News
Anambra State wins awards in National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge
*By Christian ABURIME
In what has become a continuing recognition of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s signature innovative leadership and unparalleled commitment to human capital development, Anambra State has emerged victorious at the esteemed National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge, clinching two coveted awards: Best State in the Southeast Zone and the Overall Best State in Nigeria.
The state received a grand prize totaling $1.2 million – $500,000 as the best in the Southeast and an additional $700,000 as the national overall best.
These accolades spotlight Anambra’s undeniable strides in enhancing primary healthcare delivery, an authentication of the exceptional governance of Governor Soludo, who places a high premium on the holistic wellbeing of Ndi Anambra.
This spectacular feat, according to Governor Soludo, is a collective achievement for Ndi Anambra.
“It underscores the resilience, resourcefulness, and collaborative spirit of our people.
The prize money, beyond its financial value, symbolises an endorsement of the state’s healthcare model and provides an opportunity to deepen investments in critical areas such as maternal and child health, immunisation, and rural healthcare infrastructure,” the Governor said.
The Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge, driven by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Health, and UNICEF, seeks to galvanise governors’ commitment to grassroots healthcare.
Its focus on innovation, accountability, and gender-specific health outcomes underscores the importance of strategic investments in human capital development.
Anambra’s resounding success reflects deliberate policy reforms, robust resource mobilisation, and uncompromising accountability.
In his over two years in office, Governor Soludo’s administration has strategically prioritised healthcare as a cornerstone for sustainable development, recruiting thousands of qualified healthcare professionals, investing much resources in healthcare facilities, and demonstrating that effective leadership and targeted investments can yield life-changing outcomes for the populace.
Beyond the purview of healthcare, Governor Soludo’s dynamic governance has positioned Anambra State as a model of excellence in infrastructure, education, and economic reforms.
Under his leadership, the state has witnessed a renaissance in governance that places people at the heart of development.
By adopting data-driven policies, fiscal prudence, and ensuring financial transparency, Governor Soludo’s administration has charted a path that other states can emulate.
Indeed, for Anambra State, its latest national recognition for excellence in healthcare is just another affirmation of a brighter, healthier future unfolding for Ndi Anambra under the leadership of the people’s Solution Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo!
News
Multiple Accident on Karu Bridge Abuja (Video)
Reports are coming in of multiple accidents which occurred on Thursday evening, November 13th on the Karu Bridge in Abuja.
Details of the accident are still emerging, but a video posted on X, shows cars in flames while eyewitnesses calls for fire fighters to put out the engulfing inferno.
Authorities are likely on the scene, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.
Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when approaching the area and to consider alternative routes if possible.
Video ccredit.
Crime
Robert Mugabe Jr. Convicted of Drug Offense, Says He’s a Single Father
Robert Mugabe Junior, 33, the son of late former president Robert Mugabe, has been found guilty of illegal possession of drugs by the Harare Magistrates Court. Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki delivered the ruling on Thursday, 13 November 2025.
Mugabe pleaded guilty to possessing two grams of dagga, admitting the offence in open court. During proceedings, he appealed to the court for leniency, revealing that he is a single father of two.
“I am a single father raising two children. I ask the court to be lenient with me,” he said.
Sentencing is scheduled for later Thursday afternoon.
Found With Dagga During Traffic Stop
The case stems from a traffic stop on 1 October 2025, when police intercepted Mugabe’s silver Honda Fit in central Harare. Officers discovered a small quantity of dagga in his bag.
Prosecutor Mandirasa Chigumira told the court the search uncovered:
- Two sachets of dagga
- One pack of Rizla rolling papers
- A white dagga crusher
The total haul weighed two grams, with an estimated street value of US$30 (R550). Chigumira also noted that Mugabe had initially refused to sign the seizure receipt issued by police.
Previous Court Appearance and Bail
Mugabe first appeared in court on 2 October 2025 and spent two nights in custody before being granted bail of US$300 (R5,500). Magistrate Mutendereki ordered him to report weekly to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and remain at his registered address until the case concluded.
The trial has attracted widespread attention on social media, with public reactions divided over his conviction.
Police Allegations of Wider Syndicate
Earlier, the Zimbabwe Republic Police suggested Mugabe might be connected to a larger drug network. Commissioner Paul Nyathi told reporters on 2 October 2025 that authorities had recovered 25 sachets of Indo hybrid dagga and six ecstasy pills linked to a syndicate allegedly involving Phillip Munetsi Chiyangwa, Mitchel Jackson, Simbarashe Kaseke, Wellington Icube, and Tanaka Kashamba.
However, prosecutors focused solely on Mugabe’s personal possession charge in court, leaving the wider syndicate allegations unaddressed.
History of Legal Trouble
This is not Mugabe Junior’s first legal issue. In February 2023, he was arrested for allegedly damaging property at a party in Harare. That case was later dropped following compensation. His lawyer, Ashiel Mugiya, who represented him in 2023, again defended him in this case, saying:
“He accepts responsibility for what happened and has cooperated with the authorities.”
Mugabe is expected back in court Thursday afternoon for sentencing, when Magistrate Mutendereki will determine his punishment.
Business
Nigerian govt suspends implementation of 15% petrol import duty
The Nigerian government has suspended the planned 15 per cent import duty on premium motor spirit (PMS) and automotive gas oil (diesel). The announcement was made by George Ene-Ita, spokesperson for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in a statement on Thursday.
The regulator urged Nigerians to avoid panic buying, assuring that there is adequate supply of petroleum products nationwide.
“It should also be noted that the implementation of the 15 percent ad valorem import duty on imported premium motor spirit and diesel is no longer in view,” NMDPRA stated.
The statement added that both domestic and imported supplies of petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products are sufficient to meet demand, especially during the peak period. The authority warned against hoarding, panic buying, or unwarranted price increases, and affirmed that it would continue to monitor supply and distribution closely.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the 15 per cent import duty last month to encourage the use of products from Dangote Refinery. While some stakeholders supported the move as a boost for local refining, critics argued it could increase fuel prices and worsen economic hardship for Nigerians.
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