By Okey Maduforo, Awka

As Nigeria celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, democracy in the country has continued to evolve and deepen, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, has said.

Anosike made the observation in a message to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, noting that despite the challenges the country had encountered since 1960, its democratic system had continued to improve under successive administrations.

According to him, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed relatively smooth transitions from one administration to another, while citizens have continued to exercise their fundamental rights to hold governments accountable for their performance.

“Before the return of the democratic process, it was indeed difficult and near taboo to challenge the leadership of the country, and those who may have attempted it in the past faced grave consequences.

“Similarly, we have had smooth transitions from one dispensation to another, producing five presidents through the ballot and not through the barrel of the gun. These elected presidents were produced by different political parties.”

Anosike said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sustained the country’s democratic principles and created an avenue for Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion, to express their views on government policies and programmes.

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“Under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have been enjoying the freedom to express themselves over issues, policies and programmes of government, and those expressions have been shaping and guiding the administration of Mr President,” he said.

The APC chairman said Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey as a nation and the progress made since independence.

He said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast had offered another opportunity for Nigerians to renew their hope for a greater and more prosperous country.

Anosike also commended what he described as the “enormous infrastructural development” taking place across the country under the Tinubu administration.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support and have faith in the administration as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

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An Elder Statesman, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has called on political leaders and policies formulators to ensure governmental policies and programmes directly touch lives of the people and reduce hardship in the country.

Ngwu, who is a prominent community leader in Enugu, urged Nigerians to maintain peace within neighbourhoods and communities, as no meaningful development can take place without peace.

The statesman made the call on Thursday in Enugu while reacting to the developmental efforts of Nigeria at its 66th Independence.

He said that previous and present administrations had put in place policies and programmes to reset the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.

Ngwu said that while the removal of fuel subsidy, and unification of the foreign exchange had good intentions, their impact is yet to reflect on the lives and livelihoods of vast majority of Nigerians.

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He urged leaders to ensure that public resources were properly managed while citizens remained patient with reforms aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of the country.

The elder statesman noted that at 66th independence, the country was still struggling on keeping its peace and co-existence as a country; adding that the founding leaders of Nigeria envisaged a closely united, bonded and peaceful country.

He called for return to policies that promote local production, indigenous industries and entrepreneurship, arguing that excessive dependence on imports had continued to weaken the country’s productive capacity.

According to him, we are yet to achieve economic independence even as we needed to do more on non oil revenue earns as the greater part of the world is moving towards greener and clean energy.

“Greater emphasis should be on skills acquisition, creativity and entrepreneurship education system, as academic qualifications without practical skills could leave graduates dependent on scarce white collar jobs.

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“We ought to be economically productive nation capable of producing and exporting goods while developing its human capital,” he said.

Ngwu noted that current insecurity and social instability could be partly attributed to poverty and ignorance, while calling for greater honesty and trust between leaders and citizens.

“Corruption, tribalism and selfishness must be addressed if Nigeria is to achieve peace and lasting progress,” he added.

He also called for the scrapping of state electoral commissions as they have not helped in deepening democracy at that level. The National Election body should take over that responsibility.

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As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, Macmaduson Concepts Limited, a leading provider of HVACR,industrial parts, sensors, electrical and plumbing materials, has extended warm Independence Day greetings to its customers, clients and business partners across the country.

In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the company expressed appreciation to its valued customers for their continuous support, trust and partnership over the years.

Macmaduson Concepts Limited, which specialises in HVACR,Industrial Materials, sensors, air-conditioners, refrigerators, cold rooms, chillers, refrigerants, electrical materials and plumbing materials, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria and reflect on the nation’s journey.

The company wished Nigeria continued growth, unity, peace and prosperity, while expressing hope for a brighter future for all Nigerians.

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The message from the company reads in part:

At Macmaduson Concepts Limited, we celebrate our great nation, Nigeria, and appreciate our valued clients for their continuous support, trust and partnership. May Nigeria continue to grow in unity, peace and prosperity.”

The company concluded its Independence Day message with the theme: “One Nation, One People, A Brighter Tomorrow.”

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary from Macmaduson Concepts Limited.

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By Okey Maduforo, Awka

The perennial flooding in Awka, the Anambra State capital, may soon be brought under control following the commencement of flood control measures by the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA).

The Authority has commenced the dredging of the Obibia Stream as part of efforts to improve the flow of floodwater and reduce flooding on major roads and streets within the capital territory.

During the rainy season, Zik’s Avenue, one of the major roads in Awka, is frequently affected by flooding, with water reportedly submerging buildings and disrupting commercial activities and vehicular movement, particularly around Eke Awka Main Market.

The ACTDA management has also commenced the desilting of drains and flood channels across the capital territory to ensure the free flow of water during heavy rainfall.

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Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Ozo Ossy Onuko, attributed the recurring flooding to the blockage of drainage systems, largely caused by human activities.

Onuko said the desilting of drains would remain a continuous exercise, adding that the Authority would periodically clear the drainage channels to improve water flow.

“What we must understand is that the flood is as a result of the drainage that has been blocked, and this is due to human activities. When you go to Eke Awka Market, most of the water channels are affected, but we shall continue to carry out the desilting of those drainages for water to flow easily,” he said.

He further disclosed that the Obibia Stream was being dredged to facilitate the easy flow of floodwater.

“As you also know, we have commenced the dredging of the Obibia Stream, which is part of efforts by government towards putting an end to the perennial flooding in the Capital City,” Onuko stated.

The ACTDA boss also observed that some of the drainage channels constructed in Awka in the past were not deep or wide enough to accommodate the volume of water generated during heavy rainfall.

According to him, the situation is further worsened when residents block the drainage channels with refuse and other materials.

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He said the Authority was mobilising and sensitising market organisations and village associations to support government efforts in tackling flooding within the capital territory.

“Government is surely playing its role in that regard, but it is also the duty of residents of the Capital City to clear their gutters and ensure that garbage is not dumped inside the drainages,” he said.

Onuko expressed optimism that the measures being implemented would significantly reduce the flooding problem in Awka, while urging residents to support the government’s efforts.

“With what we are doing so far, the challenges of flooding would soon be a thing of the past, and we urge all and sundry to be part of this move because natural disasters know no bounds,” he stated.

By Okey Maduforo, Awka

The Attorney-General of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, has initiated steps to prosecute persons who deny women and girls their right to inherit property on the basis of their gender.

Nweke has consequently directed the Nigeria Police Force to investigate complaints of gender-based disinheritance and transmit the relevant case files to his office for prosecution.

This was contained in a letter personally signed by the Attorney-General and made available to newsmen on Monday, September 28, 2026.

The letter stated that the practice of denying women and girls the right to inherit property because they are female constitutes a criminal offence under Section 22 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017 of Anambra State, and is punishable by up to four years’ imprisonment.

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In the letter addressed to the police, Nweke said:

“In light of the foregoing, you are kindly requested to ensure that your office thoroughly investigates all reported cases of gender-based disinheritance and that the case files are transmitted to this Ministry for further action.”

He further disclosed that the Ministry had designated its Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Unit to prosecute offenders under the law.

According to him, the unit would handle such cases alongside other forms of domestic violence and sexual offences.

The Attorney-General noted that despite several Supreme Court decisions declaring customs and practices that exclude females from inheriting property unconstitutional and illegal, some members of the public still engage in such discriminatory practices.

He said the state government was determined to enforce the law and ensure that women and girls were protected from discriminatory inheritance practices.

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