₦airaland Forum

The chairman of CAADES group, Dr Chima Anyaso has called on Nigerian, the youths and those related to the victims of the building collapsed that happened at Ikoyi, Lagos state to bear the loss of their dear ones with fortitude.


Anyaso gave the message through his verified Instagram account, saying that he is both in pains and short of words to express how he feels over the loss of several lives in one swoop.


He said that the collapsed building has killed so many people who are both current and future leaders of our great country, who would have in one way or the other contributed their own quota to the development of the country.


The youthful leader said, "Dear Nigerians and Nigerian youths, today we mourn with those that lost their loved ones in the Ikoyi tragedy that happened some time ago, killing so many current and future leaders of our great country. May the souls of the faithful departed continue to rest in peace".


He said, "We mourn with the families of victims of the Ikoyi building collapse. Our collective strength as a society is expressed in our humanity in times of tragedy such as this. We mourn".


Anyaso however called on youths of the country not to lose hope because of the unfortunate Ikoyi tragedy but to forge ahead with whatever they are doing that is legitimate as God will surely reward them abundantly.


The chairman of CAADES group then charged the families that lost their dear ones in the building collapse, to try and pick up the pieces of their lives and move on as their loved dead ones will not be happy to see them mourn too much.

Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke

The chairman of CAADES Dr Chima Anyaso has called on Nigerian youths to see life as a special gift from God and try to maximise it especailly at this trying times both in Nigeria and globally.


Anyaso who decribed life a beautiful gift which should be cherished, nurtured and appreciated at all times, urged the youths to always show regards to those around them who may have impacted one way or the other in their lives. 


He said this in his weekly motivational message to all Nigerian youths irrespective of where they reside or come from and charged them to always be of good behaviour wherever they find themselves.


The motivational speaker who also used the forum to wish all Nigerians, especially the youths a happy new month said, "While you are alive, live maximally, savoring every single moment".


The business man also adviced the youths of the country to be careful while enjoying their lives to the fullest, that they should not only be thankful always but to be prayerful at all times as such is the key to a good life. 

Anyaso noted that the uncertainty of life is apparent, "More so in these uncertain times", stressing that the uncertainty of life should call for caution in every thing they do.

He said, "Worry less about things you cannot change and change every single thing you can, balance your life with a measure of gratification for all your toiling".

-- Ugochukwu Ugo-Ejeke

The importance of constant character evaluation. Whether as an entrepreneur or a working class person in pursuit of excellence, you are to package yourself like a product and your character is the real packaging.
Just like any product, the packaging has to be attractive, appealing and colorful, that is how you should be.

You can be intelligent and full of ideas, but you need to be pleasant, respectful and well mannered. Whatever you think you know there are others who know it and probably better too therefore pride and arrogance truly have no place in excellence.

They say you never truly know a person until they have tasted some measure of success. The truth of this saying is the undoing of the conceited, prideful and arrogant.

Your character will definitely affect your business either positively or negatively.

Keep improving, keep growing.

Dr Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso
Chairman Caades group

Dr Chima Desmond Anyaso, a youth motivator and a business man of note, has called on Nigerian youths who intend to go into private businesses to always look very well before they venture into such adventure.


Anyaso who is the chairman and chief executive of CAADES Group, a privately owned business outfit said this in his weekly message to the youths of the country, warning that failure to do due diligence before going into such business will lead to colossal failure.


He said, "As much as I champion the campaign for more youths to get into entrepreneurship, I will not fail to warn you that you must be rightly motivated if you want to succeed".


The philanthropist noted that if the work anyone does earns him/her money to take care of their needs, feed their family and save for the future, then they are actually working for themselves.


Anyaso said that being one's own boss is one of the best ways to encourage private entrepreneurship and also one of the easiest ways to ruin the business ventures of many people because of lack of proper planning and motivation.


He said, “Be Your Own Boss is about the most condescending way to encourage entrepreneurship but unfortunately it is one of the highest driving forces in pushing young people into entrepreneurship failure if not properly done".


"A lot of young people have been cajoled to cut short their blossoming careers simply on the promise of becoming their own boss".


"I know young people who resigned from good paying jobs with great prospects only to venture into entrepreneurship unprepared and wrongly motivated and today some of them are begging for lower positions than they were when they resigned".


The founder and sponsor of Ahuoma foundation warned that if the youths are venturing into private businesses simply because they are answerable to others, that such move is bound to fail because they are not properly motivated.


"If your reason for wanting to start your own company is because you are tired of being told what to do, you are wrongly motivated".


Anyaso said, "Don’t go into entrepreneurship with the mindset that becoming your own boss means you are no longer accountable or answerable to anyone", stressing that doing so is wrong as you are answerable to yourself and those you have employed.


He recalled that there are very many successful career people who never owned a company.


The oil magnet said that the right motivation for successful entrepreneurship is the motivation to help others solve their problems, to serve others diligently and offer them the best services in other to earn their loyalty and win their business.


He noted that when one opens an enterprise, such a person is doing that with the aim of helping others as much as he/she is helping themselves, pointing out that failure to move or think in this direction means downfall is near and then warned, to "Look before you leap".

The Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, CAADES Oil & Gas Ltd. Dr. Desmond Chima Anyaso has congratulated the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji on his award as the Public Service Man Of The Year 2020 by The Sun Newspapers & Publishing Company.

Dr. Chima Anyaso, who doubles as President of Ụmụ Aba Connect Association described the award as well-deserved, noting that Rt. (Hon) Chinedum Orji's dedication to service brought him forth to be appreciated "Your dedication to service has brought you forth once again to be seen, admired and appreciated for all that you have done and continue to do for Abia State and Nigeria at large"

Dr. Anyaso, who is the founder of Chima Anyaso Foundation and Chairman of Caades Group, expressed hope that the award would motivate and propel Mr. Speaker to do even more for the people of the State and the nation at large.

The Abia born billionaire businessman and politician urged the Speaker to see the award as a call to continue with his quality service delivery to the people.

It could be recalled that yesterday, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, THE SUN NEWSPAPERS PUBLIC SERVICE MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD was given to the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji in an event that attracted many dignitaries.

Ugochukwu Ugoji Eke wrote:

The founder and sponsor of Ahuoma Anyaso Tuition Free Nursery and Primary, Dr Chima Anyaso has explained how he started the school which has turned out to be a role model and a challenge to others from his area.

Anyaso said that the school which is located at his home town, Igbere in Bende local government area of Abia state was started in 2007 to take care of the less privileged in the society.

The humanitarian revealed this when he hosted some selected newsmen at his country home recently.

He recounted that he was moved to start the school in 2007 when he came home to start work on his village house.

Anyaso said that while he was building his country home, "I saw pupils who were of nursery school age rooming about in the village and when I asked, I was told that there was no nursery school in Igbere at that time".

He said that the situation forced him to abandon his personal project to start the school so that such category of children would find a place to go to school while their parents attend to other matters that would help to put food on their tables.

The Philanthropist said that when the school started which he named after his dear mother, Chief Mrs Ahuoma Anyaso, that pressure came for him to expand it up to primary school level, "Which I did without looking back, as I saw then and till date as one of the ways to give back to the system".

He said, "I am not oblivious of the fact that primary education is the basic right of every child, as it is the foundation of education for everything in life and every child should be able to complete a full course in primary education".

"To build a new Nigeria, you have to begin from the grassroots which is the founding principles of Ahuoma Anyaso nursery and primary school where our children can have a strong educational foundation that every child deserves because what is good for the goose is also good for the gander".

Anyaso said that God blessed him while he was building the school as he built and completed his village home at the same time, adding that all the teachers in the school are all being paid by him.

He explained that since the school started in 2007, that non of the pupils attending the school has ever paid any school fees as it is tuition free.

Chima, the founder of the school said that his foundation has been offering the first three best pupils scholarship to further their education in any secondary school of their choice which however must be within or around the area.

He said that he intends to expand the school up to secondary school level, adding that he intends to achieve that with the help of his friends.

Improving The Well-being Of Abia Mothers, Infants And Children, an important public health goal of Ikpeazu's Govt - By Loveday Chidi

The health policies and programmes of any government should be informed by the need to
reach the less privileged and people at the grassroots

It might also involve starting a new hospital management paradigm that will involve community participation and give all healthcare
professionals, especially pharmacists, their proper place in the health management system.

Above all, mother and child health should occupy the front burner of any peoples oriented leadership that cares a hoot about the well-being of its teeming populace.

Available records show that in Nigeria, most mothers, infants and children are yet to have any form of access to essential quality healthcare services, mostly at the rural areas, especially when all efforts should be geared towards ending preventable deaths among all women, children and adolescents.

This is heartbreaking, as their well-being determines the health of the next generation and can also help predict future public health challenges for families, communities, and the healthcare system in the Society.

In Abia, Improving the well-being of Abia mothers, infants, and children appears an important public health goal for the present administration, ably led by Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu.

Efforts by his administration to address persistent disparities in maternal, infant, and child health have employed a “life course” perspective to health promotion and disease prevention in the State.

With the recent assurance by the Governor, that the Mother and Child Specialist Hospital which is at its final stage of completion will be commissioned and ready for service to Abians soon, shows that his government is mindful of the citizenry and is aimed at improving the health of women, infants and children.

Upon completion, according to available facts, the hospital will be the most comprehensive women's healthcare institution and the only hospital facility dedicated completely to children since the creation of Abia State.

Facilities such as Laboratory facilities, Radiography, Pharmacy and functional Theatre facilities required to take care of specialist issues concerning children and mothers would be readily available too.

Located opposite Central Police Station, Bende Road Umuahia, the hospital according to Gov. Ikpeazu, who spoke to newsmen shortly after inspecting the facility, expressed satisfaction at the progress of work done so far, said that equipment would soon arrive at the facility.

Meanwhile It was gathered that the state had already taken delivery of two full containers of medical equipment for the hospital which came as a donation from one Dr. Jackson in Denver Colorado, USA as an offshoot of the collaboration between the State Government and Abians in the diaspora.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has assured that the Mother and Child Hospital which is at its final stage of completion will be commissioned and ready for service to Abians soon.

Speaking after inspecting the facility located opposite Central Police Station, Bende Road Umuahia, Governor Ikpeazu expressed satisfaction at the progress of work done so far.

The Governor said he was pleased with the design of the hospital and announced that equipment will soon arrive at the facility .

According to him, the State has already taken delivery of two full containers of medical equipment for the hospital which came as a donation from Dr Jackson in Denver Colorado, USA as an offshoot of the collaboration between the State Government and Abians in the diaspora.
The Governor said that the State Government was also procuring more medical equipment for the hospital.

The Governor said that Government was committed to providing State of the Art facilities at the hospital including Laboratory facilities, Radiography, Pharmacy and functional Theatre facilities and indeed all that is required to take care of specialist issues concerning children and mothers.

The Governor was accompanied on the inspection by his Wife, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, the Secretary to Government, Barrister Chris Ezem and the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Osuji.

Aba South Deputy Chairman congratulates Commissioner nominees Hon Okezie Erondu, Chief Mrs Uwaoma Olenwengwa, Prof Ikechi Mgboji, Barr. Charles Esonu.

The Aba South Deputy Chairman Hon Mrs Hon Princess Peace Nwobilo has congratulated Hon Okezie Erondu, Chief Mrs Uwaoma olenwengwa, Prof Ikechi Mgboji, Barr. Charles Esonu on their recent appointment as Commissioner nominees by Governor Okezie lkpeazu Ph.D.

Hon princess Peace said she has no doubt that the leaders will bring their wealth of experience to bear on their new assignment and hopeful that they will be successfully screened by the State House of Assembly.

She expressed appreciation to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for nominating them to drive home his developmental plans for the state.

She urged the nominees to be good ambassadors of the council, With their experiences, things are going to be good in Aba and Abia state in general.

By KINGSLEY MADUFORO


Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, in his effort in tackling the age long infrastructure decay in Aba, the ancient city, with particular reference to the dilapidated road network of the commercial city, is in conformity with his five cardinal policy thrust of turning the state around. The strategic importance of road infrastructure can hardly be over emphasized because good road network is the livewire of any economic system, as aspirations, goals and destinies are actualized with the free flow of men and materials along the roads. As such, it is needless to say that poor road network locks out the economic potentials of a nation or a state as was the case with Abia State before Gov. Ikpeazu assumed office.


Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu has chosen road infrastructure as a critical road map towards recovering the Abia economy that is gradually heading to abyss. His obsession for quality road infrastructure, with specially greater emphasis on Aba is predicated on the fact that Aba is the goose that lays the golden egg hence the urgent need to mitigate her years of neglect. Moreover, Aba represents the resilience and enterprising spirit of the Igbo nation and serves as point of convergence. Above all, Aba has provides the highest market for the South-East and South-South geo-political zones in the history of commerce in Nigeria. This high market index of the city is further complemented by the high level of creativity for which it is noted. This informs the measures Gov. Ikpeazu has taken in building and rebuilding of road infrastructure in all parts of the state, thereby attracting both local and foreign investors and making it a driving force for Abia economy.


The zeal, determination, passion and commitment demonstrated by the present administration led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to give the citizenry good motorable roads as well as engender economic activities in the state, especially in Aba the commercial hub of the state, is highly commendable.


The Ikpeazu road construction and rehabilitation revolution has indeed turned the state into a huge construction site where caterpillars, bulldozers and other earth moving equipment are at work round the clock. The governor is using cement technology or what experts call ‘rigid pavement technology’ to construct 80% percent of the roads in Abia. Right now, over 124 roads spread across the three geo-political zones in the state have been delivered and a good number of roads are still under construction with good drainage network.
According to Gov. Ikpeazu, his administration is engaging in this kind of high quality road network to ensure a lasting legacy so that in the next 20 years the roads will still be active and functional.


The effort towards restoring the dwindling economy of the state was well calculated by first addressing the unhealthy road network in the state and it has put the state on a stronger economic footing. The state has become a virgin land for investment, the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMSEs) are regaining their strength back in the state especially the city of Aba which is the commercial hub in the state and our youth are getting employed and engaged meaningfully.


This is a call for all to demonstrate genuine commitment to turn around the economic fortunes of the state for the good of the citizenry and we can only achieve this by supporting Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu’s transformation agenda. The governor has shown capacity in managing the state's resources and the testimony is there for all to see.

Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the blessings of God just because the opposite wasn’t the case. Therefore I congratulate the Governor of Abia state Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for his strong and steady leadership mostly in the area of safety and security of lives and properties In Abia State.
As we enter this Ember months, many Nigerians all over the world are extremely concerned about going home for Christmas this year due to unprecedented security challenges in the country today, but Abians are one of the few lucky ones in our Nation that still enjoy peace and security thus far.
So as people of God’s Own State, let us appreciate what we have as we continue to press for what we need. In due time, at the set time, God will fulfill his promise to his people

According to weather.gov “Flash Floods can be caused by a number of things, but is most often due to extremely heavy rainfall from thunderstorms

“The intensity of the rainfall, the location and distribution of the rainfall, the land use and topography, vegetation types and growth/density, soil type, and soil water-content all determine just how quickly the Flash Flooding may occur, and influence where it may occur.

“Urban Areas are also prone to flooding in short time-spans and, sometimes, rainfall (from the same storm) over an urban area will cause flooding faster and more-severe than in the suburbs or countryside. The impervious surfaces in the urban areas do not allow water to infiltrate the ground, and the water runs off to the low spots very quickly.

"Flash Flooding occurs so quickly that people are caught off-guard. Their situation may become dangerous if they encounter high, fast-moving water while traveling. If people are at their homes or businesses, the water may rise quickly and trap them, or cause damage to the property without them having a chance to protect the property.“

In North Eastern USA, flash flooding and tornadoes killed at least 14 persons in the past 24 hours while in Spain it wrecked havoc, too. About a month ago, flash flooding wrecked havoc in Lagos.

Meanwhile, NiMet, in one of its recent advisory, predicted flash flooding in many states in Nigeria including Abia and we promptly informed and sensitized our people.

“The Agency disclosed some States that could be affected to include; Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Kebbi, Niger, FCT, Plateau, Adamawa, Taraba, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra, Abia and River States.” - Vanguard Newspaper, August 25th, 2021

Last week, heavy rains inundated Aba and other parts of Abia State for days with Aba being particularly hard hit because of the topography of the commercial city. Ordinarily, the damage to infrastructure and possibly loss of human lives would have been enormous if not for the work done by the Ikpeazu administration in the past 6 years.

Since Goveenor Ikpeazu was inaugurated in 2015, he insisted that all roads done by his administration in Aba must have double drains that empty into a major drainage channel that will deliver rainwater into the natural storm water collection point in Aba, the Waterside River. Indeed, in its early years the administration partially dredged Waterside to enable the river receive more storm water as the government embarked on opening closed drainage channels and constructing new ones.

It is safe to say that even though Aba has been at the receiving end of potential flash flooding predictions by NiMet, we have not witnessed any loss of life as a result and no major infrastructure collapse or failure witnessed as the storm water usually drains out after each heavy rainfall.

Even in the instant case where Ahia Ohuru recently experienced flash flooding as a result of exceptionally heavy rainfall, the water drained shortly after the rains abated and no life was lost. There was also no major damage to properties.

What that means is that the control system put in place by the administration worked, to the glory of God, even though our hardworking people, unfortunately, experienced different levels of discomforts as a result of the flash flooding.

It is important to note that since the 80s, only the Ikpeazu administration has moved deliberately to solve the flooding challenges around the Ifeobara and Ndiegoro axis of Aba, a task the government has had to push forward with even in the midst of deliberate booby traps and sabotage placed on its path by political actors who would rather politick on the age old pains of our people.

To further demonstrate its commitment to reduce incidents that are usually associated with flooding, the Ikpeazu administration is already reconstructing Ndiegoro axis with work actively going on along Ngwa Road. Surely, the phased reconstruction of Ngwa Road has denied naysayers their much desired photo-ops.

There is also ongoing work along Ifeaobra axis with phased reconstruction of Ariaria market soon to kick off.

If the purpose of sharing videos of Ahia Ohuru or any part of Aba for that matter is to disparage the government, those involved have failed because we are far ahead of them in identifying problems and putting the necessary solutions in place. Yet, it must be noted that even much more developed cities and countries are not immune to flash flooding as was experienced in USA and other places shown in this video.

Our commitment has never been to solve all Abia problems, but, instead, it is to solve as many problems as possible in order to deliver better life to our people.

Please, feel free to blame us for not stopping heavy rains from falling in Aba and Abia State; we apologize upfront for that with an assurance that as soon as relevant technology becomes available to reduce or stop heavy rainfall induced flash flooding, we will move to acquire the technology to make life even much better for Ndi Abia who remain the most hardworking people in the world.

The Abia State government has restated its commitment towards completing Ngwa, Obohia, Ohanku and Port Harcourt Roads as well as properly channel the Umuagbai pond to control flooding of the areas.

The Abia State Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu who stated this today in a chat with newsmen said the Ndiegoro flood mediation project signed in April 2020 had the site handed over to the contractors on the 6th of June, 2020, but could not start immediately due to the global lockdown necessitated by Covid-19 and the ENDSARS saga, until January 2021.

Chief Kalu who revealed that the World Bank's facility of $56million to the state is domiciled in a separate account and can never be independently accessed by the state government as it is meant for all World Bank-related projects in the State since 2016, which include Umuagu - Isingwu, Umuezegu Isiala Ngwa, Nsulu and the Ndiegoro flood challenges to be executed through NEWMAP.

According to him, Governor Ikpeazu who since assumption of office in 2015 has made steady progress in saving the state especially Aba from the ugly incidents of flood disaster through the construction of concrete drainage systems on the roads built by his administration, partial dredging of Waterside for the collection of storm water in the city, however approached the World Bank through NEWMAP on Ndiegoro flooding challenge which was the same reason Late Sam Mbakwe wept publicly in 1982, and had not been attended to by any past administration except now.

He noted that construction of drainages is in progress at Ngwa Road up to the Good Morning market while the asphalt work will start immediately the rainy season abates assuring that the road will be delivered before the end of this year. He also assured that Port Harcourt Road which is a state government project will be completed before the end of Governor Ikpeazu's administration and called on residents to be patient as work will recommence after the rains.

The Abia information boss further explained that the State House of Assembly has no resolution on the $56million of the World Bank and that the state government cannot interfere with the oversight functions of the legislators who have also visited the Ndiegoro project sites in Aba and expressed satisfaction with the level of work which he said started in January 2021.

He urged residents of the affected areas to be patient as works progress in those vicinities and condemned in strong terms the politically motivated incitement of the people against the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration by a certain state legislator emphasising that the government has shown greater commitment in rebuilding the infrastructural deficit in Aba South State Constituency and other parts of the State.

He challenged the lawmaker who represents Aba South State Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly to put aside party differences and show genuine concern in the ongoing projects in the Constituency and seek clarifications with the state Chief Executive or other relevant government functionaries involved in the project implementation. He referred to Echefu, Onyebuchi, Ibere, Osusu and some others as roads Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has built in Aba South LGA. He also confirmed that Omuma Road is expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year.

Kalu however appealed to the residents of Aba to complement the efforts of government by keeping their surrounding gutters clean so as not to be adversely affected by the recent warning from NIMET that mentioned Abia as one of the 34 states that will experience flash floods in the coming days.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has made a rather audacious call for a new Nigerian constitution which will evolve from the will of the people and not foisted on Nigerians like the present 1999 Constitution.

According to Governor Ikpeazu, the new Constitution will restructure the country and devolve more powers to the federating units, entrench resource control by the states, establish federal, state, and local government police formations and be more responsive to the protection of the rights of all citizens, as well as provide a level playing field where all Nigerians will be treated equally.

Governor Ikpeazu made these calls today as Keynote Speaker at the 5th Osasu Show Symposium with the theme - STATE OF THE NATION, THE PEOPLE'S CONSTITUTION held at the International Conference Center in Abuja.

The Governor stated that the major fundamental flaw of the present constitution is that it lacks the ownership of the people which is a key ingredient that clothes Constitutions with the requisite legitimacy.

While elucidating on the sources of a Constitution, the Governor noted that the road to a proper constitution involves processes through which the voice and views of the people can be found. These could be through constitutional conferences, referenda, Acts of parliament, Judicial precedents, customs of the people, conventions, etc.
Drawing inference from constitutions of other countries like the USA, Argentina, South Africa, Tanzania, etc, the Governor added what we currently have is a constitution handed down by military fiat complete with all the nuances of totalitarianism with a very powerful President, Governors and even Local Government Chairmen across the country.
This military mindset, the Governor added, is the reason for unduly concentrating powers in the federal government in areas where it ordinarily has no business with.

This needless concentration of powers in the federal government especially in the areas of security, revenue generation and allocation, resource control has stifled growth in the states and local governments, making them "parasitic appendages of a powerful federal government".
A situation where states look forward to monthly receipts from Abuja has killed hardwork and initiatives, recalling the first Republic when the regions thrived well when they were quasi independent.

On Security, the Governor decried a situation where a State Governor in Nigeria cannot take actions to manage an urgent security issue because by virtue of the proviso to Section 215 (4) of the Constitution, the Commissioner of Police in a state may request that a matter be referred to the President or minister.
According to the Governor, the existence of a single national police outfit is at variance with federal system of Government and this has led to the establishment by different states in the country, of vigilante outfits and other forms of security and traffic management teams.

On resource control, the Governor decried a situation where some office of the Federal Government in Abuja hands out licenses to people to exploit mineral resources in states without any recourse to the states and even the local communities where these sites are located, and after these activities, these communities are abandoned with grave environmental problems.

Governor Ikpeazu also faulted the provisions of the present constitution for failing to provide proper qualification for leadership in Nigeria. He wondered why a modern constitution in a modern time like this when science and technology is the order of the day, would prescribe the a School Certificate as the qualification for the office of the President of Nigeria.

Our present constitution, the Governor noted, is not autochtonous and as such is incapable of commanding the requisite quantum of social mobilizarion required to move forward, a multi ethnic, multi religious, multi lingual and multi cultural country like Nigeria.

The Governor suggested that young Nigerians of between the ages of 20 and 35 be invited from both the Diaspora and locally, drawn across different professions - engineering, law, security, arts, education, architecture, economics, artisanship, etc to sit down and craft a new vision for our country. Their inputs can be inculcated into our new efforts towards a people's constitution.

The event attracted an array of dignitaries. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo joined virtually while the Acting Canadian High Commissioner, Ambassador Nicolas Simmard delivered the opening address.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke was also a speaker at the event which also featured panel discussions.

The 2 day event continues tomorrow.

Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
16th August, 2021.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has commissioned the Nkporo Cottage Hospital with a charge to members of the community to maintain and own the facility for optimal use.

The Governor at the Commissioning noted that the hospital is solar powered which means it has a 24 hour power supply, theatre, and a laboratory.

He said the facility is built for the benefit of the people especially the aged describing it as a dream come true for his administration.

The state of the art Cottage hospital he revealed is well equipped to take care of mother and child in bid to reducing maternal and child mortality rate in the area.

The decision to employ the sons and daughters of the community is to ensure that they own the facility and ensure its maintenance and prompt response to emergencies. Governor Ikpeazu hospital said the hospital will get a subvention of one million naira monthly while emphasizing that if the personnel do well t the end of six months, they will be retained and absorbed by the Hospitals Management Board. He also announced that the hospital will have a management board comprising of the Development Union, youths and the women.

The Governor prayed that every sick and medical emergencies brought shall be healed and prayed God to take death far from the facility.

Chairman, Ohafia Local Government,Dr. Okorafor Ukiwe in his speech assured that

the project will be well protected and managed.

President of Nkporo Development Union, Benjamin Imeri who appreciated the Governor for providing the first of its kind befitting secondary health care facility said the union will ensure the protection of the property by all means.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Osuji revealed that Governor Ikpeazu has done alot in the state's health sector with the provision of award of 100 bedded hostel at Amachara and Midwifery, Nvosi health certain and securing of accreditation for all the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in the state.

He explained that the Cottage hospital, a state of the art facility has well qualified personnel who will man the facility for utmost gain. The facility he said is to ensure accessible health care by all and charged the people to secure the facility.

The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu has reiterated his commitment to ensure that all roads started by his administration will be concluded to the chagrin of naysayers describing as unfortunate the way and manner opposition members bad mouth the same state they come from.

The Governor stated this at the commissioning of the first phase of the Amaoji junction-Abayi in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that the dry Port project appeal by the people of the LGA falls squarely at the center of the efforts of his administration to promote trade and Investment, small and medium scale Enterprises development, adding that it will be achieved before the end of his administration.

The project he says will be the first of it's kind in the entire southeast and will serve the region noting that he will deploy all resources to make the project a reality. The governor also promised to heed their calls for the reconstruction of the Okpuala Ngwa to Mbawsi road and appealed to them to maintain the road.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, Hon. Chinwendu Ochulor, said his LGA is happy with the Governor for his efforts at opening up rural communities for economic development. The Chairman also pleaded with the Governor to help them with other roads in the LGA especially connection of Okpuala Ngwa to Mbawsi and a dry port.

Joy Nwanju, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs said the project is an intervention project of the Ministry initiated in 2019 for ease of doing business in the area and also revealed that other zones of the state will also receive same.

Commissioner for Works, Bob Ogu explained that the Governor has built a template that will guide him in the construction and reconstruction of all roads in the state including the second phase of the project. He guaranteed that the road has a longevity lifespan.

Others who spoke at the event including Hon. Christopher Enweremadu, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe and Chima Nwosu, representing the youths of the community enjoined the Governor to ensure speedy completion of the second phase of the project.

Hon. Uko Nkole, Member Representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Commissioner for Information, the Secretary to the State Government, Bar. Chris Ezem, PDP State Party Chairman, Allwell Asiforo, Namong other top Government functionaries graced the event.

CERTIFICATE FORGERY CASE: BEN KALU SHOULD BEAR HIS CROSS AND STOP DRAGGING DR. CHIMA ANYASO TO HIS NIGHTMARE, THE JUDGMENT DAY HAS BEEN SET ALREADY.

Ordinarily, we would have keep ignoring the different Ben Kalu's media concoction, especially the one he dished out through his trainee media hireling, Chidozie Aja, tagged "Okey Ezeala and Chima Anyaso, gimmicks of a stooge and his paymaster" but in order not to allow them to keep deceiving the good people of Ndị Bende and general public, let me categorically atate clear here once again that Chima Anyaso's hands are not in the said allegation that he is sponsoring the claimant in the case, Hon. Okey Ezeala, who is not even a member of the PDP but a Chieftain of APC and famous political Ally of Ben Kalu in the build up to 2019 general elections.

Dr. Chima Anyaso is not sponsoring anybody, he has never sponsored anybody and will not sponsor anybody.

We noted with grave dismay that the said article was written with the aim of dragging the name of a business man, respectable philanthropist and founder, CHIMA ANYASO FOUNDATION, Chima Anyaso to the mud in the ongoing court case that bothers on certificate forgery by Ben Kalu, of the House of Representatives.

For the avoidance of doubt, the said matter is totally between him (Ben) and Hon. Okey Ezeala, who we read on the media, prays the court to "to determine whether somebody who does not have a valid school certificate or primary school certificate can contest an election to Bende federal constituency and indeed any other constituency across the Federation, to determine whether Benjamin Okezie Kalu was a valid candidate abinitio" among other volcanic prayers to the court.

It is advisable that Ben Kalu should go and clear himself before the court, bear his cross and stop dragging Dr. Chima Anyaso's name into his sinking ship. Come to think of it, can't Ben Kalu prove his innocence in court without these unnecessary media ranting? Or is He so afraid of Hon. Okey Ezeala to the extent of seeking a third party to blame? Well, it is the law court where he should go and clear himself, not blackmailing every perceived political nightmare.

Already as we read on media too that the Judge has adjourned the case until the 23rd of August 2021 for judgement after submissions by both councils, Okey Amaechi SAN for the claimant and Kelvin Nwufor for the defendant in the case.
Ben Kalu should face the Judgment day squarely and stop looking for public sympathy.

Hon. Dr. Chima Anyaso wishes to inform Ndị Bende and teeming Supporters that he is busy with his multinational businesses and as God continues to bless him, he will continue to render his philanthropic goodwill to Ndi Bende and Nigerians at large.

Joseph Ejindu.

The honorable member representing Aba north and south in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon Chief Chimaobi Ebisike has commended security heads in Aba for discharging their statutory function of protecting lives and property with excellence despite the challenges faced.

Hon Chimaobi made the comment on Monday during his “thank you” visit to the Aba area commander, ACP Kabiru Ibrahim and the OC in Charge of 144 Battalion, Ngwa High School, Aba, Major MM Jibddah.

The lawmaker charged them to be at their best as the festive season draws near.

========MOBI POL======

In his response on behalf of the security heads, the Aba Area Commander, ACP Kabiru Ibrahim congratulated Hon Chimaobi Ebisike on his victory at the last polls and described him as a representative of the people.

He described the March 27 bye-election as fair and devoid of violence.

ACP Kabiru also assured the honorable member of their continued commitment to securing lives and property within the Aba metropolis, while also advocating for peace and order within the city of Aba

=========BIRU =========

Those in attendance during the visit include, the DPO in charge of the Central police station, Otubo Robinson and other top security heads.



COV/TONY AGBANYIM

CHIMA ANYASO COMMENDS GOVERNOR IKPEAZU ON HIS SECURITY MEASURES

Abia born billionaire businessman and politician, Dr Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, has commended the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, for his giant strides in providing adequate security in the state.

Governor Ikpeazu had in a meeting with the Executive Chairmen of the LGAs and some stakeholders in the security sector of the state at the Governor's Lodge, Aba, announced far reaching strategic security measures at the Community, Local Government and State levels, and disclosed that selected numbers of security personnel will be in charge at various levels of security across the State with specific focus on the activities of criminal herders. He also informed that Chairmen of Local Government Areas in the State will coordinate the security apparatus in their areas in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Governor Ikpeazu also announced the distribution of various types of logistics to enable the personnel carry out their duties effectively and that the leadership of each group of the personnel will be armed with relevant gadgets for prompt and effective communication and dissemination of information .

While emphasizing on the importance of security as the state is at the confluence of the South East and South South with the possibility of criminal activities from these other areas snowballing into the state, the governor enjoined the Chairmen of the Local Governments to be dispassionate in choosing those that will head the security set up at the community and local government levels as well as inaugurate the new security structure in their respective areas.

Recall that the Chima Anyaso Foundation had donated patrol Motorcycles to Igbere Community Vigilantes to Enhance Security, and also disclosed that the intervention would be extended to all the Wards in Abia State.

*CERTIFICATE FORGERY AGAINST HOUSE OF REPS SPOKESPERSON BENJAMIN KALU: COURT ADJOURNS TILL WEDNESDAY*


A High Court sitting in Umuahia has adjourned till Wednesday the 4th of of August 2021 in a case bothering on primary and secondary schools certificate forgery brought against the Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Benjamin Kalu by an APC chieftain, Hon. Okey Ezeala.

Addressing journalists in Umuahia after the court adjourned on Monday 02/08/2021, the claimant Hon. Okey Ezeala who once represented Abia north in Nigerian Youth Parliament Abuja while in the National Assembly as a Senior Legislative Aide, Member ECOWAS youth parliament and candidate of the APC in the 2019 Bende South State Constituency elections, revealed that the substantive case borders on name irregularities in credentials Mr. Benjamin Kalu submitted to INEC, contrary to the constitutional requirements of a citizen before participating in elections into the National Assembly, which he explained include First Schol leaving or its equivalent. He maintained that
"I want to state here in agreement with my affidavit and in my originating summons before the high court, that Benjamin Okezie Kalu did not submit any valid document to prove that he attended primary school, that he attended secondary school, because there is no Benjamin Kalu in the purported primary school certificate he submitted to INEC and there is no Benjamin Kalu in the purported secondary school certificate he submitted to INEC. If there is anything there, it is one school cert from Wilcox Memorial School, Aba, bearing Ụmụnna Okezie and another one bearing Osisiọgu Okezie, so the two names, Benjamin and Kalu are very strange names to say the least."

He further emphasized that " if we elected Benjamin Kalu in Bende in into the House of Representatives and there is no Benjamin Kalu and neither is there a valid change of name. Emphasis on the word VALID because one cannot mix up several names up till the University, you now go to do affidavit for a change of name whereas the same name you are doing affidavit to change, you have been using it for official documents from time immemorial - that's an after thought. You cannot put something on nothing and it would stand. Bende people know that they elected Benjamin Kalu and then somebody else certificate is in INEC, something is wrong somewhere."

Hon. Okey Ezeala disclosed that his prayers " is for the court to determine whether somebody who does not have a valid school certificate or primary school certificate can contest an election to Bende federal constituency and indeed any other constituency across the federation. Secondly that the court should determine whether Benjamin Okezie Kalu was a valid candidate abinitio." Adding that if the answer to the matters raised are not in affirmation, the court is therefore requested to declare that APC had no candidate abinitio in that election and consequently order INEC to issue Certificate of Return to those that participated in the elections and scored the highest votes. According to him, he has absolute trust in the court to decide whether someone can benefit on his wrong doing, adding that, there are precedents as ruled by the Supreme Court in several matters, where a particular party loses out intoto. Moreover, giving the fact that it is a forgery case that has no time bounds for determination.

Also, the claimant informed journalists that counsel to Ben Kalu, K. I Nwaoffor (SAN) and his team have hitterto opposed the appearance of his counsel, Chief Okey Amaechi, (SAN) which He described as an attempt to change the goal post at the middle of the game" but expressed gratitude to the court for ruling in his favour to allow both Chief Okey Amaechi (SAN) and Charles Onuchukwu esq to continue with the matter. Hon. Ezeala however expressed optimism that the court would rule in his favour, saying that it would serve as deterrent to others.

Lending her voice, one of the members of the claimant's counsels and lawyer with Chief Okey Amaechi (SAN) , Maureen Onosike said "There was an opposition from the other party that we cannot come in to represent the claimant because there is no change of counsel and the learned silk argued that there is no need for change of application that we are simply joining the already existing counsel representating the claimant and the court ruled in our favour" She said "the learned silk has justified his claim by enlisting Charles Onuchukwu as one of the lawyers he is appearing with, so he overruled them stating that there is no need for a change of counsel." The lawyer disclosed that the court has adjourned the case till Wednesday (04/08/2021) this week and expressed hope that justice would prevail at the end of the day.

*CERTIFICATE FORGERY AGAINST HOUSE OF REPS SPOKESPERSON BENJAMIN KALU: COURT ADJOURNS TILL WEDNESDAY*


A High Court sitting in Umuahia has adjourned till Wednesday the 4th of of August 2021 in a case bothering on primary and secondary schools certificate forgery brought against the Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Benjamin Kalu by an APC chieftain, Hon. Okey Ezeala.

Addressing journalists in Umuahia after the court adjourned on Monday 02/08/2021, the claimant Hon. Okey Ezeala who once represented Abia north in Nigerian Youth Parliament Abuja while in the National Assembly as a Senior Legislative Aide, Member ECOWAS youth parliament and candidate of the APC in the 2019 Bende South State Constituency elections, revealed that the substantive case borders on name irregularities in credentials Mr. Benjamin Kalu submitted to INEC, contrary to the constitutional requirements of a citizen before participating in elections into the National Assembly, which he explained include First Schol leaving or its equivalent. He maintained that
"I want to state here in agreement with my affidavit and in my originating summons before the high court, that Benjamin Okezie Kalu did not submit any valid document to prove that he attended primary school, that he attended secondary school, because there is no Benjamin Kalu in the purported primary school certificate he submitted to INEC and there is no Benjamin Kalu in the purported secondary school certificate he submitted to INEC. If there is anything there, it is one school cert from Wilcox Memorial School, Aba, bearing Ụmụnna Okezie and another one bearing Osisiọgu Okezie, so the two names, Benjamin and Kalu are very strange names to say the least."

He further emphasized that " if we elected Benjamin Kalu in Bende in into the House of Representatives and there is no Benjamin Kalu and neither is there a valid change of name. Emphasis on the word VALID because one cannot mix up several names up till the University, you now go to do affidavit for a change of name whereas the same name you are doing affidavit to change, you have been using it for official documents from time immemorial - that's an after thought. You cannot put something on nothing and it would stand. Bende people know that they elected Benjamin Kalu and then somebody else certificate is in INEC, something is wrong somewhere."

Hon. Okey Ezeala disclosed that his prayers " is for the court to determine whether somebody who does not have a valid school certificate or primary school certificate can contest an election to Bende federal constituency and indeed any other constituency across the federation. Secondly that the court should determine whether Benjamin Okezie Kalu was a valid candidate abinitio." Adding that if the answer to the matters raised are not in affirmation, the court is therefore requested to declare that APC had no candidate abinitio in that election and consequently order INEC to issue Certificate of Return to those that participated in the elections and scored the highest votes. According to him, he has absolute trust in the court to decide whether someone can benefit on his wrong doing, adding that, there are precedents as ruled by the Supreme Court in several matters, where a particular party loses out intoto. Moreover, giving the fact that it is a forgery case that has no time bounds for determination.

Also, the claimant informed journalists that counsel to Ben Kalu, K. I Nwaoffor (SAN) and his team have hitterto opposed the appearance of his counsel, Chief Okey Amaechi, (SAN) which He described as an attempt to change the goal post at the middle of the game" but expressed gratitude to the court for ruling in his favour to allow both Chief Okey Amaechi (SAN) and Charles Onuchukwu esq to continue with the matter. Hon. Ezeala however expressed optimism that the court would rule in his favour, saying that it would serve as deterrent to others.

Lending her voice, one of the members of the claimant's counsels and lawyer with Chief Okey Amaechi (SAN) , Maureen Onosike said "There was an opposition from the other party that we cannot come in to represent the claimant because there is no change of counsel and the learned silk argued that there is no need for change of application that we are simply joining the already existing counsel representating the claimant and the court ruled in our favour" She said "the learned silk has justified his claim by enlisting Charles Onuchukwu as one of the lawyers he is appearing with, so he overruled them stating that there is no need for a change of counsel." The lawyer disclosed that the court has adjourned the case till Wednesday (04/08/2021) this week and expressed hope that justice would prevail at the end of the day.

Kinetic Abia: Understanding the Ndiegoro Flood Control Project in Aba
(Part 1)

-John Okiyi Kalu

1. In the 80s, then Governor of Imo State (which includes present day Abia, Imo and parts of Ebonyi States) visited Ndiegoro area of Aba which was wrecked by a flood disaster and wept profusely in public because of the suffering of the people and the inability of the Shagari administration of the then federal government to decisively intervene to help the state fix the challenge.

2. Ndiegoro area of Aba is the lowest lying part of low lying Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State and the entire south east region. It includes high population areas of Port Harcourt Road, Uratta, Ngwa Road, Obohia and Ohanku Roads all sitting on a massive flood plain.

3. After his inauguration in 2015, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu moved to holistically solve the perennial flood challenges in the area which also doubles as the fabrication and tailoring hub of the city and produces more than 40% of the GDP of Aba. He believed that reconstructing the major roads alone without properly channeling storm water will continue to be a disservice to the people as it will only be a matter of time before flood water washes off the new road.

4. Series of meetings were held between the Governor and government of Abia State and the World Bank team to first ensure that the state complies with the requirements of transparency in government financial management systems vis-à-vis the open government initiative of the World Bank.

5. With the world bank finally confirming that the government was in compliance with relevant requirements of transparency, the next challenge was to appropriately situate the project within existing World Bank funding projects in the country.

6. It is important to note that before the intervention by Governor Ikpeazu, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) was only focused on erosion mediation projects but the Ikpeazu team managed to convince the World Bank to use the same vehicle to intervene in a flood mediation project which was new to the scope of the agency.

7. Finally, the world bank approved the N27.4b “Aba Emergency Flood Mitigation Works for Uratta and Umuagbai Flood Plains” which is to date their biggest singular intervention in Nigeria with the following scope of work:

a. Constructing an underground tunnel along Uratta and Obohia roads to move storm water from Uratta and Umuagbai ponds to Aba River. The Uratta tunnel will traverse Port Harcourt Road and meet the Obohia tunnel at Obohia by Ngwa Road and become one single tunnel along Ngwa Road into Aba River.

b. Full reconstruction of Obohia and Ngwa Roads

c. Reconstruction of parts of Uratta and Port Harcourt Roads within the project area.

8. Surprisingly, the approval got Abia opposition politicians very angry and apparently jittery that if the project was implemented it would be near impossible for them to defeat Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at the 2019 polls. The defeated All Provressive Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate in the 2015 election, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, led the charge to cancel the approval and project by petitioning and visiting the Federal Ministry of Finace and even members of the National Assembly. He pressed for cancellation of the project without consideration for the negative implications for the people of the state and Aba South residents such cancellation would bring.

9. It took all the leadership dexterity of Governor Ikpeazu to overcome all the booby traps placed on the path of the project by Otti and other Abia opposition politicians as well as some envious opposition controlled states leading to many months of project implementation time being lost. Indeed, time was of the essence because World Bank funding of NEWMAP projects had a time line after which they would end all related interventions in Nigeria.

10. While all these sabotage were going on, Governor Ikpeazu, knowing how crucial Port Harcourt Road, Aba, which is a federal road within the city, is to the people and economy of the city, moved to commence reconstruction of the road while waiting for the final decision to be made by the World Bank. He expanded the road into a six lane project, constructed the surface drains that will channel storm water to Waterside River and evacuated the mounds of refuse at the Crystal Park Junction of the road.

11. Then the long awaited signal came from World Bank that the emergency flood mitigation project would go ahead. Worthy of note is that within the waiting period, APGA went to town to claim that they had “attracted” projects to reconstruct Uratta and Ohanku Roads from the federal government. I invite the good people of Aba to visit both roads and see the state of those two roads which the same opposition elements recently have been taking videos of to circulate online as evidence of failure, an exercise which has ended in futility for them as Governor Okezie Ikpeazu remains focused on delivering the projects within stipulated timeline as agreed with the World Bank

Chineke para ha tule!!!

*To be continued

Ikpeazu Commissions another Road in Aba, Promises to Complete all Ongoing Projects before 2023

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has promised to complete the Osisioma flyover, Eziukwu, Omuma, Ngwa Roads and other strategic projects embarked upon by his administration before the end of his tenure.

Governor Ikpeazu who stated this while commissioning the newly reconstructed Immaculate Heart Avenue done by his administration, in continuation of his "Kinetic Abia Inspection and Commissioning Programme" reassured that no road done by his administration will be revisited by his successor as the roads are done with rigid pavement technology.

The Governor who noted that it is wrong to build roads without drainages, assured that the Immaculate Heart Avenue road which is constructed with rigid pavement technology has a life span of nothing less than 25 years.

The State Chief Executive also promised to continue to work selflessly for Ndi Abia until he leaves office, and thanked the Speaker and members of the Abia State House of Assembly for being key players in the success of his administration.

"I want to thank members of the House of Assembly for their support. Without their support it will be difficult to get the funds to do these roads. I want to ask them to continue to support us because the power we hold is in trust for the people and the essence of Government is to do that which will lead to better life for the people", the Governor said.

Speaking, the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu said that the road is very critical to the residents of the area in particular and the people of Aba in general, adding that the continuous commissioning of roads by the present administration is a proof that the administration has fulfilled its campaign promises. He assured that the Governor will continue to commission more roads until 2023.

Also Speaking, the Speaker Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Chinedum Orji, Chairman, House Committee on Works, Ginger Onwusibe and other members said, based on the achievements of the Governor, they will do everything within their powers to assist him do more of such roads for the people.

They said anyone who does not appreciate the efforts of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in infrastructural development does not love Abia State, pointing out that the House is proud of him and will continue to support him in taking Abia to higher heights.

Also Speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Elder Bob Ogu said the road is very important to the economic growth of the area and State, adding that street lights will be installed soonest while the road will connect the Ogbor Hill area of Aba.

In an address presented on behalf of the Chairman, Osisiọma Ngwa LGA, Christian Kamalu, the Deputy Chairman thanked the Governor for the show of love to the people and said they will not take it for granted.

He said the people of Osisiọma deeply appreciate Governor Ikpeazu's benevolence to the Council and listed several other roads constructed and delivered by the Governor including the ones currently under construction.

In their various speeches, former Commissioner for Transport & Housing, Prince Enyinnaya Ubani, President of the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), Sir Lawrence Obetta, the Chairman Landlords Association, Immaculate Heart Avenue Road, Aba, Prince Nwaeze and a representative of SS Anthony & Jude Catholic Parish, Rev Fr Francis Onuoha, thanked the Governor and noted that the development will help checkmate the activities of hoodlums in the area as security agents can now patrol the vicinity seamlessly.

The Secretary to the State Government, Barr Chris Ezem, Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, State PDP Chairman, Sir Alwell Asiforo Okere, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Sir Don Ubani, the state Chairman, Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Joseph Nwabeke among other stakeholders and interest groups witnessed the ceremony.

Ikpeazu Commissions another Road in Aba, Promises to Complete all Ongoing Projects before 2023

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has promised to complete the Osisioma flyover, Eziukwu, Omuma, Ngwa Roads and other strategic projects embarked upon by his administration before the end of his tenure.

Governor Ikpeazu who stated this while commissioning the newly reconstructed Immaculate Heart Avenue done by his administration, in continuation of his "Kinetic Abia Inspection and Commissioning Programme" reassured that no road done by his administration will be revisited by his successor as the roads are done with rigid pavement technology.

The Governor who noted that it is wrong to build roads without drainages, assured that the Immaculate Heart Avenue road which is constructed with rigid pavement technology has a life span of nothing less than 25 years.

The State Chief Executive also promised to continue to work selflessly for Ndi Abia until he leaves office, and thanked the Speaker and members of the Abia State House of Assembly for being key players in the success of his administration.

"I want to thank members of the House of Assembly for their support. Without their support it will be difficult to get the funds to do these roads. I want to ask them to continue to support us because the power we hold is in trust for the people and the essence of Government is to do that which will lead to better life for the people", the Governor said.

Speaking, the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu said that the road is very critical to the residents of the area in particular and the people of Aba in general, adding that the continuous commissioning of roads by the present administration is a proof that the administration has fulfilled its campaign promises. He assured that the Governor will continue to commission more roads until 2023.

Also Speaking, the Speaker Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Chinedum Orji, Chairman, House Committee on Works, Ginger Onwusibe and other members said, based on the achievements of the Governor, they will do everything within their powers to assist him do more of such roads for the people.

They said anyone who does not appreciate the efforts of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in infrastructural development does not love Abia State, pointing out that the House is proud of him and will continue to support him in taking Abia to higher heights.

Also Speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Elder Bob Ogu said the road is very important to the economic growth of the area and State, adding that street lights will be installed soonest while the road will connect the Ogbor Hill area of Aba.

In an address presented on behalf of the Chairman, Osisiọma Ngwa LGA, Christian Kamalu, the Deputy Chairman thanked the Governor for the show of love to the people and said they will not take it for granted.

He said the people of Osisiọma deeply appreciate Governor Ikpeazu's benevolence to the Council and listed several other roads constructed and delivered by the Governor including the ones currently under construction.

In their various speeches, former Commissioner for Transport & Housing, Prince Enyinnaya Ubani, President of the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), Sir Lawrence Obetta, the Chairman Landlords Association, Immaculate Heart Avenue Road, Aba, Prince Nwaeze and a representative of SS Anthony & Jude Catholic Parish, Rev Fr Francis Onuoha, thanked the Governor and noted that the development will help checkmate the activities of hoodlums in the area as security agents can now patrol the vicinity seamlessly.

The Secretary to the State Government, Barr Chris Ezem, Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, State PDP Chairman, Sir Alwell Asiforo Okere, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Sir Don Ubani, the state Chairman, Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Joseph Nwabeke among other stakeholders and interest groups witnessed the ceremony.

All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain and former Commissioner for Finance in Abia State, Mr. Obinna Oriaku, has revealed that the Paris Club Refunds given to the state were Judiciously used by the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu led administration.

Oriaku stated this while responding to a question on a radio program monitored in Umuahia.

According to Oriaku, “those funds were Judiciously used. Remember when these funds came, we were about the only state that decided to use huge sum of that money for salaries. Most states were using it for other things; contractor payment, overhead payments etc. The second tranche of N5.7 billion that came, even one naira was not taken out, and I remember the Governor using it to talk to the NUT people, he said how else do we demonstrate our commitment towards your welfare If we can commit an entire 5.7 billion naira for your welfare and really which was true. No other state did that”.

The former finance Commissioner however, admitted that the Ikpeazu administration inherited some backlog of wages from previous administrations in the state.

In 2015, then incoming Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, identified industrialization as one of the pillars of his administration with the objective of creating jobs, improving the economy and increasing internally generated revenue of the state.

To build this Pillar of Develoment, Dr Ikpeazu applied a 3-pronged strategy to deliver on industrialization:

1. Support resuscitation of moribund industries in the state.

This strategy has helped companies like Golden Guinea Breweries to return to production after decades of being closed. More than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs have been restored and created and our people are once again enjoying their favorite beverages.

2. Build new industries

When Governor Ikpeazu dispatched 30 young Abians to China to be trained on automated shoe making, his intention was to move the gargatuan shoe production business in Aba from manually operated to machine supported mass production. When the team returned, Governor Ikpeazu followed up by ensuring importation of the equipment they trained with in China and thereafter established Abia’s first ever automated shoe making factory called Enyimba Automated Shoe Company (ENASCO) with the 30 young Abians becoming the drivers.

ENASCO is already mass producing shoes for institutions like the Nigeria Railway Corporation and is set to also produce for the Nigeria Police and other military and para military organizations in the country that hitherto imported their footwears at great cost to our forex.

Recently, Governor Ikpeazu flagged off the construction of Enyimba Automated Garment Factory to drive mass production of clothing and fashion apparels in the state. It will be recalled that early in his administration the Governor traveled to Turkey, Bangladesh and Thailand with some Aba tailors to expose them to automation driven mass production.

In addition, the government established five cottage rice milling industries in the state and is currently establishing 17 agro-allied industries in all the local governments of the state. Each local government is getting industries that reflect their competitive edge in agriculture with some having palm processing industries while others are benefiting from cassava processing industries.

Meanwhile, Governor Ikpeazu proliferated four million high yielding tenera specie palm seedlings across the state as well as established the first poultry cluster to train and equip young Abians who are interested in poultry farming.

3. Encourage foreign direct investment

When Governor Ikpeazu deliberately moved to make the state friendly to foreign investors and traveled to global economic capitals to make the case for investment in Abia, many of his opponents laughed it off as “junketing”. Yet, the Governor was not deterred and went ahead to put in place security, good infrastructure and other enablers that would attract foreign investors to the state.

The efforts of the Governor are yielding dividends with the state rated as the 3rd favorite destination of choice for foreign investments in 2020 as rated by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), also with many new multi-national outfits opening shops in Aba after decades of avoiding or fleeing from the state.

Steel giants, Inner Galaxy are producing and exporting from Aba while Nibra Shoe of Brazil is actively constructing a new factory in the state. Other international brands are still investing in the state to tap into the wealth creation agenda of Dr Ikpeazu.

Recently, a man who was displaced from a northern state and forced to return to the south east found himself in Aba. In no time, he was able to settle his family, rebuild his business and is in his own words “doing better” than before. Even the streets of Aba are bustling to the brim with many new businesses opening up almost on a daily basis thereby already putting pressure on available infrastructure. In response, however, Governor Ikpeazu has accelerated and given new impetus to his infrastructure development agenda under his popular “Kinetic Abia” program and recently vowed to double his record setting 108 completed road projects in the state before the end of his tenure in 2023. He is creating new industrial clusters including at Ovom and Umukalika and working with Geometric Power Ltd to ensure the roll out of steady power supply in 9 of 17 LGAs of the state to support rapid industrialization.

These and much more are what is making Ikpeazu's Abia thick!

Expect more.

- Chief John Okiyi Kalu

By Chief John Okiyi Kalu(Honourable Commissioner For Information, Abia state.

The greatest news coming out of the election is that we have counted and no one is missing among Abians on Saturday.

For that, we thank God Almighty for his goodness and mercy.

Abia is the most peaceful state in Nigeria and regardless of political differences we all understand the need to ensure that we don’t lose our people to any form of election violence.

Congrats to all the parties that participated in the election. We are all winners in equal measures.

Herdsmen-Farmers Conflict: Peace Building is a Process but there must be Zero Tolerance for Criminality

Earlier today, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu while featuring in a Channels Television interview stated that Abia State Government has long set up machinery to resolve conflicts between herdsmen and farmers.

According to him, conflict is inevitable in human relations management but Abia State has in place a standing Conflict Resolution Committee headed by the State Commissioner of Police to settle conflicts arising from the two groups, at the state level, while similar committees exist at the various LGAs with Chairmen of the respective Local Government Areas heading the committee alongside the respective Divisional Police Officers.

To date, the committees at the different levels have resolved many conflicts and helped to engender peace within our communities.

In many cases, resolution involves compensating the farmer and/or herdsman for loss of crops and/or cattle. That way, the state is able to maintain peaceful co-existence among people of diverse backgrounds.

The highest amount usually paid for a cow is N100,000 while the farmer receives compensation based on the assessment of the damage done to his/her crops.

We see nothing cowardly about making peace.

But we have zero tolerance for criminality. If someone willfully destroys another’s farmland and expects to be compensated we will rather charge the person to court instead of compensating him for a crime. Likewise, if you steal someone’s cow or kill and eat another’s animal (including cow, goat, chicken etc), you will answer to the law for stealing.

What the government will never tolerate in our state are those who masquerade as herdsmen to attack, maim or kidnap our people. Those are criminals and we have zero tolerance for criminality in Abia State. There is no sane explanation for hiding in forests to attack innocent people and dispossess them of their lives and or property.

Abia State Government is committed to hunting down those criminal elements including the ones that attack security agents and our people, using all available resources,

It is important to note that for many years now, our people lived in peace with herders. Indeed, as typical of all Igbo, we welcome genuine peaceful visitors to our state. But we are not ready to concede any inch of Abia land to criminals under any guise.

It is also important to note that aside from Abia State anti-open grazing law which was signed by Governor Ikpeazu in 2018, there are existing laws in the country against willful destruction of farmlands, kidnapping, illegal possession of arms, stealing and murder. We expect security agents to fully enforce those laws without fear or favour.

-JOK
03/02/2021

-Joshua Eze

Just as we know, wisdom is the principal thing, but sadly, in the case of Mr Chimezie Okwuonu, the mischievous new Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Abia State Chapter, wisdom is non existent or absolutely an illusion.

I have taken time to read the junk of a report credited to him regarding his visit to OUK, one time Governor of Abia state, the man who destroyed Abia and reportedly looted its treasury dry with an unprecedented maladministration during his time, and would come to a conclusion that the said Dr Chimezie Okwuonu is either a joker or a depraved man, or both, hence, his unguarded utterances on behalf of the respected Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

It is high level of insensitivity fueled by politics that any member of NMA In Abia State would make such move and utter such irritating comments against Abia state Government under the watch of Ikpeazu even as the Governor recently gave 2 months subventions to ABSUTH with a promise to repeat same in January 2021 and going forward in order to support the institution to offset her bills and pay salary of workers.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK) we know, is a man who derives joy in unnecessary praises and revels in undeserving accolades poured on him by lackeys and bootlickers who erroneously believes he still has crumbs to throw around for them. To him politics must be put before good governance and lackeys like Dr Okwuonu who has never hidden his plan to use the Chairmanship of NMA to launch his political career.

Recall that during his time as Governor of Abia State, same OUK laid the evil foundation that has underdeveloped the state by owing workers and
Pensioners months of unpaid arrears with the money allegedly diverted into private pockets. That Okwuonu is comfortable with a man still standing trial for allegedly looting a whopping sum of N7bn from Abia state should alarm NMA members in the state.

Okwuonu should have asked his mentor to use the N7.2b to offset the arrears, if he is a serious person.

It is imperative to note that Mr Okwuonu's visit to OUK, is politically motivated, hence making OUK to be on the spotlight again, as he derives joy in such frivolous moves. It was never intended to serve the interest of any worker as Kalu is obviously in no position to offset whatever arrears owed and Okwuonu was merely there to pledge loyalty to his political mentor who happens to have funded his private practice.

Governor Ikpeazu has continued to support our ailing parastatals long before the likes of Okwuonu started looking for platforms to launch their political schemes. As the Governor promised the national president of NMA, he is already fixing the road leading to ABSUTH and obviously Okwuonu never consulted the management of the institution or the workers before embarking on his infamous mission to his sponsor.

Joshua Eze wrote from Aba

By John Okiyi Kalu

I watched the widely circulating video made by one Dr Kenneth who goes with the alias of “Liborous Oshoma Gcfr” and my initial thought was that the child who did not attend his father’s burial will always exhume him from the legs. Since then I’ve called and discussed with the maker of the video on the issues raised, lack of balance and perspective in his material. We agreed to do a joint physical review on the state of road infrastructure in the State before and during the Ikpeazu-led administration as well as the administration’s going forward plan to do more in the midst of obvious financial challenges.

While we wait for the joint physical review, it is important that I respond to some of the issues raised, especially for the sake of those who may have been sucked in by the seemingly persuasive presentation of Liborous without due consideration for sacred facts.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu rightly complained about the poor state of federal roads in the state which unfortunately threatens to asphyxiate and cut off the commercial hub of the state, Aba, as well as cut off inter-LGA access within the state. The painful part is that most visitors to the state, including Liborous, form their opinions on the state of infrastructure in the state along with the performance of the Governor from their ugly experiences at those federal roads, and consequently, close their eyes to the extensive works done with state roads by the administration.

To date, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has completed 97 verifiable State road projects and I dare inform that it is a record number within the state and region. In addition, he has worked on several federal roads to ensure palliative maintenance of those roads without refund of even a Kobo from the federal government. He constructed alternative state roads to bypass terribly bad federal roads in the state, including Ekwerazu-Nto Edina Road which is the only motorable link between Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States today.

For the purpose of clarity, permit me to take up the issues raised in the video in itemized manner:

1. I do not know the Abia State Government official who called Liborous “unprintable names” but certainly not from my office which is the information clearing house of the state. As democrats, we see constructive criticism as an integral part of democracy and have since 2015 encouraged citizens' participation in governance through feedback. Suffice it to state that the first contact Liborous had with my office was when I reached out to him on Saturday after watching his current video.

2. While Liborous is right to state that Abia is an oil producing state and receives 13% derivation payments, he obviously does not know that as at today, Abia has only 45 active wells from where she has never earned up to a billion naira in any particular month. In fact, in one particular month the state received Twenty Nine million naira (N29,000,000.00) only as derivation payment and the records are there for all to see. Last month, the state earned N271m as derivation. It is therefore obtuse to compare Abia with states that receive billions monthly from derivation with a straight face and boldness. Indeed, the Monthly derivation payment to one of the states he mentioned is higher than the total allocation of at least 3 South East states put together.

3. Obviously, the road leading to Ukwa West that Liporous referenced is the Aba-Port Harcourt segment of Enugu-Port Harcourt Federal Highway. That particular road is among the terribly bad federal roads mentioned by Governor Ikpeazu as requiring urgent intervention. The same segment of road was awarded by the federal government to a Chinese company since 2014 with absolutely nothing done at the Abia end to date. The contractors have abandoned the project to work on another segment in a neighboring state since then with untold hardship to our people.

On our part, we have done more than 4km of a new State road link for our people from that axis through the Uratta-Ugwati Road in Ukwa area. We have also executed the following road projects in the area from our meager 13% derivation payments, in addition to other key development projects:

A. Rehabilitation/Asphalt overlay of failed portions of Umungede rtoad in Owaza.
B. Rehabilitation/Asphalt overlay of failed portions of Ezeogwu Road in Owaza
C. Rehabilitation/Asphalt overlay of failed portions of WELL 9 Road (Palm Groove) Phase 1 & 2 in Owaza.
D. Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of failed portions of WELL 9 Road (Umuegwusi/Umuagalaba Road junction in Owaza.
E. Rehabilitation/ Asphalt overlay of failed portions of WELL 9 Road (Uzoururu Umuokeudu junction) in Owaza
F. Rehabilitation/ Asphalt Overlay of failed portions of Obehie/Owaza Road in Owaza
G. Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of failed portions of Ahia Orie Umuokpara Road in Owaza
H. Rehabilitation / Asphalt Overlay of failed portions of Umuagalaba Road (Owaza) in Owaza.

It is important to note that following the critical appeal of Governor Ikpeazu, the contractors handling the Osisioma segment of the Enugu-PH Highway (Arab Contractors) and Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Federal Road (Hartland) have remobilized to site this week. The Federal Controller of works in the state has also visited the Governor to detail out planned intervention with other federal roads.

4. On “AMA-Mmogh“ area of Aba, it is on record that our administration is the first to construct 3 key roads in the area using rigid pavement technology: Agharandu, Onyebuchi and Ibadan Roads, all connected with the garment cluster in the area. Ibere Street has partially been reconstructed, too.

In addition to the above, I make bold to state that since the creation of the earth no other administration has put in place a more profound plan to recover that area that is famous for Ndiegoro flood disaster of the 80s that made late Governor Sam Mbakwe weep. The Ikpeazu administration has commenced work on a N27.4b watershed management project that includes total reconstruction of Ngwa and Obohia Roads as well as the proper channeling of storm water in that particular area that is at the sump of Eastern Aba city through a massive underground tunnel that is expected to end frequent road failures in the area. The internationally vetted and approved contractors, Hartland and Tunnel End, are currently implementing palliative works along Obohia and Umuagbai Roads to create alternatives to the busy Ngwa Road before full reconstruction of the ever busy road that leads to Ahia Ohuru market and our garment cluster. In addition to that, the State Government has awarded Ohanku Road for reconstruction after years of unconscionable tying of that road to a non performing NDDC contract. Just in case Liborous missed this and needs reminding, NDDC is a federal agency.

5. ABSUTH road is under construction with more than 95% of the drains completed along Club 25 Road in Aba. With the onset of dry season construction window, we have mobilized the contractor to return to site and complete the project within this window. Before now, this administration rehabilitated the Udeagbala end of the road which takes very heavy tonnage as a result of the activities of the manufacturing concern located there. In due course, we shall link up Udeagbala and Club 25 Road to provide another smooth entry/exit road from Aba.

6. On Port Harcourt Road, Aba, it is important to state that when we came on board in 2015, that road which was in a very bad condition was tied to a federal contract and we had a running battle with the contractor before we forcefully vacated the contract two years ago and commenced work there with massive double drains already completed end to end for the first time in known history. We suspended work along that road because of the need to link up the new drains with the watershed management project of the Ndiegoro area. This administration will not execute a road project without proper channeling of storm water to avoid early failure. We also learned from our experience elsewhere in the city and decided to integrate the project with the greater watershed management project that includes Uratta through Port Harcourt to Umuagbai and Ngwa Roads to Waterside River. We hope to complete the work, along with full reconstruction of Ngwa Road, Ohanku and Obohia before the end of our tenure in office. We care too much for the sustainable wellbeing of our people to execute “Ozigbo Ozigbo” road projects to impress the likes of Liborous and the do-nothing political opposition in the state who lack the courage to call out the federal government on the parlous state of federal roads in our state.

After the reconstruction of proximal Osusu Road using rigid pavement (cement) technology, we have awarded Omuma Road for full reconstruction with a defined path for storm water management through Osusu and Eziukwu to Waterside. We are applying the principles of integrated road construction to ensure total recovery of Enyimba City within the pendency of our administration and will NEVER sacrifice quality for speed, or waste the limited resources of our state on hasty unplanned interventions.

7. According to Liborous, “Most of the roads at the Local Government Areas of the state, like Aba North, Aba South, Osisioma, Ugwunagbo and Obingwa LGAs have all been taken over by water and frog” but a visit to the mentioned LGAs will show otherwise. The Ikpeazu administration is the first state government in history to construct an asphalted road in Ugwunagbo LGA (Umunka-Ugwunagbo Road) since the earth was created. Likewise, we have completed at least six (6) road projects in Osisioma LGA including MCC-Samek, Umuode, Omnee, Adaelu, Chima Nwafor, Umuojima, Osokwa Umuejie, Kamalu etc with other ongoing road peojects in the area. I dare any living Abian to contradict me that no other administration In the state has done more roads in the LGA than the Ikpeazu administration. In Obingwa, we have completed Ekwereazu, Agalaba Phase 1, Ukaegbu, Ehere, Umuola, Obikabia, Ebenma Egege, Umuobiakwa roads etc with many others such as Ururuka ongoing.

8. “The Umuahia, Bende, Ututu to Ohafia and Arochukwu Roads is a nightmare“ assertion of Liborous is true. What he obviously missed is the fact that it is a federal road under a failed subsisting federal contract. One would have expected Liborous to know this simple fact and at best call for urgent federal intervention as Governor Ikpeazu did. I personally wish to join Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in calling out the federal government to end the sufferings of our people living in that axis. It is “criminal” to ignore the long suffering of the people of the area by abandoning that project for so long.

Furthermore, I call on federal legislators representing the area to courageously stand up at the National Assembly and call for the full funding of the already awarded but poor performing contracts for the reconstruction of that federal road.

9. According to Liborous, “Osisioma flyover, Obohia Road, Ohanku Road, and Eziukwu Road have won awards as the roads that has taken the longest time to build”. Interestingly, Osisioma Flyover is the first of such structures to be built in Abia since the earth was created and it is at about 90% completion level. While the project was started in 2017 with a planned 2 years completion duration, it suffered delivery set backs due to funding constraints and the fact that we have only 5 months construction window. The good news is that the administration is determined to deliver the project before the end of this year and work is ongoing as I write this response.

While we launched the reconstruction of Obohia Road in April of this year, it is a fact that we have long completed work at Eziukwu Road and adjoining Ojike Lane. I challenge Liborous to visit the state and stand in the middle of those roads to make live videos, if he cares for truthful advocacy. We are also working on the famous Milverton Road that is linked to Eziukwu and Ojike roads and will open the area to full traffic only after the completion of the Milverton project within this dry season window. Those with elementary knowledge of construction and the area in question will not disagree with the decision of the government. If we open Eziukwu and Ojike without completing Milverton the already done work will certainly be negatively impacted.

10. I don’t know the unnamed government source that gave Liborous his information that former Governors of the state travel at the expense of the state. I leave those involved to defend themselves but suffice it to state that state sponsored local and international travels is at the lowest ever under Ikpeazu. Since 2015, Governor Ikpeazu also cut his salary and that of his appointees by more than 50% to save money for other areas of need. He not only wears Made in Abia clothes but also eats only Made in Abia rice in Government House Umuahia. It will be strange and malicious for anyone with rudimentary knowledge of Abia’s political leadership history to accuse Governor Ikpeazu of financial recklessness.

11. While we have challenges with payment of workers in our state parastatals who are statutorily not paid by the state government; the fact that all workers directly paid by the state government are up to date with their salaries should not be ignored. Also, the fact that the new minimum wage has since applied should not be glossed over. Abia currently pays better than any state in the region, per salary level, and has the highest wage bill in the region.We have long moved to support ailing parastatals to pay workers regularly and ultimately clear their outstanding wages. In the same Nigeria where Liborous lives, states are experiencing challenges with revenue inflow with some already cutting wages as a result of the economic challenges associated with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating EndSARS protests across the nation. For instance, while in June 2020, total allocation to the state amounted to N1.9bn, the state government still managed to pay wages of over N2.3bn in same month and executed other projects during the pandemic.

12. According to Liborous, the state government approached AfDB for some facilities including the N27bn for watershed management. The fact is that the World Bank availed the state the N27.4bn for the watershed management project in the Ndiegoro area of Aba and the project is ongoing as I write this response after we fully paid our counterpart funding. It was AfDB management that invited the Governor to their headquarters and he seized the opportunity to discuss critical support to the government and people of Abia State. The automated shoe factory in Aba (ENASCO) which was funded directly by the state government is currently at test production stage and we have gone ahead to start exploratory work on a new automated garment factory that will be located within the same area. Our team is currently in Bangladesh and Turkey thereafter to review available equipment, and in due course, we hope to launch this as further boost to our SME development agenda that has seen Aba being rated as the SME capital of Nigeria. The launch of our SME Microfinance Bank is a further testament to the determination of Governor Ikpeazu to boost MSMEs in the state and create jobs. It is this same agenda that gave rise to Governor Ikpeazu’s envisioning of the already licensed Enyimba Economic City which is expected to create more than 600,000 jobs within a period of 10 years. Only a transgenerational leader like Governor Ikpeazu will seek to solve the challenges of today and tomorrow in his state.

13. That Liborous affirmed that the administration has embarked on many road projects in urban and rural Abia speaks to our desire to solve as many road nfrastructure challenges as possible. Our major limitation remains funding and the short construction window available to our state which receives the second highest annual rainfall In Nigeria.

14. We will not fall into the temptation of comparing ourselves with other Igbo states that are obviously at different development stage with us. Suffice it to say that properly schooled development analysts understand that in a Federal Republic, different states pursue different development paradigms based on the leader's understanding of the current state of development, needs of the people and vision for the future. We correctly analysed the development stage of our state, her challenges and future outlook before arriving at the 5 pillars of development that emphasize human capital development through appropriate engagements in Education, Agriculture, Industry, Trade and Commerce as well as Oil and Gas development. We also identified factors that wiii enable the development of these pillars to include (i) Security (ii) Education (iii) Health (iv) Infrastructure (v) Ease-of-Doing Business and Tax Reforms. We are religiously pursuing these pillars and the enablers in the hope that we will leave Abia much more better than we met it. Other states are free to pursue the development of their state via another route.

Finally, I dare agree with Chimamanda Adichie that “The risk of the single story, the one perspective, is that it can lead us to default assumptions, conclusions and decisions that may be incomplete, and may lead to misunderstanding..." Adichie also makes a connection between single stories and the impact of power in our lives. Hear her: "Operating from the context of a single story can prevent us from a more complex, nuanced view of a situation.”

It is on the above note that I wait for the agreed date of engagement for Liborous to visit Abia and review all that I have stated in this response and hopefully make another video that is reflective of the true situation without the usual suspects accusing him of being compromised by the state.

Thank you.

Chief John Okiyi Kalu is the Honorable Commissioner for Information, Abia State

By Chief John Okiyi Kalu:

I watched the widely circulating video made by one Dr Kenneth who goes with the alias of “Liborous Oshoma Gcfr” and my initial thought was that the child who did not attend his father’s burial will always exhume him from the legs. Since then I’ve called and discussed with the maker of the video on the issues raised, lack of balance and perspective in his material. We agreed to do a joint physical review on the state of road infrastructure in the State before and during the Ikpeazu-led administration as well as the administration’s going forward plan to do more in the midst of obvious financial challenges.

While we wait for the joint physical review, it is important that I respond to some of the issues raised, especially for the sake of those who may have been sucked in by the seemingly persuasive presentation of Liborous without due consideration for sacred facts.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu rightly complained about the poor state of federal roads in the state which unfortunately threatens to asphyxiate and cut off the commercial hub of the state, Aba, as well as cut off inter-LGA access within the state. The painful part is that most visitors to the state, including Liborous, form their opinions on the state of infrastructure in the state along with the performance of the Governor from their ugly experiences at those federal roads, and consequently, close their eyes to the extensive works done with state roads by the administration.

To date, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has completed 97 verifiable State road projects and I dare inform that it is a record number within the state and region. In addition, he has worked on several federal roads to ensure palliative maintenance of those roads without refund of even a Kobo from the federal government. He constructed alternative state roads to bypass terribly bad federal roads in the state, including Ekwerazu-Nto Edina Road which is the only motorable link between Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States today.

For the purpose of clarity, permit me to take up the issues raised in the video in itemized manner:

1. I do not know the Abia State Government official who called Liborous “unprintable names” but certainly not from my office which is the information clearing house of the state. As democrats, we see constructive criticism as an integral part of democracy and have since 2015 encouraged citizens' participation in governance through feedback. Suffice it to state that the first contact Liborous had with my office was when I reached out to him on Saturday after watching his current video.

2. While Liborous is right to state that Abia is an oil producing state and receives 13% derivation payments, he obviously does not know that as at today, Abia has only 4 active wells from where she has never earned up to a billion naira in any particular month. In fact, in one particular month the state received Twenty Nine million naira (N29,000,000.00) only as derivation payment and the records are there for all to see. It is therefore obtuse to compare Abia with states that receive billions monthly from derivation with a straight face and boldness. Indeed, the Monthly derivation payment to one of the states he mentioned is higher than the total allocation of at least 3 South East states put together.

3. Obviously, the road leading to Ukwa West that Liporous referenced is the Aba-Port Harcourt segment of Enugu-Port Harcourt Federal Highway. That particular road is among the terribly bad federal roads mentioned by Governor Ikpeazu as requiring urgent intervention. The same segment of road was awarded by the federal government to a Chinese company since 2014 with absolutely nothing done at the Abia end to date. The contractors have abandoned the project to work on another segment in a neighboring state since then with untold hardship to our people.

On our part, we have done more than 4km of a new State road link for our people from that axis through the Uratta-Ugwati Road in Ukwa area. We have also executed the following road projects in the area from our meager 13% derivation payments, in addition to other key development projects:

A. Rehabilitation/Asphalt overlay of failed portions of Umungede rtoad in Owaza.
B. Rehabilitation/Asphalt overlay of failed portions of Ezeogwu Road in Owaza
C. Rehabilitation/Asphalt overlay of failed portions of WELL 9 Road (Palm Groove) Phase 1 & 2 in Owaza.
D. Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of failed portions of WELL 9 Road (Umuegwusi/Umuagalaba Road junction in Owaza.
E. Rehabilitation/ Asphalt overlay of failed portions of WELL 9 Road (Uzoururu Umuokeudu junction) in Owaza
F. Rehabilitation/ Asphalt Overlay of failed portions of Obehie/Owaza Road in Owaza
G. Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of failed portions of Ahia Orie Umuokpara Road in Owaza
H. Rehabilitation / Asphalt Overlay of failed portions of Umuagalaba Road (Owaza) in Owaza.

It is important to note that following the critical appeal of Governor Ikpeazu, the contractors handling the Osisioma segment of the Enugu-PH Highway (Arab Contractors) and Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Federal Road (Hartland) have remobilized to site this week. The Federal Controller of works in the state has also visited the Governor to detail out planned intervention with other federal roads.

4. On “AMA-Mmogh“ area of Aba, it is on record that our administration is the first to construct 3 key roads in the area using rigid pavement technology: Agharandu, Onyebuchi and Ibadan Roads, all connected with the garment cluster in the area. Ibere Street has partially been reconstructed, too.

In addition to the above, I make bold to state that since the creation of the earth no other administration has put in place a more profound plan to recover that area that is famous for Ndiegoro flood disaster of the 80s that made late Governor Sam Mbakwe weep. The Ikpeazu administration has commenced work on a N27.4b watershed management project that includes total reconstruction of Ngwa and Obohia Roads as well as the proper channeling of storm water in that particular area that is at the sump of Eastern Aba city through a massive underground tunnel that is expected to end frequent road failures in the area. The internationally vetted and approved contractors, Hartland and Tunnel End, are currently implementing palliative works along Obohia and Umuagbai Roads to create alternatives to the busy Ngwa Road before full reconstruction of the ever busy road that leads to Ahia Ohuru market and our garment cluster. In addition to that, the State Government has awarded Ohanku Road for reconstruction after years of unconscionable tying of that road to a non performing NDDC contract. Just in case Liborous missed this and needs reminding, NDDC is a federal agency.

5. ABSUTH road is under construction with more than 95% of the drains completed along Club 25 Road in Aba. With the onset of dry season construction window, we have mobilized the contractor to return to site and complete the project within this window. Before now, this administration rehabilitated the Udeagbala end of the road which takes very heavy tonnage as a result of the activities of the manufacturing concern located there. In due course, we shall link up Udeagbala and Club 25 Road to provide another smooth entry/exit road from Aba.

6. On Port Harcourt Road, Aba, it is important to state that when we came on board in 2015, that road which was in a very bad condition was tied to a federal contract and we had a running battle with the contractor before we forcefully vacated the contract two years ago and commenced work there with massive double drains already completed end to end for the first time in known history. We suspended work along that road because of the need to link up the new drains with the watershed management project of the Ndiegoro area. This administration will not execute a road project without proper channeling of storm water to avoid early failure. We also learned from our experience elsewhere in the city and decided to integrate the project with the greater watershed management project that includes Uratta through Port Harcourt to Umuagbai and Ngwa Roads to Waterside River. We hope to complete the work, along with full reconstruction of Ngwa Road, Ohanku and Obohia before the end of our tenure in office. We care too much for the sustainable wellbeing of our people to execute “Ozigbo Ozigbo” road projects to impress the likes of Liborous and the do-nothing political opposition in the state who lack the courage to call out the federal government on the parlous state of federal roads in our state.

After the reconstruction of proximal Osusu Road using rigid pavement (cement) technology, we have awarded Omuma Road for full reconstruction with a defined path for storm water management through Osusu and Eziukwu to Waterside. We are applying the principles of integrated road construction to ensure total recovery of Enyimba City within the pendency of our administration and will NEVER sacrifice quality for speed, or waste the limited resources of our state on hasty unplanned interventions.

7. According to Liborous, “Most of the roads at the Local Government Areas of the state, like Aba North, Aba South, Osisioma, Ugwunagbo and Obingwa LGAs have all been taken over by water and frog” but a visit to the mentioned LGAs will show otherwise. The Ikpeazu administration is the first state government in history to construct an asphalted road in Ugwunagbo LGA (Umunka-Ugwunagbo Road) since the earth was created. Likewise, we have completed at least six (6) road projects in Osisioma LGA including MCC-Samek, Umuode, Omnee, Adaelu, Chima Nwafor, Umuojima, Osokwa Umuejie, Kamalu etc with other ongoing road peojects in the area. I dare any living Abian to contradict me that no other administration In the state has done more roads in the LGA than the Ikpeazu administration. In Obingwa, we have completed Ekwereazu, Agalaba Phase 1, Ukaegbu, Ehere, Umuola, Obikabia, Ebenma Egege, Umuobiakwa roads etc with many others such as Ururuka ongoing.

8. “The Umuahia, Bende, Ututu to Ohafia and Arochukwu Roads is a nightmare“ assertion of Liborous is true. What he obviously missed is the fact that it is a federal road under a failed subsisting federal contract. One would have expected Liborous to know this simple fact and at best call for urgent federal intervention as Governor Ikpeazu did. I personally wish to join Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in calling out the federal government to end the sufferings of our people living in that axis. It is “criminal” to ignore the long suffering of the people of the area by abandoning that project for so long.

Furthermore, I call on federal legislators representing the area to courageously stand up at the National Assembly and call for the full funding of the already awarded but poor performing contracts for the reconstruction of that federal road.

9. According to Liborous, “Osisioma flyover, Obohia Road, Ohanku Road, and Eziukwu Road have won awards as the roads that has taken the longest time to build”. Interestingly, Osisioma Flyover is the first of such structures to be built in Abia since the earth was created and it is at about 90% completion level. While the project was started in 2017 with a planned 2 years completion duration, it suffered delivery set backs due to funding constraints and the fact that we have only 5 months construction window. The good news is that the administration is determined to deliver the project before the end of this year and work is ongoing as I write this response.

While we launched the reconstruction of Obohia Road in April of this year, it is a fact that we have long completed work at Eziukwu Road and adjoining Ojike Lane. I challenge Liborous to visit the state and stand in the middle of those roads to make live videos, if he cares for truthful advocacy. We are also working on the famous Milverton Road that is linked to Eziukwu and Ojike roads and will open the area to full traffic only after the completion of the Milverton project within this dry season window. Those with elementary knowledge of construction and the area in question will not disagree with the decision of the government. If we open Eziukwu and Ojike without completing Milverton the already done work will certainly be negatively impacted.

10. I don’t know the unnamed government source that gave Liborous his information that former Governors of the state travel at the expense of the state. I leave those involved to defend themselves but suffice it to state that state sponsored local and international travels is at the lowest ever under Ikpeazu. Since 2015, Governor Ikpeazu also cut his salary and that of his appointees by more than 50% to save money for other areas of need. He not only wears Made in Abia clothes but also eats only Made in Abia rice in Government House Umuahia. It will be strange and malicious for anyone with rudimentary knowledge of Abia’s political leadership history to accuse Governor Ikpeazu of financial recklessness.

11. While we have challenges with payment of workers in our state parastatals who are statutorily not paid by the state government; the fact that all workers directly paid by the state government are up to date with their salaries should not be ignored. Also, the fact that the new minimum wage has since applied should not be glossed over. Abia currently pays better than any state in the region, per salary level, and has the highest wage bill in the region.We have long moved to support ailing parastatals to pay workers regularly and ultimately clear their outstanding wages. In the same Nigeria where Liborous lives, states are experiencing challenges with revenue inflow with some already cutting wages as a result of the economic challenges associated with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating EndSARS protests across the nation. For instance, while in June 2020, total allocation to the state amounted to N1.9bn, the state government still managed to pay wages of over N2.3bn in same month and executed other projects during the pandemic.

12. According to Liborous, the state government approached AfDB for some facilities including the N27bn for watershed management. The fact is that the World Bank availed the state the N27.4bn for the watershed management project in the Ndiegoro area of Aba and the project is ongoing as I write this response after we fully paid our counterpart funding. It was AfDB management that invited the Governor to their headquarters and he seized the opportunity to discuss critical support to the government and people of Abia State. The automated shoe factory in Aba (ENASCO) which was funded directly by the state government is currently at test production stage and we have gone ahead to start exploratory work on a new automated garment factory that will be located within the same area. Our team is currently in Bangladesh and Turkey thereafter to review available equipment, and in due course, we hope to launch this as further boost to our SME development agenda that has seen Aba being rated as the SME capital of Nigeria. The launch of our SME Microfinance Bank is a further testament to the determination of Governor Ikpeazu to boost MSMEs in the state and create jobs. It is this same agenda that gave rise to Governor Ikpeazu’s envisioning of the already licensed Enyimba Economic City which is expected to create more than 600,000 jobs within a period of 10 years. Only a transgenerational leader like Governor Ikpeazu will seek to solve the challenges of today and tomorrow in his state.

13. That Liborous affirmed that the administration has embarked on many road projects in urban and rural Abia speaks to our desire to solve as many road nfrastructure challenges as possible. Our major limitation remains funding and the short construction window available to our state which receives the second highest annual rainfall In Nigeria.

14. We will not fall into the temptation of comparing ourselves with other Igbo states that are obviously at different development stage with us. Suffice it to say that properly schooled development analysts understand that in a Federal Republic, different states pursue different development paradigms based on the leader's understanding of the current state of development, needs of the people and vision for the future. We correctly analysed the development stage of our state, her challenges and future outlook before arriving at the 5 pillars of development that emphasize human capital development through appropriate engagements in Education, Agriculture, Industry, Trade and Commerce as well as Oil and Gas development. We also identified factors that wiii enable the development of these pillars to include (i) Security (ii) Education (iii) Health (iv) Infrastructure (v) Ease-of-Doing Business and Tax Reforms. We are religiously pursuing these pillars and the enablers in the hope that we will leave Abia much more better than we met it. Other states are free to pursue the development of their state via another route.

Finally, I dare agree with Chimamanda Adichie that “The risk of the single story, the one perspective, is that it can lead us to default assumptions, conclusions and decisions that may be incomplete, and may lead to misunderstanding..." Adichie also makes a connection between single stories and the impact of power in our lives. Hear her: "Operating from the context of a single story can prevent us from a more complex, nuanced view of a situation.”

It is on the above note that I wait for the agreed date of engagement for Liborous to visit Abia and review all that I have stated in this response and hopefully make another video that is reflective of the true situation without the usual suspects accusing him of being compromised by the state.

Thank you.

Chief John Okiyi Kalu is the Honorable Commissioner for Information, Abia State

That's the duty of the Federal Government to fix that road because it is a federal road not state road.

Call the attention of FG on that and stop mentioning the name of Abia state government.

You should give kudos to the Abia state government for the palliative job done so far on that road, if not, it would have become a real deathtrap.