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 Nairaland General › Enyioha Foundation CEO Sets The Standard For Philanthropy & Development In IBEKU by Kani101(op): 3:05pm On Jul 12 |
Some people measure success by the wealth they accumulate, while others measure it by the lives they touch. The CEO and Founder of the ENYIOHA FOUNDATION Chief Samphrank Abariukwu belongs to the latter, a man whose passion for humanity has become a beacon of hope for the people of his community IBEKU in Umuahia North L.G.A of Abia State. Through the Enyioha Foundation, he has consistently demonstrated that true leadership is rooted in service. His unwavering commitment to empowering the youth, supporting education, promoting healthcare, encouraging sports development, and fostering community growth has left an indelible mark across IBEKU. His generosity is not merely seen in what he gives, but in the opportunities he creates and the hope he inspires. In a time when many seek personal gain, he has chosen the path of selfless service, investing his time, resources, and influence in building a stronger and more united IBEKU. His philanthropic works continue to uplift families, inspire young people to dream bigger, and remind us all that lasting greatness is achieved by positively impacting others. His dedication to the welfare of his people is a shining example of what it means to lead with compassion, integrity, and vision. The seeds you continue to sow today will undoubtedly yield a harvest of progress for generations to come. May God continue to strengthen you, grant you wisdom, protect you, and enlarge your capacity to keep serving humanity. Your legacy is already speaking, and history will remember your remarkable contributions to the development of your community ,IBEKU. ✍️: Kani Iheanacho
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| Politics › Ikuku 2027: Why Many Believe Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji Is The Right Choice by Kani101(op): 8:47am On Jul 09 |
As Nigeria gradually shifts its attention toward the 2027 general elections, political conversations across Abia State are becoming increasingly focused on leadership, experience and the capacity of those seeking public office. In the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, one name continues to dominate political discussions, Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the House of Representatives. For many residents and political stakeholders, the contest is about more than party affiliation. It is about choosing a representative who possesses the legislative knowledge, political experience and influence required to effectively represent the interests of the constituency at the National Assembly. Among those who share this view, Chinedum Orji stands out as a familiar face with an extensive record in public service. A former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Orji is widely recognised as one of the state's most experienced legislators. During his years in the State Assembly, he rose through the ranks to occupy one of the most strategic legislative offices in Abia, where he presided over parliamentary proceedings, coordinated legislative activities and worked alongside successive administrations on issues affecting governance and development. Supporters believe that this wealth of legislative experience places him in a unique position to transition seamlessly to the Green Chamber of the National Assembly. According to them, effective representation goes beyond making speeches on the floor of the House; it requires understanding how government institutions work, building strategic relationships and influencing policies capable of bringing meaningful development back home. Many of his admirers argue that Orji has already demonstrated these qualities throughout his political journey. They describe him as a leader who understands the responsibilities of public office and possesses the maturity needed to navigate national politics while keeping the interests of his constituents at heart. His emergence as the APC candidate did not come as a surprise to many political observers. Within the party, his supporters describe his nomination as a reflection of confidence in his leadership abilities and his long-standing relationship with grassroots members across the constituency. They believe his widespread acceptance within the party provides a solid foundation for the campaign ahead. For many residents of Ikwuano and Umuahia, representation at the federal level has become an increasingly important issue. Across communities, citizens continue to express expectations for improved infrastructure, better roads, enhanced educational opportunities, quality healthcare facilities, youth empowerment programmes and increased federal presence in the constituency. Supporters of Chinedum Orji believe he possesses the political network and legislative experience required to pursue these objectives effectively. They argue that his years in public office have given him valuable exposure to governance, budgeting processes and policy formulation, skills they consider essential for attracting federal projects and facilitating development initiatives. Another factor frequently highlighted by those backing his candidacy is accessibility. Throughout his political career, supporters say Orji has maintained close relationships with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, women organisations and various professional bodies. They believe these relationships have helped him remain connected to the needs and aspirations of ordinary people. Political analysts also note that legislative effectiveness is often influenced by experience and institutional knowledge. According to supporters, these are areas where Orji enjoys a comparative advantage. They argue that his understanding of legislative procedures and governance structures would enable him to contribute meaningfully from the moment he assumes office, rather than spending valuable time learning the fundamentals of parliamentary work. Beyond legislation, his campaign supporters insist that the former Speaker represents stability, continuity and purposeful leadership. They point to his political journey as evidence of resilience and consistency, qualities they say are necessary for effective representation in an increasingly complex political environment. Across various communities within the federal constituency, conversations about the forthcoming election continue to reflect growing interest in candidates who possess both experience and the ability to engage with people at the grassroots. For many APC faithful, Chinedum Orji embodies these expectations. Youth groups supporting his aspiration have also expressed optimism that his emergence presents an opportunity to expand employment initiatives, encourage entrepreneurship and create more opportunities for young people. Women's organisations within his support base similarly express hope that his representation would strengthen advocacy for inclusive development and social welfare programmes. Observers believe the 2027 House of Representatives election in Ikwuano/Umuahia will be one of the most closely watched contests in Abia State, with major political parties expected to mount vigorous campaigns. Nevertheless, Orji's supporters remain confident that his political experience, name recognition and grassroots support will position him strongly throughout the electioneering period. As campaign activities intensify in the months ahead, the APC candidate is expected to continue engaging residents, presenting his vision and seeking the mandate of the electorate. For many who support his aspiration, the election represents an opportunity to send a seasoned legislator with proven leadership experience to the National Assembly. To them, Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji is more than a candidate; he is a leader whose years of legislative service have prepared him for greater responsibility. They believe that, if elected, his experience as a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly would translate into stronger advocacy, more effective lawmaking and a louder voice for the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency. As the road to 2027 unfolds, one thing remains clear: Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji has become one of the defining figures in the race for the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency. Whether addressing party faithful, meeting community stakeholders or outlining his vision for the future, his message continues to resonate with supporters who see him as a capable, experienced and forward-looking leader ready to represent the constituency at the national level. ✍️: By Loveday Chidi.
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| Politics › Ikuku 2027: A 7-point Compact To Deliver Ikwuano/umuahia North/umuahia South" by Kani101(op): 12:08pm On Jul 08 |
As the 2027 General Elections approach, constituents of Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South are looking for more than promises. They want a contract. They want measurable delivery. Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji has emerged as a clear favourite for the Federal House of Representatives seat, and for good reason. His record of legislative experience, grassroots engagement, and commitment to Abia’s progress places him ahead of the pack. But popularity must be matched with a blueprint. Below is the 7-Point Agenda, the nexus of what an Orji representation will prioritize from Day One in the 11th National Assembly. This is not a manifesto of rhetoric. It is a working plan for the people. 1. EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION AND LAWMAKING The core duty of a federal legislator is to speak, sponsor, and shape laws that directly benefit the constituency. Under this agenda, Rt Hon Orji will focus on bills and motions that address land administration reforms for Ikwuano farmers, ease of doing business for Umuahia traders, and federal support for our growing status as a government and academic hub. Expect consistent presence in plenary, strong committee participation, and laws that translate to real funding for our roads, markets, and institutions. 2. CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS Abuja allocation must be felt in our villages and urban wards. This point commits to a Constituency Project Tracker that will be published quarterly. Priority areas will include completion and rehabilitation of critical federal roads linking Ikwuano to Umuahia, solar street lighting for major town junctions, erosion control in vulnerable communities, and modernization of key markets in Umuahia North and South. Projects will be selected through ward-level town halls, not by fiat. 3. OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY Federal MDAs must answer to the people they serve. Rt Hon Orji will strengthen oversight of agencies with direct impact on our area, including FERMA, UBEC, NDDC, and federal health and education institutions in Abia. The goal is simple: ensure budgeted funds are released, projects are executed to specification, and contractors are held to account. Constituents will receive an annual Oversight Report detailing findings and actions taken. 4. JOB CREATION AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT Our greatest asset is our youth. The agenda proposes an Ikwuano/Umuahia Skills and Enterprise Fund to link 5,000 young people to federal skills programs, NDE, BOI, and SMEDAN opportunities within the first term. This will be paired with ICT hubs in each LGA, agribusiness clusters for cassava, poultry and palm value chains, and a Constituency Internship Pipeline that places graduates in federal agencies and private sector partners. Jobs first, politics later. 5. SECURITY AND COMMUNITY PEACE No development thrives where there is fear. Working with security agencies and traditional institutions, this agenda will push for more federal support for community policing, improved lighting of flashpoints, and intelligence-driven interventions across Ikwuano, Umuahia North and South. Special attention will be given to protecting farmers, students, and women traders. Peace is the foundation for prosperity. 6. ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE Education and health are non-negotiable. The plan will prioritize attracting federal intervention to primary health centres, provision of medical equipment, and recruitment support. For education, it will focus on federal scholarships, bursaries, and learning materials for public schools, plus support for ABSU, MOUAU, and other federal tertiary institutions that host our children. A healthy, educated constituency is a competitive constituency. 7. TRANSPARENCY AND CONSTITUENT ENGAGEMENT Government works best when the people are in the room. Rt Hon Orji will institutionalize quarterly Constituency Town Halls across the three LGAs, a functional constituency office with open hours, and a public dashboard for projects, budgets, and nominations. No more black box. Every kobo, every slot, every project will be accounted for to the people. THE CHOICE FOR 2027 Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South does not need another placeholder. It needs a legislator with experience, access, and an agenda that can be tracked. This 7-Point Compact is that agenda. It is bold, specific, and rooted in the daily realities of our markets, campuses, farms, and homes. With Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, the constituency gets a voice that works, projects that deliver, and leadership that answers to the people. The time to build is 2027. ✍️: Henry Onyema Madubuike
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| Politics › The Magic Wand Returns: Why Rt.hon.chinedum Orji Is The Man For Ikwuano/umuahia. by Kani101(op): 7:23pm On Jun 04*. Modified: 7:48pm On Jun 04 |
There are moments in the political life of a constituency when the people must pause, look inward, and ask themselves a hard but necessary question: are we truly being represented, or are we merely occupying a seat at the table while others feast? For the Federal Constituency of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South, that moment is now. And the answer, painful as it is, demands honesty. Our constituency has been largely invisible at the federal level - underserved, under-resourced, and underwhelming in legislative impact at a time when other constituencies across Abia State and Nigeria are recording visible, tangible, life-changing development. But there is good news. The magic wand has returned. And the hand holding it is Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji. Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji is not a political newcomer arriving with empty promises and borrowed rhetorics. He is a man whose leadership credentials have already been tested in the furnace of real governance and he emerged not merely intact, but celebrated. As Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chinedum Orji distinguished himself as one of the most transformative presiding officers the state legislature has seen in recent memory. Under his watch: - The Abia State House of Assembly was repositioned as a truly independent arm of government, shedding its historically rubber-stamp reputation and asserting its constitutional role with confidence and clarity. - Legislative output increased significantly, with bills and resolutions that directly addressed the welfare of Abia citizens - from local government administration to education reform and security legislation. - The physical environment of the Assembly was modernised, projecting an institution worthy of the people's trust and worthy of the democratic process it was designed to serve. - Inter-governmental collaboration was strengthened, with the Assembly serving as a credible bridge between the executive and the people across all three senatorial zones of Abia State. - Youth and women's participation in governance conversations were actively encouraged, signalling a Speaker who understood that democracy must be inclusive to be meaningful. These were not accidents. They were the product of a man who arrives at every assignment with a clear vision, a strong work ethic, and an unshakeable commitment to leaving things better than he met them. That is the Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji that Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South is now asking to represent it in Abuja. Let us be honest, because our people deserve honesty over politeness. The Federal Constituency of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South has not fared well under its current representation at the House of Representatives. While Nigerian constituencies with engaged, strategically minded lawmakers are recording landmark projects roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, water schemes, electrification - delivered through the instrumentality of the Constituency Development Fund and targeted appropriations, our own constituency has watched from the sidelines. The numbers tell a sobering story. A paltry appropriation of approximately N1.1 billion in 2025 - already modest by any legislative standard has been deployed in ways that have left the people with more questions than answers: - Solar energy projects that appeared with fanfare but left no verifiable infrastructure trail, no maintenance framework, and no measurable community impact. - Vague empowerment programmes that distributed items with photo opportunities but created no sustainable livelihoods, trained no skilled workforce, and built no lasting economic capacity. - Zero verifiable infrastructure not one road, not one health facility, not one educational structure that the people of Ikwuano, Umuahia North or Umuahia South can point to and say with pride: our federal lawmaker delivered this. This is not merely disappointing. It is a dereliction of legislative duty. At the heart of this failure lies a critical error that no serious legislator can afford: the inability to consult widely and secure meaningful appropriations. A member of the House of Representatives who cannot navigate the Appropriations Act the very financial engine of legislative power has effectively disarmed themselves before the battle begins. Budgetary allocation is not charity; it is fought for, lobbied for, and won through relationships, strategy, and legislative competence. Without it, representation is merely ceremonial. Our constituency has been paying the price for that ceremonial representation. And it must not continue. THE MISSION: CORRECTION, REDEMPTION, AND TRANSFORMATION Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji is not coming to Abuja to warm a seat. He is coming with a mission, specific, urgent, and unapologetic. First, he will immediately engage the budgetary and appropriations process with the seriousness it demands. He understands the legislative architecture. He has sat at the helm of a legislative institution. He knows that the Appropriations Act is not background noise, it is the single most powerful tool a lawmaker possesses to deliver democracy in brick, mortar, light, and water to his people. He will build the cross-party, cross-committee alliances that effective representation requires. Abuja rewards those who show up prepared, connected, and strategic. Our constituency will no longer send a lone voice into that chamber. It will send a commanding presence. He will restore consultation as the foundation of representation. The people of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South, their traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, market associations, professional bodies, and civil society will have a representative who listens before he speaks and delivers before he campaigns. He will pursue visible, accountable infrastructure projects that bear the constituency's name with pride, that endure beyond electoral cycles, and that the next generation will inherit as evidence that their parents were represented with dignity. The dormancy ends here. The silence ends here. The era of unaccounted allocations, phantom projects, and legislative invisibility ends here. CONCLUSION: THE RIGHT MAN. THE RIGHT MOMENT Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South deserves federal representation that matches its potential, honours its people, and maximises every constitutional and financial tool available to a lawmaker. It deserves a representative who has already proven, in the most demanding legislative environment in Abia State, that he has the temperament, the intelligence, and the tenacity to deliver. That representative is Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji. The magic wand is ready. The mission is clear. The people must now make the choice that changes everything.
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| Health › Samfrank Abarikwu Provides Free Medical Care For Community Dwellers In Abia. by Kani101(op): 1:50am On May 13*. Modified: 7:10pm On May 13 |
Driven by a passion to uplift the health care of his people, a renowned music executive, entrepreneur and an illustrious son of Ihie Ndume, Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, SamFrank Abarikwu, has concluded a two-day free medical outreach for members of Ihie Ndume community, This Medical Outreach took place on the 8th and 9th of May, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroot. The health outreach with the theme, “Healing our Roots, Strengthening our Future”, was organized under the Enyioha Foundation, and catered for both young and elderly residents with services including free eye testing, prescription glasses, blood pressure checks, hypertension screening, free drugs, medical diagnosis and general consultations. Speaking during the exercise, Abarikwu said the initiative was inspired by his desire to give back to society and commemorate his birthday through a meaningful impact on the lives of the people. According to him, the high cost of healthcare in the country informed his decision to bring free medical services closer to the people. “This is not the first time we are doing something charitable. It was prompted by the need to provide quality healthcare and uplift the health status of our people. I decided to do something tangible to mark my birthday Healthcare is very expensive right now, so I felt it was important to bring free medical care to the people where they can access drugs and proper medical attention without paying”, he said. Abarikwu stressed that the outreach had no political undertone, insisting that his actions were purely humanitarian and community-driven. “It has no political intention. I am not a politician. Whatever I do, I must start from home because charity begins at home”, he added. He noted that the Enyioha Foundation has consistently carried out several community-based interventions, including sponsoring free JAMB registrations for over 200 students and organising the Unity Cup football competition aimed at promoting peace, unity and shared identity among youths. “We also donated about 100 books to the library of Ibeku High School in collaboration with one of the biggest bookstores in Nigeria. We are only trying to bring back home the exposure and opportunities we have experienced elsewhere”, he stated. The philanthropist commended the administration of Alex Otti for ongoing developmental strides in Abia State, particularly in the healthcare sector. According to him, the visible transformation in the state has encouraged many indigenes to return home and contribute their quota to community development. It is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that Abia is changing. Since Governor Alex Otti came into office, there have been improvements in infrastructure, healthcare centres and prompt payment of salaries. That is why people like us are encouraged to come back home and support development because government cannot do everything alone”, he said. He further explained that although the outreach paid special attention to the elderly, medical services were made available to everyone in the community regardless of age. In an interview, some of the beneficiaries commended the gesture of SamFrank Abarikwu, describing the outreach as timely and impactful. They expressed gratitude for the free medical services, noting that many residents, especially the elderly and less privileged, benefited from the healthcare initiative. The beneficiaries, however, prayed for God’s blessings upon him and urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate his humanitarian efforts towards improving the wellbeing of the people. ✍️: Kate Okereke
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| Culture › NIDO Support Senator Mbata, Imeobi Ohaneze On The Ban Of Ezeigbo Title. by Kani101(op): 5:10pm On Apr 13 |
13th April, 2026. PRESS RELEASE Ndigbo Intellectuals Development Organisation Supports Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Resolutions and Initiatives during the last concluded Imeobi meeting held at Ohaneze Secretariat, Enugu, Nigeria. NIDO expresses strong support for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide's recent resolutions, reaffirming commitment to Igbo unity and advancement. NIDO noted some key highlights of the meeting which includes adoption of 2026 Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Constitution that can ensure dynamic governance and responsiveness to contemporary challenges. On Ezeigbo title ban, NIDO states that the ban will help in preserving our cultural integrity and traditional governance, helping to de-escalate the growing crises over the problems created by the Eze Ndigbo titles in host communities of Igbos worldwide. NIDO further expressed her support for Alaigbo Stabilization Fund, which will definitely encourage operationalization of companies for economic empowerment. NIDO also commends Prof. Kingsley Moghalu's Ohanaeze Committee on Igbo Charter of Strategic Engagement for National Development for laying groundwork and structured model for Igbo people's national narrative and strategic partnerships. Together as an affiliate and partner, these initiatives symbolize the collective aspirations for unity, progress, and Alaigbo's sustained development. NIDO stands ready to collaborate as always with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide towards the actualization of our common goals. Afulike Christian Don Ph.D Director of Communication For: NIDO
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| Education › ABIA: Enyioha Foundation Opens 2026 STEM Scholarship For Ibeku Youths” by Kani101(op): 10:42pm On Apr 01 |
🎓 Big Opportunity for Ibeku Students! Applications are now open for indigenous Ibeku youths currently admitted into tertiary institutions and studying Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics - related courses. This scholarship provides: ✅ Financial support ✅ Mentorship ✅ Learning opportunities If you or someone you know is eligible, don’t miss this opportunity. 📅 Deadline: April 27th 2026 📩 Apply here: https://enyiohafoundation.org/stem-scholarship/ Please share with others who may benefit.
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| Politics › Abia Govt Warns John Okiyi Kalu. by Kani101(op): 10:07am On Oct 26, 2025 |
The attention of Abia State Government has been drawn to a circulating screenshot publication on social media platforms where the former commissioner for information in Abia State, Mr. John Okiyi Kalu was allegedly issuing instructions to his recruited data boys and e-rats in a closed-circuit platform named 'WAR ROOM' to orchestrate a vicious smear campaign against the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, to stoke division in the cordial working relationship between him and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. This ugly development exposes the so-called Abia opposition reckless desperation to undermine and destabilize the State and in extension, the South-East Geopolitical zone. The Abia State Government views the divisive antics as a clear manifestation of the Abia opposition's lack of ideas and inability to articulate a credible alternative vision for the State. The Abia opposition daily resorts to character assassination, misinformation, falsehood, and the divisive politics of planting fake news to incite and turn the Federal Government against Governor Alex Otti and Abia State Government are testament to their desperation to return to power by any means. The Government of Abia State reaffirms Governor Otti's commitment to the welfare and development of Abia State and its people. Governor Otti's administration will not be deterred by the Abia opposition's desperate antics and is committed to continue working closely with the Federal Government under President Tinubu's leadership to drive progress and prosperity in the State. The Governor expresses gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support and approvals of Abia State numerous requests, especially, for the State to intervene in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical Federal infrastructures across the State including the upgrading of the proposed Airstrip to an Airport, demonstrating the strong partnership between the State under Governor Otti and the Federal Governments under President Tinubu. The existing collaboration will continue to benefit the people of Abia State and Nigeria at large. The Abia State Government warns the so-called Abia opposition and the former commissioner for information, Mr. John Okiyi Kalu to desist from their desperate attempts to sow discord between Governor Alex Otti and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the people of Abia State will not be swayed by their desperate attempts to destabilize the State. All citizens are hereby urged to remain vigilant and continue to reject the Abia opposition's toxic politics. Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
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| Politics › A Looming Political Strategy Against Abia State Government. by Kani101(op): 1:13pm On Oct 25, 2025 |
A faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has concluded plans to bring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Abia State on December 29, 2025. Part of their media strategy is to systematically demarket Governor Alex Otti and his developmental strides between now and that visit ,all in a bid to create room for negative narratives about the Governor before the President. Make no mistake about it: the same elements within the APC were responsible for ensuring that the President did not personally come to commission the Port Harcourt Road project, despite having a confirmed free date. They understood the implication , President Tinubu, upon witnessing the transformation firsthand, would have commended the Governor publicly, something they desperately wanted to avoid. If you listened to the Minister of Work Senator Dave Umahi during the commissioning of the remodeled Michael Okpara Auditorium , he said the President has promised to be in Abia before the end of 2025, December 29th is the Day. Let’s be clear , the 2027 journey has begun, and with party primaries expected between now and May 2026, what we are witnessing is not a coincidence but a coordinated media onslaught against Governor Alex Otti. For the Governor’s Media Team, this is not the time to be defensive or reactionary. It is time to go on full offensive , truth for truth, propaganda for propaganda. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must be made to know that the people of Abia State are solidly behind Governor Alex Otti and that any false narrative peddled in Abuja should be completely disregarded. I stand firmly with Governor Alex Otti. ✍: Promise Uzoma Okoro(P.U.O)
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| Politics › Abia: Governor Otti Flags Off Reconstruction Of Umuahia-ikot Ekpene Road by Kani101(op): 11:04am On Oct 25, 2025 |
The End of a Nightmarehttps://www.facebook.com/share/p/16JzSxATHC/ 19 Likes
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| Politics › Gov.otti Flags Off Ikot Ekpene- Umuahia Federal Road. by Kani101(op): 10:15pm On Oct 24, 2025 |
The flag-off of the Ikot-Ekpene–Ndume–Ikwuano Road by H.E. Alex C. Otti, OFR, is indeed a testament to the truth that the Governor has been intentional about solving governance issues in the state. This road, for not less than thirty years—if I am not exaggerating—has been terrible for motorists. This particular act brings a lot of hope that government can truly work for the people, if those in power decide to make it so. I know politics can be difficult; it can be a place of many compromises. While I encourage all actors to continue to play politics, let us not politicize anything that will bring growth and development to Abia State. We haven’t seen it this good before—and that’s a statement of fact! We all must join hands, both the opposition and the ruling class, to support Alex Otti and also counsel him when there is need to. Many Ibeku and Ikwuano residents will feel a sense of pride and relief today because an important road infrastructure is being flagged off by a government that can work. It is a testimony. Aba people will scream about Port Harcourt Road, and Umuahia will scream about Ikot-Ekpene–Ikwuano Road. May this good that has started in Abia never elude us, even beyond 2031. ✍: Kelechi .U. Imo 1 Like
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| Politics › Gov.otti Commences Construction Of New Law Faculty, 5,000-capacity Hostel. by Kani101(op): 1:38pm On Oct 22, 2025 |
In fulfilment of his promise to enhance infrastructure at Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), the Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has flagged off major construction projects across the University campus. The new projects include the construction of a modern Faculty of Law building, a 5,000-capacity student hostel, the ongoing development of a new ABSU Staff Primary School, and the delivery of a 5000KVA transformer to boost electricity supply to the University. The newly delivered transformer is expected to put an end to the long-standing power challenges that have hindered both academic and administrative operations within the institution for several years. Speaking on the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, expressed profound gratitude to the Governor and Visitor, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, for his unwavering commitment to transforming the University in all spheres. He assured that the University management has made adequate provisions to safeguard and maintain the new infrastructural investments. Responding to questions from our reporter at the power house, the Director of Works, Engr. Raymond Orioha, commended the Governor’s intervention, noting that inadequate electricity and water supply had been major challenges confronting the University. “In the past years, power and water supply have posed serious challenges to the University. Fortunately, the present administration understood the urgency of addressing these needs,” Engr. Orioha stated. He further disclosed that, courtesy of the Governor and Visitor, contracts have been awarded with a clear mandate to restore 24-hour power supply within the shortest possible time. “Currently, we have received consignments of electrical components and materials meant for the installation of the new transformer delivered to the University by the Governor,” he added. Meanwhile, construction work is ongoing at the new Faculty of Law building, the 5,000-capacity hostel, and the new ABSU Staff School, alongside the renovation of existing student hostels across the campus. It will be recalled that Hostel A was recently renovated and retrofitted into an ultra-modern hostel as part of the ongoing transformation drive, with students now enjoying improved accommodation facilities. In addition, interviews for the recruitment of new lecturers to fill manpower needs across various departments have been concluded, while the clearance of arrears of staff promotions from 2022 to date has also been effected, the first of its kind in the history of the University. Indeed, the promise-keeping Governor and Visitor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has continued to demonstrate uncommon dedication towards repositioning Abia State University. With these visible strides, the dream of transforming ABSU into a world-class institution is fast becoming a reality.
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| Education › Gov Otti Moves To Restore Electricity In ABSU by Kani101(op): 4:33pm On Oct 20, 2025 |
Abia State Governor, Governor Alex Chioma Otti Continues Reclaiming Abia’s Institutions as 5 MVA Power Transformer arrives Abia State University(ABSU). Just yesterday, at the Methodist Institute of Theology, Umuahia, where Governor Alex Otti worshipped, he was eulogized for igniting the light of Abia State as a symbol of light himself, And today, guess what? He has once again proven to be that light as he intensifies efforts to restore the dignity of Abia’s institutions. A 5 MVA Power Transformer has arrived at Abia State University (ABSU) for the continuation of the Power Restoration Project, Phase 2, thanks to the hard work of the State Ministry of Power and Public Utilities, ably led by Hon. Engr. Ikechukwu Monday. What this means is that, for the first time in decades, ABSU will soon celebrate the full restoration of power supply across the campus. Recall that not long ago, ABSU students made a heartfelt video that went viral, thanking the Governor for restoring electricity to their school after Phase 1 of the project brought light to parts of the university. Now, with Phase 2 in motion, the entire institution will be lit up. Across Abia, there is a deliberate and strategic effort to revive our long-neglected institutions. Governor Otti is not only building roads; he is rebuilding the very dignity of Abia. As he restores the pride of the state as Number One, he is equally ensuring that the dignity of our educational and healthcare institutions is restored. At ABSU, this transformation is visible everywhere. Following the Governor’s historic visit earlier this year, massive infrastructural renewal has been underway: hostels are being rebuilt, a new hostel is under construction, the cafeteria is being renovated, and some faculties are set for full reconstruction. The construction of the ABSU Staff Primary School is also ongoing. Every one of these projects stands as a testament to the Governor’s resolve to return ABSU to its rightful place as the pride of Abia’s educational excellence. Just as it is in ABSU, so it is in other institutions across the state. The Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), which had lost its accreditation years ago, has regained it under Governor Otti’s leadership. The facility has received a major facelift and modern medical equipment a landmark development that has repositioned the hospital to train doctors locally, reduce brain drain, and enhance tertiary healthcare delivery in Abia. At ASCETA (Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu), the Governor has completely transformed the institution. What was once a neglected school has now been revitalized to reflect the Otti-Standard. Access roads have been asphalted, buildings renovated, and the entire campus now wears a refreshing new look. Governor Otti did not stop there. About 61 public schools are currently being retrofitted across the state, with a significant number already completed. In addition, Project Ekwueme, another bold initiative, is breathing new life into Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). As of today, 200 PHCs are undergoing rehabilitation, many of which are already fully completed and operational. This project represents a deliberate effort to strengthen the grassroots healthcare system and ensure that quality medical services reach every corner of Abia. The Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba (formerly Abia State Polytechnic), is also not left out in this massive institutional recovery. The school has been upgraded to align with the vision of the New Abia, with new lecture theatres, laboratories, hostels, internal roads, and an upgraded science block. The institution now boasts its first-ever 350-capacity lecture theatre. According to the governing council, the polytechnic is expected to relocate to its permanent site by mid-2026, where large-scale renovation and development work are ongoing, all courtesy of Governor Alex Otti’s administration. At the same time, three general hospitals are currently being reconstructed across the senatorial zones in the state. It is now beyond doubt that Governor Otti is intentional about reviving Abia’s institutions as part of his broader agenda to rebuild the state from the ground up. And one thing is certain, the energy will not stop. Governor Otti has assured Ndi Abia that as his administration steps into its third year, the pace of work will increase, and delivery will become even faster. Therefore, Ndi Abia, brace yourselves for more. Governor Otti is not distracted by the stones thrown at him by the marauders of shame. Instead, he is turning those stones into the bedrock of Abia’s emancipation from the rot and stagnation of yesteryears. This is indeed a new dawn for Abia, and it can only get better from here.
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| Education › Governor Otti Renovates Abia State University Hostels by Kani101(op): 9:51am On Sep 17, 2025 |
VICE-CHANCELLOR APPRECIATES GOVERNOR OTTI FOR THE RETROFITTED HOSTEL A The Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, has expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for fulfilling his promise to retrofit Hostel A during his inspection visit to the University in March this year. Speaking with journalists after a tour of the completed facility, the visibly elated Vice-Chancellor described the transformation as a remarkable turnaround, converting a previously dilapidated structure into an ultra-modern hostel that meets international standards. He commended the Governor for his swift intervention and commitment to the welfare of ABSU students. “On behalf of the entire Abia State University community, we sincerely thank His Excellency for this laudable project. We pray that God will continue to bless him, grant him long life, guide him, and provide him with all the resources needed to fulfill his other promises, including the construction of more hostels, a new Law Faculty building, a new cafeteria, and the holistic development of the University, so that ABSU will rank among the top three universities in Nigeria,” the Vice-Chancellor remarked. The newly retrofitted Hostel A boasts several outstanding features, including brand-new furniture in all rooms, wooden desks with reading lamps, a state-of-the-art common room, steel double bunks with six-inch mattresses, a public address system for announcements, fire hose reels with active water supply, kitchens and laundries on each floor, constant water supply, and other modern amenities. Meanwhile, excitement has swept through the student community as hostel C female students begins relocation to the ultra-modern hostel A, while others eagerly anticipate their own turns. Chijioke Nwogu Absu media 📷 Frank Ugochukwu 23 Likes
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| Politics › Governor Otti Pays Visit To ABSU, Promises To Build A 5000-Capacity Hostel by Kani101(op): 9:57pm On Mar 23, 2025 |
The Governor and Visitor to Abia State University Uturu (ABSU), Dr Alex Otti OFR, on Sunday, 23rd March 2025, paid a visit to the University for an on-the-spot assessment of infrastructural facilities in the Institution and promised to build a 5000-capacity hostel as well as retrofit the existing ones. 8 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics › No Need For Campaigns In 2027- Abians Praise Gov. Otti. by Kani101(op): 8:39pm On Mar 08, 2025 |
Jubilant Abians have saluted the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti for his numerous infrastructural revolution taking place at various nooks and crannies of Aba, the famouus Enyimba City and the Commercial nerve center of the State. The jubilant residents of Aba who joined Governor Alex Otti as he inspects progress of work on the Port-Harcourt Road, Aba, Ekeakpara - NNPC Road Osisioma, Omuma Road to the abandoned Old Express with over one Kilometre heaps of refuse, the long abandoned Eziukwu Road, Market Road, Tenant Road, Cameroun Road, Ehi Road, Clifford Road, School Road and other strategic Roads across Asa Road within Aba Metropolis and city centre. They extolled the commitment of Governor Otti in changing the narratives in road and drainage Infrastructures in Aba. Some of the residents of the Roads undergoing constructions including Mr. Titus Ndubuisi, Mr. Nneamaka Enyindiya, Mrs. Ngozi OKeke among others described Governor Otti as the People’s Governor, elected by the people to work for the people. The residents who were chanting solidarity songs for the Governor said emphatically that Governor Alex Otti does not need to come to Aba for re-election campaigns. They said that the roads and drainages he has fixed and the ones he is currently fixing are enough campaign for him. They publicly rejected the era of sharing money, rice, keke napep, okada, kerosene and deceptive non-sustainable 'empowerment' that impoverished the people. They narrated how dilapidated and abandoned the roads and neighbourhood were before the Governor's intervention and said that no Government in the last 24 years plus has attempted doing what Governor Otti has done for them. Inspecting the roads in company of his aids, Governor Alex Otti expressed satisfaction with the level of work on the roads and said that with the multiple ongoing construction and reconstruction of roads across the State, Abia will soon take its pride of place in the comity of economically advanced States with the right environment for investment and investors. He asked the Honourable Commissioner for Works to put pressure on the contractor handling the Ekeakpara - Osisioma Road to accelerate the pace of the work. Governor Otti commended the quality of the job done on Port Harcourt Road, Aba by Julius Berger, adding that the road will soon be ready for commissioning. Governor Otti while noting that Aba's lost glory is gradually coming back, as the people no longer witness perennial flooding in the city, urged Aba residents to assist Government in keeping the city clean and to desist from obstructing free flow of water in the drains through unwholesome acts of throwing debris into the drainages. The Governor thanked the enthusiastic people of Aba for their support to the contractors and his Government and assured them of more glorious days ahead. He added that soon, the roads would be fully completed and commissioned. Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State 08 - 03 - 2025.
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| Politics › Port Harcourt Road To Be Commissioned On May 29th -gov.otti by Kani101(op): 10:18am On Mar 08, 2025 |
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti says the ongoing reconstruction and expansion of Port Harcourt road, Aba being handled by Julius Berger Construction Company will be completed and ready for commissioning by 29th May this year. Governor Otti disclosed this while speaking at the monthly media briefing tagged "Governor Otti Speaks to Abians". He reiterated his administration's commitment to driving massive infrastructural development, saying that his Government is in a hurry to transform all sectors of the State's economy. "We don't have time. We are in a hurry. So, we have to do so many things at the same time. "Before you know it, the four years is over and you will be wondering what happened and that's why, even before we were sworn in, we brought Julius Berger to Port Harcourt road and they started the road design. "Some people didn't understand what we were doing. They taught we were in a hurry to take over but we were simply trying to maximize time", Gov. Otti explained. The Governor, who noted that the ongoing expansion of Library Avenue popularly known as (Bank road ) will be completed before the end of March, 2025, also noted that work is progressing at various project sites across the State including the recently flagged-off Omenuko bridge. He announced that work will commence at Owaza road in Ukwa West LGA as he would be flagging-off the reconstruction of the road by next week. On Power, Governor Otti said a lot is being done to increase power availability and stability across the State as arrangements are being perfected in that regards. On security, the State Chief Executive acknowledged appreciable level of peace and security across the State as a result of proactive measures put in place by the combined security architecture of the State. While responding to a question on why he has been working from his private home instead of renovating and retrofitting the Government House, in Umuahia that was looted and rendered unusable by appointees of the immediate past administration, Governor Otti insisted that his priorities are delivering results to Abians and not where he operates from. "You are worried that I am not operating from here. I don't think you should worry about that. The important thing is that I'm operating. "Abians want to see activities not where their Governor is staying. Where I live is not as important as having roads in Aba and Umuahia and other Local Government Areas in Abia State. "It is not as important as ensuring that Aba and Umuahia particularly are kept clean on a 24 hour, seven days basis. It is not as important as ensuring that our people have good hospitals and accessible schools to go to. "It is not as important as ensuring that our schools are fixed. Those were the area I declared state of emergency on. I didn't declare emergency on Government House and where the Governor will live. "So, what the issue is, is that this Government House is important but not as important as some of the things that I mentioned earlier," Gov. Otti stated. The Governor further explained that his decision to delay moving into the Government House was based on careful resource allocation, and reassured Abians that the State's seat of power would be fixed in due course, not just for his administration but for future Governors. "When I inspected both the Governor's Lodge and the Governor’s Office, they were in terrible states of disrepair, vandalized and looted. "Renovating them requires significant funds, but I considered it more urgent to channel those resources into infrastructure, security, health, environment and education. "I can assure you that in no distance time, since we are taken care of those important areas, we'll come here and fix it (Government House). Gov. Otti stated. Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State 07 - 03 - 2025. 3 Likes
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| Politics › Gov.otti Assures Abia Govt Support To Joint Monitoring Team On Crude Oil by Kani101(op): 2:01pm On Oct 24, 2024 |
Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has assured of the Abia State Government’s support to tackle the issues causing the drop in crude oil production in Nigeria. Governor Otti gave the assurance on Tuesday, 22nd October, in his Umuehim Nvosi Country home, when he received in audience a delegation of the Defence Headquarters Joint Monitoring Team, led by Major Gen. JAL Jimoh, who paid him a working visit. Governor Otti who decried the drastic drop in crude oil production in Nigeria, which according to him formed part of his discussion in a recent visit to the National Security Adviser, said that the numbers available to him between June, July, August, put the average oil production level somewhere around 1.4 million barrels per day. He noted that it was far below Nigeria’s crude oil quota of 2.2 million barrels per day. The Governor recalled that 20 years ago, Nigeria’s crude oil production capacity was about 2.5 million barrels per day. “Around 20 years ago, I believe that was in 2005, our production capacity, not even the quota, was about 2.5m barrels a day. So, the difference between 2.5 million barrels and 1.4 barrels also speaks to the challenges because if you are not exporting enough oil, you are not going to generate enough foreign currency to deal with all the issues that we have in the country,” the Governor stated. Governor Otti explained that because Nigeria’s economy is presently largely import dependent, the crisis in the foreign exchange market today can be tamed by a simple improvement in the quantity of Oil we produce and export, noting that it is a demand and supply situation. "If supply is weak and demand is high, prices will keep going up." He assured the team of the support of the State Government to help them succeed in their assignment. In his words, “We have everything that it takes, all the problems are man-made problems, be it the oil theft, be it the crisis, insurrection in the Niger Delta. And, I believe that with determination and a lot of efforts that you are making, we will tame this oil theft so that our country will improve in terms of foreign exchange receipts and reduce the insurrection we have everywhere". “So, I’m fully in support of what you are doing, and I will give you every support that is possible from government, and I will also encourage you to work with your colleagues (the State Security Heads). If there is anything you think they can do, they are all a phone call away. They are your colleagues; work with them so that we can together make a success out of this assignment." He assured. Earlier in his speech, the leader of the monitoring team, Major Gen. JAL Jimoh, said that the Joint Monitoring Team was recently constituted to carry out oversight on some of the most pressing challenges faced by the country’s vital crude oil sector. Speaking on the mandate of the team, he said, “Our mandate is clear: to ensure robust monitoring and oversight across activities related to crude oil and gas extraction, transportation, and security within all the oil-producing areas of the country”. Speaking further, he said that their visit to Governor Otti was to acknowledge his invaluable support to the initiative, to underscore their commitment towards transparency and cooperative engagement with all stakeholders involved, and to assure the Governor that no effort would be spared to restore optimal operational efficiency within the oil sector. Other members of the team who joined Maj. Gen. Jimoh, on the visit to Governor Otti, include Rear Admiral D. Fadeyi, Rear Admiral S.D. Ibrahim Air Vice Marshal Dari, Brigadier General A.A. Idris, Colonel M.M. Silong, Lieutenant Colonel M.J. Bent, Commissioner of Police Iyama Daniel, and Commandant Muhammed Waska. Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
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| Politics › Absu Senate Applauds The Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, Ofr by Kani101(op): 9:41pm On Sep 28, 2024 |
Senate of Abia State University, at its 274th Regular meeting, passed a resolution thanking the Executive Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for his uncommon magnanimity and benevolence in regular payment of salaries, restoration of security, commencement of payment of the 11-months arrears of salaries owed staff of the University by the previous Administration and approval for the installation of solar power, as part of the “Operation Light up Abia Project”. Senate described the Governor as a promise-keeper and cerebral Administrator and promised its unflinching support to his people-centric Administration. Speaking at the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Distinguished Professor Onyemachi Maxwell Ogbulu, further disclosed that the newly created Faculties of Optometry, Nursing Sciences and Medical Laboratory Science will take-off in the 2024/2025 academic session and announced the full accreditation status for the next five (5) years, secured by Optometry and Nursing Sciences programmes, at the just concluded accreditation exercises by their respective Professional bodies. He appreciated the Registrar/CEO, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, for approving increment in the admission quota for Nursing Sciences of Abia State University. The Vice-Chancellor urged Deans and Heads of Department, whose academic programmes will be involved in the forthcoming October/November, 2024 National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation exercise to work assiduously to replicate the 2022 and 2023 back-to-back 100% full accreditation achieved. Senate-in-session congratulated the 52 students of the University who were successful at the 2024 highly competitive Federal Government Scholarship Scheme and directed full registration of students for the ongoing Federal Government NELFUND Loans programme for Tertiary Institutions in the country. Senate pledged its continued commitment in promoting Teaching, Research and Community service and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on corruption, exploitation, cultism and examination misconduct, as defaulters will be sanctioned, in line with extant rules and regulations of the University. Senate observed one minute silence in honour of the departed immediate past Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Evelyn N. Iheukwumere.
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| Politics › Work As A Team,be More Open To One Another —gov.otti Charges His Appointees by Kani101(op): 1:21pm On Sep 27, 2024 |
Being the Text of an Address by Governor Alex C Otti, OFR, at the 2024 Special Retreat for Members of the Abia State Executive Council and Senior Appointees of the Government Held at Panyu Hotel and Resort, Aba on Friday, September 27, 2024. Protocols 1. For many of us, this particular auditorium has come to represent a learning theatre, a place where excellent plans are laid, questions are asked and clarity established. Shortly after our victory in the 2023 general election, the best brains and thinkers from different parts of the country and beyond assembled here to plot our governance trajectory. We returned in August 2023, a few weeks after we took office, for the first round of retreat for those who had been selected to drive the execution of the programmes of government. 2. Our focus in 2023 was to develop a robust understanding of the intricacies of the public sector and its peculiarities. The choice of resource persons, including former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, Arunma Oteh, OON, Ben Akabueze, and Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, was informed by our commitment to interact with the best and get ourselves prepared to deliver excellence across important frontiers of governance. 3. In a speech titled “From the Drawing Board to the Field of Play,” I made it clear that we are a very ambitious Government, noting that excuses shall not be accepted to justify failure. I also spoke of an enduring commitment to create systems that work for everyone, a governance architecture that is service-oriented, and a team of senior officials that understand the expectations of the ordinary people. I charged us to focus on delivering on the promises that won us the overwhelming support of the Abia electorates who retained very high hopes that we shall use the levers of power to effect a holistic turnaround in their economic and social fortunes. 4. Today we have reconvened at this same ground to take stock, to identify what has worked and how well, what needs to change and also talk to ourselves for the purpose of learning and growth. Some personnel changes have been effected in the last one year as we seek to get the best out of every governance frontier. So, for some of us, it is our very first retreat but for others, this event is a continuation of a routine we introduced in 2023. Wherever you belong, the aim is the same: we want to take a moment out of our regular routines to relax and then learn new insights. 5. On this note distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me formally welcome you to the 2024 Special Retreat for senior government functionaries in our dear State. Thank you for making all the sacrifices to be here. I want to specially thank those who had to cut short their holidays to be part of this retreat. We had actually made it mandatory for all concerned officials because of the importance we attach to the exercise. It is therefore important that everyone participates actively and learns from the resource persons we have carefully assembled to support us with their exceptional knowledge and experience. 6. Let me very respectfully thank our resource persons for joining us for this important assignment. Thank you for offering to support our governance transformation agenda. We are eagerly looking forward to learning from your presentations. For today and tomorrow, we shall all be pupils in your classroom and will submit willingly to your pedagogical authority by taking notes and asking questions as appropriate. Let me plead on behalf of everyone that you generously indulge our innocent ignorance. 7. In the last 16 months, we have made very important strides in a number of strategic areas but we are hungry for more. Sincerity in self-appraisal is a major hallmark of our administration. We want to build on the gains of the last retreat to improve governance outcomes through a more effective distribution of public resources, structured revenue generation and tracking process, and the application of technology and data for effective and robust decision making. 8. While it is fair to acknowledge the modest success we have recorded, I would, however, want us to dwell more on the areas where we have not done exactly well in line with our laid out strategic framework. To be clear, we have deliberately set the bar very high to insulate us from the trappings of mediocrity. We want to wake up each morning with a fresh resolve to do better, to work harder and to achieve more. The hunger to be the best has informed our pattern of appointments and the leverage given to each official to drive their strategic outlook in pursuance of the broad vision we had laid out at the beginning of this important project. 9. At the same time, we are also cautious not to overreach ourselves. The resolve is to give our best everyday, appreciating that we do not have what it takes to solve all the social and economic problems around us. What we ask of ourselves is to be deliberate in the things we do, purposefully inspiring changes, engineering excellence and building a dynamic team to support the vision in our various spheres of influence. 10. Changing the mind-set of the people and making it impossible for them to ever accommodate mediocrity in public affairs ever again is our ultimate pursuit — to set higher governance benchmark and make the ordinary people the guardian of the new standard. That, I can tell you, is the only path to sustained growth. 11. At any rate, we shall do our best but must also strive to find balance between what we want to do today and the template we leave for future generations, taking proper cognizance of available resources and competing needs. This retreat weekend has been carefully structured to provide clarity on what we can do to achieve consistent progress over the medium to long term. 12. Do not forget that we have clear priorities even as we continue to adjust to new, unexpected realities and external events we did not create but which nevertheless impact our ability to deliver on the set targets. We want quality education for pupils and students in all our public schools from primary to tertiary. On health, we want to have the best healthcare delivery ecosystem in the region. What do we want in the transport sector? My idea is simple and that is to build a system that provides safety and reliability for commuters at affordable cost at all times. On agriculture, we are focused on food security, job and wealth creation for everyone connected to the agricultural value chain. 13. Our generous infrastructure outlay is designed to stimulate the economy and attract investors who will in turn employ willing hands in rural and urban communities. We are very deliberate about what we seek to achieve with our investments in road infrastructure which explains why we started from the cities with the highest volume of economic activities, and then the agricultural belts. We are determined to revive the old production centres and create new economic corridors for investors seeking to take advantage of our large markets and abundant labour force. 14. I am impressed with the quality expectations from many of us and I align with all of them. Additionally, I shall be looking forward to better collaboration and openness by the time we return to work on Monday. While I agree that there may be productive tension from time to time, I expect all of us to work in synergy with each other, provide necessary support to colleagues and offer guidance where needed because if you are here, the assumption is that you care more about the State than individual credit. 15. In addition to team work, I would also want to see a new culture of openness. Freely discuss your concerns and take them up with team members including me if need be. We are presently working out a structure that will allow for more regular interactions with other appointees outside members of the State Executive Council. This is expected to happen at least once a month as that could also be an opportunity to interact and share ideas. More on this will be communicated as soon as we conclude the arrangements. 16. Going forward, work-life balance shall be taken more seriously for all appointees because we need to stay fit and balanced to keep delivering quality governance results. Only one exception is allowed to exist here! I believe that we shall hear more from the health experts in the room to guide us on how to develop new health consciousness in our lifestyle choices, especially as public officials who should be models of excellence in the way we live. 17. Let me now invite you to sit back and settle in for what promises to be a learning marathon. Thank you for listening and may God bless you. Dr Alex C. Otti, OFR, 27/09/2024
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| Politics › We Have Successfully Fixed 108 Roads In Abia Through Direct Labour—governor Otti by Kani101(op): 11:20am On Sep 07, 2024 |
The Executive Governor of Abia State Dr Alex Otti have revealed that his Administration has fixed 108 roads in the state through direct Labour under the Supervision of the Abia State Ministry of Works. The Governor appreciated the Staff of the Abia State Ministry of Works for their dedication to duty as he said that it would be difficult to differentiate between a road fixed through direct Labour and the one Constructed using major Construction companies. Speaking in Umuahia on Friday during the Monthly Media Chat with Journalists tagged ‘Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians’, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to change the narrative. “We have not rested on our oars, on the last count last week,we have fixed 108 Roads under the Direct Labour by the Ministry of Works, we are very proud of our brothers and Sisters who populate that Ministry over what they are doing” “Some of the roads you may have seen was done under Direct Labour by the Ministry, I want to use this Opportunity to thank Them” “For the roads under Contract, they are being delivered on time with detailed specifications contained in their contract” “We flagged off the Ohafia- Arochukwu Road which is about 44.3 Kilometers that passes Ohafia to Arochukwu and ends at the Boundary of Akwa Ibom State and the good thing is that Akwa Ibom have done their own portion of the road, so when the road is completed, it will connect back to the 66.4Kilometers Ohafia to Umuahia Road” On Health Care Delivery, Governor Otti stated that his administration has opened an eye center at the General Hospital Amachara in Umuahia which has attended to over 600 patients so far. “Am happy to report that the General Hospital Amachara has received another boost, about three or four days ago, the eye centre was opened and about 600 patients were attended to, I call on our people who are in the vicinity to go and have their eyes fixed” “We have started with the phase two of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, am aware that the Hospital had it accreditation restored in December 2023 after our massive attack on the Health sector, now we are going for the Phase two upgrade of the Hospital” “I have given the Ministry of Health marching order to deliver the retrofitting of the 200 Hospitals accross the 184 Wards in the State in a 100 days, the whole ideal is that no matter where you are or come from, you will be attended to if you have a primary health care need” Governor Otti restated his commitment to improve the Education sector by training of teachers to meet global standards. “Education is also another area we are working very hard to upgrade the schools, we started the program of training teachers as we identified about 2000 of them, we got a consultant reputed in that area, 200 of them have been trained since last week, the remaining 1800 of them, will complete their training soon” “The ideal is that the 2000 of them who are now being trained will be training others” “I visited their classrooms the other day and I was happy with the quality of teachers and am proud of what they are doing, another area is looking at the curriculum of what will make our pupils to compete with those from other parts of the World because the world is now a global village, it is important that they are properly taught “ The Governor said his administration is currently evaluating companies that will transform waste to Wealth in the state. Responding to a question about mass Retrenchment of Workers, the Governor dismissed the Insinuation and said his administration has no plan to retrench workers. “I don’t know where that is coming from, there is nothing like that, there is nothing in the pipeline, we don’t have any such plans “ “People who are used to not going to work, we told them that our administration doesn’t tolerate such” Governor Otti declared that he is not worried about 2027 as the Future is in the Hand of God. He said there is no need responding to the video clip by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu who had said Governor Otto will be the last Labour Party Governor to Govern Abia State. “I don’t want to respond to it for the simple reason that it will be foolhardy for me to be talking about what will happen in 2027, my belief is that power belongs to God and he gives it to who he wishes, I am actually not competent to sit here say what will happen by that time” “I know a man who was boasting that he will be something in 2023 but Covid came and took him in 2020, I do not subscribe to playing God” On the issue of workers who were disengaged under the administration of Former Governor Senator Theodore Orji , Governor Otti said he has directed his team to look into the possible ways to assist those who were affected by that decision. “I do know that a few of them came to me with my officials in the last one week and I said they should look into their matter” “I believe that people should not be judged or treated fairly or unfairly because of where they come from, once you live in Abia, you are from Abia, this is a Government that do not discriminate” “One of our House of Assembly member who come from Anambra State , we gave him ticket in 2023, he contested and won the election, one of our Permanent Secretaries is from Edo State and we have a Mayor who is not from here” “Anyone who was disengaged because of where they come from, we are looking at them” Governor Otti said his intervention by hosting an expanded meeting of Labour Party Stakeholders was to bring a lasting solution to the Party. “If you follow the events, you would also notice that majority of Labour Party members are happy with the Intervention we make here, they will always be one or to persons who will not be happy with what we are doing in the Labour Party” “I believe that Peace will return to the Party”He said.
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| Politics › We Have Not Borrowed Money Since The Commencement Of My Administration—gov.otti by Kani101(op): 10:35am On Aug 10, 2024 |
Executive Governor of Abia State Dr Alex Otti says his administration has not borrowed any Kobo from anywhere and has been running the activities of Government with the little available resources. The Governor reaffirmed that his administration has no god father or anyone that will hold it to ransom but a Government of the People . The Governor who stated this on Friday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Umuahia during his Monthly Media Chat with Journalists also thanked Abians for listening to him and not joining the Nationwide Hunger protest which has negatively affected some states across the Federation. He said his administration was on Top of everything Security as the Security agencies has been asked to redouble their efforts in fighting crime and criminality in the State. “We prioritize the welfare of those who cannot fend for themselves over the rest of us who can fend for themselves, The vulnerable widows, the pensioners, people with disabilities, they need our supports and I want to encourage us to look up on for people in our own little corner and see how we can give a helping hand to that your neighbor who cannot afford two square meals, to that person that is sick” “I want to use this Opportunity to thank Abia People for heading the call I made last Monday for our people not to use the street for protest, protest is allowed in our constitution but a lot of time protest are hijacked by people who have no business in the protest, I want to thank everyone because our state has become very peaceful, if you have followed the news you will agree with me that those protest started as peaceful but later ended up with violence and those states lost their citizens because of clashes with security agencies, I want to thank our people for our understanding, that does not mean that we are not paying attention to the issue that has been raised, we are even sensitive enough to hear what you are not saying” Speaking further , the Governor said his administration continued with activities in priority areas of Health, Education ,Security,Agriculture and Digital Technology as he said the state had receive international agencies who are interested in what his administration is doing, “Not too long ago we had a medical mission of two groups who visited me and put a lot of things on the table and we are engaging with them and very soon we will flag off the project which will be one of our signature projects because we are committing everything into building a medical city in the State” On road Infrastructure, Governor Otti said the Engineers in the Ministry of Works has been moving from site to site to ensure compliance with standard. “We moved to Omuma road where we are dualizing the road and from there we moved to Portharcourt road in Aba where Julius Berger is doing doing very well and as a matter of fact the Managing Director of the Company visited me few days ago and sort approval for extension date of completion to February ending 2025 and we approved it for them “ “We also visited Ohanku road and a few others , other jobs from Umuahia to Ohafia is going as Scheduled, NUNYA in Isiukwuato is also going on, I will want to report that part of Bende to Ohafia to Arochukwu road which was awarded by the Federal Government and abandoned, we went to make representations to the Federal Government through the Minister of works to start something on that road, and the Minister of Works has given us Approval to start something on that road and every soon, we will make the road usable for our people” “We are also happy that one of our Football clubs the Abia Warriors made us proud by coming Second in the Nigerian Professional Football League, so it is all good news from every sector” Governor Otti said his administration has not borrowed any money since inception despite the tempting offers as he believes that it was better to manage whatever he can rather than going into debt. “So far we have been able to operate without borrowing a Kobo, it is better to manage whatever we can manage without going into debt, we have had offers and some of them are tempting and at the appropriate time, we will access them. We have not accessed any of them so far” The Governor while reacting to a question over the Policy of his Government to take some civil Servants back to the classroom said the policy was shelved a little bit because his administration looked into those with prerequisite training and will send only them into the classroom and he is planning for a special package for Teachers. “So the Policy is selective not massive transfer “ “From next week we will be increasing the retirement age of Nurses from 60 to 65years” The Governor revealed that every encroachment on land belonging to Schools in the State will be retrieved and handed over to the classroom. “There is nothing you do that you won’t have people criticize it particularly those who benefited from those irregularities” The Governor said the issue of disparities in the salaries of Local Government was not true as the investigation revealed that no salary of any Local Government was been deducted. On the issue of Minimum, the Governor revealed that his administration has already set up a committee to look into what the state can do. “The Minimum wage means that every other salary will be adjusted accordingly so my team and the Nigerian Labour Congress are already engaging and we will come up with something inline with the meager resources available the State. The Governor revealed that the timetable for the conduct of Local Government election will soon be out as his administration will soon approach the Abia State House of Assembly for amendment of the Local Government law and the conduct of the election will be seamless. While reacting over the Resignation of the Former Commissioner for Health Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo , the Governor said that money was not stolen, and neither mismanaged but then, there were procedures that were abused under her watch as Commissioner for Health. “On the Former Commissioner For Health, Her resignation has been received and accepted. Before she resigned, a committee that was set up, turned in a report” “Going through the report, there was no financial impropriety established but there were conducts that were not consistent with laid down policies. But since she offered to resign, the government decided to accept her resignation” “I want to repeat that money was not stolen, money was not mismanaged but then, there were procedures that were abused and we didn't think that was enough, for more than a reprimand, a caution or a warning but she choose to throw in the trowel and we had to accept her resignation."The Governor Stated 1 Like
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| Politics › Abia Govt Constitutes Committee To Recover Schools, Sets To Revamp Water Schemes by Kani101(op): 1:32pm On Aug 07, 2024 |
The Abia State Government has constituted a special committee to recover all encumbered public schools in the state. The Committee which is headed by the Chief of staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, has the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche as Secretary and Honourable Commissioners for Justice, Lands and Housing, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, GM UCDA, GM GADA as well as the Chief Security Officer to the Governor as members. Briefing news men on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu said the committee is saddled with the task of identifying about 180 public schools whose land has been taken over by officials and cronies of the immediate past administration. According to him, government would not tolerate the greed and mindless impunity by a privileged few who have surreptitiously taken over lands belonging to government schools. He equally condemned the misuse of schools handed back to different organizations stressing that such schools must be used exclusively for educational purposes. “The state government has equally condemned the misuse and misapplication of schools that have been handed over to different organizations. Prince Kanu said that a full diagnostic assessment of the educational sector of the state has been conducted, adding that about 12, 000 teachers in public schools will undergo a capacity building program during the summer to prepare them for the emergent new look schools that government would have from September. He equally announced that work has commenced at the Federal College of Education, Ofeme, Umuahia North LGA, fully supported by the Abia State Government, adding that the state government has supported the college to secure an office at the Okpara round about for a smooth take off of activity. Prince Kanu warned that henceforth, those driving without vehicle number plates or hooded number plates would be apprehended and punished accordingly by security agencies.
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| Politics › Abia Gov’t Is Open To Infrastructural Financing: Gov Otti. by Kani101(op): 11:03pm On Jul 26, 2024 |
In a bid to retrieve the State from infrastructural ruins and accelerate its economic development, the Abia Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has said that his administration is open to partnering serious-minded investors for infrastructural financing with concessionary options. The Governor spoke on Tuesday 23rd July, when he received in audience a delegation of FUNGTAI Engineering Company Nig. LTD, led by the Director of Projects, Dr. Cyril Christopher who paid him a business visit to present their proposal to build sports infrastructures in the State. Governor said, “My preference is to deal with a partner that comes up with the funding and then we can now look at the concession agreement". "That would be my preference. And, once you come up with that kind of proposal, you have put yourselves ahead of others. Even in housing estate, we have something like that.” The Governor called on FUNGTAI Engineering Company LTD to look beyond sports infrastructure to explore other sectors like Real Estate where the State is planning to develop smart cities and high end estates for Abians in Diaspora, Professionals within and outside the State. Governor Otti said that the State will contribute in the aspect of providing lands which constitute up to twenty to thirty percent (20 – 30 %) gross. “Our contribution is always land which sometimes comes up to 20 – 30% of gross”, Governor Otti stated. Earlier in his speech, Dr. Cyril Christopher said they came to present a proposal for the building of a Forty Thousand FIFA standard capacity stadium with foundation expandable to Eighty Thousand capacity. He also said they were interested in the rebuilding of Nsulu Games Village. Dr. Cyril said that their company is seventy percent Nigeria owned with offices across the globe. The company is currently developing the multi-billion dollar new FESTAC city. He thanked the Governor for giving them the opportunity to showcase their company and proposed projects to the State. Al Jar Makani Bassam (The Project Manager) presented the conceptual designs of the stadium and sports complex they intend to build for the State to the Governor and members of his team. Other members of the FUNGTAI Engineering Company delegation that came with Dr. Cyril Christopher include David Guo (Power and Electrical), Al Jar Makani Bassam (Project Manager), Alhajali Wasseem (Project Assistant), and Sandra Okpuno (Legal Services). Governor Otti was joined in the meeting by the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba, the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer to the Government, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzukwu, and the Technical Assistant to the Governor Dr. Charles Egonye. Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State. 23-07-2024.
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| Politics › Abia Government Cancels Monthly Sanitation Exercise For July. by Kani101(op): 8:34pm On Jul 24, 2024 |
The Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR will on Saturday, 27th July 2024 commission various projects executed by the Mayor of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Chief Joe Ezearu . The projects are the outcome of one of the major policy thrusts of the present administration that is anchored on infrastructural development geared to positively affect the lives of the citizenry in Abia communities . The projects include the following ; reconstruction and furnishing of the Local Government Headquarters, a water project, renovation and furnishing of the Council Hall, construction of a new staff canteen, provision of various mechanical equipment and power assets among others. The venue for the event is the Local Government Headquarters and time is 10:00am prompt . We wish to use this medium to re- confirm the cancellation of this month's environmental sanitation exercise earlier slated for this Saturday to allow citizens travel freely to Arochukwu for the event. Consequently, government invites all stakeholders, party faithfuls and the public to join Governor Alex Otti at the commissioning ceremony. Signed Prince Okey Kanu Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture. 1 Like
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| Education › ABSU Student Union Writes Governor Otti Over Death Of 200L Student by Kani101(op): 7:44pm On Jul 22, 2024 |
Students of the Abia State University Uturu has appealed to the Executive Governor of Abia State Dr Alex Otti to establish a functional Hospital or Health Centre within the University Community in Uturu, Isiukwuato Local Government Area of Abia State. 2 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics › Gov.alex Otti Approves Disbursement Of Project Funds To 23 Communities by Kani101(op): 3:20pm On Jul 21, 2024 |
Governor Alex Otti Approves Disbursement Of Developmental Project Funds To 23 Communities in Abia A total of 23 communities from 10 LGAs in Abia State have been picked to benefit from the Abia State Agency for Community and Social Development Project, as approved by Governor Alex Otti. The General Manager of Abia State Agency for Community and Social Development Project, Ekejiuba Ekpo, while speaking on Thursday during a training programme for members of the Community Project Monitoring Committee, CPMC, from the benefitting communities, said that the agency would carry out strict monitoring and evaluation of the construction of projects in the communities to ensure that the funds given to the communities are not embezzled or fraudulently diverted. According to him, the Abia State Government is contributing 95 per cent of the funds, while the benefitting communities are contributing 5 per cent counterpart funds, even though he said that community development officers from LGAs have been deployed to also monitor the projects. He noted that Governor Alex Otti is interested in developing every part of the state, especially the rural communities where basic amenities are lacking. The 23 benefiting communities are Amaeke-Alayi, Uhabiri, Ohokobe, Umuode Nsulu, Ndiaku, Ugwunagbo, Ogbuebele, Oria Na Agu, Abala and Nunya. Others are Avonkwu, Ndiokereke Abam, Amaeke Isiegbu, Ajata Okwuru, Umuodeche , Ndiudumukwu, Nsukwe, Amato Isingwu and Umuawa Alaocha. The rest are Umuajiji Isieke, Mbato Ofoeme and Mbom Afarata communities. The projects to be executed include primary health centres, water boreholes, and the reconstruction of school buildings.
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| Politics › Our Administration Encourages People That Have Something To Offer — Gov. Otti by Kani101(op): 1:58pm On Jul 21, 2024 |
The Executive Governor of Abia State Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reiterated that his administration will always encourage hardworking people who are willing to use whatever they have; no matter how little it is to make a living for themselves. The Governor emphasized the need for people to engage themselves in something meaningful by identifying their vision and working hard to realise it. Governor Otti spoke on Saturday 20th July, at Unity Chapel Government House, Umuahia, while observing the Sabbath Worship. Expounding on the portion of the scripture used for the sermon from 2 Kings 4:1-7, and read to the congregation by him, Governor Otti said, "We should go back to read it again. The essence of that passage is that whatever you have in your hands, that's what God will use to bless you". "If you don't have anything doing, find something. You must find something doing. It is a challenge for you to discover your vision and ensure it is not betrayed". "Our administration is an administration that encourages people who have things in their hands”. Governor Otti encouraged the congregation not to allow their faith to be shaken by the present socio-economic challenges in the country. In his words, “I want to encourage you not to let your belief to be shaken, not even all the challenges we are seeing in the country today should shake you". "It gives me pleasure to be in your midst this morning. I believe this is the first time I am worshiping here. But I am aware that worship takes place here every Saturday. I continue to encourage the service to hold as scheduled whether I am available or not”. In his sermon, the President of the Abia North Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Pastor Kenneth Iheoma, said that God does not forget his faithful servants but will always bless them even when they are no more, their families will not be forgotten. He cited the example of the widow whose husband served him faithfully as recorded in the scriptures 2 Kings 4:1-7, whom God multiplied her jar of oil which she used to pay all their debts and saved their family from being taken into slavery by creditors. "And to all of us who serve God faithfully, God takes notice of our services to him and in due time God blesses". Pastor Iheoma stated. Pastor Iheoma however emphasized that for God to bless you, you must have something with which he will bless you. it could be a skill, it could be a talent, etc. The man noted that God does not bless lazy people. The Governor was joined in the worship by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Commissioner for Education Prof. Eme Uche Eme, Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Apostle KC Wiper and others. Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State. 20-07-2024.
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| Politics › Proposed Abia Smart City Aligns With My Vision - Gov. Alex Otti. by Kani101(op): 9:42am On Jul 20, 2024 |
The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti says the proposed New Abia Smart City project aligns with his vision, hence, his administration will partner any serious minded investor to achieve the project. Governor Otti stated this during a business meeting with a delegation from the African Rebirth Vision, a reputable company building trade, finance and investment bridges across Africa led by the President/Founder, Engr. Chuka Nwokoro. The Governor while describing the proposed Abia Smart City as a welcome project, noted that his administration is making frantic efforts to launch Abia into a digital economy. Governor Otti also indicated interest in exploring the building technology of the company and assured the delegation that government will deepen discussions with them as to make the proposal a reality. "I am quite pleased to learn about this vision - Abia Smart City and it ties very well with our own vision". "I am also amazed to hear about your building technology where you said you can deliver homes in two to three weeks. That is amazing and it's something we would like to explore". "Of course, the smart city is something that is on the table at the moment. We have identified a few locations, at least two, one in Umuahia, another around Osisioma Aba". "I think what we need to do is to sit down and drill down and look at the details" "A lot of Nigerians In diaspora had reached out to indicate interest in what we had earlier called Diaspora village, but then, in our reflection, we thought it shouldn't be restricted to the diaspora community. So, we changed the concept. What we will now do is to sit down with you to see how we can marry what you have brought with what we have" Gov. Otti stated. Earlier in his speech, the President and Founder African Rebirth Vision Engr. Chuka Nwokoro noted that Abia is economically one the richest state in Nigeria due to her numerous mineral deposits, adding that they have carried a detailed survey of available resources in the state. Engr. Nwokoro said that the company has to assemble the very best and leading companies around the world as partners to deliver on the project, adding that their company which built the Sam Mbakwe Airport 34 years ago has all it takes to deliver a brand new Smart City for Abia. He said that Governor Otti has within one year in office drawn the attention of the international community to the investment opportunities in the state, pointing out that all the company needs is land and security to enable the company execute the project as proposed. Among the team in the delegation were the President of Smartmatic, Dr. Khodr Akil, A development partner from the US, Terra Dlier among others. Government House Press, Umuahia. 19-07-2024 24 Likes 7 Shares
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| Politics › Two Commissioners Resign In Abia. by Kani101(op): 1:02am On Jul 18, 2024 |
The following Cabinet Members of Abia State Government have tendered their resignation letters to the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti. They are: 1. Mr. Chima Oriaku - Commissioner for Science and Technology. 2. Prof. Monica Ironkwe - Commissioner for Agriculture The Executive Governor thanked them for their service and sacrifice to the State and wish them well in their future endeavours. Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia. Government House - Umuahia 17-07-2024.
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| Politics › FG Set To Establish Federal Government College Of Education In ABIA. by Kani101(op): 12:54am On Jul 18, 2024 |
The Executive governor of Abia State Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Tuesday 16th July, handed over the Certificate of Occupancy of the land donated to the Federal Government for the establishment of a Federal College of Education in Abia State. While handing over the land documents, the Governor also set-up a four-man committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government Prof. Kenneth Kalu to ensure that the proposed September deadline set by the Federal Government for the takeoff of the institution is realized. Other members of the Committee include the State Commissioner for Education, Prof Eme Uche Eme, the State Commissioner for Lands and Housing Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu. The Committee is to give the Governor a written progress report fortnightly. Speaking during the handover of the Documents, Governor Otti said that although the State Government has a College of Education which his administration is working hard to retrieve from the ruins of abandonment, one college of education is not enough to train the kind and number of teachers the State needs. In his words, “We Consider the Federal College of Education as a great asset to the State. When you have twenty percent (20%) of your budget dedicated to education, we believe that we will probably get to twenty-five percent (25%) very soon". “For us we are very resolute and unrepentant about our commitment to education. Even if you complete your education and you don’t have a job, it is not a problem; that you don’t have a job today doesn’t mean you won’t have a job tomorrow". “We do have a College of Education here that has been abandoned over the years. We are working very hard to retrieve it – the State College of Education in Arochukwu. But, we strongly believe that one College of Education is not enough to train the kind of teachers and the numbers that we require”. Governor Otti hinted that having already done what many considered ingenious by increasing the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years, his administration is considering extending it to 70 years with a discriminatory package to attract people to the teaching profession. He explained that with teaching, one gets better with age. He harped on the need for continuous training for teachers, focusing on where the world is going. “We need to continuously train our people; we need to put our feet down on what teachers should learn and how they should learn them. The truth is that you cannot give what you don’t have. So, if you teach pinhole cameras in 2024, what you will get are graduates that will retire before they start. “Everywhere today, we are talking of digital technology. we are talking of broadband. we are talking of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). We are talking of software engineering. We are talking of artificial intelligence. We are talking of robotics and electronic vehicles. I’m bringing that to tell you where the world is going. Those are the kind of things I hope I can work with you particularly the provost, the Chairman of the Governing Council. “We need to sit down and look at the curricular so that you teach people what will be useful to them. I hope there will be room for us to seat down and agree on what should be taught there? And, if we don’t have the resources, we will support you to get the resources from outside”, Governor Otti assured. Dr. Otti pledged support and the commitment of the State Government to help the Federal Government to meet up with the September deadline kickoff of the institution. “So you can take it for granted that this Government will support you. If you have set a September deadline, we will support you to meet it. A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. We may not be completely ready but let’s start. When we start, we will continue building. “So distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me thank you once again and it is on this note that I like to handover the Certificate of Occupancy for the Federal College of Education in Ofoeme to the Federal Government". Earlier in her speech, Dr. Uchenna Ubah who represented Mrs. Didi Wilson-Jack the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health, said that they did so many things to make the College come up but it was really dragging but when Dr. Alex Otti took charge of Abia State, everything changed. In her words, “Your Excellency, I want to really thank you for taking the bull by the horn to establish this College of Education because when you came in, you took charge and sent some of your Commissioners. That’s where I met Chukwumerije (Commissioner for Lands and Housing), he came to Abuja and made us to start processing the establishment of the college again because at a stage we had to really take it off and take it to another State. He came and showed passion that you sent him and we started again". “We are here today to take over the documents of the land and also to access the place that you have given us to see if by September the students can come in". In his Vote of thanks, the Provost of the College, Dr. Titus Ezeme thanked Governor Otti and the members of his team that played strategic roles in ensuring that the college is established. He expressed confidence that having known the pedigree of Governor Otti, the promises he made to help the college stand will be fulfilled. Governor Otti was joined by his Deputy, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechi Emetu, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Kenneth Kalu, some commissioners and other top appointees of the Government in handing over the land's Certificate of Occupancy to the Federal Government. Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State. 17-07-2024
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| Politics › Gov.Otti Approves additional N15,000 Wage Reward For Every Civil Servant In ABIA by Kani101(op): 10:49am On Jul 17, 2024 |
In a bid to alleviate the economic challenges faced by the public servants, Abia state Government has announced a significant wage award totaling N45,000 for its workforce. The decision which will see eligible employees receiving N15,000 monthly is set to take effect from July 2024. This disclosure came during a press briefing by the commissioner for information and culture, Prince okey Kanu, following the state executive Council(EXCO) Meeting chaired by the Executive governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti. Prince Kanu underscored the government commitment to ameliorating the prevailing economic challenges and hardship experienced nationwide. "The wage award is part of the state government's efforts to cushion the effects of economic challenges on our workforce," Prince Kanu stated. He reiterated Governor Alex Otti's dedication to the welfare of Abia Workers, Highlighting additional measures aimed at improving their conditions.
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