Anambra Governor says reformation is about correction, restoration and a renewed sense of purpose.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform | September 18, 2026.
AWKA — Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has granted a pardon to popular native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, and appointed him as Ambassador for Youth Reformation in the state.
Governor Soludo announced the clemency on Friday during a welfare visit to the Nigeria Correctional Facility, Amawbia, where Nwangwu was serving his prison sentence.
FROM SHRINE TO A NEW ASSIGNMENT
Nwangwu was among eight native doctors arrested in February 2025 as part of the Anambra State Government’s crackdown on the promotion of money rituals, get-rich-quick schemes and the alleged use of human parts for ritual purposes.
He was subsequently convicted by the Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka on February 27, 2026, and sentenced to two years imprisonment. Thirteen months already spent in custody were counted as part of the sentence, leaving him with 11 months to serve.
As part of a plea bargain, the court also directed him to renounce fetish practices, including Oke-ite and related charms, demolish his shrine and, upon release, contribute to youth reorientation efforts.
With several months remaining on his sentence, Governor Soludo exercised the prerogative of mercy to facilitate his early release and further entrusted him with a formal role in the state’s youth reformation agenda.
SOLUDO: REFORMATION BEYOND PUNISHMENT
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Youth Reformation Agenda, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, the Governor described the gesture as an expression of the broader objective of reformation.
Omenugha said the intervention demonstrates that the state’s approach extends beyond punishment to include rehabilitation, restoration and the provision of a new sense of purpose.
“Thank you, Mr Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for graciously extending your hand of mercy to Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki) and giving him a new responsibility as Ambassador for Youth Reformation.
“This is the heart of Youth Reformation: not just punishment, but correction, restoration, a new purpose and a new Onye Anambra.”
Governor Soludo also noted that his visit to the Amawbia and Onitsha custodial centres was part of efforts to assess and promote the welfare and wellbeing of inmates.
AKWA OKUKO’S NEW ROLE
In his new capacity as Ambassador for Youth Reformation, Nwangwu is expected to participate in campaigns against ritual killings, drug abuse, criminality and the pursuit of quick wealth through illicit or fetish practices.
His personal experience is expected to form part of the message aimed at discouraging young people from engaging in activities that could jeopardise their future.
The Anambra State Government said the initiative is designed to turn a previously controversial figure into an advocate for positive behavioural change, youth mentorship and responsible citizenship.
The development underscores the state’s stated emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration as components of its broader youth reformation agenda.
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