₦airaland Forum

Charles ogbonnaya.

Three reputable organisations based in United States of America (USA), have honoured Abia state deputy governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu for his outstanding leadership qualities and intellectual excellence.



The distinguished fellowship awards came from International Academy of Business and Behavioral Sciences, Connecticut USA, International Academy of Business Washington DC, USA and International Academy of Business and Public Administration, also in USA.

Receiving the triple awards at the Government House Umuahia, the deputy governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu pledged to maintain and sustain the qualities that earned him the awards by promoting best professional practices and innovations.

Sir Oko Chukwu who thanked the three international academies of repute and their Nigerian local chair, Prof. Chinedu Ezirim of the department of Banking and Finance, University of Port Harcourt for finding him worthy in character and academics to receive those awards, assured them of his continued support by maintaining and upholding standard of qualities of professionalism.

The Deputy Governor also lauded the General Manager of the state Board of Internal Revenue, Dr Udochukwu Ogbonna and a lecturer in Abia Polytechnic Aba, Dr Ejem Chukwu Agwu for contributing to the lectures presentation which were adjudged the best by the International Academies.

Presenting the awards on behalf of the three International Academies, the country chairman and Professor of Banking and Finance Department, University of Port Harcourt, Prof Chinedum Ezirim said that the awards were in recognition of the deputy governor's outstanding leadership qualities and intellectual excellence in addition to the award winning lecture paper which he presented with his team.

https://www.facebook.com/abiaonline/videos/552232295199956/


Early this year, the visionary and pragmatic Governor of Abia State, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D sponsored the first 30 shoemakers out of the proposed 100, to go to China to learn the automated shoe-making process. The Governor’s passion for the artisans who work day and night with their bare hands has been recognised, and the shift from manual to automated production began with this training; increased quality and quantity being key factors in Abia’s economic development plan.

Following the brilliant performance of the Aba artisans in China, which was confirmed both by the Abia contingent monitoring and the trainers themselves, the State Governor, Dr. Ikpeazu promised that he would procure automated machines to enable Abians to produce shoes faster and in bigger quantities in the State. The Governor equally assured that he would soon commission the factory, marking the beginning of production.

Having only returned from China few months ago, Governor Ikpeazu has fulfilled his promise quickly, and Abia State is now set to drive the local automation of shoe making. As of today, it could be said categorically that 'the eagle has landed'. The first, automated shoe-making machines are now in Aba, the Enyimba City and economic hub of Nigeria. The process of setting up the first ever automated shoe factory in the city is in process. Governor Ikpeazu is a man of his word and his actions speak louder than words.

It is on record that the Governor has succeeded in changing the narrative of the Aba artisan. He has worked on their psyche and has made them become proud ambassadors of 'Made in Aba' products. The narrative of labelling Aba products with foreign logos and trade marks has changed. And by the arrival of the machines, more Artisans will be trained in automated shoe production. It is equally good to hear that the Governor has commenced the negotiation for the Army of Gambia to have its boots made in Abia. This is in addition to that of the Nigerian Army, NYSC, IDP camp and highly placed individuals amongst others

Truly, Governor Ikpeazu deserves applause for putting smiles on the faces of the good people of Abia State and, especially, for ensuring the fulfilment of his promise to the Aba artisans. Posterity will certainly remember him for growing the economy of Abia State.

It is unusual in any political system for so many campaign promises to be delivered. Governor Ikpeazu has done just that; he has demonstrated himself to be promise keeper. With the forthcoming election next year, it is safe to say he will not disappoint 'Ndi Abia'. It is time for Abians to rally behind Governor Ikpeazu and mobilize eligible voters to ensure he is returned to Government House on March 2nd 2019 to continue his good works in Abia State.

Ubani Newman Ubani (UNU),
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor,
(New Media)

22/11/2018

#MyIkpeazuSuccessStory
#AbiaOnline
#LookAbia

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED....

The first ever automated shoe factory in Nigeria will be launched in Abia State soon.

Remember those 30 youths Abia Govt sent to China to learn automated shoe making?

The machines are now in Abia and we are set to start producing world class quality shoes in large quantities.







#IKPEAZU_IS_TALKNADO_GOVERNOR

By Ubani Newman Ubani(UNU)
_____________________________________________
QUOTE: "Our people are still using hands to cut leather and mend shoes, and because we're driving automation, Education became key. Then, we asked; how are we going to retune our Education system so that it can answer to two things – on one leg, to become an enabler to drive Agriculture, Small Scale Manufacturing, Trade & Commerce, and on the other leg; how do we recreate our curriculum so that our education will be targeted towards employment and technical education, who will, afterward, support the maintenance of the machines we have purchased for automated shoes manufacturing, garment making and all of that?

To answer this, technical education became the focus for Abia.



Again, we also asked: how do we leverage Education to drive socioeconomic rules by making sure we are within the World Bank bracket which says "don't allow your citizens to spend more than 25% of their incomes on school fees"? This is why we keyed to restore and return confidence in public schools. In 2015, we had only 141,000 pupils in schools, but I will tell you that the thing that is ‘remarkable' about what we have done in three years is that today the enrollment is 611,000 pupils." - Governor Okezie Ikpeazu
_____________________________________________



Education has been said to be the bedrock of development in the society, on which a nation stands to build solid foundation.

Being a renowned educationist and academic of long standing and realising the importance of education, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu Ph.D, while encapsulating the pillars of development of his administration, made education both a pillar and an enabler. He sees education as a smooth way of driving the economy, no wonder he is described by his fellow academics as 'a scholar in governance'.

The educational dream of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is to have public schools that would be the envy of all. Hence, his decision to build model public schools with full complements of teachers' quarters, security, electricity, pipe borne water and other amenities that make school environment well equipped, serene and inviting. So far, 4 model schools and 300 schools have been built and refurbished across the 3 senatorial zones of Abia State.

The Governor also reduced students' school fees at the tertiary institutions in the State; ABSU, ABIAPOLY and College of Education Technical, Arochukwu. He has also sustained the subventions of the schools.

On assumption of office he offset about N2 billion loans incurred by Abia Polytechnic (Abiapoly) which was reported to had been the reason the management was incapacitated in paying staff salaries.



Under his watch, Abia State University, UTURU(ABSU) does not owe her staff and has not had any internal strike, rather it has developed, with additional/new edifices erected and more educational breakthroughs. The academic activities has been running smoothly and the Governor has volunteered to lecture in the Biochemistry Department of ABSU.

This scholar in governance introduced the free school feeding programme in the primary school levels. Through the programme, over 5 thousand women has been engaged as food vendors. The food vendors have severally confessed that the programme has enhanced their economic levels as they now feed their families easily. By the introduction of the free school meal initiative, public school enrollment has increased tremendously and individuals who hitherto do not send their children to school now do so. At least, they are sure their children would take lunch in school.

Following the Governor's special interest and emphasis on technical education, he launched the Education for Employment (E4E) programme that is currently training Abia youths to make them employable and independent to start up their own businesses using the skills acquired in the programme. The Education for Employment(E4E) scheme which he launched in September, 2015 is a scheme that aims at training youths on several skill acquisitions. The programme has already graduated 460 youths who received certificates from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), a board that supervises, regulates and oversees educational programmes offered by technical institutions. As a result of the huge investments made by Governor Ikpeazu in the E4E programme, Abia State has been selected by the World Bank as one of the 6 States in Nigeria to receive a grant to develop Technical and Vocational Education Training. Also because of the E4E programme, the State has attracted funding for youth development through the World Bank assisted Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) project.



It is on record that under Ikpeazu's watch, Abia State has remained in the lead in most national/international public examinations and has come and maintained 1st position in WAEC for three consecutive years. Abia State University, Uturu students have equally distinguished themselves and taken the lead in the Nigeria Law school.

To encourage excellence in education, the Governor has given scholarships in many intervals to students who performed excellently in national/international examinations.

He has collaborated with the Australian educators to train and retrain the primary school teachers making them capable of competing with their counterparts all over the world. He has encouraged the teachers in so many ways, including donation of cars and motorcycle to some hardworking teachers to enable them easy-up the stress attached to the teaching profession. The Governor has ensured the clearing of accumulated salary arrears of Primary School teachers in the State with the promise to clear that of the secondary education teachers on or before December.



A record breaking data has revealed that owing to Governor Ikpeazu's highly structured strategic planning process and policies for states to address key challenges confronting the educational sector, school enrolment rate, which hitherto stood at 141,000, has skyrocketed to a whopping number of over 600,000 in just a little over three years he has been in power.



Certainly, Abia people and residents would want to retain a servant leader like Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who they know understands the problems of the common man. In order to continue with this noble project of the Governor, Abia people should close ranks and come together to speak with one voice and ensure the matchless educational policies and aspirations of the Governor is realised. To do achieve this, all is are advised to collect their PVCs and get them ready for the Governor in 2019.

UNU,

It is no longer news that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has remained the chief marketing officer of the new Abia and Aba brand.

Understanding clearly the areas he was going as an incoming Governor in 2014/2015 election campaigns, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, a proud 'Aba boy'(nwa Aba), among other things encapsulated for himself what to do in Abia if elected, vowed to promote the Made in Aba products, which hitherto was not known as a good brand, as people made jest of it and called it "Aba Made"(in a mockery tone). As a determined chief executive of the State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has today changed the narrative of the 'Made in Aba' and has continuously sustained it.



The latest being, taking the campaign to Gambia. At present, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is the Guest Award Lecturer at the 15th Africa Security Watch Awards, holding at Labranda Coral Beach Resort & Spa, Banjul, Gambia. He went to Gambia to lecture on the topic: TACKLING NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES THROUGH ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT, THE MADE-IN-ABA EXAMPLE.

The erudite scholar and politician is using the opportunity of speaking on 'Tackling National Security Challenges Through Economic Empowerment, the Made-in-Aba Example' to reach out to the world on the potentials inherent in Aba and how his government is tackling the economic challenges of the time through promoting the Made in Aba brand.



Using the Aba youth as a metaphor, Ikpeazu's campaign is essentially aimed at exposing the creativity and ingenuity of the average Nigerian youth. It would bring to the fore, the enormous opportunities and abundant semi-skilled manpower comparable to the best in the world. The Governor is using the opportunity to send a clear message that in Aba and indeed Nigeria, the people can be properly encouraged and meaningfully engaged to play more than a passive or negative role in the development of any society. He desires to show that it is possible to create a pool system to absorb and engage the young people productively. Of course, these and more are the underlying principles for the 'Made-in-Aba campaign'



The programme involves The Governors of Anambra and Enugu states, Chief Willie Obiano and Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who are among the awardees respectively. These Governors and other high ranking members of the society formed the audience that will hear the good news of 'Made in Aba' brand championed by Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D, a scholar in governance.



Indeed Abians can not neglect this Governor who at all times and seasons remains resolute in marketing Abia state and its potentials beyond the shores of Nigeria. Therefore, the growing need to sustain the genuine effort of taking Abia beyond her dreams through Governor Ikpeazu is a task before all and sundry. As campaigns for elections are gradually drawing near, the people are urged to appraise what the Governor has done and pay him back by voting him again. With this, marketing of Abia will have been sustained beyond 2019 and the gains therein will be for the whole people and residents of Abia State.

Ubani Newman Ubani(UNU),
Senior Special Assistant,
(New Media)

16/11/2018

MORE DEFECTION HIT NKPORO APC.

Mammoth crowd from Agbaja in Nkporo community, Ohafia local government came out enmasse to welcome Abia state deputy governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu and wife, lady Vivian just as 50 All Progressive Congress (APC) members in the area joined the PDP.

Speaking at Agbaja village square while receiving the decampees led by the Secretary APC Nkporo Political stakeholders, Mr Emeka Okoro into the umbrella family, Sir Oko Chukwu expressed happiness with the development as the community has always been his strong hold since he started politicking.

He thanked them for coming back to the root stating that their exit was as a result of certain unfortunate circumstances but expressed gladness that they are seeing the good works of governor Okezie Ikpeazu and hence their decision to come back and support him and their son, Sir Oko Chukwu.

Sir Oko Chukwu who disclosed that he was instrumental in the appointment of Engr. Ndukwe Orji Agu, former General Manager, ABROMA and many indigenes of Agbaja community and Nkporo clan assured that he would continue to attract more appointments and democracy dividends not only to the community but to greater Nkporo clan.

The deputy governor urged them to work seriously to ensure the victory of not only the governor and his deputy in the 2019 poll but all PDP candidates in the race.

Speaking earlier, the wife of the deputy governor, lady Vivian Ude Oko Chukwu said that she came to the area to felicitate with the Agbaja community women for their complementary community development role as she couldn't attend the Women August meeting and described the APC members defection to PDP as a coincidence and welcome development.

Lady Oko Chukwu commended the women of Agbaja for their consistent prayers and support for the state government, peace and development of not only the community but the state as a whole.

Lady Oko Chukwu urged them not to relent in their support for PDP and particularly the reelection of their son,Sir. Oko Chukwu as he has attracted and would continue to attract more democracy dividends to them.

In their separate speeches, the founder, Uchenna Okocha foundation, Chief Uchenna David Okocha, leader, Ndi Agbo ward, Elder. James Orji Ndukwe, Agbaja women leader, Mrs Ucha Mang and leader, Nkporo Political stakeholders, Chief Okoro Agha Ude and Special Assistant to deputy governor on general duties, Hon Ude Iroh Agwu ( Original ) all assured the state governor and his deputy of their support and solidarity in ensuring their reelection come 2019.

The leader of the defectors APC members, Mr Emeka Okoro said that though they voted against PDP in 2015, they decided to join hands with the state ruling party because of the good works of the state governor and to support the reelection of their son who they said has done so much for his people.

Receiving the defectors, the local government PDP Chairman, Chief John Okocha thanked them for rejoining the state ruling party and noted that Nkporo community and Agbaja in particular have remained a PDP strong base and urged them to work assiduously for the victory of their son, Sir. Oko Chukwu in next year's polls.

He commended the founder of Okocha foundation for what he's doing in Agbaja community.

The deputy governor later visited the traditional ruler of Agbaja Autonomous community, Eze (Dr) Agwu Kalu and Traditional Ruler of Achi Autonomous community Agbaja Nkporo, Eze Ojukwe Imo Kalu who prayed and blessed him and his entourage assured him of landslide victory in next year's poll.

Press Release

The attention of the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has been drawn to reports of an incident involving revenue collectors chasing a vehicle and a tricycle operator which reportedly led to the loss of a life and injury to three others at the Waterside area of Aba yesterday.

The Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, wishes to direct security agencies in the state to fish out all those involved in causing the accident and bring them to justice without delay.

The ban on use of touts in collecting flying revenue in the state is hereby reinstated and security agents are to arrest any individual or group operating in the state, particularly within Aba and Umuahia as revenue touts. Only members of the approved transport unions and uniformed officials of the state revenue service agency are, henceforth, authorized to use humane and acceptable means to collect due revenue for the state.

All interdiction points at Aba, including the fire service premises, railway junction, Osisioma roundabout and others are hereby shut. Security agents should ensure immediate compliance and release of all vehicles parked within the premises used by revenue agents or touts.

Our sincere condolences go out to the family of the dead accident victim as we also wish the injured quick recovery. The state Commissioners for Transport, Health and the Chairmen of Aba South, Aba North and Obingwa local governments are hereby directed to identify and immediately visit the bereaved family as well as the injured in hospital. Every effort must be made to ensure that adequate medicare is provided to the injured at government’s expense.

Enyinnaya Appolos
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

#AbiaOnline

The continued Abia Online media tour on ABIA CSDP projects has consistently brought to fore lots of goodies the agency have provided to Abians which were never in the public domain. Most of such projects are targeted at reducing rural-urban drift, hence the continued planting of such lofty projects in the hinterlands.

Note that availability of the funds used for these social/community development projects was released by the World Bank after Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu had paid the 50 million Naira counterpart fund.



The Abia Online media crew left the station and had a brief stop at Umuankwo - Umumkpor Ikem Nvosi where the Abia State Agency for Community and Social Projects (Abia CSDP) built two projects for the people; a civic hall and market stall.

According to a passer-by, the old civic hall was a half walled mud house with thatch while the surrounding became extremely bushy which has been transformed to a very fine edifice.

The CDMC chairman made us to understand that the site where the market is built was a mere 'ihu nmuo'(shrine) which was more or less a forest, housing many species of reptiles.


We also visited Apu Ukwu classroom renovation, Kputuke electricity installation, Amairi Ovorji health center.

Other projects visited was the Isiala Umueze Health center and their civic center.



According to one of the members of the community, before the hall was built, the people in the village were making use of a hall in a nearby village for their meetings. They thanked God for giving them a government that has remembered them.



#MyIkpeazuSuccessStory
#AbiaOnline
#LookAbia
#AbiaCSDPprojectsTour

ABIA: LOOKING BACK AT WHERE WE WERE, HOW WE HAVE FARED - Trade & Commerce in focus

By Ubani Newman Ubani (UNU)
___________________________________________
QUOTE: "We run what I like to refer to as a research based government, research based in the sense that we don’t just take decisions out of sentiments, we try to see what the data we have speaks to...

We did some researches and we asked, what are those things we can do in Abia which other states can’t do or if they can attempt to do it, we have comparative and competitive advantage over them?

So, we did a bit of study and said WE ARE THE BEST TRADERS IN THE WORLD, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT AWAY, WE’RE THE BETTER TRADERS THAN THE LEBANESE. This is how trade and commerce became one of our main focuses." - Governor Okezie Ikpeazu_____________________

Plato, a well known philosopher while
recollecting the speech Socrates gave at his trial was credited with the quote, "An unexamined life is not worth living". Hence, the need to reflect on one's activities and programmes as well as promises from time to time. One of the campaign promises of the Abia Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu was to promote the 'can do spirit' and entrepreneurial instinct of Abia people, especially the youths. Little wonder, he decided to make trade & commerce cardinal point of his developmental agenda.

Within the last three years in office, this dedicated scholar in governance, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D, Abia people and residents have seen rapid transformation in many sectors of the economy. More interestingly, the trade & commerce sub sector of the economy as well as Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise(MSME) have received logical boost.

Apart from carving out separate Ministries for Trade value& Commerce and that of Small & Medium Scale Enterprise, the Governor has changed the narrative of the Aba entrepreneurs. He took it upon himself to promote the 'Made in Aba' products and he has since then remained the chief marketer of 'made in Aba" products, a project he has taken beyond the shores of Africa.

It is no longer news that the Governor had earlier sent the first batch of 30 shoemakers out of 100 shoemakers proposed to be trained. These shoemakers undertook intensive training in automated shoemaking technology in China. Just recently, the State has just taken delivery of the equipment required to set up an Abia State Automated Shoe Factory in Aba and arrangements for it's installation are in top gear. The Governor decided to bring the machines down here because of the ingenuity reportedly displayed by these artisans in China. Their coach in China and other supervisors who were with them in that trip confirmed that they almost took over the entire company by their show of mastering of the machines soon after being introduced to them.

The administration of Dr. Ikpeazu has given great hope to the electorates, particularly the youths, who are now empowered for life. The Governor has done that by redefining empowerment. He did that through establishing Education for Employment(E4E) Scheme in 2015, a scheme that aims at training people, especially youths on several skill acquisitions. Today in Abia State, youths are acquiring real skills, including training in modern carpentering, garment production and modern brick laying.

Many are undergoing training in the Multi-Skills and Entrepreneurial Centre located at Umuobiakwa, in Obingwa Local Government Area of the State. This centre houses trainees in several vocations, including Electrical Installation & Maintainance, Modern Furniture Making, Fabrications, Construction & Modern Brick Making among others.
The usefulness of this Multi-Skills and Entrepreneurial Centre has attracted the attention of the Federal Government to the level that the Federal government decided to use the centre to train N-Power build students, who specialize in learning building technology.

The Governor's efforts in promoting trade & commerce have made Aba(Enyimba City) to regain its lost glory. It also has made the city to be recognized and confirmed as the MSME capital of Nigeria. The advancement of trade & commerce in Abia State has attracted the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinnajo, and leader of the federation's economic team to the State severaly. Because of the achievements in this area, Abia at present produces two million pairs of shoes weekly while about 250 thousand artisans are doing shoe, belts and fabrics in Aba alone.

The feat achieved by Dr Okezie Ikpeazu's ingenuity has made Abia to become the host State for the South East Entrepreneur Development Centre which train people in Micro, Small & Medium Scale Enterprises for the entire South - East. It is worthy to note that during the training for the CBN revolving loans for the entrepreneurs, held in Umuahia, the Governor donated one million Naira to those undergoing the CBN Assisted Skill Acquisition training under the South East Entrepreneur Development Centre.

Recall equally, that in order to encourage the enterprising spirit of his people, the State Governor assured the graduands of the empowerment programme of the Isialangwa North Council, that Abia State government will purchase with five hundred thousand Naira each, the products of the first ten persons among them.

Also, worthy to note is that Abia has just been rate 5th on the ease-of-doing business from its previous 34th by the World Bank. This was possible following Governor Ikpeazu's giant stride in Trade & Commerce.

In order to achieve ease of doing business, the Governor has attracted Rural Electrification agency of the federal government and partnered with other stakeholders to endure an uninterupted power supply in Ariaria International Market, Aba. Efforts are geared toward achieving an uninterupted power supply for the whole of Aba, the Enyimba city. Also, the Enyimba Economic City(EEC) would soon be kick-started as the Governor is working tirelessly to achieve it with the help of some stakeholders within and outside the State.

For real, independent economy brings development faster to the society than a dependent economy. If there is anything Abia State needs most, it is revolutionizing the economy growth of the State. So, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is, by this huge investments in trade & commerce sub sector, gradually growing the economy of Abia State. Yes, many may not notcie it now, but certainly, posterity will never forget the good deeds of Governor Ikpeazu. He has succeeded in his quest to revitalize the 'can do spirit' and entrepreneurial instinct of Abia people and has achieved his aim of revolutionalizing the economy growth of the State.

Abia economy has already started growing because of the promotion and publicity Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has given to the 'Made in Aba' products. The Aba artsans have supplied uniforms and shoes to many military and paramilitary agencies in Nigeria, IDP camp, NYSC etc as well as constructed ballot boxes for elections .

Surely, Abia State under the able leadership of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is in safe hands and should continue to be in that divine hands until 2023. For a man who has turned the fortunes of Abia people and residents, for a man who has changed the mentality and psyche of the Aba artisans, making them to have confidence in what they produce and become proudly Aba brand, for a man who has led Aba out of ordinary commercial nerve centre to MSME capital of Nigeria and real Japan and China of Africa, for a man, who has promoted and projected the the 'Made in Aba' products and has brought food on the tables of the common artisans and youths who hitherto had nothing doing, what else would Abia people do for him if not ensure he finishes his second tenure thereby giving him more time to unfold more of his genuine programmes for the State.

There is therefore a growing need for all hands to be on deck in supporting this genuine effort of the Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D to further change the narrative of trade & commerce in Abia State. The best encouragement is to return him to power in 2019, after all, one good term deserves another.

UNU,

More than 300 members of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Abia State Chapter, led by Chief Ojiabo Ude Ojiabo, who was the former zonal chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia North Senatorial Zone, have abandoned the sinking ship of the party today and declared for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).



The formal declaration which took place at the Abia State Governor’s lodge in Aba saw Ojiabo and others hand over their APGA membership cards and other party paraphernalia to the representative of Governor Ikpeazu, Chief Erondu Uchenna Erondu, with the decampees pledging their commitment to the re-election of the Governor and his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu.



In his speech, Chief Ojiabo who is from Ndi Etiti Ward, Nkporo in Ohafia Local Government Area, stated that the laudable achievements of Governor Ikpeazu and the need to support their kinsman, Deputy Governor Oko Chukwu, informed their decision to join PDP. He also pointed out that the Deputy Governor, whom he described as their brother and respected son of Nkporo Kingdom needs the total support and commitment of all Nkporo sons and daughters to ensure that he returns to the Government House with his boss in 2019.



According to him, “Nobody who sucked the breast milk of an Nkporo woman will abandon our brother and his boss for other parties. They have done well and we must all come out to show total support to our own and his hardworking boss who has shown more than enough commitment to completely change the narrative of Abia State for the better. Everyone can see the steady progress the state has witnessed under Ikpeazu and we owe him support instead of opposition in 2019.”



He called on old and new PDP members, especially those from Nkporo and Ohafia Local Government Area to rise up to the challenge of delivering resounding victory to the party during the election in 2019.

In his remarks, Governor Ikpeazu who spoke through Chief Uchenna Erondu, welcomed the new members and informed them that PDP is happy to receive them and offer them level playing ground to join other progressives in the party to contribute to the development of the state. He assured that the government will continue to reward the people of the state for the support and faith shown to his administration.

“I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from all segments of the state, including from those who for one reason or another opposed us in 2015. I understand your support to be a call to work harder and deliver much more than we have done so far. My assurance to all our people is that we are committed to accelerating the development of our dear state.”

PDP stalwarts and government officials who were present at the event include Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Chairman of Aba South Local Government, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Sir Don Ubani, Chief Ike Onyenwaku and Chief Kelechi Nwankpa.

#AbiaOnline

It was a colourful ceremony in Governnent House, Umuahia as management of some hospitals in the State including a church owned hospital, Madonna hospital, Umuahia benefited from various hospital equipment distributed free of charge by the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.



Speaking while distributing the equipment to the benefiting hospitals and healthcare delivery centres, the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, represented by the Abia State Commissioner for Health, Dr. John Ahukanna, said that the equipment were distributed in line with the determination of the administration to deliver total and qualitative healthcare to Abia people and residents.

According to the Governor, he embarked upon serveral healthcare projects such as Free Home Healthcare Services for the Aged, Save One Million Lives, Dial-A-Doctor Initiative, Emergency Medical Services among others to step up medical service delivery in the State.

The Governor thanked Dr. Zik Ikeora for assisting the State in accessing the medical equipment to the State.



Also speaking, the Personal Physician to the Governor, Dr. Michael Enyinnaya informed that the free medical equipment distributed worths 242, 000 (two hundred and forty-two thousand) Dollars and said they would be distributed to various healthhcare centres in the State.



He charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment and appreciated the efforts of the Governor in attrating such equipment and consumables to the State.



Speaking earlier, Dr. Zik Ikeora, the facilitator of the free medical equipment said the equipment were donated free of charge from Life Resources International, USA, a team committed to assisting medical practice in Nigeria and other parts of the country.

He assured that Abia State would receive more equipment to assist her medical needs.

Abia State has moved up the ladder in the latest world bank ranking on ease of doing business (EoDB) index from a previous 34th position to 5th in the latest report for 2018.



According to the report released on Thursday 18th October 2018, other Nigeria States that recorded improvements in the report released are Kaduna, Enugu, Lagos and Anambra.

The fourth subnational report of the Doing Business series in Nigeria compared business regulations in 36 states and FCT Abuja and measured progress since 2014 in four regulatory areas: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, registering property and enforcing contracts. It also incorporates measures of regulatory quality in the latter three indicators. The report finds that 29 states implemented 43 reforms across the four areas benchmarked, making it easier for local entrepreneurs to start and operate a business.



It will be recalled that since his inauguration in 2015, Governor Ikpeazu who identified commerce and industrialization among the pillars of his administration, constructed the new Abia State Investment House as a one stop shop for investors and implemented reforms on access to information, processing of approvals, revenue collection etc.

To further deepen ease of Doing Business in the state Governor Ikpeazu set up the Abia State Enabling Business Council headed by the deputy Governor Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu to implement reforms that will enhance business operating environment.

Driving on the newly constructed MCC/Semec road, Aba on Saturday, it dawned on me how quickly we have forgotten the years the road was in so dilapidated condition.

Oh, we've move on, forgetting the number of lives that were lost, goods there were lost, the shops and businesses that collapsed, even the residents who fled the area and returned after it had been constructed have all forgotten and moved on. No wonder the Bible said we're wonderfully and fearfully made. Posterity will certainly judge Governor Ikpeazu for this feat.

MCC/Semec roads, which crisscrosses the Umuehilegbu(Total) road and dovetail into Faulks road, is solidly constructed, with drainages on both side, suitable for all types of vehicles transporting goods to and from Ariaria International Market. It is major economically viable roads in Aba.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu deserves our commendations and unalloyed support for his second term bid cone 2019.

UNU,
23/10/2018.

#OVI_is_Working
#OVI_till_2023
#LookAbia
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– David Kalu Umah

It is very common in our clime to classify everybody in government, as either a thief or to put it mildly corrupt, this also is not the fault of the citizenry who have over the years been served with the bitter experience of being impoverished in the midst of glaring plenty while those they entrust with their common heritage live very large and expensive at the expense of the generality of the populace.

In Abia, a man has come to prove this widely held supposition untrue.
On Thursday the 18th of October 2019, Abians were greeted with the news of the EFCC detention of the Abia State commissioner for finance, Hon. Obinna Oriaku, while those who knew Obinna Oriaku very closely were left jaws agape as to the correctness of such a news knowing how thorough and prudent Mr. Oriaku, a seasoned banker and a prudent manger of resources has always been, the opposition expectedly, have been fed fat with a very delicious tonic and campaign material.

While that of the opposition is expected, another set of people who went partying are some people in the civil service who have always manipulated the porous nature of our finance, accounting and audit departments to their personal benefits and have corruptly enriched themselves way above what they are supposed to have legitimately earned.

The coming of Hon. Oriaku as the Abia State commissioner of finance and his introduction of the E-Payment System has revolutionized and reengineered the state’s financial structure, it has also greatly plugged all the openings which before now has been used to steal from government, unchecked.

As a retired civil servant, I can appreciate the disappointment and nightmare that brought their victory party to a disappointing halt upon the realization that Hon. Oriaku has been left off the EFCC hook because nothing incriminating was found on him to warrant detaining him any further.

Obinna Oriaku’s Integrity, honesty, morality, rectitude, right-mindedness, upstandingness, and probity has been put to test and he came out untainted to the disgruntlement of the corrupt and those who do not wish the image of the Ikpeazu administration well, notwithstanding the current trials of that unit, Its instructive to note that before the coming of Oriaku as the honourable Commissioner for finance some MDA’s were paying cash as salaries, but with the current introduction of the E-Payment system the unit was able to save over 600million naira from salary padding, Ghost workers etc. the salary unit has also restructured pensions from the reign of sub-treasuries where senior citizens will have to go and line up under a mango tree to collect cheques and cash in the name of pensions to on-line payment whereby pensions and salaries alerts now come to you seated at the comfort of your homes.

Obinna Oriaku has been the face of the IKpeazu’s anti-corruption stance and had worked so hard to ensure that Gov. Ikpeazu’s administration manages every available resources at its disposal with circumspect, he has created an institutional frame work that will eliminate corruption within the civil service structure.

While addressing the Civil society organization at Damgrate hotels Umuahia on Wednesday 17th October upon his return from the EFCC he said “We welcome the intervention of the EFCC as it affects our current operations because the incident wasn't an accident it came pre-informed but we decided to taste our integrity by allowing a petition sent by a serving commissioner in the states civil service commission to scale through, though this is unprecedented in our clime as I have the opportunity of settling the issues out of public knowledge or to muscle the petitioner using the instrumentality of government, but we chose to allow it fly, to us, it is a welcome development, and we have used it as a tool to taste our integrity and transparency as a government, though I came out of it unblemished, but it served as an eye opener to some of the sharp practices and malfeasance happening within the system that I never knew”.

Hon. Oriaku has by this singular feat institutionalized transparency and accountability in the system and all that is required is for the government both at the local government, state, even the federal government to replicate the template set by Hon. Obinna Oriaku and deepen it by ensuring that it is made a standard in governance.

To the Honourable Commissioner of Finance Abia state Obinna Oriaku, you have begun a very tough battle against corruption, be prepared, corruption will as a matter of certainty fight back.

David Kalu Umah
Is a retired civil servant from Abia State.

By Ubani Newman Ubani (UNU)

Register now www.abainvestmentsummit.com.ng

The week, Aba, the Enyimba city, industrial hub and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) capital of Nigeria will host the first Aba economic & investment summit tagged:

"REPOSITIONING ABA AS PRIME INVESTMENT HUB FOR RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH".

The Summit,and as think Tank which is being organised by Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) in collaboration with Abia State government seek to galvanize energies and resources of all stakeholders who are drawn from government and various sectors of economic activities to brainstorm and build a rich and formidable template for repositioning Aba as a commercial hub centre of Nigeria.

Owing to the economic importance of Aba to Abia and Nigeria, the summit is imperative, especially given the natural attributes of Aba and the growing need to improve, enhance, deepen and sustain it through a whole gamut of well orchestrated innovative economic rejuvenation.

The summit targets industrialists, financiers, importers and exporters, entrepreneurs, business promoters, individuals in Small and Medium Enterprises, representatives of trade associations, business men and women, traders, professionals among others.

Also persons from various areas of human endeavour including government, academia, banking & finance, oil & gas, real estate, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, diplomatic community, the clergy, royal fathers, development partners such as World Bank, UNIDO, USAID and DFID

The Summit will deploy all stakeholders' energies, resources, synergies, networking and myriad of other linkages including good governance to harness the great economic potentials of Aba.

In line with the vision of the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Aba Economic & Investment Summit 2018 will showcase the development of Aba into a model city with excellent industrial facilities with global economic influence and to become a referral point.

It is a known fact that Aba represents the epicentre of the Eastern States of Nigeria reputed for the entrepreneurial and creative ingenuity of Ndi Igbo.
It is a city famously known and called the "Japan of Africa" and remarkable for its indigenous technology and commercial prowess. The economic endeavours of Aba such asleather works, clothing, fabrication of tools and general machining as well as commercial activities are conspicuous.

Apart from the technologically driven artisans we have in Aba, the Enyimba city prides itself with many markets including, Ariaria Market which is unarguably the largest centre of commerce in Nigeria and West Africa. The summit will address many issues and later hold a press conference to cap it up.

Speaker after speaker, the summit will appreciate the visionnary Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for his efforts in fixing Aba, growing its economy among others.

The summit will make a strong case for Ndi Igbo to come home and invest, regretting that Ndi Igbo have created much wealth and contributed greatly to the economy of other people.

The Think Tank agree that people should invest in Aba now to avoid regrets later as Aba is fast returning to the hub of commerce it used to be.

It is envisaged that Participants' leverage level will be higher on the ingenuity of the Governor in creating enabling environment for businesses to thrive, particularly; allowing ease of doing business by making all taxes to be one, volunteering to register businesses for the Aba artisans and invited them to come and get their businesses properly registered with cost already paid upfront by the Governor for them.

There is therefore a clarion call for all to align themselves with the theme of the summit and queue behind the State Governor who has done everything needed to project Aba and the Abia economy.
It is no longer news that the Governor sent the first batch of Aba artisans to China to learn automated shoe making. And the machines to be used in operating and producing the shoes in Aba have been ordered by the Governor. This is different from various empowerment programmes of the Governor, including Education for Employment, skill acquisition centres in the three Senatorial zones of the State.

Indeed, Ikpeazu has shown Abians that he is here to change the narrative in all sectors of the economy. Therefore, voting him for second term in office would certainly boost the economy of Abia and Abia people. We should jettison those, whose characters, we cannot vouch for and continue in this moving train. The way to it is by voting him again, come 2019. With that, Abia would witness more glorious years ahead.

UNU,
21/10/2018.

Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu is 54 today...
Join us celebrate him.

#AbiaOnline

Peter Obi Visit Governor Ikpeazu

https://abiaonline.com.ng/2018/10/17/photo-news-peter-obi-visits-ikpeazu/

WORKERS WELFARE: IKPEAZU PERFORMS GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY FOR HOUSING UNITS

#AbiaOnline

A ground breaking ceremony of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria National Affordable Housing Delivery Programme for workers has been performed by the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

Speaking while performing the ground breaking ceremony at Ubani-Ibeku, the location of the housing estate, the Governor assured the federal government that his administration is committed to providing the ambiance for the success of the project.

He further said he would ensure that the National Affordable Housing Project in Abia is completed and in good time too as well as expressed joy that Abia is considered as being qualified to benefit from the pilot project.

Dr. Ikpeazu also promised to make the location more accessible by providing alternative routes to the housing estate by the dry season.

In his address, the Managing Director & Chief Executive, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa said Abia State is one of the two States in the South East that is benefiting from the programme. He stressed that Abia was chosen based on its consistency in the contributing National Housing Funds and thanked the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for his commitment in sustaining the workers' participation in the National Housing Fund Scheme .

Speaking also, the State Chairman, Joint Public Service Negotiation Council, Comrade Chris Okoro appreciated the Governor's efforts in making workers in the State feel sense of belonging. He urged federal government to ensure the project is completed in record time.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman, Trademore Holding Investment and development, Engineer Emmanuel Mbaka appreciated the commitment of the Okezie Ikpeazu led administration in providing affordable Houses for Abia people. He described Housing as a fundamental human right of every Nigerian and stressed the need to assist government provide affordable housing for all.

NEWLY POSTED ARMY G.O.C. VISITS IKPEAZU, COMMENDS HIM

#AbiaOnline

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has been commended for his various assistance to the Nigeria Army, 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Abia State.

The commendation was made by the General Officer Commanding, the Nigeria Army, 82 Division, Major General Emmanuel Kabuk during his visit to the Governor in Government House, Umuahia. He pointed out that the Commander of the Brigade had earlier briefed him on the support the Command gets from the Governor and said it is commendable.

He informed the Governor that his visit to Government House, Umuahia was part of familiarization visit as a newly posted G.O.C. The Army chief assured the Governor of collaborating with him to ensure that Abia State would not be conducive for hoodlums.

Responding, the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu said Abia has maintained its place as a peaceful State and has no record of violence in the oil producing communities of Ukwa West, Ukwa East and Ugwunagbo.

Governor Ikpeazu said he has maintained good relationship with the former G.O.Cs and would do the same here, informing him that they would be needed in the security services of the recently approved first ever Free Export Industrial Zone in Abia State, which would draw many investors to the State. He congratulated the General Officer Commanding on his resumption of duty and wished him a happy stay in the Division, assuring him that he is committed to assisting the Army in the State to ensure Abia remains one of the most secured States in the federation.

Highlight of the visit was presentation of copies Soldiers Magazine and gifts to the Governor.

A lecture note by Mr. Obinna Oriaku, Abia State Commissioner for finance on the occasion of the annual convention of Ngwa Advancement Initiative held at Obo Ogu Hall, Mbubo, Isialangwa North LGA, 14/10/2018





Excerpt:

The topical issues on empowerment and infrastructural development is not salient to a particular people, tribe or race. As such, they remain indispensable ingredients for individuals and groups to actualize their "best self" within any society; noted Professor Harold Laski.

Empowerment in a technical sense refers to the overall skills, knowledge, technicalities, know-how and indeed wisdom, impacted into an individual or group of individuals for the accomplishment of set goals. It is indeed the wherewithal needed by craftsmen, artisans and traders to be able to achieve set goals and business objectives.

Even though in recent times, especially in Nigeria' socio-political context, empowerment has been expanded to incorporate the issuance of motorbikes, bicycles, sewing machines, cars and perhaps wheel barrows from political office holders to the beneficiaries, one should always understand the fact that the raison d'etre of true empowerment is for the empowered to utilize what is/was acquired purposefully for the betterment of not just oneself but also the immediate and associate environment.



In this respect, every empowerment program conducted should be able to reflect gainfully on the beneficiaries in which case what they were empowered with should be able to stand the test of time.

On its part, the concept of infrastructural development remains so broad and large that it cannot be easily pigeon-holed into a straight jacket definition. Yet, the concept may equally be territorially based or nation-specific because of the existence of some socio-cultural discrepancy among nations.



However, in any case, there are some uniform developmental indices peculiar to almost every nation which when evident in a country, then and only then can a country be seen to be on the path of infrastructural development. These indices will include but not limited to pipe borne water, good road network, constant electricity etc.

In a classic Marxian sense, infrastructural development remains a multidisciplinary and multidimensional process which when viewed on a dialectical materialistic binocular, focuses on man and his well being. Therefore human being is a major fulcrum upon which it revolves.



From the foregoing discussion so far, one can therefore possess a veritable benchmark or standard in carefully auditing the impacts of our political gains as it relates to the youths of Ukwa la Ngwa, particularly, and all Abia youths in general.

It is indeed true that the country's democracy is departing its nascent stage into a learning and self-realizing stage, but one cannot dismiss the obvious fact about the quality contributions of notable Ngwa sons and daughters at both State and National level during these metamorphosis.



Also, the admirable leadership showcased by Ngwa leaders have brought about qualitative impacts on not just the youths but also the aged, achieved through empowerment programs and basic infrastructural initiatives. Today, the promotion of made in Aba goods by our son, Governor Ikpeazu has yielded much firsts, adding to the IGR basket of the State and increased production. This also gained another unprecedented support with CNN advertising the Aba made goods for free for a particular period of time. In the infrastructural development, there has been a shift from where we were. Governor Ikpeazu has put in more efforts to ensuring that our roads are fixed with the intending multiplier effects of boosting the economy.

Take for instance in IsialaNgwa, many of our sons and daughters have contributed to the growth of Abia State in different sectors of the Government. Our youths through these means and men have benefitted on micro economic variables.

Our exemplary leaders have continued unabatedly in bringing the dividends of democracy to our Ngwa land - our fatherland. In fact, It can only keep getting better for us.

I once again thank the organizers of this particular symposium for the invitation extended to me to be part of this gathering where important issues that will continue to promote the Ngwa nation and entire Abia State are being thrashed out. I am indeed grateful.

Above all, the issues already discussed are to remain evergreen in our golden hearts as we unanimously continue in exerting efforts in making our place the best place to be contemporaneously

IKPEAZU RECEIVES SPECIAL GIFT FROM THE POPE, SAYS IT'S THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT SO FAR

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Members of the Catholic Directors of Communication of Nigeria has visited the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu with a special gift from the Pope Francis.

Presenting the special gift to the Governor, Rev. Father Peter Nwosu said the gift was given to him by the Pope to present to Governor Ikpeazu after informing the Pope about the Governor's relationship with the church and his contributions to the church in the building of a school in honour of Late Bishop V. V Ezeonyia.

Earlier, the Catholic Directors of Communication of Nigeria through their leader of delegation, Rev. Father George Nwachukwu said the team which came for her plenary meeting in Imo State visited to know what the State was doing.

Governor Ikpeazu, in his speech, thanked the Pope and the team for the gift he described as most precious to him.

He took time to narrate his achievements so far, especially in the five pillars of development of his administration and maintained that he has gone far in achieving all he intended for Abia. He pledged to continue serving with commitment and affirmed he has a long standing relationship with the church.

#AbiaOnline

Following the pipeline explosion that claimed lives of some people in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State and left some others injured, the Wife of Abia Governor, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu visited the victims of the pipeline explosion at ABSUTH, Aba.

The Wife of the Governor, who was full of emotions literally shed tears while sympathising with the surviving
victims.

Mrs. Ikpeazu paid for the treatment of the victims at the hospital and took time pray for them. She also used the opportunity to pay for the treatment of a 10 year old boy whose body was burnt by high electric tension.

Her milk of human kindness also extended to some other patients in the hospital, who had been treated and discharged by the hospital but have not been able to settle the hospital bills.

She prayed God that such calamity should not repeat in Abia, describing it as very disheartening.

Gov Ikpeazu visits Osisioma Pipeline explosion sites
...calls for inquiry, pay hospital bills

Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has visited Umuaduru and Umuimo villages in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area after the pipeline explosion that killed over 15 persons.



According to a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Hon. Chizurum Kanu to immediately inaugurate a Commission of Inquiry to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the pipeline explosion that affected two communities and led to loss of lives.

He also directed the Commissioner for Heath, Dr John Ahukannah and Chairman of Osisioma LGA, Chief Ihenyinna Mgbeahuru, to visit the surviving victims of the explosion at the various hospitals and ensure that government provided them with adequate medicare as well as pay their medical bills.

The Governor who visited the affected communities earlier today described the incident as disheartening and unfortunate. He commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives as a result of the pipeline explosion and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Enyinnaya Appolos 
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
13/10/2018

ORJI UZOR KALU AND THE DELUSION OF A PROFESSIONAL GAMJI MAN.

Ikechukwu Iroha.

To launch himself back to limelight after suffering monumental disgrace for many years, OUK has finally found another willing tool. To be fair to the former Governor, he knows how to use some rookies to aim at a location. To show his commitment to the project, he would later make funny distasteful statement 'Ogar will pay all remaining arrears in 4 days after swearing in'. Somebody should wake Orji up from the wonderland where he sits and make fun of himself with his dreaming partners. Abians are wiser than such caricature. Looking closely at the new kingmaker in town, you will wonder why Abia is still paying backlogs he left in the State after many years when he could've used 4 days to pay all pensioners instead of calling them dead woods.

Orji Uzor knows that Uche Ogar stands no chance in the gubernatorial race, he insisted that the party gubernatorial ticket be given to the young man whose political history could be best described as a 'play by Novice'. Ogah has unknowingly volunteered to become Orji's toy boy.

To make a final attempt to the hallowed chamber, OUK must be assured of support from Isiukwuato through Uche Ogar who will ordinarily think he will get same from OUK in order to gather votes for his inordinate Umuahia Government House ambition. The crafty OUK smartly asked Amobi Ogah to bury his ambition for a fourth term Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, so as to get equal support from Umunneochi. Political watchers have already seen the gap in fielding Onyejiocha after being rejected by his own people against the youthful Amobi Ogah.

OUK knows that a ticket to Uche Ogah is an easy ride for Dr.Ikpeazu to 2023 . No Ngwa man will throw away a product of their struggle for 16 years for same person that vowed not to see any Ngwa man become a Governor in Abia State. Only that OUK is not God and therefore, cannot decide the future of UkwaNgwa people, he swallowed back his vomit in 2015 when after 16 years, an Ngwa man with an intimidating profile emerged Abia Governor. Martins Azubuike agreed to play a second fiddle to someone that has stepped on the entire ambition of Ngwa, is a story for another day. It will be discussed in the near future that Martins Azubuike tried selfishly to sell the properties of his kinsmen to someone that used his own property carelessly for 8 years. Going by performance, Ikpeazu has made mess of any record OUK had for 8 years. In the area of infrastructural development, no trace of any road in Abia today that was done by OUK, due to his usual love for substandard materials and wheelbarrow to construct projects that can not last more than a season, yet, surprisingly, he completed 8 years.

Martins was in Abia when everyone was shouting for freedom from the powerful grip of Mamacracy. He can't claim he did not pray for an end to the clueless OUK's governement of agboroism and unlawful conversion of government properties to private ownership in Abia. The era of bribery, the era of hardship, the era of looting, the era of infrastructural decay. In a saner clime, no one would want to distract Ikpeazu from cleaning the mess of that 1999 error.

Every Abian should see it as a taboo that some persons support OUK's desire to come back to Abia Government House through his protégé Uche Ogah. It has been established that Uche Ogar has no mind of his own and therefore, lacks total control of every decision around him, going by the way people were pushing him around against his will, during the court case instituted against Dr.Ikpeazu.

The new song in the mouth of OUK's followers is that he is building NDDC roads in Abia North. That few persons who are adjudged intelligent are buying into such acute foolishness, shows the level of reasoning in this part of the World.
In a final and desperate move of the APC to retain power at the center, a man who ordinarily should be struggling in court to defend his #7.2 billion fraud he allegedly took from Abia coffers was allowed to walk free after identifying with APC with a firm promise to deliver the President and thereafter was asked to present his company to NDDC so that APC can equally siphon money through that channel by doing dirty jobs in the South East, should be an issue worthy of discussion by the Stakeholders in Abia polity.

To set the record straight, Abia is an NDDC member state and qualifies for every project in the zone. SLOK like other companies bids and got contracts to build street roads in Abia North. Only in Abia will a political contractor takes glory for doing dirty jobs that were paid for with our money even while making his profit from the dirty jobs. That shows how shallow OUK supporters are.

Today, the commissioner for Works in Abia State, Hon.Eziuche Ubani has taken up the challenge to debate with Orji in a national television of his choice at his own time.

Keep this article somewhere, OUK will never show up for any of such challenge. What has he to tell Abians? That he sold all industries out for penny or that he fenced Enyimba Stadium without considering building toilets. Perhaps, he will explain to us what happened to the Machines imported for Abia Ambassadors that were used to start his personal Sun newspaper. Will he like to be reminded that none of the projects he did during his time is standing today whereas we still see the remains of Mbakwe's legacies that were built before he was born?

Abians know better.

#AbiaOnline

Magic 102.9 FM, Aba has been officially commissioned as it marks it's 5th anniversary.

Commissioning the radio station, the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu thanked the management & staff of the station for giving Abia strong voice.
He appreciated the station for partnering Abia State government, especially in the promotion of 'Made in Aba products' and urged the station to sustain its programmes.

Dr. Ikpeazu congratulated the station on her anniversary and promised to support it's annual sports programme of marathon race.

The founder of Magic FM, Rt. Hon. Eziuche Ubani said the station is the first radio in Abia that operates 24 hours broadcast.

He informed that the radio station was established to give voice to the people of Aba, disclosing that within the last five years of existence, the station has uplifted the lives of its listeners in Aba and beyond. Rt. Hon. Ubani promised to promote Enyimba FC and assured he would continue to give Aba the needed voice.

#AbiaOnline

The Association of NDI Ugoeze Abia has adopted the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as her sole candidate for 2019 governorship position as well as honored his wife, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu with a prestigious award of NNEDIOHA NMA.



The association made its decision public during the maiden edition of UGWU EZE ABIA 2018, a special summit for wives of traditional rulers in Abia State held at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.



Presenting the position of the association, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ugoeze Kate Onyemachi said Governor Ikpeazu's administration has achieved much within three years in office, including; road infrastructure, skill acquisition, engagement of over 5,000 women in free school meal programme among others. The group also appreciated the wife of the Governor for her immense contributions to the upliftment of the women and the downtrodden in Abia State.



Also the Chairman of the Association, Ugoeze Queen Eberechi Dick said the Governor and the wife have fulfilled all their campaign promises and deserve a second tenure. She maintained that Mrs. Ikpeazu has affected many lives positively in various ways and assured that NDI Ugoeze would mobilize Abia people to vote the Governor again. She requested for a bus for the association.

Responding, the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu thanked them for their numerous support for his administration. He appreciated the wife for her achievements so far, especially in building 50 houses for the indigent in the society and her encouragement in the school feeding programme.



The Governor urged them to continue to promote peace in their communities and ensure they advocate for the vulnerable and less privileged in the society.

In her speech, the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu, charged the women to always take care of their children and ensure they are protected from danger, such as rape, kidnapping and child trafficking. She said government depends on them for peace and development in the State and thanked them for honouring her.

The event featured lecture on the theme of the programme 'The Role Of Ugoezes In An Evolving Society' and attracted wives of traditional rulers from the State.

Abia Chief Judge confirmed

Hon. Justice Onuoha Arisa Kalu Ogwe has been confirmed as the substantive CHIEF JUDGE of Abia state.

Justice Ogwe who has been working in acting capacity after the suspension, by the state House of Assembly, of the former substantive Chief judge, Hon.Justice Theresa U. Uzokwe, and her subsequent compulsory retirement from office by the National Judicial Council, was sworn in as acting chief judge last February.

The new Chief Judge is the 6th (sixth) chief judge since the creation of Abia state in August 1991.

In his remarks, after the news was received, he said that “today we have succeeded in changing the narrative of Abia state judiciary and Abia state occupies a special place in the nation’s judiciary service, unlike what it used to be”.

He promised that with the concerted efforts of other brother judges, judicial officers and judiciary staff that he will leave great marks in the annals of history of the judiciary in the state while serving out his term.

-CK reporting

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has charged the organisers of the 1st Aba Investment Summit to use the opportunity of the Summit to market the newly licensed Enyimba Economic City to the world.

Governor Ikpeazu gave the charge on Monday at Abia State Governor's Lodge, Aba when he hosted the leadership of the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) and represenattives of the Abia Think Tank Association - the joint organisers of the Summit.





The Governor expressed his excitement at available opportunities at the Enyimba Economic City for the rapid development of the state noting that all savvy investors will not need much convincing to invest there once they understand the outlay and gave the assurance that the promoter of the project, Dr. C.Darl Uzu has all it takes to deliver on the project timeline.

The Abia State Chief Executive therefore charged the organisers of the Summit to ensure that they give the promoters of the Enyimba Economic City enough time to showcase the project to guests that will be coming for the summit from all over and reassured on the full support and participation of the Abia State Government in the Summit.

Earlier in his address, the President of the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Rotarian Andy Uba Obasi, informed the Governor that arrangements for the Summit had reached advanced stages and that the Planning Committee came to brief the Governor on their readiness.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the Summit, Chief Jerry Kalu gave a briefing on how far the Committee had gone and expressed the readiness of the Committee to receive all guests coming for the Summit.

Present at the meeting were the President of ACCIMA, Rtn. Andy Uba Obasi, Chairman, Summit Central Planning Committee, Chief Jerry Kalu, immediate past President of the Chamber and Adviser to the Committee Sir Emma Nwakpadolu, Chairman, Contact & Mobilisation Sub-Committee, Engr. Alex Adaelu, Chairman, Security Sub-Committee, Sir Chris Agbo, Representative of Abia Think Tank, Dr. IK Ajuzieogu and Director-General of ACCIMA, Engr. Henry Nduka.

The Summit is scheduled to hold from the 25th to the 27th of October, 2018 at Hotel Du Golf, Aba - Abia State.

Sam Hart
Special Adviser to the Governor
Communications

Photos:

Elections are emotional engagements all over the world. People invest heavily to win and one common thing among politicians is that they are incurable optimists or at least publicly posture as such.

Every politician involved in electoral contest will readily tell you he or she will surely win. It doesn’t matter what facts on the ground say. With this mindset, many go into contests believing they must win and if they don't, they assume that the outcome was somehow rigged.

Politicians and their supporters love winning and most don’t know how to lose. They forget that whenever someone wins a contest someone else loses.

You can therefore imagine what it means for a leader to ensure that his supporters go into an election among themselves and come out still united around him and the group's objective.

That was the task before Governor Ikpeazu during the recent PDP primary elections to choose candidates that will represent the party during the general elections.

He took an early position: “the Peoples Democratic Party is irrevocably committed to equity, justice and fairness and that must guide our actions during the primaries in the state and the coming general elections”.

Governor Ikpeazu in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, assured that “the primaries of the party in the state would be transparent and represent the wishes of the majority of the members of the party”, and asked all the aspirants to “prepare for free, fair and credible processes”.

Unbiased observers in Abia State will readily agree that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state conducted the most transparent, free and fair primaries ever executed in the state since 1999.

All the more than 150 aspirants for various tickets within the party passed through the same transparent selection process and not even a single candidate was imposed on the members of the party “from above”. Those that were unopposed still had to get the affirmation of the majority of delegates, including the Governor himself who sat for hours at Umuahia township Stadium to await confirmation of his candidacy by the delegates.

It is instructive to note that after the primaries of the PDP in Abia State, losers readily congratulated those who won and it is on record that so far none of the losers decamped to another party as a result of the outcome of the primaries.

Naturally, those who lost should not be expected to be happy with their electoral fate because they invested time and emotions into the process. But none has come forward to claim that the votes recorded for him/her was not what they got from delegates who voted. None has claimed that he/she was declared victorious at the polls and his/her victory overturned by the Governor or the party establishment in the state.

It is understandable that the aspirants did their best to woo the delegates with all kinds of things but certainly nobody has come forward to claim that Governor Ikpeazu compelled delegates to vote for any particular aspirant at any constituency.

If anything, those who are used to the old political order are quietly complaining that Governor Ikpeazu refused to interfere with the process in their favor. To them, if he didn’t help them he may have helped their opponents.

Governor Ikpeazu goes to EQUITY with clean hands only.

I personally applaud all the losers at the primaries for the exemplary way they conducted themselves during and after the polls. From Bende through Ikwuano to Ukwa, you proved yourselves to be worthy contestants who lost gallantly with your pride and dignity intact.

Permit me therefore to appeal to winners of the PDP delegate elections to be magnanimous in victory and show respect to those who lost. Approach them directly and placate them without further wasting time. You are not a worthy flag bearer if you cannot approach your co-contestants and pacify them.

Party primaries are family affairs and after every contest the family must come together to face external adversaries. Always remember that power belongs to God and He is a loving God who gives grace to the humble and opposes the proud.

With the standard set by Governor Ikpeazu and the PDP leadership in Abia State, the party has set shiny examples against the sham selections executed by opposition parties in the state. Not even one opposition party in the state was able to resist imposition of candidates, doctoring of voters register, printing of fake party membership cards, violation of party rules and factionalization.

All the opposition parties have, at least, two candidates for every position and that on its own is a major signpost of leadership failure. If you cannot transparently lead a political party how on earth will you be able to lead the great people of Abia State?

I personally wish to congratulate Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for recording another victory in democratic governance in Abia State. Successfully conducting free and fair LGA polls and adding free and fair State PDP primaries to the basket is something to acknowledge and celebrate.

Odiro ofele.

#IkpeazuTill2023

JOK