for casting of the culvert. Also seen at the site were heaps of sand and stone bought for the said construction, all done without any official notice or authorization of the original owners of the lands —the people of Iruobieli Village.
* The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Awuzie, has pledged to uphold high standard of behavior among staff and students of the institution, enforce strict measures against malpractice, and ensure that funds for the institution are utilized efficiently; in accordance with due process.
Speaking at her inauguration as the substantive Rector of the institution, Dr. Awuzie, who outlining her twelve-point agenda for the transformation of the Polytechnic into a hub of technological creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and global competitiveness, stressed the need for collaboration and teamwork.
While frowning over public display of wealth and vehicles on campus, the Rector warned that emerging trend of cash spraying during graduations and other ceremonies had been prohibited.
The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of the Polytechnic, Barrister Fidelis Oduah, and Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Chijioke Ibeziakor, expressed confidence in the new Rector to take the Polytechnic to greater heights.
* The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, joined in mourning the tragic loss, condemning the senseless act of violence that claimed the life of late
Hon. Justice Azuka, the member representing Onitsha North One.
In his tribute, Barr. Ezeokenwa emphasized that APGA, as the ruling political platform in Anambra, stands firmly against all forms of criminality and remains committed to ensuring security and justice for Ndi Anambra.
Speaking at the valedictory session, Barr. Ezeokenwa expressed condolences to the bereaved family, the Anambra State Government, and the House of Assembly, stressing that no society should tolerate such brutality against its leaders or citizens.
He called for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice, reaffirming APGA’s dedication to good governance, security, and the protection of all residents.
* Refuse collectors were seen at different areas, especially the Inland town axis of Onitsha, helping to ensure a healthy and beautiful environment, even as residents of Awka road and Osuma street, especially children, were seen happily disposing theiy refuse with ease.
One of the Coordinators of the refuse collection agency, Mr Joe ibegbu, explained that the exercise is a daily activity, especially on Mondays and Saturdays.
A resident of the area, Miss Chioma Okoye, appreciated the state government for saving them time and energy in going to a refuse dumb site.
* Nigeria National League side, Edel FC, have joined Solution FC as early birds in the 2025 NEROS Pharmaceuticals Limited/Anambra State Football Association Cup semi finals after a deserved 2-0 triumph over Obosi United FC, Wednesday at Rojenny Stadium, Oba, near Onitsha.
Two Goals, one on either half of the gritty contest by Jeremy ah Onwuzuruike and Chidiebere Ezeh respectively proved just enough to see the Ndubuisi Ndah charges through to the NEROS/ANSFA Cup last four.
The 2024 losing finalists will now wait for the winner between 2023 champions, Ozalla FA and Black Smithers quarter final tie to determine who books a final berth.
Coach Ndah, a former Enugu Rangers defender and ex U23 Olympic Eagles defender was full of praises for his triumphant boys.
* Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, OCHA, Brigade has arrested twelve suspected illegal miners and sealed-off sites at Head Bridge axis in Onitsha.
Speaking to newsmen at the mining site, the Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, said the activities of the suspects amount to economic sabotage, threat to security and constitute environmental hazard.
During the operation, the agency also confiscated tippers owned by the operators who were caught mining sands from under the bridge.
* The Justice Development and Peace Caritas, (JDPC) Onitsha is building the capacity of people from 12 out of 16 communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area, under the Disaster Risk Reduction, (DRR) approach, to enable to respond effectively to flood disaster and its attendant devastation.
Disaster Risk Reduction is one of the two methodologies through which the organization is implementing its Flood Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Project in Nigeria.
Its Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Edwin Udoye, who disclosed this during a visit to one of the communities, named the twelve benefitting communities to include: Odekpe, Ohita, Atani, Ogbakuba, Ochuche, Mkputu, Ogwuikpele, Umunankwo, Osomala, Akiliogidi, Akiliozizor, and Obeagwe.
Fr. Udoye while addressing newsmen during the visit said that the DRR approach allows the community people to drive the programme by themselves while only JDPC provides the financial and technical support needed for success.
* The Anambra State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mr Daniel Onyeishi, has called for collaborative efforts in the fight against illicit drug use and trafficking.
Mr Onyeishi made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Mr Christopher Molokwu; at the station’s Corporate Headquarters in Awka, in company of some top officials of the agency.
Describing ABS as one of the major media outfits with great impact on the grassroot, the Anambra NDLEA boss appreciated various support of the station to the agency in educating the masses on the dangers of drug abuse, and appealed for the sustenance of such partnership, even as he assured of the command’s commitment to ridding the state of drug dealers.
Responding, the ABS MD/CEO, Mr Molokwu, promised that the station will keep partnering NDLEA in curbing the menace of drug abuse and trafficking, and encouraged the agency to collaborate with community and religious leaders, as well as other key stakeholders in the illicit drug fight for more positive results.
* The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned against vote buying in the upcoming Anambra State party primaries scheduled for next month.
This warning comes on the heels of a renewed effort to curb vote-buying and strengthen electoral integrity in the state.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized that vote-buying remains a significant threat to free and fair elections in Nigeria. Yakubu noted that while arrests have been made in past elections, more decisive action is needed, particularly with political party primaries approaching.
