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Insecurity in Anambra: A Call for Collective Action Rather Than Panic
By Christian ABURIME
As long as society remains imperfect and imperfect humans inhabit society, crime will never cease to exist, but it can be reduced. Thus, threats to the security of lives and property are a recurring global phenomenon, no matter how advanced societies are. The recent incidents of crime, particularly kidnapping, in Anambra State have understandably raised concerns among citizens and sparked heated discussions about public safety. While these concerns merit attention, it is crucial to approach the security discourse with objectivity and a balanced perspective that acknowledges both challenges and progress.
It would be recalled that there was a time that fiendish criminals notoriously tagged Unknown Gun Men held sway in Anambra State. They unleashed their malevolence at will, robbing, killing, and terrorising Ndi Anambra with brazen impunity across precincts of the state. Then, it was the first, most urgent challenge that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s new government had to confront, and it did so decisively with the cooperation of our gallant security agencies. The so-called Unknown Gun Men beat a retreat, violent crimes were drastically reduced, and Ndi Anambra breathed a sigh of relief.
With the rising costs of living, many people were and are still under pressure of survival. Hence, some may have taken to crimes like kidnapping as the fastest routes to making money. But contrary to some alarmist narratives, recent Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) presents a more nuanced picture. According to the NBS report, the Southeast region, which includes Anambra State, actually recorded the lowest crime rates among all regions in Nigeria in 2024. This statistical evidence suggests that while security challenges exist, they are neither unique to Anambra nor as severe as sometimes portrayed by critics in public discourse.
Meanwhile, the state government has demonstrated commitment to addressing security concerns through consistent support to law enforcement agencies. From providing logistics to ensuring adequate funding, these efforts reflect an understanding that security infrastructure requires sustained investment.
It will also be recalled few weeks ago that Governor Soludo made profound pronouncements on the readiness of the State government to deal decisively with criminals with the new security apparatus in place. This is also inspite of the two months amnesty given to the criminals to surrender themselves to the state government for proper rehabilitation or face devastating consequences
However, the government’s role, while crucial, represents only one piece of a complex puzzle.
Security, by its nature, universally demands a collaborative approach. The most effective security systems worldwide rely on active citizen participation, intelligence sharing, and community engagement. When citizens withhold information or choose political criticism over constructive dialogue, they inadvertently weaken the security architecture they seek to strengthen.
Indeed, critics of the current security situation raise valid points that deserve attention. However, sometimes, the tendency to politicise security challenges or exaggerate incidents for ulterior motives serves no one’s interests. Such approaches only create unnecessary panic and potentially hamper ongoing security operations. What Anambra needs now is a unified approach where government efforts are complemented by citizen cooperation. This means regular intelligence sharing between communities and security agencies, constructive dialogue between critics and government officials, community-level security awareness and vigilance, and reduced politicisation of security issues.
The path forward thus requires acknowledging that security threats exist while avoiding overamplification of these challenges. It demands recognition of government efforts while pushing for continued improvement. Most importantly, it calls for understanding that security is a shared responsibility that transcends political affiliations. It requires the active participation of all stakeholders, working together with a shared commitment to public safety. While the government maintains its leadership role in security matters, citizens must step up to play their part in this crucial endeavour.
This is wishing Ndi Anambra a safer New Year.
Aburime is the Press Secretary to Governor Soludo
By Bonaventure Phillips Melah
Festus Keyamo, SAN, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has been formally inducted into the revered league of Honorary Fellows of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA)—a distinguished circle that has, over the past six decades, admitted only a select group of eminent Nigerians.
The prestigious honour, conferred by the Institute, places the Aviation Minister among an elite class that includes former Presidents; Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Governor of Niger State, among other national figures recognised for their exceptional contributions to nation-building. With this induction, Keyamo becomes only the 16th Honorary Fellow in the 60-year history of the NIA.
In a citation, the Nigerian Institute of Architects described Keyamo’s induction as a testament to his national impact, visionary leadership, and enduring commitment to infrastructural excellence.
In his remarks at the conferment ceremony, the Dean of the College of Fellows, who represented the NIA President, emphasised that the Honorary Fellowship is reserved strictly for individuals who have demonstrated uncommon excellence, service, and achievement. He praised Keyamo for his transformative role in modernising Nigeria’s aviation landscape—an achievement that has significantly enhanced the architectural and infrastructural fabric of the sector.
He noted that the Minister’s visionary leadership has catalysed the renewal of airport infrastructure, promoted world-class design standards, and strengthened the interface between aviation development and national architecture.
“His efforts in repositioning the aviation industry reflect a deep understanding of functional design, structural aesthetics, and sustainable infrastructure—principles that lie at the heart of architecture,” the Dean said.
In his acceptance speech, the Honourable Minister expressed profound gratitude to the Institute for the rare honour, describing it as both humbling and inspiring. He highlighted the importance of cultural identity in national development, stressing that architecture and urban planning must reflect the soul of the people.
“In our urban development, we must integrate our culture into our town planning,” he stated. “Our spaces must tell our stories. Our buildings must reflect who we are. This is the essence of nationhood, and it is a philosophy I intend to continually champion, especially as we reimagine Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.”
A statement by Tunde Moshood,
Special Adviser On Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, had it that Keyamo reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to developing aviation infrastructure that embodies innovation, resilience, and cultural relevance while supporting Nigeria’s broader economic transformation.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has explained why it recently honoured the Director General/CEO, of the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike with its Mentorship Award of Excellence.
Anosike was given the award on October 23rd at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago Iwoyin, Ogun State during a youth mentorship conference organized by NANS.
In a statement issued Monday, October 28, 2025, NANS said the NiMet DG was honoured for consistently demonstrating exemplary leadership, humility, and generational impact in his service to Nigeria’s youth and emerging entrepreneurs.
Titled ‘Statement by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on the Presentation of Mentorship Award to the Director General of NiMet,’ it stated that the mentorship Anosike has provided to thousands of young Nigerians has paved the way for fresh ideas, empowered individuals, and anchored many on the path of excellence.
According to the statement which was signed by Comrade Adeyemi Samson, NANS National Public Relations Officer- “Young people who have had the privilege of working with him testify to his clear-sighted guidance, rare simplicity of approach, and genuine concern for their personal and professional development. His readiness to extend a helping hand, provide encouragement, and share insights has made a lasting difference.
“In his capacity as a distinguished professor, a man of dignity and repute, and a public servant committed to transformation, Professor Anosike embodies the very essence of mentorship that NANS strives to promote among Nigerian students and youths.
“By this award, NANS affirms its deep respect for Professor Anosike’s consistent efforts in nation-building, youth capacity development, and entrepreneurship support. We are delighted to honor him today and look forward to the many further achievements that will follow from his mentorship and service.
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