....Describes the Hon. Minister as a Leader with a Difference,who Has Stood Out in Buhari's Cabinet.

Minister of State, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development,Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah has been commended for the many laudable initiatives that he has brought to revitalize the mining sector in order to reposition the sector as the next available revenue earner for the country after oil.

Bauchi State Governor,Bala Mohammed,who made the above remark on Friday in his State,also praised President Muhammadu Buhari for selecting the Hon. Minister to man the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, while describing Dr.Ogah
as " one of the few in Mr. President' s cabinet that has stood out."

In the Governor' s words:

"Dr. Uche Ogah, my brother and friend, accept my immense sense of solidarity. Mr President should be praised for selecting someone like you to man the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. Some of us in the Forum of Governors have recognised your passion and drive to move the Mining and Steel sector to a greater height. We, Governors compare notes and take records.

"Hon. Minister, Sir, just like you did in the private sector within the shortest possible time, you have made a mark in your Ministry, and I am talking from a personal experience, having worked in that Ministry before.

" You are one of the few in Mr President's cabinet that has stood out. I must tell you that it is well documented.

"By your pedigree and passion towards formalising the Mineral Sector policy, I so much believe that a working synergy between the FG and the State Governments in the Mining and Steel sector is achievable.

"More importantly, you surprised me by going all the way to Rishi, a hinterland community in Bauchi State, to interact with miners. That, to me, is peculiarly strange.
From records, no Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has done that in recent memory.

" It shows a leader who is in touch with his sector, and that is how it is supposed to be. You are a leader with a difference. This singular visit of yours to the hinterland has further endeared you and I to my people. We are excited.

"Let Mr President know... in fact, I will also brief him, that, this your visit is already having a huge positive effect and, because of it, the Bauchi State Government is reiterating its readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government of Nigeria to advance the Mining and Steel sector in the country",the Governor ended.

Speaking during the visit,the Minister had informed Governor Bala Mohammed that he was in the State to meet with various mining stakeholders to acqauint them with opportunities provided by the Buhari Administration to shore up revenue from the mining sector in order to boost the nation's non-oil earnings, especially,in the face of the slump in oil revenues,which was occasioned by the COVID 19 pandemic.

Meanwhile,earlier on Thursday,while meeting with mining
stakeholders in Bauchi State,Dr. Ogah observed the need for peaceful co- existence between mining operators and their host communities,saying that no meaningful achievement can be made in the absence of peace. He commended the Bauchi State Chairman, Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee ( MIREMCO),Alh. Belloji Galoji, who had earlier ,among other demands,requested for an official driver to help to ease movement logistics, for the good work he is doing in Bauchi State and charged him to co- ordinate the renewal of expired Community Development Agreements between mining operators and host communities and to also address the attendant environmental issues arising from mining activities in the State.

Also speaking during the interactive session,Chairman, Miners Association of Nigeria, Bauchi State Chapter, Alh.Musa Pali ,who welcomed the Minister on behalf of all miners in the State, informed Dr.Ogah that the Bauchi State Governor and his Commissioner in charge of the sector were miners-friendly.

He requested the Minister to support the association in the bid of its members to realise a proposal for the establishment of a Mineral Buying Centre at the Zaranda part of the State and to improve mineral production in the State through the setting-up of an equipment support programme,while,also, soliciting the review of mining loan conditions by the Bank of Industry ( BOI).


Responding,Dr.Ogah again commended members of the Miners Association in Bauchi State for their different activities aimed at galvanising the inputs of various stakeholders in the State to make for collective progress.He charged them to ensure prompt and correct settlement of royalties based on accurate declaration of their mine outputs. He noted that the revenue derivable from mining is expected to help Government in addressing critical issues of infrastructure deficit, environmental remediation and the provision of support to improve local production.

The Minister assured them of the Ministry 's support in the area of issuing the necessary permits for their proposed Mineral-Buying Centre at Zaranda. He informed the miners that the Ministry is ready to support their operations with the necessary equipment, but wishes to ensure orderliness by requesting that the miners group themselves into Cooperative Societies that will make for easy administration. He explained that the loan conditions were made stringent by the Bank of Industry owing to the generally held negative perception of Nigerians about government loans.Dr. Ogah also noted that the Ministry has intervened in the conditions for obtaining such loans and that genuine miners were now accessing the loan facility.

Among those present at the stakeholders' parley were members of Women in Mining. Nafisatu Yusuf Baba,Chair of the group,and Kabiru Santuraki,their Zonal Coordinator,who spoke on their behalf ,also, informed the Honourable Minister that they were registered as Artisinal Small Scale Mining operators and desired to be allocated a cadastral unit in each Local Government Area of the State to carry out a seamless operation. While also assuring them of support,the Minister directed the ASM Officer in Bauchi State to secure a small- scale mining lease for the group where their members operate in the State.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/09/bauchi-state-governor-lauds-uche-ogah-on-mining-promotion-initiatives/

The Chairman of Abia State Independent Elecoral Commission (ABSIEC), Prof Mkpa Agu Mkpa, has announced that local government elections will hold in the state on Saturday, 19th December, 2020.

Mkpa who made this known during a meeting with leaders of registered political parties in the state at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, charged the parties to ensure that they screen the certificates of all aspirants to ensure they meet the minimum qualification of a secondary school certificate before submitting their names to the Commission. He announced that the election will hold in all the 17 LGAs and 292 Ward's of the state for the positions of Chairmen and Ward Councillors.

According to him, political parties that are interested in participating in the poll should visit the office of the Commission from Monday, 14th to Friday 18th September, to obtain the detailed time table while date of collection of forms for candidates will be communicated to the parties later. He also advised the party leaders to ensure that the prevailing relevant COVID-19 protocols are observed throughout the period leading to the polls and assured that the Commission on it's part will ensure that the polls comply with COVID-19 safety protocols.

In his response, the State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rt Hon. Asiforo Okere, thanked ABSIEC for coming up with a time table for the election and assured that his party will mobilize her members to participate in the polls as well as abide by all the guidelines issued by the Commission.

Also Speaking, the state Chairmen of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Rev Augustine Ehiemere, implored ABSIEC to ensure a free and fair election with all the parties given a level playing ground.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/09/abia-lg-election-to-hold-december-absiec/

The Pioneer Military Governor of old Imo state, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu has applauded the dream of Prof. Gregory Ibe, founder of Gregory University Uturu.

According to Rear Admiral Kanu, the university has capacity to transform the education sector in the country by equipping youths with skills, thereby assist in reducing unemployment rate.

ABN TV reports that Kanu who stated this recently during a visit to the University added that the vision, commitment and dedication of the founder of the university to transfer knowledge and capacity building has stimulated the expedited growth of the institution to an enviable height.

Describing the university as the fastest-growing private university in Nigeria, Rear Admiral Kanu who was recently appointed chairman of the university's Board of Trustees, further stated that after an extensive tour of the various campuses of the university, he was impressed by the high standard of facilities he saw on the ground.

The former member of Nigerian Supreme Military Council who also served as Military Governor Lagos states, according to a release signed by Sleek Ogbonnaya Ogwo, the Deputy Registrar, Media and Public Relations promised to bring his expertise to bear in his new assignment.

"In his words, Having visited the campuses and interacted with the university management, I am highly impressed with the quality of infrastructural development and faculty deployment in the university. He therefore promised to bring his experience as an administrator to bear on the task of leading the institutions Board of Trustees, as a way of complementing the efforts already being undertaken by the founder.


"Earlier in an address, the Founder of the university, Prof Gregory Ibe, appreciated the sacrificial labours of the pioneer BOT under the leadership of Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, who according to him not only provided the enabling environment for the smooth take-off of the institution but also catalyzed its accelerated growth.

He stated that the new BOT Chairman was specially chosen because of his pedigree and track record of excellent performance in all fields of human endeavour.

According to him. ”Being an institution that is synonymous with the highest pursuit of Godliness and morality, Gregory University Uturu appreciates her association with our new BOT Chairman whose reputation as a person of impeccable character remains a global phenomenon.

"He, therefore, enjoined Rear Admiral Kanu to leverage his distinguished background in partnering the university management to achieve the desired target of emerging as a global education destination of choice," he said.

Our correspondent gathered that the visit afforded the new BOT Chairman the opportunity of performing some strategic official functions, including laying of the foundation stone for the university amphitheatre project and symbolic planting of trees within the campus.

Present to receive Rear Admiral Kanu were the principal officers of the university, some traditional rulers from the host community and a renowned evangelist Apostle Dr Olughu Orji.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/09/gregory-university-positioned-to-fight-youth-unemployment-rear-admiral-kanu/

No fewer that 14 persons suspected to be members of cult groups have been arrested by Abia State police command.

Parading the suspects in Umuahia, the state capital, the Commissioner of Police, CP Janet Agbede said 14 of the suspects were arrested on 31st August, 2020 at about 1745 hours in Amokwe and Akanu Item Communities, team of police men attached to Bende Police Division led by the Divisional Police Officer.

She said the operation took place in conjunction with Youths and Vigilante membes of the two Communities.

She said their arrest took place at the initiation ground of Vikings and Aro Fraternity.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_fSfiYnNCo

The suspects include NNAMANI Christian, CHIEMEZUO Chijioke, MICHEAL David, ABAYI Emeka, OBINNA Eze, AGU CHUKWUEMEKA, NDUBUISI Ibekwe, CHIMUANYA OZOEMENA, SAMUEL EKE AGU, MAXWELL OKPARA, STEPHEN CHUKWUEMEKA, EKE NDUBUISI, NDUBUISI DICK Nwafor and EZINWA EGBUJOR.

Exhibits recovered include, one locally made single barrel gun and axe.

Similarly, the command on 15thAugust, 2020 at about 2130 hours, acting on information arrested three suspected cultists in Umuobia Ahiaukwu Olokoro Umuahia and recovered the exhibits in their Possession.

The suspects whose names were given as OBINNA NWACHUKWU `M’ 20 Years, ONYEDIKACHI IKE `M’ 18 Years and ANAYO OGBONNA `M’ 21 Years are undergoing investigation.

Suspects the CP added will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/09/end-of-road-for-17-suspected-cultists-in-abia-photos-video/

nawa

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Supporters of Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, member representing Bende North constituency of Abia State are currently in jubilant mood after their Assembly member, showered them with gifts.

The exercise which coincided with his birthday celebration according to the Deputy Minority leader of Abia Assembly was to appreciate those who helped in securing victory for the APC in the 2019 election.

Speaking with ABN TV on Sunday shortly after the exercise, the lawmaker said benefitting supporters were drawn from various wards that make up the constituency which include Igbere, Item, Alayi and Ugweke the hometown of Hon. Chukwu.

Items distributed include 4 motorcycles, 50 grinding machines, 50 sewing machines, 50 generators, 50 farm spraying machines, barbing kits and others.

Hon. Chukwu emphasized that the exercise was just to express gratitude to his constituents at the occasion of his birthday and appreciate them for supporting him during the last general election, saying his empowerment exercise is coming up December.

"This is not the real empowerment we are expecting. By December, you will witness a groundbreaking empowerment here" he said.

He said the December empowerment will be all-encompassing among the various political alignments in the constituency.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/08/hon-chukwu-doles-out-motorcycles-generators-sewing-machines-others-as-he-celebrates-birthday-photos/

Cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun

Vows to Take Up the Educational Needs of his Three Children

Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji on Friday commiserated with the family of Late Comrade Uche Jonathan Emeruwa who was laid to rest at his Ugba Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

Commiserating with the bereaved family, the Speaker encouraged widow of the Late Emeruwa to be strong and remain so for their children even in the absence of her husband.

"It is not easy but it will be soothing of you to take heart. Uche was a nice person, a nice brother, but we won't question God", he said.

The Speaker presented the widow with a cheque of a princely sum which he said was for the educational needs of their three children.

"This is only for their education, anytime you have any other pressing challenge, please, do not hesitate to let us Know" the Speaker urged her.

Rt Hon Chinedum Orji promised to continue to take care of the educational needs of the three children of the late Comrade Uche.

The Speaker called on members of the extended family to do everything within their powers to support the children of their brother who unfortunately died untimely.

Responding, wife of Late Comrade Emeruwa, Mrs Ngozi Uche Emeruwa, thanked the Speaker for showing support to the family in this their trying times. She prayed God to continue to bless and keep him.

Mr Iheanacho Emeruwa who responded on behalf of the family thanked the Speaker for making out time out of his tight schedule to share in their grief.

The Late Emeruwa who died at the age of 49 was buried earlier today.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/08/abia-speaker-commiserates-with-family-of-late-comrade-uche-jonathan-emeruwa-vows-to-take-up-the-educational-needs-of-his-three-children/

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Abia’s busiest city was enveloped with frenzy as the Chief Whip of the Senate and former governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu arrived the popular city of Aba on Monday.

Kalu who grew up in the city was greeted to a tumultuous welcome by supporters and well-wishers from across party lines.

The Senate Chief Whip was in Aba to attend a requiem mass in honour of late billionaire and oil magnate, Chief Anthony Enukeme (Tonimas).

Earlier, Kalu’s convoy was ambushed by massive supporters from Isiala Ngwa North who blocked his convoy to exchange greetings with him.

Arriving Aba, the excited and jubilant supporters lined up along the roadside to welcome Kalu which temporarily caused gridlock as they blocked Kalu’s convoy which was heading to Christ the Kings Catholic Church Aba where the requiem mass was scheduled to hold.

The excited supporters expressed their joy at the sight of Orji Kalu with various form of displays; some women were spotted spreading their wrappers on the road. 

The crowd numbered in thousands beckoned Kalu to stop, however, Kalu acknowledged the crowd and kept moving to avoid crowd gathering in line with the COVID-19 lockdown regulations.

This would be Kalu’s first visit to his boyhood city two months after being released from the Kuje Correctional Centre.

ABN TV recalls that Kalu was greeted to a similar welcome when he arrived at the state two weeks ago. He was received by the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths, the leadership of different social-cultural groups and thousands of supporters who came to the airport wearing branded face masks.

Kalu told journalists at the airport that he was happy to be home and that his constituents didn’t lose anything since the roads and other projects he attracted were going on with any hindrance.

The convoy of senator Kalu passed through the Abia State capital, Umuahia where he acknowledged greetings from residents who cheered endlessly as he made his way to Igbere, his home town.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/08/photos-wild-jubilation-rocks-aba-as-sen-orji-kalu-attends-burial-ceremony/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFCesYsWck0

A great partnership between Rep. Benjamin Kalu (Member, Representing Bende Federal Constituency) and the business office of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has brought to an end a two-year gross darkness over Bende and given way to light.

Drum Africa correspondents gathered that this mission was started by Rep. Kalu even before his 2019 election campaign when every effort was made to rectify the lack of electricity which was severely affecting small businesses in the area and contributing to the heavy migration of both the young and old to the capital city of Abia State among others.

The development has the people of Bende town ecstatic with positive commendation for the Representative from his constituents including the traditional rulers, town union leadership, women and youths.

When interviewed, Representative Benjamin Okezie Kalu who is the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, said “it is part of my representative function to discover the needs of my constituents and take steps to bridge the gap using my contacts and the platform offered to me by this position and my people.

“Now, students who are home can study without the difficulty of using kerosene lanterns; Food stuffs can now be stored or preserved to prevent wastage; The town and Government offices can now save money without wasting it on petrol and gas.

“I have asked EEDC to look into sending meters to all the compounds in Bende federal constituency, where the chief whip of the Senate, Dr Orji Kalu comes from.

“EEDC whose fear has been on how best to raise revenue from the area has been assured that we will use all our stakeholders platforms to ensure payments are made on time.”

“I wish to use this opportunity to inform the vandals always vandalising the electricity transformers, poles and wires to desist from doing so because it is disservice to our communities, an economic sabotage against the economy of the country and a crime . It will be treated as a crime and the vandals as criminals.”

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/08/bende-finally-enjoys-light-after-2-years-of-darkness-thanks-to-rep-ben-kalu/

Cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun

Cc: lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun
Please this is breaking news. It needs to be on front page

The Senator representing Abia North, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has stated that only the All Progressives Congress (APC) has capacity to produce a President of Igbo origin, ABN TV reports.

He made this declaration in Arochukwu on Friday at The Party House shortly after the funeral ceremony of Late Jumbo Offor, a former South East head of Police Service Commission.

Addressing loyalists drawn from across party line, Sen. Kalu who is the Senate Chief Whip said APC has the popularity to make the dream of Igbo Presidency a reality.

The federal lawmaker also at the event welcomed hundreds of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and PDP in Arochukwu into the APC.

Recall that other regions have had their shot of the Presidency since the return of democracy in 1999, leaving Igbo behind.

The speculation that the APC national leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a South Westerner is eyeing the Presidency is one that the Igbo in APC has frowned at.

A South Westerner, Olusegun Obasanjo was the President between 1999-2007 and later succeeded by a Northerner, Umar Musa Yar'Adua whose lasted just three years in office before he passed on.

Goodluck Jonathan, his vice then completed the one year left in the tenure and later contested for number one seat in 2011 and won.

He however lost his second term bid in 2015 to the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari who contested on the platform of All Progressives Congress, an amalgam of political interest who came together to challenge and ousted the then ruling PDP.

President Buhari’s second comes to an end in 2023 when it is expected that other regions will support a South Easterner become the next President since it remains the only region in the past 30 years that has not produced the President.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/08/2023-only-apc-can-produce-igbo-presidency-sen-kalu-declares/


Cc: Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

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A leading online medium in Nigeria, ABN TV and an entertainment promoter, De Latino Concept on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding.

The memorandum of understanding is to cover the promotion of entertainment in the South East Region and Nigeria at large.

Speaking at the brief signing ceremony at ABN TV's corporate head office in Umuahia, the CEO of Latino Concept, Emmanuel Okenini, popularly known as Bello expressed gratitude to the management of the media for paying attention to the entertainment industry in the country.

He further pledged to continue to strengthen the relationship between entertainment and the media.

De Latino Concept operates the biggest club in the entire South East.

The organisation also runs lounges, cinemas, bars and other social outlets.

In his remarks, the Director ABN TV, Mr Ifeanyi Okali thanked the organisation for finding ABN TV worthy of the partnership.

According to Okali, ABN TV will continue to give adequate attention to the coverage of entertainment in Nigeria.

He pledged to reciprocate to the gesture by creating a platform that will generate employment to numerous young men and women in the South-East through the entertainment industry.

Recall that last year, a South African based entertainment giant, Godfather Productions signed a memorandum of understanding with ABN TV.

The entertainment industry in the country and across the globe has been on a halt since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Mr Emmanuel Okenini said operations will resume as soon as the federal government gives a directive on full commencement of social activities.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/08/entertainment-abn-tv-de-latino-concept-sign-mou/

Cc: Lalasticlala Mynd44 Seun

A youth leader, Bernard Ogbe has advised Sen. Godswill Akpabio to leave Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu out of his NDDC saga.

Sen. Akpabio, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs had in a list sent to the National Assembly mentioned Sen. Kalu, the Senate Chief Whip as one of the beneficiaries of NDDC contracts.

Reacting to the development, Mr. Ogbe wondered why Akpabio a former Akwa Ibom State Governor would drag Kalu into his challenges.

According to Mr. Ogbe, Sen. Kalu has attracted numerous projects in his constituency through the NDDC which are yet to be paid for, wondering how Kalu could be a beneficiary in a contract he facilitated.

He further added that when the contracts were awarded, Sen. Kalu was not a member of the National Assembly.

He further added that Kalu, a former governor of Abia State has been known as a man of indisputable integrity and honour and therefore couldn't have had any connections with underhand dealings in NDDC or any other agency of government.

While assuring the Senator of the People’s solidarity, he called on Kalu not to relent in touching the lives of Abians and Nigerians as a whole for good.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/08/nddc-probe-count-orji-kalu-out-of-your-ordeals-youth-tells-akpabio/


Cc: lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun

Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has called on all stakeholders in the education system to continue to show total commitment in advancing the cause of education in the State and ensure that processes of re-opening of schools as announced were seamless.

ABN TV reports that The Governor stated this during the flag-off of the fumigation, decontamination and clearing of schools in the state prior to the resumption of students in exit classes to take their final examinations, held at the International Conference Center, Umuahia. He called on Transition Council Chairmen, Education Secretaries and other stakeholders in the education sector of the State to ensure that the reopening of public and private schools in the state tomorrow, 4th of August, 2020, is smoothly effected.

Governor Ikpeazu who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Anthony Agbazuere, directed all teachers handling exit classes to subject themselves to Covid-19 testing starting from tomorrow. Speaking further, he disclosed that decontamination and fumigation of schools will also begin tomorrow and informed that the State government has provided hand-sanitizers, digital thermometers and face masks for the school children.

On the need for T. C Chairmen to monitor and report to the government the progress of the dry run prior to the resumption of academic activities on the 10th of August, 2020, the Governor directed that the exercise must not be handled with levity.

Read Also: Judge Lambastes EFCC Over “Delay Tactics” In Adoke’s case

In their separate speeches, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Kanaelechi Nwangwa and his Health counterpart, Dr Joe Osuji, assured that government would mobilize all necessary resources to ensure that all schools comply with the protocols put in place for the re-opening of schools. They disclosed that relevant materials have been distributed among Zonal and Area Inspectorates of Education in the State and called on all to cooperate with the Ikpeazu led administration in ensuring that the schools are safe for both children and teachers who are resuming school.

Also speaking, the Transition Council Chairman of Isuikwuato LGA, Dr Osita Igbei, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his pro-activeness in convening the meeting and putting in place necessary protocols to protect school children. He assured that the Chairmen would put the materials provided into judicious use and ensure that the needful is done as well as monitor activities in all the schools.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/08/covid-19-ikpeazu-flags-off-fumigation-decontamination-of-schools/


Cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun

Cc: lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun

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The General Overseer of Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Chukwuemeka Odumeje, on Saturday, visited Camp Neya, Igbere Abia State, the country home of the Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

ABN TV gathered that the controversial Onitsha based prophet arrived Kalu’s hometown at exactly 2 pm.

Odumeje accompanied by his members on sighting Kalu entertained him with his dramatic moves and slangs

He expressed happiness for getting access to Kalu after several attempts.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/08/prophet-odumeje-visits-senator-orji-kalu-photos/

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Happening Now: Sen. Kalu, Oko Chukwu, Rep Ben Kalu, Others At Ordination Of Michael Ukpong

The senator representing Abia North, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu along with the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu is currently at a crucial religious gathering.

The ordination of Monsignor Michael Kalu Ukpong, the First Auxiliary Bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese at Mater Dei Catholic Church Umuahia, Abia State also has in attendance the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Public Affairs, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, member Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Chijoke Chukwu and other top government officials.

Pope Francis is at the event represented by the Apostolic/Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, His Excellency, Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi.

More details shortly

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/07/happening-now-sen-kalu-oko-chukwu-rep-ben-kalu-others-at-ordination-of-michael-ukpong/

South-East Nigeria on Monday went agog with the arrival of Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, the Senate Chief Whip.

Kalu made his first return after his incarceration in the correctional facility.

Thousands of supporters despite no prior information trooped out to welcome Kalu, the senator representing Abia North.

About 10 bags of COVID-19 palliatives was distributed to the joyful supporters.

See Video Here:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zlhzh8TCwCs

Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu has broken his silence since after the completion of his COVID-19 treatment.

The Governor was about five weeks ago tested for COVID-19, result of which turned positive, after which he embarked on self isolation and treatment.

Speaking shortly after his return into the state on Tuesday, governor Ikpeazu while maintaining that COVID-19 is real called on Abians and people of Nigeria to ignore those who feel that the global pandemic is a ruse.

"I just want to say to Nigerians that this COVID-19 is real. This thing that has shutdown the entire globe must be real. If anybody is coming with a contrary story, making it look like a ruse or superstition cannot help our course at this hour.

"COVID-19 is real and we can get out of it together. The only way to do that is to take responsibility. Take responsibility for your personal hygiene, washing hands regularly. Practice social distancing, in fact stay at home if you do not have any business outside. Use your hand sanitizers at all times and avoid crowded places" he warned.

He also expressed gratitude to the staff of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) who he described as serious and caring.

According to the Governor, while expressing optimism that he was going to be healed of the disease also added that he remained faithful with his treatment plan.

He further emphasised the need for early diagnosis and treatment of the virus as a remedy.

The Governor said efforts are ongoing to ensure that at least one third of Abians are tested for the disease using the existing template for immunisation.

He said the state will make use of the 774 primary health centres across the wards in the state, create more sample collection centres and increase the number of test centres from the two it is at the moment to five.

He further expressed the readiness of the state to train new health officers who will drive to collection of samples and testing, adding that the stats will invest heavily on health consumables.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/07/avoid-those-who-say-covid-19-is-not-real-ikpeazu-finally-speaks-video/


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

The Abia State House of Assembly has received a petition by one Mr. Philip Okoro alleging corruption and looting of public fund in the Abia State Fadama III project.

ABN TV had last week reported that stakeholders in the agricultural sector in Abia are alleging a mind-boggling corruption at the Fadama III project in the state, an allegation the Project dismissed as the ‘figment of the author’s imagination’, accusing ABN TV of biased reportage.

Recall that the Ebonyi State Governor, Mr. Dave Umahi had last week relieved the state co-ordinator of the project of his duty over alleged embezzlement. The petitioner, Mr. Okoro also alleged that some staff of the project including the state co-ordinator, Mrs Ezinne Otuka have questions to answer over falsification of documents of FADAMA Development Project.
The petition was read on the floor of the House on Tuesday as one of the three petitions received by the Assembly. While insisting that some persons were used as fronts to divert funds belonging to Fadama III project, Mr. Okoro called on the Assembly to intervene on the matter to avoid total collapse of the project as a result of corruption allegedly going on in the project.

Other petitions received are Alleged illegal exploitation of crude oil in the farmland of Agro Allied Industries Ltd. The Petitioners sought the intervention of the House in the issue and save the situation to avoid a breakdown of law and order and a Petition against Abia State University, Uturu by KELSOB MERCHANDISE NIGERIA Ltd.

The company prayed the House for their speedy intervention. Also in the Tuesday plenary, the Minority Leader of the House, Hon Sir Abraham Oba, brought a Matter of Urgent Public Importance over the refusal of some Hospitals and Medical Personnel in Abia State to attend to patients over the fear of coronavirus especially in the Aba axis of the State.


“Mr Speaker, if you bring anybody to the hospital, they will ask you to take him away; they won’t even apply First Aid; they will allow the patient to die just like that,” he said. “Mr Speaker, I am of the opinion that we call the Commissioner for Health to ask him why such is happening even when the medical practitioners are on oath to save lives”, he requested.

The Speaker urged Abians to ensure they volunteer themselves for COVID-19 Test so that they can show the Hospitals their result which would further encourage the Hospitals to attend to them. “Anybody that is sick, the first test to conduct on such a person should be a COVID-19 Test to avoid any misunderstanding with Hospitals”, he said.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/07/alleged-looting-abia-assembly-set-to-investigate-state-fadama-iii-project/?preview_id=84928&preview_nonce=4c2edf87e4&preview=true

An Abia based social media user Obaji Xtopher Chidiebere has decried the compromise of his Facebook account by hackers who have allegedly duped no fewer than 4 of his friends in his name.

Narrating his ordeal to ABN TV on Monday, Xtopher said he woke up in the morning to check ABN TV his reliable online media channel for trending news and information through his Facebook page.

After several unsuccessful attempts, he decided to wait for sometime before trying to log in again.

His apprehension, however, rose when he started receiving calls from friends, informing him that they have made deposit as he 'instructed'.

Xtopher Chidiebere who expressed anger over the attitude of the hackers further dissociated himself from making any investment proposal through his Facebook account.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/06/facebook-user-cries-out-after-account-hack-as-friends-get-duped/

He said the hackers had informed their unsuspecting victims that there an investment opportunity that allows them to get a high return.

The victims in the wrong assumption that Xtopher Chidiebere was the one sending out the information decided to invest because of the trust they have in him.

He insisted that he is not the owner of the Facebook account, Christopher Chidiebere through which the hackers perpetrated the crime, calling on the public to beware.

Details of the account used by the scammers is Mulammued Hawa, First Bank PLC account number 3153720098

A 42-year-old woman has been arrested by the police in Naivasha, Kenya for reportedly killing her 4 children (three girls and one boy) who are between the ages of 2 and 8 years.

The mother of 6 identified as Beatrice Mwende Kimotho, allegedly locked her 4 children in the house before giving them poison at Kabati Estate. K2TV reported that the police said they received a distress call from Jackson Kimani Kimotho, the woman’s brother saying that she had asked him to check on the children who she had killed at her house.

He further revealed that his sister shared pictures of the children in a family WhatsApp group after killing them, asking for prayers. Upon entering the two-bedroom house, the police found the bodies of the four children on their beds with traces of vomit and blood in their mouth.

Naivasha Sub County Police Commander Samuel Waweru confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect is in lawful police custody.

He said; “The accused first told her friend that her children were admitted to the Naivasha Sub-County hospital with chest pains before confessing a few hours later that she had strangled them.”

A police officer involved in the investigations added; “She (the suspect) took turns to strangle the four and slept in the same house until today (Saturday) morning when she walked away from the house.

“We are at the very initial stages of the probe and at this point, we cannot divulge many details.”

The Naivasha Sub County Police Commander said they are continuing with the investigations to establish the motive of the killing of the minors.

Read more at: https://abntv.ng/2020/06/woman-murders-4-of-her-children-shares-photos-of-their-corpse-in-whatsapp-group/

BREAKING: Abia Ghastly Accident Leaves Three Dead, 3 Critically Injured [Photos, Video]

No fewer than 3 people have lost their lives in a fatal auto crash around Ntigha Umuaro junction, New Umuahia Road in Abia State, ABN TV reports.

The axis is the new road leading to Akwa Ibom.

An eye witness who spoke to our correspondent said the accident involves a trailer loaded with cement and a Diana bus loaded with woods and six occupants.

The source told ABN TV that the trailer driver was coming from the road linking Ntigha and Umuaro while the driver was coming from the Aba road axis.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0GptmOTs5M

The driver of the trailer who was allegedly on high speed was said to have hit the bus conveying wood along with the 6 occupants.

Three of the passengers died on the spot including the driver while the other three were rushed to a nearby health facility.

As at the moment of filing this report, the injured were in a stable condition.

When contacted for a comment, the Police Public Relations Officer in Abia State, Geoffrey Ogbonna could not pick his call.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/06/breaking-abia-ghastly-accident-leaves-three-dead-3-critically-injured-photos-video/

The Federal Government has approved the erosion control project along Isuikwuato-ABSU Road in Isuikwuato LGA of Abia State.

The Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja.

Recall that the senator representing Abia North senatorial district, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu had in a letter dated August 14, 2019, drew that attention of Boss Mustapha the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to the erosion menace in the area.

This is in line with the Federal government’s plan to open up rural communities for commercial activities.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/06/after-sen-kalus-request-fg-approves-isuikwuato-absu-erosion-control-project/