₦airaland Forum

PRESS STATEMENT
WORLD IGBO YOUTH CONGRESS DUMPS ALEX OTTI IN 2019

DR ALEX OTTI; THE ANATOMY OF A FAKE DEMOCRAT

In law, those who come to equity are expected to come with clean hands. Dr Alex Otti who has been claiming to have won the 2015 gubernatorial election in Abia state and was robbed of victory presents a comic relief by this spurious assertion. On what basis or fact he makes this phantom claim no no one knows. He postures himself as a messiah and the opium of the masses , but the truth is far from that. As the Managing Director of a bank in the past , it was known that he hobnobed with and protected some politically exposed people. He cannot claim innocent of the fiscal and financial higgery pokkery of some corrupt politicians that time.

He claims to have won the 2015 gubernatorial election in Abia state. Where are his facts and figures. How can he base his facts from here-say when courts of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria proved that Dr Okezie Ikpeazu won him hands down.

The emotion and fake hype he is trying to raise on this matter is regrettable and soon he will realise that Abians are not given to undue emotions but to hard truth and facts.

The hard truth and fact is that WORLD IGBO YOUTH CONGRESS worked for DR ALEX OTTI,in 2015 and mobilised Abians based the charged atmosphere of changing The leadership of then PDP, but unfortunately We lost we Otti, irrespective that Alex Otti is a financial guru and have the constitutional rights to contest again in 2019, but He's not the Messiah Abians are looking for in 2019,the odds are against him, in 2015 he had better opportunity but in 2019,he's trying to imposed himself on Abians, after his declaration on 20th April at Aba,we that mobilised the crowd outside Abia knows he's relying on non Abians to install Governor 2019.

WORLD IGBO YOUTH CONGRESS, state categorically that Alex Otti will make a better Finance Minister than a Governor in 2019, he should forget this pipe dream, some controversies around him like the Abbott Will, Ceramic industry loan and the Acclaim 100b loan he claimed he secured in 2015 to develop Aba and its turn of Abia South in 2019 based on Abia charter of Equity.

We don't have any candidate yet for Abia 2019,but certainly we have withdrew our support from Alex Otti ambition 2019,and Urge our members in Apga and allies that together we will gather and choose who will get our votes in Abia in a fortnight.....
Long live Ndigbo

Mazi Alex Okemiri
National President

Comrade Sunny Okeh
National pub sec

Michael ikpe Jnr
Abia state Chairman.

Re: Abia State: Enough is Enough

Jude Chijioke Ndukwe

It was with my sincerest sympathies and pity for Alex Otti that I read his infantile tirade against the governor, the government and the good people of Abia State, which he disguised as a speech of intent for his 2019 governorship ambition in Abia State.

Reading through the speech, one can only but express condolences to a man who has become so obsessed and desperate to rule Abia State not as a leader but an emperor to the extent that he embarked on a journey of political hara-kiri in that speech, a speech that further exposes him as just another greedy, self-seeking and self-serving politician who has probably gone broke after fittingly losing the 2015 governorship election to the incumbent, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, and is circling around the political field of Abia, hoodwinking innocent people into drinking from his shiny chalice of wine laced with deadly venom in order to rehabilitate himself at the expense of the people.

It is very easy to see through that speech that Alex Otti cannot be trusted with our commonwealth as it is obvious that he would seek out his comfort and that of his family and cronies first before even thinking of attending to the people’s needs. This is so because in that speech, the very first thing Alex Otti mentioned as the project he would embark upon as a matter of priority is the urgent completion of a government house for himself. According to him, “What does it take to build a befitting structure for the leadership of the State?” Did you hear that? Not a befitting structure for the people but one for the leadership which he hopes in vain to head!

How, in the midst of the many competing needs of the people, did Otti think that building a government house for himself and his family should be his priority project if he gets anywhere near power? How could he be thinking of just himself, yet, he claims to love the people and want to work for their good and wellbeing? Does Otti know the overall cost of a new government house at this critical time of national economic hardship? For Otti to have talked about building a new government house as part of his promise to the people even before he talked about such critical issues and infrastructure as roads, education, health, employment, factors that impact directly on the people, shows that Otti’s attraction to governance is to build himself a palace so intimidating with Abia State funds that the people would no longer be able to reach him if he gets there. It also shows that Otti is in desperate need of a place where he will spend four years on blissful vacation in the name of being a governor at the expense of the good of Abia.

While a government house is desirable, it should not form the priority of any governor as long as there is an alternative that can serve the same purpose in the meantime especially considering the dire economic situation in the whole nation today. This is where Dr Okezie Ikpeazu is different from the likes of Otti. Government house is neither a monument nor is it a tourist destination. It yields no revenue for the state; rather it gulps much of the state funds in terms of maintenance and further depletes the little resources available to serve the people. Its time would come but it certainly is not now!

When God wants to expose the wicked intentions of a man, he makes him say things that he ought not to say and exposes such a man for who he truly is. That is why our Lord would always tell the Pharisees and the Scribes, “You have said so”. In another verse, the Bible says, “Out of the abundance of his heart, his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:45). Abians, therefore, have to distance themselves from people like Otti especially now that he has exposed his true intent through divine intervention. There is no other way God helps a people other than this.

If Dr Okezie Ikpeazu had wanted to be selfish, nothing would have stopped him from completing the new government house with the scarce resources available to the state and operate from there. Who does not like comfort? But that is not his priority for now! How could he be thinking of a new government house that cost multiple billions of naira to complete when our roads, education, health and other critical sectors of our economy are constantly in need of attention? That decision to put the people first has paid off as Dr Ikpeazu has already constructed and delivered over 67 verifiable roads of high quality and international standards (mostly with street lights and functional drainage systems) and 82 others at different advanced levels of completion across the state, within just 36 months of his being in office. This directly impacts on the people and the state. And that is where the sacrificial leadership of Ikpeazu stands him out from the likes of Otti.

His well thought-out deliberate policies and investment on education has seen Abia students come first in WASC for three years back to back. As if to confirm that Ikpeazu has perpetually condemned other states to only follow Abia behind in education, the recently released WAEC results for 2018 still shows Abia State maintaining its first position, effectively making it the fourth time in a row since Ikpeazu assumed office. Getting to the top might be easy but maintaining it among other competing and even richer states for four straight years is certainly not a mean feat. While Otti is making desperate promises on education, Ikpeazu is already delivering the goods. Abia is a state of wise people. They surely won’t leave certainty for uncertainty!

Except the negligible few like Otti who in an attempt to trivialize great feats in the name of politics, Abians know Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has invested so much time and resources to attract both foreign direct and local investments into Abia State. Soon and very soon, Golden Guinea Breweries Ltd that went moribund as a result of fire incident that grounded its operations 15 years ago would soon recommence production with its attendant positive effect on the state’s economy and the numerous employment opportunities it will create for Abians.

The new investor in Golden Guinea ran into trouble because of rising cost of FOREX needed to purchase relevant equipment for the brewery. Business Post described the situation thus: “The company needed more funds to complete its retooling works and because of its existing debt exposures, lenders were wary. Events ground to a halt.

“Thus was the state of affairs until the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu decided to lead a drive to resuscitate all moribund industries in Abia State irrespective of ownership…

“Leveraging on the solid relationship he had built with the Federal Government, Dr Ikpeazu took Mr Okay Nzenwa (the investor) to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo where the promoter of Golden Guinea stated his case and explained how macro-economic policy of the Federal Government affected his investment and has hampered his ability to raise new funds to restart the company.

“The Vice President graciously approved the request of Mr Nzenwa for Federal Government lending institutions to grant him facilities.” (www.businesspost.ng).

The narration above is an undisputable proof of Dr Ikpeazu’s commitment and result-oriented drive for attracting investment to Abia State.

The Enyimba Economic City is another result of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu’s audacious drive for foreign direct and local investments to Abia State. The City which is modeled after the economic and tourist city of Dubai spans a humongous 9,800ha of land across three local government areas of Ukwa East, Ukwa West and Ugwunagbo and will make Abia the toast of investors worldwide when it is completed. Already, one of the investors has committed a whopping $1.3bn to the design and other preliminary works of the project. The immediate and future impact of this on Abia cannot be overemphasised. This project as with others embarked upon by the governor will long outlast his tenure in 2023 and outlive him even if he lives for 120 years. While the Ottis are thinking of only themselves and the next election, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu is thinking about the people and the next generation!

It is most unfortunate that Otti in that speech had to ask how many Abians are working in non-governmental establishments as if to say there are no private investments or entrepreneurs in Abia despite the thousands of them working hard daily and employing people at the popular Ariaria market and other places, and Dr Ikpeazu is investing enormous resources to upgrade their skills and machinery up to international standards to improve quality of their products in order for them to compete even more favourably in the international market where the governor has also personally taken their products for marketing to the extent that our security agencies now trust our entrepreneurs to produce their boots and other gears.

It is sad for our state that a man of Otti’s status does not see these hardworking Abians as not working in non-governmental establishments. To Otti, these ones do not count unless one brings in companies from outside who make shoes and other leatherworks, garments, machinery fabrication etc that form the core competence of our people. At this rate, Otti will surely run our local entrepreneurs out of business as his elitist approach to business having come from an elitist banking sector that has been known to hardly support SMEs but kill most of them with crushing interests rates and other illegal deductions.

It is therefore not surprising that having served at the top echelon of the banking sector for so long, Otti cannot boast of even one entrepreneur he empowered through loans from the bank, neither can he boast of attracting any Corporate Social Responsibility project of the banks he served in to Abia State as he did in some other states.

It is shameful that Alex Otti does not have a single job creating investment in Abia State and yet mounted the podium to rant on industrialization. He is yet to pay his first one kobo as Tax or IGR to Abia State.

Such a man who could not assist his people grow in any way when he was the managing director of a foremost bank in the country has nothing to offer the people even if given all the wealth in Nigeria. The Bible admonishes us that a man who cannot be trusted with little cannot also be trusted with much. Abians have to be wary of sweet-tongued men whose speeches are as smooth as an ointment but ultimately devised to deceive.

With Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia is surely on its steady path out of the Red Sea. We may not be at the Promised Land yet but we have a governor who is determined to take us there. We cannot afford to make the mistake of electing people whose greed and drive for self-comfort above the general good of the people will take us back to Egypt just because their Pharaohs have promised them a part of the palace if they can return the people to the era of political brigandage and enslavement.

So to Otti, Abians are saying enough of the propaganda, enough of the deceit, enough of the falsehood, enough of the blackmail, enough of the malice and enough of the baseless incitements. In fact, Abians are saying to Otti: Enough is enough.

Jude Ndukwe writes from Umuahia

THE Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Mr. Chikwendu Kalu has disclosed that the lawmakers would enlighten the security operatives on the state’s anti-grazing law. He said the enlightenment engagement would enable the law officers, particularly the police to understand the provisions of the anti-grazing law as they are the people to prosecute offenders. According to Kalu, he would mandate the clerk of the House to make copies of the law available to the security agencies, particularly the police to study before the enlightenment so that they can be conversant with the provisions. Already, the Speaker said that two divisional police officers, DPOs, from Abia North zone which is prone to herdsmen attacks had visited him to be educated on the provisions of the law, an action he said prompted him to decide on enlightenment engagement with security operatives. However, the Speaker has raised doubt over full implementation of the anti-grazing laws enacted by some State governments due to the current composition of the nation’s security architecture, which he said is tilted in favour of the Fulani.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/abia-assembly-to-enlighten-security-operatives-on-anti-open-grazing-law/

Ben Udechukwu

It is not always in my nature to join issues with men who by innocent presumption are adjudged reasonable. I have reflected on the real import of your submission as you declared your intention to seek yet again to be elected Governor of Abia State. I had so much wished that you disappointed me by refusing to give in the cheap talks, trading in common place sound and no fury, resisting the temptation of thinking that anything you did not do would not have been done better. I wanted to see an Otti, divorced from the pretentious gallivanting of an average Nigerian politician, one who had passed the integrity. No! I was shocked. You had the same line of narrative. The storyline of those who take undue advantage of others’ vaulting gullibility.

Of all the things you said, the one comment I find perhaps a true reflection of your character is the adverse admission that “politicians tell lies to deceive the electorate”. You are a politician and you had scored an own goal by revealing, albeit inadvertently what you propose to give Abians in the unlikely event that you are elected governor. What you failed to realize is that from the abundance of your heart, you spoke to us.

I will address some salient points so that the reader can help me judge if Alex Otti is a liar.

1. “...But the call to service; to liberate our people from the shackles of poor governance and the need to give our people a worthy sense of belonging made me decide to quit my job, to join the turbulence of politics in order to lead my people out of the land of captivity”
This statement would have made greater sense if it had come pre 2015 while you made miles on foot, attending virtually all government functions just to position yourself as the beautiful bride. You wanted power at all cost so much that you displaced all the men who labored to give APGA identity in Abia. You circumvented decent protocols, hounded those who were there before you. Take a searching look backwards and imagine if APGA in Abia was just the State. The ravening clouds would have long enveloped all of us like the sun scorched the APGA you displaced.

2. “…Today, I’m here again to remind the Pharaohs of Abia that the time has come for them to let our people go. To our people, the time for liberation has come”.
You perhaps ignored to observe that out of the eleven members that were elected as members of Abia State House of Assembly through your faction of APGA in 2015, eight have successfully liberated themselves from what they termed your directionless leadership and went further to join forces with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and his PDP, one leader who like Harold S. Geneen believes that Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions.

3. “The All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, is the party that was led by the great son of Igbo land; a son of Nigeria, a hero of Africa, a citizen of the world, the Ikemba Nnewi, Ezeigbo Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu”.
You see! While Ojukwu lived, his party and philosophy did not mean anything to you. You sustained alliance with those who buttered your bread. For 16 years, you didn’t remember that a man as great as Ojukwu lived. Reason? You were obsessed with your marriage of convenience with PDP. This explains why you only treat with fanfare those causes you expect to gain something from. A governor thinks beyond parochial interests.

4. “…Since 1999, one political party; one political dynasty has held Abia State in bondage. This party has cast a spell on Abia State”
The proper thing to have been said is “since 1999, I have been reckoned with the PDP, a party I encouraged to cast a spell on Abia State”. I say this because for whatever it is worth, any man with the minutest modicum of respect would have publicly bemoaned himself. You know as much as I do that if the story of PDP in Abia nay Nigeria is written, history will reserve a place for you as beautiful or as despicable as that of those you collaborated with in the days when you were everywhere and with everybody. You are everything but better than those you speak about in such malignant manner.

5. “Edmund Burke once said that the only condition for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing”.
It was the same Edmund Burke who warned that “Hypocrisy can afford to be magnificent in its promises, for never intending to go beyond promise, it costs nothing“. Find time again to read through your declaration speech, reconcile it with your aloofness no sooner than you lost in the 2015 elections, do a comparison of the person you said you are and the speed with which you abandoned the cause.

6. “Let it never be said that when evil was reigning in Abia State, the children and grandchildren of the Great Jaja Wachuku, the children and grandchildren of the Great Aguiyi Ironsi, the children and grandchildren of the Great Michael Okpara, did nothing”.
Interesting conjectural statement. The grandchildren of the great men you mentioned are found in Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State Polytechnic Aba, College of Education Technical Arochukwu, School of Nursing Amachara, Schools of Nursing Aba, College of Health Technology, Aba, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
You ignored their yearnings for decent hostel accommodation but did thousands of nautical miles to build for others in distant lands. Yes! You are right. Politicians tell lies to deceive the electorate. You do not have the temperament of a governor who will lead by example.

7. “How has Abia faired under the leadership of PDP for 19 years? Can Abia compare to Enugu State? Can Abia compare to Anambra State? Have you seen the road network in Anambra. Are teachers being owed in Anambra? Are civil servants being owed in Enugu State? How does Owerri compare with Umuahia? Has anybody here been to Abakaliki in recent times? Have you seen what the governor has turned Ebonyi into. Please, follow me to Abia State and let’s look at the records of the PDP governments. Abia does not have a government house. The government occupies a makeshift rented property owned by the late Emeka Omerua. What does it take to build a befitting structure for the leadership of the state? Abia today, has the worst road network in Nigeria. Look at the pride of the Igbo man, the pride of every Abia indigene, Aba, the Enyimba city.?”
You were a major financial advisor to Abia government for the greater part of the PDP years in Abia. Its either you failed to advance a positive duty or you willfully elected to shortchange your own State. History records that your name featured as a major player in the selling and aftermath of the Modern Ceramic Industry Umuahia and Golden Guinea. You were thus a part of the team that severed our relationship with the two establishments that employed no fewer than 3000 Abians directly and 30,000 indirectly. You didn’t remember that a day like today would come when the wrong decision you supported will come to limelight. While you are busy comparing Abia with other States, it might interest you to know that by 2002, Imo already had a Workers Secretariat built by their Governor Achike Udenwa. At the same time, your godfather Orji Uzor Kalu, Abia’s Governor at the time was playing ball with Enyimba while Ministries, Departments and Offices were in every shant in Umuahia. As at 2006, Dr. Chimaraoke Nnamani had completed a Teaching Hospital in Enugu in addition to building a brand new ESUT at Agbani. Your man OUK about the same time could not pay doctors, nurses and staff of Abia State University Teaching Hospital. The facility was locked for months while many died. While Dr Sam Egwu was opening up major roads and building facilities in Ebonyi mostly between 2003 and 2007, your very close ally who was the Governor of Abia at the time was busy using Abia money to import Okirika. We did not read anywhere where you reprimanded him or boldly lived the Edmund Burke philosophy by saying something. You would not because you were entangled in the cobweb of prebendalism. The good news is that, Abia started moving in 2010 when the State liberated from the apron strings of retrogressive leaders. We have since built a Workers Secretariat, International Conference, Court Halls, Specialist Hospitals, started developing a government house, provided facilities that should serve as fulcrum for the take off a State and most importantly leveraged on purposeful leadership to engage in massive infrastructural development. Over the last three years, Ikpeazu has inspired an amazing facelift of the towns and villages. Remember Aba that formed the pillar of your campaign in 2015? Ikpeazu has recovered the town, reconstructing roads that were believed to be intractable, reinventing the commercial consciousness of the Aba people. If you doubt this, take a walk from your Ngwa High School down to Aba Town hall and its environs. You will discover that just from that point, Omni is opened to link Enugu PH express Road, Kamalu has also been opened to serve adjoining streets and to mostly serve as effective bypass to Okpu Umuobo. Umuatako as strategic as it has been is done and dusted linking residents back to Umule and Faulks Road through Living World. You will also see that Immaculate Avenue even with that terminus at the rail is being given a facelift, ditto St Pauls. If you remove your colored spectacle, you will observe that driving from Ngwa High School down to Aba Town Hall is as seamless as never before. Take your bearing from Aba Town Hall through Constitution, view Howells and in that order Park Road, Pound Road, St. Michaels Road, Hospital Road, Jubilee Road. Ikpeazu has given Aba residents a smooth and zero pothole terrain. Did you also know that the dude that beat you silly during the last elections has given Abians a befitting Enyimba International Stadium with a beautiful turf that compares with the best in the world? This was what James Ibori did for Delta State before 2007 when your man was governor in Abia. The Ikpeazu Sustainable Development Initiative will be a story for another day. Just so you know that Abia, contrary to your unfair criticism is making valid progress.

8. “As the rain comes, residents of Aba have their hearts in their mouths. Many places are now impassable”
I think your major challenge is that you don’t live here. As a visiting aspirant, you did not know that while cities in sister States have upsurge of life threatening flood during heavy rains, Aba under Ikpeazu has been rescued perpetually from perennial flooding. While you have no idea the strategic importance of the Ife obara basin constructed by Ikpeazu, you also lack in deep technical knowhow to appreciate that what should have been flood in Aba has been given a direction through the basin. Find time to sleep in Aba, ask people who know the town to take you round and watch the streets dry in less than no time after the rains.

9. “Like we have always maintained, you can’t give what you don’t have. The PDP leadership of Abia State is a total and complete failure. It can never succeed because it does not have vision. Quality leadership and heart of service are palpably lacking”.
You see why I said you did not disappoint me. You are no better than an average Nigerian politician. Your APGA has factions but you keep mum. Here was a party you met intact but in pursuit of selfish interest undertook its funeral. Meanwhile, eight members of your party in the House of Assembly pitched their tenth with PDP. It is either you like to joke over serious things or you don’t have the sound judgment acumen of one who would be governor. Govern APGA first! Govern a party of less than 50,000 members, keep them united, only then can we believe that you can muster sufficient competence to govern 2million people.

The Governor that will succeed Ikpeazu in 2023 will be that person who has conquered that average irritating behavior of a politician, the person who is a man of all seasons and not pre election dude. It can never be a man who would still make the unrealistic

Udechukwu writes from Umuahia

#AbiaOnline

A delegation of Abia Peoples Forum, Enugu State Chapter has endorsed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for a second tenure in office.

The delegation led by its leader, Apostle (Dr.) Joseph Ajujungwa said they have taken time to access the Governor's giant strides and asserted that the Governor has performed beyond expectations and deserves to be reelected.

He commended his achievements in road infrastructure, youth empowerment, agricultural revolution, promotion of Made in Aba among others. Dr. Ajujungwa assured the Governor that Abia indigenes in Enugu have been mobilized to vote him again as they have their PVC registered in Abia. He told those who intend to run for governorship in Abia State to jettison such intentions, insisting that Governor Ikpeazu would be there till 2023.

The delegation further requested the Governor to visit Enugu for a Town-hall meeting, where he would see them in their numbers

Responding, while receiving in audience his guests in Government House, Umuahia, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu vowed to sustain his commitments and efforts in developing Abia State. He informed them that, so far, he is building about 145 roads of which over 70 has been completed and commissioned

Dr. Ikpeazu also disclosed that the proposed Enyimba Economic City being planned in Ukwa axis of the State will soon get licence from the Federal government, informing that the industrial zone would cover 9,200 hectares of land.

According to the Governor, the Enyimba Economic City would offer over 17,000 jobs to Abia people and assured that Abia people would rejoice with the development of the industrial zone.

The Governor, who was later presented with a Bible and staff, assured that he would hold a Town-hall meeting with them.

#AbiaOnline

The Shell Nigeria Gas limited has apologized to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and the people of the State that they have not really done enough for the host State as expectations are high for the company to fulfil.

The company opened up to that fact when the senior management team called on the Governor in Government House, Umuahia. The management team led by its Managing Director, Mr. Ed Ubong commended the Governor for the good relationship the company enjoys in the State. According to him, the company has been consistent in given scholarship to Abia post graduate and under graduate students.

Mr. Ed Ubong used the opportunity to announce that the company plans to construct a ten kilometre gas line in Osisoma and another one that would lead to Ariaria International Market. He also requested the Governor to come and inspect the site.

Responding, the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu assured the SHELL company of the sustained relationship with it and urged the company to ensure it contributes greatly to the economy of the State.

Governor Ikpeazu stressed the need for the company to register its presence in the State by ensuring it has an office in Umuahia. According to him, it is economically wrong for SHELL company to be importing its staff from neighbouring State on daily bases and said it would be proper, if the staff would be resident in Abia, where they work.

He disclosed his interest to partner with them for the development of Enyimba Economic City, saying that Abia needs them to support its developmental plan.

COMMISSIONING OF UNCOMPLETED PROJECTS IN ISIALA NGWA SOUTH LGA; UNACCEPTABLE.
Abia State is one of the oil producing states and as such, is entitled to all the rights and privileges of an oil producing state. 
Since he took over the mantle of leadership in 2015, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu met several uncompleted projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission - NDDC including the Ohanku road, in Aba, one he has continously asked the NDDC to come and complete it or make way for his caterpillar to step in.

It is worthy of note that, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, has invited the Vice President of Nigeria Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and other notable Nigerians, outside his party affiliation to Abia State to commission several completed projects by his administration which includes the Abia investment House, the Skills Acquisition center at Umuobiakwa, many completed roads and many more, emphasis is: COMPLETED PROJECTS.

Recently, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, was allegedly invited to Isiala Ngwa South LGA by the 2015 defeated governorship candidate of APGA, Dr. Alex Otti, to commission an uncompleted NDDC road project.

While it is the right of the good people of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, to enjoy the dividends of democracy from both the federal and state governments respectively, it will be improper to use such rights to score cheap political goals.

The said road is supposed to connect several villages and communities in Isiala Ngwa South and North LGAs but as at the time of the 'commissioning' a little above 25 percent of the project, has been done. The work currently stopped at Umuru junction from Eketa, neglecting other areas like, Umumbele, Umungalagu, Eziala, Amaku, Umuaro and the one connecting Nbawsi in Isiala Ngwa North LGA. 
One would also wonder why the Media Aide of the president came to commission an NDDC project with no member of the NDDC board, visibly present, if not for cheap political gains by some politicians in Abia State.

Did Femi Adesina, get briefs from NDDC board and management, or ministry of Niger-delta on the workings of the Commission, if he did, why did he commission an uncompleted project?

Isiala Ngwa South LGA, is not an uncompleted LGA, the LGA is blessed and complete in human and material resources, it will be a slap on the faces of the good people of the LGA, to have an uncompleted project, handed over to them in the name of NDDC project. 
The Okezie Ikpeazu led State government, is not ready to deal with already pilled up NDDC abandoned projects in the state especially as it is working to develop Abia for good.

We use this medium to call on the board and management of NDDC and indeed the federal government to look into this uncompleted road project and ensure that the people of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, get the best and will in no way be shortchanged in the development of the LGA.

Ifeanyi Isikaku
Executive Chairman
Isiala Ngwa South LGA

Upon his assumption of office as the 4th democratically elected Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu engaged, with great solemnity the huge task of tackling the numerous challenges the State faced frontally.

Diligently, zealously and enthusiastically he launched into his administration's dedicated five pillars of development, which includes Agriculture, Commerce, Education, Industry, and Oil & Gas and enablers consisting of Ease of doing business, Infrastructure, Healthcare, Housing, Security, Media & Advocacy, and Education. There is hardly any of these sectors that have not received Governor Ikpeazu's Midas touch.

Previewing on financial management, in 2015, Governor Ikpeazu-led administration met Abia State monthly wage bill at N2.8 billion. When at June 2016 Abia monthly FAAC allocation nosedived to N1,923,982,456.53, it became obvious that the State could no longer maintain such a huge wage bill with a dwindling monthly allocation. Following this development, stringent measures were mobilized towards the approach of "wage bill management' initiated to tackling the menace of high wage bill visibly orchestrated by ghost workers syndrome. The success of the adopted “wage bill management’’ approach brought about the drop from N2.8 billion to N2.2 billion, and also played a major role in the up-to-date salary payment of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) segments of Abia civil servants.

Back to where we are today.

On Friday, 27th July, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu inaugurated a seven man committee to look into the salary arrears of some government parastatals being owed in the State with a view to clearing the backlog of the salary arrears.

The committee made up of the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Obinna Oriaku, Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Christopher Enweremadu, the Head of Service, Sir Onyii Wamah, Chairman ASPADEC , Chief Sam Nwogu, Chairman Board of Internal Revenue, Elder Udochukwu Ogbonna, Accountant General, and the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Chief Emma Nwabuko, are poised to make a difference by making the staff of the Abia State government parastatals smile.

Abia State Governor has plans to clear the arrears of parastatals like Hospital Management Board (HMB), Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Primary School teachers, Secondary School teachers, Local Government Council workers, pensioners among others in the State.

The committee is expected to work out details of how the payments would be done and disbursed accordingly. In an interview, after meeting with the committee members, Governor Ikpeazu emphasized the need for Heads of Parastatals to begin to think out more resourceful ways of carrying out their responsibilities in Abia State. He said the measure the government would take to ensure some parastatals stand firm are that:

All tertiary institutions must close multiple accounts and introduce Single Treasury Account,

There must be a portal which students would use to make e-payments as students would no longer pay cash to the institutions, (amongst others).

According to the Governor, any parastatal that is unable to pay up its salaries by December, 2018 would risk closure. He also recommended Single Treasury Account for tertiary institutions in the State.

Ordinarily, government should be paying subventions to parastatals, while parastatals should fashion out ways of strengthening their finances. As revenue generating agencies and establishments, Parastatals should not expect government to pay their salaries, they are rather expected to be financially stable and even remit money to the government.

At this juncture, the leadership of Abia State University, Uturu, Prof. Uche E. Ikonne deserves commendation as the institution has in the last three years lived up to expectations. ABSU has within these years witnessed no strike actions and staff salaries have been up to date.

Thus, it is imperative that other revenue generating agencies and establishments in Abia State emulate ABSU and manage their resources and subventions well. This plan of the Governor to ensure that staff of the Parastatals in the State smile home with their salary arrears before the end of the year is worth doing. This is really a proof that the Governor has the interest of his workers at heart.

Bravo OVI!

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

30/07/2018.

https://web.facebook.com/abiaonline/videos/960132444156865/

TESTIMONY OF LIVES SAVED FROM THE DREADED JAW OF SICKLE-CELL ANEMIA

I am touched and inspired to write this piece by a call I received from one woman today. In the a phone conversation that lasted for minutes, she shared testimonies on how two of her children suffering from severe sickle cell crisis are recovering after supportive and well followed up holistic cares were administered to them at one of the Vicar Hope Foundation sickle cell diagnostic center. She expressed happiness and gratitude over the amelioration the interventions brought to her children's health conditions. "Newman biko, kelera m nwunye Govano anyi. Chineke m gozie ya" she exclaimed.

The day I met and directed her to take her children to Vicar Hope Foundation sickle cell diagnostic center, after she narrated her ordeal trying to save her kids from the deadly grip of the disease, she said she had lost hope they will survive, even with all the money she and her husband had spent. Her testimony got me thinking and mesmerizing over the activities and programmes of this administration being churn out to Abia masses.

Truly, the concept of good governance can not be seen as just 'good management'. It is something with a much broader spectrum which includes fairness, efficiency and transparency driven by effective and well co-ordinated efforts directed towards achieving optimum results through a harmonious blending of programmes and policies targeted to bringing about substantial positive impacts in the lives of the populace.

This is the concept of governance Abians are experiencing under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu led government. Lives are being touched positively, directly and indirectly through the numerous developmental programmes orchestrated towards uplifting the living conditions of the masses, as evidenced by the unprecedented tangible and intangible achievements under this administration.

The Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu deserves commendation as she has not been relented in supporting the vision of her husband and Governor of Abia State. Of course, it is common knowledge that Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu intends to improve on quality healthcare delivery aimed at making Abia a medical tourism destination.
Abians and residents suffering from Sickle Cell anaemia are feeling the touch of the Governor's wife's love, care and magnanimity.

The general public are hereby advised to take their loved ones who are suffering from sickle cell disease to any of the Vicar Hope Foundation diagnostic center for special attention and care.

Staffed by health care professionals who are sensitive to the special needs of sickle cell patients, Vicar Hope Foundation sickle cell diagnostic center poses a permanent solution to parents whose children or relations are sufferers of the deadly disease. Children with sickle cell disease have special needs that family, friends, and teachers can meet, once they know how.

Visit Vicar Hope Foundation sickle cell diagnostic center today:

183, Ndume Otuka Bypass (opposite Secretariat and beside Abia Investment House), Umuahia.

For those in areas close to Aba:
Inside Aba General Hospital, Aba.

UNU,
29.07/2018.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBVVb2qhlbs

The government of Abia State through the management of E-library is organising a holiday computer training programme for secondary and primary school pupils this summer holiday.

Date: August 1 - 31
Time: 10am - 2pm daily
Venue: E-library complex, Ogurube layout Umuahia.

Avail your child/ward the opportunity of becoming computer literate.

Signed:
PEARL SOLOMON,
Head of E-library.

For more information call: 09078032083.

#AbiaOnline
#LookAbia

The newly renovated Enyimba International Stadium, Aba will be officially commissioned on 28 August, 2018.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu made this public while inspecting the level of work at the Stadium today. According to the Governor, he would ensure that the Confederation of African Football (CAF ) re-accreditates the Stadium for use.

The highly excited Governor who said that the work has reached 90% completion also posed and kept a penalty kick played by Ochiagha Regan Ufomba on the pitch.

The Governor was accompanied to the inspection by the Commissioner for Sports, Martins Okoji, Chief Chinwe Nwanganga, Ochiagha Regan Ufomba and other dignitaries.

#AbiaOnline
#LookAbia

SCHEDULE OF COLLECTION OF LETTERS OF DEPLOYMENT FOR N-POWER 2017 SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

ALL N-HEALTH SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Collect your deployment letter from the respective LGA Director of Health on Tuesday 31st July 2018
Immediately upload the signed and stamped deployment letter on your N-Power Portal
You are qualified to receive your stipend commencing 31st August 2018
You are now on board for a period of 2 years subject to commitment , diligence and regular at your PPA

ALL N-TEACH SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Collect your deployment letters from the respective LGA Education Board Tuesday 31st July 2018
Immediately upload the signed and stamped deployment letter on your N-Power Portal
You are qualified to receive your stipend commencing 31st August 2018
You are now on board for a period of 2 years subject to commitment, diligence and regular at your PPA

ALL N-AGRO SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Collect your deployment letters from the ADP Zonal Manager from your respective LGA on Tuesday 31st July, 2018
Immediately upload the signed and stamped deployment letter on your N-Power Portal
You are qualified to receive your stipend, commencing on 31st August, 2018
You are now on board for the period of 2 years subject to commitment, diligence and regular at your PPA

Chinenye Nwaogu
Special Adviser to Gov/State Focal Person SIP

Governor Ikpeazu, the goal getter on inspection at the newly reconstructed Enyimba Stadium….
First ceremonial match to be played at that stadium on the 19th of August 2018.



#AbiaOnline
#LookAbia

This is Nwagbaoso road that leads to World Bank estate, Aba.

Like Ohanku, Obehe-Akwaibom, Aba-Azumini and many other roads across Abia, Nwagbaoso road is one of the roads awarded for construction by Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) but later abandoned by contractors, probably due to non-funding of the project.



These roads, abandoned for many years now, have causes untold hardship to Abians and residents who live and do business in those areas. The most pathetic situation is that Abia State government can not to go into the roads for construction because there exists subsisting contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to some contractors. Hence, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu's call on Niger Delta Ministry to complete abandoned road projects in Abia is a welcome development.

Due to the abandonment of major federal roads linking Abia and neighbouring States, Abia State government under Governor Ikpeazu has freshly constructed two alternative roads leading to Akwa Ibom. This is targeted to ensuring those who come from Akwaibom, Cross River and other nearby States access Aba, the commercial hub of the State, easily for business and other purposes.

In many respects, the challenges posed by the numerous NDDC abandoned road projects in the State can no longer be overlooked. Its bearing on the State's economy is yet a story untold. And my question comes thus; why would the NDDC not complete roads it awarded for construction but later abandoned for years before commencing new road projects?

Abians and residents are hereby beckoned to rise and unit in support of our indefatigable Governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu Ph.D for reelection come 2019.

UNU,
26/07/2018.

#AbiaOnline
#LookAbia

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has called on the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to complete the Obehe-Akwaibom State road, Aba-Azumini road and other road projects it has abandoned in Abia State.

The Governor also reiterated the need for the inclusion of Abia State in the amnesty programme of the Federal government, saying that the State is perhaps, the only State of the Niger Delta without youth restiveness and it is yet to gain from such peaceful deposition.





Dr. Ikpeazu was speaking at the Executive Chambers of Government House during a courtesy call on him by Pastor Useni Uguru Useni, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. The Governor, who stressed the need to have an interconnectivity of roads among the Niger Delta States, informed that he has created two alternative roads that lead to Akwa Ibom to ensure those who come from Akwaibom, Cross River and other nearby States access Ariaria International Market and other markets in Aba easily.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Useni Uguru Useni said his team was in the State for the third National Council Meeting on Niger Delta Region, where issues of fostering synergy among the States of the region.

He appreciated the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for accepting to host the conference in the State. Pastor Useni, who also appreciated Abia State government for its industrial strive, pointed out that, the industrial strive was one of the reasons the Vice President has been visiting the severally and thanked Governor for the hospitality he has extended to them.

#AbiaOnline
#LookAbia

The residents of the Federal Low Cost Housing Estate Gombe, today July 24, 2018 trooped out in their numbers to honour Governor Okezie Ikpeazu PhD when he commissioned the 2km road constructed by His Excellency Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo PhD OON the Executive Governor of Gombe State and named after Governor Ikpeazu.

The road known as Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu road, the Governor said was named after his Abia colleague in recognition of his giant strides in infrastructural development and promotion of MSME especially made in Nigeria goods. Governor Dankwambo said that Governor Ikpeazu remains one of the shinning lights of the PDP in terms of his obvious achievements within 3 years as Governor of Abia State.

Governor Dankwambo maintained that during his visit to Abia he was amazed at the level of achievement of his colleague who is one of the pan Nigerian leaders that believes in building a strong, United and virile nation.

Commissioning the project, Governor Ikpeazu expressed deep appreciation for the honour and prayed that users of the very well paved road will find it comforting. He thanked the Governor of Gombe for the quality of the road fitted with dual side drainage and street lights. The Governor also used the occasion to visit some other project sites being executed by Governor Dankwambo including the international conference centre, modern trailer park and other road projects.

The Governor was a accompanied by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, philanthropist Chief Ifeanyi Ubah and other aides of the Governor.

Chinenye Nwaogu writes from Gombe

COMMUNITY ENJOYS ELECTRICITY AFTER 30YEARS OF FAILED ATTEMPTS

Abians have been enjoined to guard public social amenities sited in their localities against vandals. The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu made this call while commissioning an electricity project built by State Ministry for Public Utilities and Water Resources at Ikala Umuanukara in Mgboko Ngwa Amaise Autonomous Community in Obingwa LGA.

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Public Utilities and Water Resources, Rt. Hon. Barr. Chidiebere Nwoke while feeling the joy of the beneficiaries of the project stated that, that was just a tip of the iceberg of the many of Governor Ikpeazu's strides targeted to better the lots of average Abian.

The commissioner, having identified their need for pipe born water also used the occasion to assure the people that governments will ensure that their need is met before the end of December, 2018.

In his speech, the Chairman of the Local Government Council, Hon. Hanson Sunday Amaechi who welcomed the visitors thanked Governor Ikpeazu for his efforts geared towards changing the negative narratives hitherto synonymous with Abia State for the better and reaffirmed the resolve of the entire Obingwa populace to support the reelection bid of Governor Ikpeazu come 2019 having proved his mettle with his leadership ingenuity.

Hon. Amaechi used to the occasion to announce the commencement of grading of rural roads including the Mgboko Ngwa Amaise roads as soon as the rains subsides with the Local Government's procured earthmoving machines and made a cash donation of N100,000 to support the renovation of the Ikala Umuanukara Council hall.

In his reaction, the foremost traditional ruler of the Mgboko Ngwa Amaise ancient kingdom and the chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze Eberechi Dick who described Governor Ikpeazu as an indiscriminating leader reassured him of the total support of the community to his administration.

The programme which had the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Emeuche Okey, traditional rulers and other Government functionaries in attendance witnessed the commissioning of the project.

©Abraham Adims

Abia Online
Published by Abia Online · 14 hrs ·
In 2019, PDP will field a candidate from Obingwa in Abia South and a deputy from Ohafia in Abia North .

APGA will field a candidate from Arochukwu from Abia North and a deputy from Ohafia in same Abia North and same federal constituency.

Let's go back to memory lane..

In 1999 till 2017 PDP fielded and won with Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu from Abia North and a deputy from Abia South.

In 2007-2015 , PDP won with Chief T.A.Orji from Abia Central and a deputy from Abia South, which gave way for Abia South to produce a Governor for two terms.

Note also that Abia South has 9 LGAs

But a certain regional party APGA that has been complaining of marginalization against Ndi Igbo by the FG , believes that the entire 9 LGAs of Ukwa Ngwa is equal to nothing. To APGA, Ngwas are not qualified to hold such position in Abia.

When you are asked one of the reasons APGA will not have any root in Abia, take this as part of it. You can't pick a Governorship and deputy candidate from a single federal constituency and expect to win other LGAs.

Ngwa people will naturally rally round their brother to finish his tenure especially as the person is performing very well.

The people of Arochukwu have convened at the popular Aggrey Memorial Primary School, Ibom, in Arochukwu LGA to endorse Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for a second term in office.

The motion for adoption of the Governor for the second term was moved by Dr. Philip Nto and seconded by Barr. Gab Igboko.

In their various speeches to show their acceptance of the Governor, the Senator representing Abia North, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, member representing Arochukwu/ Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Uko Nkole, Chairman, Organising Committee, Mazi Donatus Okorie among others saluted the Governor for his giant strides in the State.

They pointed many projects the Governor has done, including the completion of Okobo bridge, ongoing of Ndi Oji-Ndiokereke -Arochukwu road and appointment of their sons & daughters into positions of authorities.

The entire clans in the Local Government Area said the LGA was one of the areas that challenged the Governor in 2015 but has unified and spoken in one voice in rejection of any other candidate except Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

Responding, the highly elated Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who was also conferred with a chieftaincy title of OMEREOHA, thanked the Arochukwu people for celebrating him in a grand style.

He assured them that he would turn around the fortunes of the Arochukwu people for good. Governor Ikpeazu also maintained that Abia State was not ready to cede any of part of its territory to another State nor for cattle colony, equally assured that he would ensure the land dispute between Isu and its Cross River is settle.

The Governor used the opportunity to commission Atani-Aro and Ugwuavo-Aro roads the Local Government Area.

#AbiaOnline

The women empowerment spree of the wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, gained momentum at the grassroot with the handing over of Okezuo Abia Market stall and empowerment of rural women, through her Vicar Hope Foundation, in Isialangwa South yesterday.

The spectacular event, which was ably supported by the ebullient Executive Chairman of Isialangwa South, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku, witnessed mind boggling expression of gratitude by the beneficiaries who were empowered through provision of several livelihood-support machineries and related materials.



Statistics has proven that women are known to produce two-thirds of the world's food. In general, women provide 50-60 per cent of the labour input, thus the empowerment of women through the provision of training in various skills and credits for livelihood, as being exemplified by Mrs Ikpeazu, will skyrocket poverty alleviation in our society; also seen as a major fundamental frequency to achieving vision 2020 of women empowerment and advancement.

It has therefore, become exigent for all and sundry to support the reelection of Okezie Victor Ikpeazu Ph.D as it remains the only assurance to sustaining these empowerment programmes and related human capital development activities.

UNU

By Sam Hart

It has been long accepted by developmental scholars and social scientists that the primary responsibility of a leader is to envisage the best future for the led and set the right parameters in place for them to attain lofty heights.

A leader is not always required to do the heavy lifting. It has even been argued that a leader who exerts excessive energy and force in the course of steering the led in a particular direction is not an effective leader.

In Abia State, there is a leader who achieves social mobilisation by sheer force of his sincerity and personal example.

In Abia State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu does not exert too much energy. His people know him through his works that eloquently speak for him. They trust him. Not an enforced trust but an earned one. If he says we are going in this direction, even before the destination becomes clear, his people follow him knowing full well that if he is leading them in that direction, then there is light there.

It all started with the Made In Aba Campaign. Even before he became Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu identified Aba as a fulcrum upon which the derrick of his administration will rest in the full knowledge that a productive Aba is critical to the development of the rest of Abia State.

He started with a personal example. He wore strictly Made In Aba attire and showcased the Aba producers to the local and international audience. Gradually, his vision became clearer and today, with the benefit of hindsight, everyone has seen the effect of the Campaign.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has keyed into the campaign irrespective of the fact that Dr. Ikpeazu belongs to a different political party. Abia State is firmly on the map of National SME Developmental Policies and it is all as a result of the foresight and social mobilisation of a leader.

There is no gainsaying the fact that power is a minimum requirement for the industrial development of any serious cluster, region or country. Even though power is a National challenge in Nigeria, because of the foresight of Governor Ikpeazu in attracting attention to Aba, the city is receiving special attention for the provision of uninterrupted power.

The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, through the Rural Electrification Agency, has commissioned the construction of a 5 Megawatt Power Plant to provide over 37, 000 shops at the Ariaria International Market with uninterrupted power supply. This was after a pilot test-run with 1,000 shops over an uninterrupted period of 6 months.

Upon completion in 2019, Ariaria Market traders, shoemakers, fabricators and inventors will have uninterrupted power supply. One can only imagine the opportunities that will be unlocked for creativity and inventions.

The Abia man is already a natural genius who is already doing unimaginable things under the most difficult of social conditions. When you now provide him with basic opportunities to take his craft to another level, the outcome is better imagined.

Added to the goodnews of imminent uninterrupted power is the fact that Geometric Power, the pioneer private licensee of a Power Project in Nigeria has received a new lease of life to come on stream in the shortest possible time. Recently in Beijing, China, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ruyi Group of China for equity investment in Geometric Power which will enable it accelerate it's switch-on process.

The Ruyi Group already has Power Plants in China, Pakistan and Ethiopia and are looking to become the dominant players in the world in the energy sector. This investment in Geometrics will lead to the activation of not just the already completed power plant at Osisioma, but also ensure speedy work at new plants at Ugwunagbo and Ukwa West.

This enables us segue perfectly into the Enyimba Economic City Project.

This project is a Public Private Partnership between the Abia State Government and Crown Realtors Limited. Encompassing a total land area of over 9,000 Hecters, the project traverses three Local Government Areas and terminates on the boundary with Rivers State.

Another product of the foresight of Governor Ikpeazu in attracting attention to Aba, the Enyimba Economic City, has as major driver, Mr. C. Darl Uzu, the Chief Executive Officer of Crown Realtors.

Governor Ikpeazu, just like he did with the Made In Aba project, has lent the full weight of his name and office to the development of the Enyimba Economic City.

Through intergovernmental diplomacy and leading from the front, Enyimba Economic City has been designated a Free Trade Zone by the Federal Government. Governor Ikpeazu has equally led countless meetings to key stakeholders to secure their buy-in and investment into the project.

A major milestone in Governor Ikpeazu's economic diplomacy was achieved recently again in far away Beijing, China. The Enyimba Economic City signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a multi billion dollars investment by the Ruyi Group in the Economic City. The Ruyi Group is the World's largest producer of garments and allied products and they are set to invest at the Enyimba Economic City.

Present at the signing were the Nigerian Ambassador to China, Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, Economic Adviser to the President, Dr. Adeola Dipeolu, Chairman of the Board of Geometric/Enyimba Economic City, Dr. Pascal Dozie, CEO of Geometrics, Prof. Barth Nnaji, Management of the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) and other relevant officials.

The array of witnesses at the signing ceremony was symbolic & indicative of the level of support the project enjoys.

Governor Ikpeazu represented the Government and people of Abia State. The Nigerian Ambassador's presence conveyed a Presidential approval. The Minister of State Trade and Investment conveyed the backing of the Federal Cabinet. Director General of Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority signifies support of regulatory agencies. Economic Adviser to the President signified that the top bureaucrats in the President's Office have given their blessings.

As I write, Enyimba International Stadium is about to re-emerge as one of the best in the country with it's state of the art pitch.

All these were not random developments.

Governor Okezie upon assumption of office highlighted his developmental focus for the three Senatorial Zones of Abia State thus:

Abia South will be our Industrial hub
Abia North will be our Agricultural belt while
Abia Central will continue to serve as administrative hub and also processing centre for agricultural products harvested in the North.

Every great development is a product of vision. Every vision needs a visioner and driver who will drive social mobilisation for the actualisation of that vision. A leader with clarity of direction and strength of conviction. Abia State is blessed to have such a leader in Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

Abia State, under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, has reasserted itself as a veritable investment destination. Let those who understand how to make hay while the sun shines do the needful.

Sam Hart is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communications.

As written by Tony Agu Steve, anytime you drive through Finbarrs road by Bende road close to Central Police State Umuahia, you will notice this 'always smiling' Police officer, she doesn't have time chasing keke (tricycle) owners and waiting for any driver that will make a little mistake.

Just yesterday Sgt. Joy Nwogu was given a plaque in recognition of her diligent service and commitment to duty, #50,000 and 100% scholarship for one of her child in primary school. Courtesy of MAYFAIR ACADEMY.



Photo credit #tonystevephotography

IT PAYS TO DO THE RIGHT THING!

#AbiaOnline

Last week I made a post about a poignant case of a two month-(plus)-old baby; Favour Ndidi Obinna who was born with an abnormal mass attached to the back of her head, medically known as encephalocele.



Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, when she heard about the pathetic situation of Baby Favour, was overwhelmed by the ocean of empathy, shed many tears, and prayed God to spare the baby's life.

She immediately intervened through sponsoring the baby's surgical treatment by the Neurosurgical Unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.



God has answered Mrs. Ikpeazu's prayer as Baby Favour Ndidi Obinna was discharged from the hospital today, after having been certified feat to be taken home by her parents, Mr & Mrs Obinna.

Glory be to God for sparing this life.

UNU,
19/07/2018.

One of the cardinal objectives of the Okezie Ikpeazu led administration is to empower the citizenry so that they would be able to contribute their quota to the development of Abia State. So far the Governor has empowered and is still empowering many through various means, including skill acquisition, agro based businesses, promotion of Made in Aba products among others.

More interestingly is the way and manner the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu is vigorously pursuing and supporting the vision of the Governor, especially as it concerns empowerment of the women and the needy in Abia State. Mrs. Ikpeazu has not relented in empowering women. This she has been doing through her pet project, the Vicar Hope Foundation.

Just yesterday, another set of 50 trainees of the Springboard Skill Acquisition Programme, powered by her humble self with support from the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission and with technical assistance from National Directorate of Employment graduated in Ikwuano LGA. The 50 graduands brings to 400 the number so far trained and empowered by Vicar Hope Foundation.

It was a gathering of who is who as several stakeholders from Ikwuano LGA keyed into the programme to ensure more members of the society were touched.

The highly elated wife of the Governor appreciated the audience thus; "I am grateful to all the partners who have identified with us during the run of this programme". Mrs. Ikpeazu further gave an insight of her vision about the programme and said "I believe that this programme will reduce our unemployment rates and add true value to people's lives, especially the beneficiaries and their dependents. The 50 persons who are graduating today brings to 400 the number of persons so far trained and empowered under the Springboard programme of Vicar Hope Foundation. We are still determined to meet our programme target of 1,065 trainees over time".

According to the wife of the Governor, the Springboard programme is well-conceived and designed to create jobs in the rural areas and multiply economic activities in hinterlands. Hence, the programme initiators will not accept failure on the part of beneficiaries.

There is need for the beneficiaries to heed to the charge of the wife of the Governor and take the business very seriously. Of course, the wife of the Governor has vowed to monitor the progress of the businesses to see that they really apply what have been learnt to grow their businesses. The beneficiaries should avoid the temptation of selling any of the equipment provided to them for the business.

This kind hearted wife of the Governor deserves commendation for taken the bull by the horn to extend democracy dividends to the women and vulnerable in the society. The good people of Abia State equally deserve to be cared for, hence, it is imperative for all to work in support of the Governor and his reelection in 2019 so as to sustain these enormous benefits his administration has brought to Abia State.

UNU,
19/07/2018.

#AbiaOnline

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has commissioned a Students' Union Secretariat he built for ABSU SUG, commissioned a 300 Bed Capacity Students' Hostel, Material Laboratory Centre of the Faculty of Environmental Studies as well as performed the ground breaking ceremony of Abia State University Guest House.

The Governor's arrival at the university was greeted with a deafening roar of cheers from a mammoth crowd of students who spontaneously, started hailing and chanting, borrowing a popular chant now commonly sung by Abians in portraying their unalloyed supports for his administration; "Okezie we know, kota sign, Ikpeazu till 2023, E GO GO AGAIN".

In his speech during the events at ABSU, Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu applauded the Professor Uche Ikonne led management of the institution and said his desire to build the SUG Secretariat was to create a conducive environment for the SUG leadership to discharge their duties and relate well with the school management.

The Governor, who commended the school for its commitment to excellence and development, congratulated the students and wished them well.

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, ABSU, Professor Uche Ikonne said the Governor, who doubles as the Visitor to the university has never relented in showing great love to the institution. According to him, the guests house, when realised would reduce their expenses during accreditations and other events, while the Material Laboratory would assist their students in Environmental Studies to do their practicals.

Contributing, the President of Students' Union Government, Comrade Chukwunyere Onyenso extolled the Governor for all he is doing for the school, including making himself available to lecture in the school and assisting the SUG in getting her own befitting secretariat.

Touched by the height of gratitude, appreciation and love exhibited by the students of ABSU and management for what the Governor Ikpeazu led government has done for the university, I hereby put a call to all Abians and residents to get their PVCs ready to vote Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu again come 2019 for continuity...

UNU,
18/07/2018.

Earlier, when I became a regular commuter of Umuahia, the Abia State capital city, my impression and view of it was that of a small colonial town occupied by a handful of civil servants. As time goes by, I began to explore and discover some unpopular and unexploited hidden areas of this remarkably quiet capital city. This is as a result of relatively residential congestion in the city center measured in terms of housing density, probably due to environmental hazards that bedeviled the city. Hence, urgent measures geared towards decongesting the city as well as alleviating flooding problems faced by inhabitants needed to be employed.

Noticing this grave environmental menace, the administration of Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu hit the ground running by engaging in massive construction of heavy drainage system conjoining with 'built-to-last' roads like the popular Aba road, Low Cost Estate road and others. This approach has banished flooding in many parts of the city, especially the Ubakala area and Aba road axis, thus encouraging the city expansion as locals now explore new areas for development. This is the case of Ukaegbu Estate (layout) roads commissioned yesterday by the Governor.

History, they say, is a great teacher. It shows us the mistakes we've made, the triumphs we've earned, and the ways in which we as a people have evolved. For the people and residence of Ukaegbu Estate (layout) roads, such history was made yesterday, justifying the Governor's statement during the event that "without the people, there is no government".

Funded by ASOPADEC, Ukeagbu Estate (layout) roads, according to Governor Ikpeazu's remark, exemplifies and represents quality and excellence. With over 25 years guarantee, it will stand a test of time.

The time to frown at pettiness, politics with bitterness and support a performing Governor has come, and it's now.

SUPPORT DR. OKEZIE VICTOR IKPEAZU FOR CONTINUITY.

UNU,

Umuahia – The Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has declared that no staff in the employ of the state civil service was being presently owed by the state government, disclosing that those being owed were those in the government parastatals or agencies.

Disclosing this to DAILY INDEPENDENT in Umuahia on Monday, Innocent Ekweye, the state chairman of NCSU, also said that the labour union in the state had been trying to make sure that those who were on salary arrears were paid on time. He spoke during the union’s quadrennial delegate’s conference to elect new officers held in the Abia State capital.

“Well the labour union in Abia State is trying their possible best to make sure that those who are on arrears of salaries are paid; the government is not owing those in the core ministries. Those in the parastatals and non ministerial departments are those being owed arrears of salaries and through this conference, we advice the state government to pay them.

“In the issue of welfare of civil servants by the state government, the trade union movement goes into dialogue over that. So, it takes wisdom and understanding to handle issues between trade union and government.

; we will continue to push for workers welfare in term of incentives and good working environment.

“At least when a worker is well paid and paid as at when due, he will be able to put more efforts. In Nigeria civil service union, we contribute to the training of workers, so government should reciprocate this gesture through good working environment and when they have it, they will deliver an efficient service in the ongoing recruitment exercise,” he said.

“At least when a worker is well paid and paid as at when due, he will be able to put more efforts. In Nigeria civil service union, we contribute to the training of workers, so government should reciprocate this gesture through good working environment and when they have it, they will deliver an efficient service in the ongoing recruitment exercise,” he said.

https://independent.ng/abia-not-owing-core-civil-servant…/…/

HOW IKPEAZU SAVED LIVES THROUGH FLOOD CONTROL IN ABIA.

Ikechukwu Iroha.

It was a headline on Channels television this evening that reminded me of the number of lives and properties the Ifeobara artificial lake built at Faulks road has saved.

The Ifeaobara pond which collects water from Ariaria, Ukwu mango and environs was a major breakthrough towards achieving a flood free Faulks road and Ariaria market that hitherto defied every effort made to solve the problem for years. This is an outcome of Ikpeazu's approach towards good governance.

While I sympathize with the people of Kastina over the havoc wreaked by flood which killed at least 45 and destroyed over 500 houses in Kastina State, the home state of the President of Nigeria, I wish to urge governments to pay more attention to flood control in our various States.

The rate at which flooding and it's consequences during the rainy season appear on news platforms suggests the need to pay attention to issue of flooding and drainages on our roads.

Perhaps one of the biggest projects in Umuahia, the Umuagu/ Isingwu erosion control has continued to attract the attention of patriotic Abians who have turned the project to a tourism site going by the wonderful engineering work that was done to save over 100 houses within the area including the family house of the former Minister for Finance, Dr. Ngozi Nkonjo Iweala.

The efforts of Abia State government is paying off in the area of flood control through opening of water channels and quality drainage systems on our roads.

It could be recalled that pictures of flooded areas around Ariaria international market was used as a campaign point in 2015 general elections to an abysmal point. Today, those that posted the pictures are yet to inform their audience that Dr Ikpeazu has tackled flooding in Aba and environs.

This account for one of the reasons people are commending the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu PhD, who saw the need to improve on our road infrastructure that posed a major problem to businesses in Abia.

The issue of flooding has been played down by even the opposition parties who commend Dr.Ikpeazu for the legacy projects he has done to protect our roads and houses.

The way the issue of flooding has been tackled in Abia defines the level of readiness and commitment of the State Government to tackle other challenges in Abia State.

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Oh, God! I Pray She Survives - Mrs Ikpeazu

Abia State is one of the States that is greatly blessed with a wife of the Governor, who is full of passion for the less privileged individuals, the needy and widows. With her pet project, the Vicar Hope Foundation, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu has demonstrated her love for the Less privilege people in the State.

Just recently, the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, extended her milk of human kindness by intervening in a pathetic case of a two month-(plus)-old baby; Favour Obinna Ndidi who was born with an abnormal mass attached to the back of her head, medically known as encephalocele.

Mrs. Ikpeazu actually intervened through sponsoring the baby's surgical treatment by the Neurosurgical Unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia. The Doctors have confirmed that the baby is making progressive recovery in line with their expectations. Kudos to the Neurosurgical Unit of FMC, Umuahia, for a job well done.

By this intervention, the baby has definitely joined in the numerous number of those who have benefited from Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu's leadership in Abia State.

It is also the prayer of the beneficiaries of the benevolence of Mrs. Ikpeazu that God may reward her very abundantly. Of course, God Almighty would sustained her blessing for her because, the scriptures say that blessed are the merciful for they would obtain mercy.

Truly, the wife of the Governor, deserves commendation for playing a big role in the administration of Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu. She has through her show of love and kindness for the people, especially those who cannot help themselves written her name in gold. She has also drew many people to become great supporters of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

There is therefore no doubt that all those who have benefited from the Governor's wife and the administration as well as those whose relatives and community people have so far benefited would garner support to sustain this unique venture of the wife of the Governor. The best way to do that is by ensuring the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu completes his two terms in 2023.



God is able

UNU

https://abiaonline.com.ng/2018/07/14/oh-god-i-pray-she-survives-mrs-ikpeazu/

The former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has visited the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu in the executive chambers of Government House, Umuahia, with a request for the State party faithful to support his presidential aspiration.

Alhaji Abubakar pointed out that the 16 years of the PDP in Nigeria brought great growth and development in Nigeria and regretted that the APC led administration has within three years in office reversed the entire development to hunger, disunity, insecurity, bad economy and religious intolerance.

Receiving his guest and his entourage, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu assured Alhaji Abubakar that the Abia State party faithful would take a good decision on who to vote for in the primary elections of the party.

He expressed joy that the former Vice President knows the problems of Nigeria and possesses the capacity to lead well based on his pedigree.

Highlights of the visit was presentation of copies of his book on Restructuring: The Pathway To Peace And Unity.

PHOTOS: ABIA PDP OBSERVED PEACEFUL PROTEST AGAINST ALLEGED POLICE BRUTALITY IN EKITI STATE