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  • Police rescue couple, one other from suspected Kidnappers

    Police rescue couple, one other from suspected Kidnappers

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Police operatives attached to Neni Divisional Headquarters in Anoacha local government area of Anambra State, have rescued three victims, including a husband and wife from suspected kidnappers in the area.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Sunday, said the operatives responded swiftly to a distress call along Okacha junction, Neni on 3rd May 2025 by 8.45 pm, foiled a kidnap incident, rescued three victims including a husband and wife and recovered one of the victim’s vehicles from the scene.

    Meanwhile, the Joint Security Force, comprising the Military, Civil Defence and Vigilantes have complimented the onslaught of operational efforts of the Police aimed at arresting the armed hoodlums and to recover one Black Lexus 350 SUV with Reg. No: ABJ 557 LD reportedly snatched from the second rescued victim and which the hoodlums used to escape from the scene.

    “The State Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu has, therefore, urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding, working together with security agencies to maintain peace and security in the State,” the PPRO noted.

  • Press Freedom Day: NUJ seeks safe, supportive environment for media practitioners

    Press Freedom Day: NUJ seeks safe, supportive environment for media practitioners

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council has called on government at all levels to ensure a safe and supportive environment for media practitioners to operate effectively.

    Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey, made the call on Saturday during a road walk to commemorate the 2025 World Press Freedom Day in Calabar, the state capital.

    The road walk, tagged ‘Freedom Walk’, had a large turn-out of media professionals in the state who marched peacefully from the WAPI Junction, through Diamond, Stadium and terminated at the Millennium Park. Their messages were conveyed in placards with inscriptions such as “The Nigerian Media Deserves Freedom, Not Fear”, “No True Democracy Without a Free Press”, “Fake News Thrives When the Press is Gagged”, among others.


    Comrade Bassey stressed the importance of an unfettered press, stating that societal ills flourish when journalists are silenced or restricted. She underlined the mutual responsibility between the press and society in safeguarding truth and accountability.

    The NUJ Chairperson called on journalists to remain focused, in spite of distractions, and uphold truth as a fundamental value of the profession.

    Also speaking, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Nsa Gill, cautioned journalists against premature politicking, stressing that the current focus should be on governance, not elections.

    In line with the 2025 theme of the World Press Freedom Day, which is “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”, the CPS urged media practitioners to embrace evolving tools, especially Artificial Intelligence, to enhance their reporting skills. He noted that while AI can support journalism, it must not replace core journalistic values or ethical practices.

    “It is wrong to copy and paste AI content without verification. Journalism still demands accuracy and accountability,” he said.

    As part of the Freedom Walk, media professionals visited the Mother Elizabeth Redeemed Orphanage and the Medium Security Prison, Afokang, where they donated food and toiletries to both the orphanage and inmates.

  • Councilors in Central Senatorial District Visit Hon Oden Ewa, Seek Collaboration

    Councilors in Central Senatorial District Visit Hon Oden Ewa, Seek Collaboration

    Councilors of the Central Senatorial District paid a courtesy visit on the Hon. Commissioner of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Oden Ewa at his hometown in Ugep.

    During the visit, the Councilors expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for granting them audience and commended him for his exemplary leadership and contributions to the welfare of the people of Central Senatorial District, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the senatorial district.

    Speaking on behalf of the Councilors, Hon. ThankGod Ekupnse Ojong, Leader of Etung Legislative Council,  said “We are here to express our profound admiration for your outstanding service, dedication and commitment to duty and the remarkable things your doing to bring succor to the people of central senatorial district.

    “As a Commissioner in the People’s First administration, you have consistently demonstrated your capacity and have represented the Governor and government with great distinction in all your endeavors. We are immensely proud of you.”

    The Councilors highlighted the Commissioner’s significant contributions to the senatorial district. They said these contributions would stand as testament to the commissioner’s vision, dedication and commitment to the senatorial District.

    They also described Hon. Oden Ewa as a valuable asset, expressed their desire to strengthen the relationship between the Councilors and the Hon. Commissioner as his political trajectory is worthy to reckon with.

    In response, Hon. Oden Ewa expressed his gratitude for the visit and reiterated his unwavering commitment to duty and to the senatorial district.

    “I am proud to be associated with you, I have always intended to contribute to the development of our senatorial district, I believe it is a duty to give back to humanity that has shaped my life.”

    He also pledged his continued support and contributions to the people’s welfare, while also thanking the Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu for the opportunity to serve.

    #OdenEwa Media

  • How Monday Nwokoye’s Appointment as SASA Director End Street Touting in Onitsha

    How Monday Nwokoye’s Appointment as SASA Director End Street Touting in Onitsha

    By Ovat Abeng

    Since the appointment of Hon. Monday Nwokoye as Director of the Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA), the agency has experienced a remarkable transformation.

    Residents and commuters have widely praised the sweeping reforms that have effectively curtailed corruption and eliminated street touting in key areas of the state.

    An independent investigation by Pechilly Investigative revealed widespread satisfaction among Onitsha residents, many of whom expressed joy and relief over the changes ushered in by the new leadership.

    Hon. Nwokoye’s no-nonsense approach and decisive leadership style were frequently cited as the driving force behind the restoration of peace and order in previously troubled areas.

    According to Mr. Emeka Nweke, a keke driver, “The governor made a great choice in appointing Hon. Nwokoye. Since he assumed office, SASA has been completely transformed. Touts no longer harass us, and the streets are safer. We thank Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for this wise decision.”

    Further interviews with drivers and street vendors echoed similar sentiments. One commercial driver, who requested anonymity, said, “Hon. Nwokoye is the best thing that has happened to SASA. Under his leadership, all the bad practices are being rooted out. We can now work in peace without fear of harassment.”

    Since Nwokoye took office, notable improvements have been observed in law enforcement operations, transparency, and public engagement—fostering a renewed sense of trust between the agency and the public.

    Residents and stakeholders continue to commend Governor Soludo for appointing a capable and disciplined leader to guide SASA toward lasting reform. As one respondent put it, “SASA is now the best. With Nwokoye in charge, everything is in order.”

    Hon. Nwokoye’s tenure marks a new chapter in Anambra State’s fight against street crime and public sector corruption—one that many hope will continue to yield positive results across the state.

  • Anambra 2025: Ogbaru Traders Endorse Gov Soludo’s Second Term Bid

    Anambra 2025: Ogbaru Traders Endorse Gov Soludo’s Second Term Bid

    By Ovat Abeng

    Traders at the Ogbaru Main Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, have declared their support for the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.

    Their endorsement, announced during the market’s 40th anniversary celebration on Friday, was attributed to the governor’s strides in improving security and infrastructure across the state.

    Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Dr. Ndubuisi Ochugo, said the traders’ support was rooted in a desire to consolidate on the progress made so far under Governor Soludo’s leadership.

    “Our endorsement is in line with our collective aspiration for a better Anambra and Nigeria at large. The governor’s visible achievements in security, infrastructure, and governance speak for themselves. It is only proper to support his continuity,” Chief Ochugo stated.

    He assured the governor of the traders’ unwavering support and called on others to join in helping him achieve his developmental vision for the state.

    Also speaking, Hon. Evaristus Uba, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets; Chief Chineye Ukoh, Director General of the Agunechembra Security Outfit; and Chief Jude Nwankwo, Chairman of the Onitsha International Building Materials Market, commended Soludo’s administration for restoring peace and security in Onitsha and its environs.

    “The era of sleepless nights caused by insecurity is over,” Chief Ukoh remarked. “Governor Soludo has renewed the people’s faith in government.”

    They urged voters across the state to give massive support to the governor and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) during the upcoming election.

    The motion to endorsed Governor Soludo was formally moved by the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and seconded by the Chairman of the Ogbaru Market Board, Chief J.I. Ejison.

  • WTTD 2025: Ogoja rules the waves in Nigeria

    WTTD 2025: Ogoja rules the waves in Nigeria

    By Frank Ulom

    As part of the events marking the global celebration of World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) on 23rd April 2025, the town of Ogoja ensured that Nigeria joined the ITTF table family in celebrating this grassroots awareness event. Thanks to the generosity and hospitality of the people of Ogoja, Nigeria was represented by members of the Cameroonian refugee community and members of the Adagom 3 community of Ogoja. As one of their own, Solange Ngonda Tibesa a Cameroonian was one of the 30 WTTD 2025 global promoters.

    For Solange who was heavily supported by the ITTF, UNHCR, the Refugee Organisations Network (RON), SEMA of Cross Rivers State, and CSED (Community Sports and Educational Development) Initiative, it was a dream come through for her to see that all the efforts she put in to ensure a successful event has eventually come to a successful reality.

    The event which was held at the Adagom 3 playground was attended by several distinguished guests including, a representative of UNHCR (Mrs. Annick Nahimana), royal fathers and tribal leaders of Ogoja, the Divisional Police Officer (D.P.O.) of Ogoja, a representative of Nigeria Immigration Service, a representative of NCFRMI, persons with disabilities, women’s groups, and the representatives of the sports committees of the three refugee camps in Ogoja.

    There were pre-event advocacy rally/health talks, traditional dancers representing the host Ogoja community and the Cameroonian refugee community. As well as, the usual display of table tennis skills by both male and female players. Buba and wrapper tennis playing women amazed the large crowd.

    In her address to the over one thousand attendees of the event, the head of the UNHCR Office in Ogoja, Mrs. Annick Nahimana commended the event organisers for their efforts in using table tennis to bring people together. She urged the community to support Solange and she promised that those with creative minds like her would always have the backing of the UNHCR. Especially in supporting educational and pro-social activities/projects that promote peaceful co-existence between Cameroonian refugees and the indigenes of Ogoja.

    Moving forward, Solange who is also a netball coach, promised to work with the relevant community groups and NGO in sustaining the growth of table tennis and other sports among Cameroonian refugees and members of the host community.

  • 2025 World Press Freedom Day: C’River Govt restates commitment to Free, Independent Press

    2025 World Press Freedom Day: C’River Govt restates commitment to Free, Independent Press

    On Saturday, 3rd May, 2025, Cross River State joins the rest of the world in celebrating Journalists and the Media in general on this auspicious
    commemoration of the 2025 World Press Freedom Day. A day set aside by the United Nations General Assembly to remind Governments around the world and the Media in particular of the need to respect their commitments to Press
    Freedom. It is a day of reflection among the Media and to raise awareness on the fundamental principles of Press Freedom throughout the world.

    The theme for this Year’s edition, being the 32nd Anniversary of World Press Freedom Day – “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Press Freedom and the Media” is very apt and timeous. This is a strong indication that a free press is one of the most effective mechanisms that we have for furthering the protection of journalists on the line of duty while also leveraging on the relevance and impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in information gathering and dissemination.

    This is even more so that the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought the world together as a stage for information gathering and reporting. It is therefore, very critical that as purveyors of the society, the Media must necessarily embrace the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in bringing the World together towards achieving the seeming impossibilities of nature.

    The Cross River State Government wishes to note that this commemoration once again brings to the fore the very essence of the Media and its Practitioners. A proactive Press remains the bedrock for any democratic society. Central to the impression that information is a public commodity, it is essential to everything we do. More often than not, we trust the media with providing the information.

    Effective information dissemination helps people to engage meaningfully in the political, socio-economic and civic spheres of their Communities, State, Nations, and the world at large.

    As we continue to emphasize on factual accuracy, credibility, and more importantly, cling to the ethical standards of journalism which the World Press Freedom Day was initiated to remind us annually about, the Government of Cross River State hereby restates her commitment to a Free Independent Press in our dear State so that every Journalist can operate without fear of molestation, while also noting the alarming effects of the present day digital revolutions in the Media sector that is virtually altering the information terrain and its modalities of production and distribution.

    As an Administration with the “People First” Mantra, Governor Bassey Edet Otu will continue to partner with the Media and other relevant stakeholders to protect freedom of expression and fighting misinformation in the Society.
    Government shall continue to fight all enemies of a free press society that promotes discriminations and crimes against Journalists in the course of performing their legitimate duties. Government shall also promote the digitization of the Media in the State so that the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) would be felt in the performance of their duties in our dear State.

    As we commemorate this day, the Cross River State Government joins her voice in condemning the continued persecution of responsible Journalists by repressive governments around the globe, some leading to imprisonment and death of genuine Media Practitioners and call for total restraint.

    Once again, Government congratulates all Journalists across the globe and those practicing in our dear State in particular on this auspicious World Press Freedom Day 2025 with a renewed hope that this season of sweetness which is recalibrating Cross River State from all sectors, shall add greater value to this symbiotic relationship.

    Thank you and God bless us all.

    Erasmus Ekpang Ph.D., anipr, ftifuh
    Commissioner for Information.

  • Police arrest two suspected kidnappers, cultists in Anambra

    Police arrest two suspected kidnappers, cultists in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Police operatives attached to Otolo – Nnewi, Anambra State on Thursday, 1st May 2025 arrested two suspected kidnappers, cultists in the area, recovered one foreign made pistol, three live munitions and a lady’s motorcycle suspected to have been stolen.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this in a statement in Awka, said the arrest took place at about 1.45 pm

    He said the suspects: Ani Obinna aged 21 years and Okwudili Ezike aged 43 years, all males were arrested during a hot chase by the Police Operatives acting on credible information which led to the busting of a criminal hideout in Nnewi.

    During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a secret cult and a kidnapping gang.

    They also gave useful information which the Operatives are currently working on aimed at dislodging their criminal network and arresting of other gang members.

    “To this end, the Command has sustained security patrol in the area and is more committed to fostering a secure environment for meaningful work and businesses to thrive in the State.”

    He also noted that the situation is being closely monitored and further developments would be communicated accordingly.

  • May Day: Anambra Workers Deserve Better – Paul Chukwuma

    May Day: Anambra Workers Deserve Better – Paul Chukwuma

    By Ovat Abeng

    The candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, in the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship election, Sir Paul Chukwuma has said that Anambra State workers deserve better than they currently have with governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration.

    Congratulating Anambra Workers’ on this year’s Workers’ Day, Sir Paul Chukwuma regretted that Anambra State workers are poorly remunerated to the extent that they are one of the lowest paid in Nigeria. Mr. Chukwuma who also lamented that industrial dispute had become a major defining feature of the relationship between the current Anambra Government and workers in the legislative and executive arms of the State Government said he would prioritize workers’ welfare and put an end to all labour disputes which the current administration has refused to address.

    Also, the YPP candidate lamented that Anambra State workers do not have any housing scheme that will help them have a house of their own. This situation, he said, was a shame. “Most civil servants in Anambra can’t afford any house for themselves. They are poorly paid and there is no clear mortgage to see to that. You will agree with me that our civil servants deserve better. The government in Anambra has no plan whatsoever to make this housing scheme an issue and bring it to fruition. Yet, the same government is focused on constructing a new Government House and New Governor’s Lodge. Therefore, in effect, our workers do not deserve a home,” Chukwuma wondered.

    Buttressing his point, Mr. Paul Chukwuma observed that, “The fact is that from all possible standpoints, the current Anambra State government has grossly let down our workers and it is regrettable. It is a shame that our workers are not a priority for this government. But we will address that. We shall provide a sustainable housing scheme for our workers and also strengthen the health insurance policy of the last administration to cover all our workers. We want a healthy workforce,” Chukwuma concluded.

  • Workers Day: Anambra Labour Unions commend Soludo’s implementation of N82,000 new minimum wage

    Workers Day: Anambra Labour Unions commend Soludo’s implementation of N82,000 new minimum wage

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has commended the State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo for implementing N82,000 new minimum wage for workers.

    They also appreciate the governor for approving N10,000 non-taxable award to pensioners.

    The Unions commendation was contained in an address read by the State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Humphrey Chukwuemeka Nwafor during this year 2025 Worker’s Day celebration held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square Awka on Thursday.

    “Organised Labour sincerely appreciates the remarkable strides of the administration of Prof Soludo. From inception, his visionary leadership towards transforming Anambra into a hub of economic and infrastructural excellence has been evident.

    “This vision is clearly reflected in, “the extensive road construction projects across the state, prudent economic management and the achievement of major development milestones without resorting to borrow, notable infrastructure projects such as the Ekwulobia Flyover, Awka Fun City and the completion of the Anambra Government House and Lodge.

    “Of special note for today’s celebration is the prompt and comprehensive implementation of the 2024 minimum wage. While the national benchmark was set at N70,000, Mr governor graciously approved N82,000, the highest in the South East and implemented it seamlessly across all sectors without industrial unrest. This a true testament to exemplary leadership, and we deeply commend it.

    While calling on all leaders both in government and in the private sector to prioritise the welfare of workers, especially in the areas of entitlements, empowerment and fair remuneration, Nwafor however, appeal to the governor to urgently address other pressing issues that require urgent attention, which includes, “issue of Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), outstanding allowances for non-teaching staff in ASUBEB, building of Labour House, appointment of a special adviser on labour matters, low-cost housing for workers, mass recruitment, retirement age policy, water board, promotion, training and re-training of workers, utility vehicles for labour centres, payment of outstanding gratuities and entitlements to retirees of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), which has been pending since 2017, among others.

    Governor Soludo on his speech, further assure that his administration will continue to work cooperatively with the Labour Unions to ensure that the welfare of Anambra workers are taking care of always.

    It was gathered that the celebration with the Theme, “Reclaiming Civic Space Amidst Economic Hardship” also featured presentation of award of Worker’s Beacon of Hope to the governor.