Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has extended heartfelt congratulations to two of his predecessors, Chief Willie Obiano and Senator Chris Ngige, as they mark their birthdays.

In separate goodwill messages issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo described the former governors as leaders who made enduring contributions to the progress of Anambra State and Nigeria.

Chief Willie Obiano, who served as Anambra’s governor from March 17, 2014, to March 17, 2022, turned 70 today. Soludo praised him as “a worthy predecessor who made a significant impact on the socio-economic progression of our dear state and the people of Anambra State.”

The governor added, “On this occasion, I warmly celebrate Chief Willie Obiano on attaining this significant milestone of 70 years, and also wish him continued good health, happiness, and many more years of celebration and service to humanity.”

In a separate statement, Soludo also congratulated Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, CON, who served as governor from May 2003 to March 2006, and later as a federal minister. Senator Ngige’s tenure was marked by various development programmes that, according to Soludo, “benefited the people of Anambra State.”

The governor remarked, “Senator Ngige, a medical doctor turned politician, is a leader who rendered good services to Anambra State and Nigeria through his various roles in public service. I warmly congratulate him on this special occasion of his birthday and pray that he enjoys many more years of life in robust health and in continuous service to humanity.”

Both Obiano and Ngige have played prominent roles in Anambra’s political and development landscape, with legacies that span healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare.

The double celebration underscores Governor Soludo’s recognition of the contributions of past leaders in shaping the present and future of the state.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a fresh warning of heavy rains, thunderstorms, and the possibility of flooding across large parts of the country between Monday and Wednesday.

The three-day forecast, released on Sunday in Abuja and reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), spans northern, central, and southern states, with authorities urging residents to brace for potential weather-related disruptions.

Northern States Face Morning Thunderstorms and Afternoon Downpours

According to NiMet, the northern region will begin the week with morning thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States, followed by moderate rains in Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Adamawa later in the day.

The agency warned that Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto States face a high flood risk during the forecast period.

“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rains from Monday to Wednesday across the country,” the NAN report quoted the agency as saying.

Central Region to Experience Light Morning Rains and Afternoon Storms

In the central states, Niger will likely see light rain in the morning, with thunderstorms and light showers in the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi States by afternoon and evening.

Flooding is also considered likely in Plateau, Nasarawa, and Niger States due to expected rainfall intensity.

Southern States to See Widespread Showers

For the southern region, cloudy skies and intermittent light rains are expected on Monday morning in Ebonyi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States. By afternoon, moderate rains are forecast for Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Osun, Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.

Flood risks are high in Delta, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States, NiMet said.

Extended Forecast and Safety Advice

NiMet’s forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday suggests continued thunderstorms and moderate rains in northern states, light to moderate rains in the central belt, and widespread rains in the south. The agency noted that continuous rainfall in some locations could trigger flash floods.

The agency urged residents in flood-prone areas to activate emergency response systems, motorists to avoid driving during heavy rain, and farmers to avoid fertiliser and pesticide application just before rainfall to prevent nutrient wash-off.

Other recommendations include:

Securing loose outdoor objects

Avoiding shelter under tall trees during storms

Wearing warm clothing at night in low-temperature areas

Disconnecting electrical appliances during thunderstorms

Air Travel and Weather Monitoring

NiMet advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for safer flight planning and encouraged the public to monitor updates through its official website.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested the founder and General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele — also known as Abbas Ajakaiye — over alleged cross-border drug trafficking.

The church leader, accused of masterminding multiple shipments of illicit drugs into Nigeria, was arrested on Sunday, 3 August 2025, at his church on Okun Ajah, Ogombo Road, Lekki, Lagos.

According to the NDLEA, officers laid siege to the premises from morning until evening, waiting for the Sunday worship service to end before apprehending him as he stepped out.

Seizures Linked to Pastor’s Operations

The NDLEA said Prophet Adefolusho had been on the run since June, following the seizure of two shipments of Ghana Loud — a potent strain of cannabis — traced to him.

The first bust occurred on 4 June 2025, when 200kg of Ghana Loud was recovered at Okun Ajah Beach. Another 700kg was seized from his delivery van on 6 July 2025.

In his statement, the suspect admitted to ferrying the consignments through waterways from Ghana into Nigeria. He also confirmed that he fled to Ghana after twice evading arrest.

Other Major Raids Across Five States

The NDLEA reported multiple operations across the country between 6 and 9 August 2025:

Lagos: On 7 August, operatives raided an apartment at Kishi House, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, arresting Benjamin Udo Ukoh with 15.63kg of Canadian Loud cannabis.

Nasarawa: On 9 August, officers seized 3,093kg of skunk from three suspects — Emmanuel Asoquo Johnny (51), Okem Raphael (33), and Chekwube Odo (25) — in New Karu.

Kano: On 8 August, Nura Yahaya (29) was caught with 359kg of skunk in Geza, while Umar Adamu Umar (27) was arrested on 6 August with 9kg of Colorado cannabis along Zaria-Kano Road. On 8 August, Usman Musa (30) was found with 20,000 tramadol pills and 200 diazepam ampoules at Gadar Tamburawa.

Gombe: On 8 August, a raid in Tudun Wadan Pantami led to the recovery of 550,266 opioid pills and the arrest of Usama Isah. On 9 August, Ibrahim Adamu (23) was arrested with 50,000 tramadol capsules along Potiskum Road.

Edo: On 6 August, officers intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus at Ewu Junction, recovering 23,940 tramadol capsules, 1,100 tablets, and 400 pentazocine ampoules. Taiye Jethro was arrested.

Nationwide WADA Sensitisation Campaigns

In addition to arrests, NDLEA commands continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation programmes. These included school lectures in Oyo and Kano, visits to Nigerian Army formations in Yobe, and advocacy sessions with trade groups in Benue.

The agency’s Ekiti Command visited the Nigerian Correctional Service in Ado Ekiti, while the Anambra Command met with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly to strengthen anti-drug efforts.

NDLEA Chairman Commends Officers

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the officers involved.

“I commend the officers and men of the Lagos, Nasarawa, Gombe, Kano, and Edo Commands for the arrests, seizures and their dexterity. I enjoin them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency,” he said.