Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has embarked on an inspection tour of the Onitsha Main Market to assess the ongoing remodeling and infrastructural upgrade projects. During the visit, the Governor interacted directly with the traders to evaluate the pace and quality of the construction work. The traders gave a collective affirmative response, confirming that the renovation activities are progressing steadily and meeting expectations as the December 2026 shopping season approaches. The comprehensive overhaul aims to modernize the commercial hub, improve sanitation, enhance security, and restore structural order to the West African trading center. However, as part of the broader…

Mr Chidiebere Kalu, a 30-year-old security guard attached to a popular school in Umuichichi, Osisioma, Aba, Abia State, has been sentenced to jail for offences committed against a 10-year-old female pupil of the school. Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), in collaboration with the Child Protection Network Abia Chapter, welcomes his conviction and sentencing as a way forward in the fight against sexual abuse and child molestation. Kalu, as gathered by DrumAfricanews, was on two counts of INDECENT ASSAULT and INSTILLING FEAR in a minor. He was sentenced to one year imprisonment without the option of a fine on the first count,…

When Access Bank’s South-East Regional Headquarters was built and located in Owerri, Imo State, to facility coordinate and oversee the bank’s operations across Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi states, many Nigerians did not understand what was brewing. Since 2025 after its establishment, the regional headquarters of Access Bank named “the Pascal Gabriel Dozie Building,” has been the economic powerhouse of Access Bank in the whole of the Southeast. Shortly after that, NOVA Bank established its South-East and South-South regional operational hub and headquarters in Owerri, Imo State. Commissioned in December 2025, the regional flagship office coordinates the bank’s strategic expansion, digital banking services, and…

Three national dailies, the Sun; Daily Times; and the New Telegraph have given the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, recognitions in 2026 for outstanding legislative service and contributions to national development. DrumAfricanews reports that Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State at the National Assembly also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review. Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to Kalu, said that in its letter dated June 8, 2026, The Sun Newspapers announced him the winner of The Sun Legislative Icon Award 2026. He said that the Managing…

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has dissociated himself from a report circulating on social media where his person has directly or indirectly been linked to the success or otherwise of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, the candidate of the Accord Party in the August 15, 2026 governorship election. Uzodimma said he neither authorised one Ambrose Nwogwugwu nor anyone for that matter to respond to a comment, during a media briefing, where the nephew of the Osun State Governor, David Adeleke (Davido), reportedly made a plea to the Governor of Imo State regarding the forth coming election. At the…

A socio-political organisation, the Ebonyi Integrity Group, has urged former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi, to consider taking up traditional leadership roles as they gradually withdraw from active partisan politics. The group made the appeal during a press briefing in Abakaliki on Wednesday. Its spokesperson, Emmanuel Okogba, said the recommendation was intended to preserve the experience and wisdom of the two elder statesmen while creating room for a new generation of political leaders to emerge through a competitive democratic process. Okogba said Senator Anyim and Chief Elechi had made significant…

Anambra State Government has threatened to sanction Architects who refused to comply with physical planning laws of the state by submitting building plans that subvert approved regulations. The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Bar Chijioke Ojukwu, who issued a statement on Tuesday, August 4, lamented that more than 200 applications for building permit received since he assumed office failed to comply with law. The Commissioner’s position followed what he described as the applications substantial non compliance with the physical planning regulations as required in section 3(1) 2015. He wondered why Architects whose professional duty is to plan,…

With only governor’s assent remaining, Abia may have on the 3rd of August 2026, passed into law HAB 34, which aims to modernize and regulate the real estate and rental sector in Abia State.  The law addresses long-standing problems of exploitation by some agents, arbitrary rent increases, disputes between landlords and tenants, and lack of clear rules.  Over 90% of Abia residents are tenants, and rising rents (especially in places like Aba and Umuahia) have been a major public concern with arbitrary rules and manipulation from landlords and agents hurting everybody.  DrumAfricanews reports that the bill was jointly sponsored by…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Mr. Orji Udeagha, has thrown his weight behind the re-election bid of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, declaring that Bende people “will not trade gold for ashes.” Udeagha made the remarks while addressing party supporters and stakeholders during the Bende Stakeholders endorsement rally held in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. Speaking on the ongoing debate over zoning of the House of Representatives seat, Udeagha dismissed claims that there was an existing…

The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, has ordered an immediate investigation to identify the personnel involved in the misconduct that went viral in Nekede, Owerri, on Sunday to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. DrumAfricanews reports that the CP was reacting to a viral video circulating on social media showing four police officers forcing a young man into the boot of a vehicle at Human Race Road, Nekede, on Sunday, 2nd August, 2026, at about 0900hrs. DSP Henry Okoye, Police Public Relations Officer, Imo State Police Command said that preliminary findings revealed that the four…