₦airaland Forum

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has disclosed that his administration has completed the construction of 414 roads spanning about 864.12 kilometers across the state within the last three years.

Governor Otti disclosed during the May edition of the monthly media interaction programme, “Governor Alex Otti Speaks To Abians,” highlighting the achievements of his administration in road infrastructure and urban renewal.

According to the Governor, several of the completed roads would be commissioned beginning next week, noting that the projects were strategically executed to improve transportation, commerce, and economic activities across the state.

He further revealed that his administration currently has 82 additional roads under construction at different stages of completion, measuring about 212 kilometers.

Governor Otti stated that his government remains committed to delivering quality infrastructure with complementary facilities such as street lights and drainage systems to ensure durability and safety.

“We are consistent in terms of delivering street lights with the roads and, of course, drainage, and we also put in place maintenance plans for the roads under our direct labour agency and our zero pothole policy,” the Governor stated.

Speaking on the importance of road infrastructure, Dr. Otti emphasised that good roads play a critical role in reducing transportation costs, improving business efficiency, accelerating trade and commerce, creating jobs, and boosting the engineering capacity of local professionals involved in the projects.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining infrastructural development as part of efforts to reposition Abia State for economic growth and improved living standards.

Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has dismissed reports of political disagreements between him and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.


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Speaking at the APC Stakeholders Meeting in Umuahia, Kalu said both leaders understand their relationship and political journey better than outsiders.

“I don’t want anybody to be a judge between the Deputy Speaker and me. We know how we started, and only both of us know how we will end,” he declared.

The senator lamented attempts by some political actors to create unnecessary tension between them through gossip and misinformation.

According to him, he does not entertain backbiting or secret criticism against political associates and prefers open discussions whenever issues arise.

“Even when people come to gossip to me about somebody, I tell them to stop. If you say somebody spoke against me, let us call the person and discuss it openly,” he said.

Kalu described fairness, openness, and honesty as core values that have guided his political life over the years.

“Why should I change at this age? I have suffered with many people, and people should be fair to me,” he stated.

The former governor also clarified that supporting different aspirants within the APC should not be interpreted as hostility or betrayal.

“If my brother is running for governor, he is my brother. If my friend is contesting, he remains my friend. Politics should not destroy relationships,” he said.

Kalu concluded by urging APC members in Abia State to remain firm and united, noting that as the oldest APC governor in the South-East, he remains committed to strengthening the party in the region.

A prominent aspirant in the Abia State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race, Sir Mascot Uzor Kalu, has formally announced his withdrawal from the contest for the party’s gubernatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, ABN TV reports.

In a letter dated May 20, 2026, and addressed to the National Chairman of the APC through the Abia State Chairman of the party, Mascot Kalu said his decision followed extensive consultations with family members, friends, and critical stakeholders across the state.

The former gubernatorial aspirant explained that although the decision was difficult, it became necessary in the interest of fairness, equity, and the unity of the party in Abia State.

According to him, one of the major reasons for stepping down was the emergence of his brother, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, as the APC senatorial candidate, noting that his withdrawal would provide other aspirants the opportunity to contest for the governorship position.

Mascot Kalu further argued that Abia Central Senatorial District should be allowed to complete what he described as “its eight years of power rotation,” stressing that the principle of equity should be respected in the state’s political arrangement.

Despite withdrawing from the race, he reaffirmed his loyalty and commitment to the APC, urging his supporters and loyalists to continue supporting the party and participating actively in its future engagements.

Incumbent Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election, securing the party’s ticket for the 2027 general elections with a landslide victory over his lone challenger, Philip Nto.


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The direct primary election, conducted across the five local government areas and 57 wards of Abia North Senatorial District on Monday, witnessed massive participation by party members and stakeholders.

At the end of the exercise, Senator Kalu polled 65,651 votes to defeat Philip Nto, who secured 2,103 votes, giving the former Senate Chief Whip a commanding victory margin of 63,548 votes.

The official results announced at the APC collation centre in Umuahia showed that a total of 72,028 registered voters participated in the exercise, while 69,441 voters were accredited. Total votes cast stood at 67,854.

According to the breakdown released by the APC Primary Election Committee:

Total number of wards: 57

Total registered voters: 72,028

Total accredited voters: 69,441

Total votes cast: 67,854

Votes scored by Orji Uzor Kalu: 65,651

Votes scored by Philip Nto: 2,103

The primary election was supervised by designated returning officers deployed across the various local government areas in the senatorial district, including Comrade Chisom Eneogwe Christopher for Isuikwuato LGA, Chima Okorie for Ohafia LGA, Hon. Tony Mezie Nwubani for Bende LGA, Enyioma Ekebuike for Umunneochi LGA, while Wilson Chukwuma Eze coordinated the Arochukwu collation centre.

Announcing the result, Chairman of the Abia North Senatorial National Assembly Primary Election Committee, Mr. Chinedu Christian Kanu, described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and credible.

He commended APC members, stakeholders and electoral officials for ensuring a smooth conduct of the primaries across the district.

According to him, Senator Kalu secured overwhelming support from party members through a transparent direct primary process aimed at producing credible candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Kalu’s victory now clears the path for his re-election bid ahead of the February 2027 National Assembly elections.

Since his election into the Senate in 2019, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has remained one of the most influential lawmakers from the South-East, with his legislative and constituency interventions focused on infrastructure, education, industrialization, youth empowerment and economic development.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatization and Chairman of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Kalu has also played strategic roles in attracting federal projects and investments to the South-East region.

Across Abia North Senatorial District, the senator has facilitated the construction and rehabilitation of over 160 rural roads linking [/b]communities in Arochukwu, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, Umunneochi and Bende Local Government Areas.

[b]The road projects have reportedly improved transportation, enhanced access to rural markets and reduced post-harvest losses for farmers in agrarian communities.

In the area of rural electrification and security, solar-powered street lights have equally been installed in over 150 communities across the district to boost commercial activities and improve security.

Kalu has also championed industrial and economic development initiatives, including the establishment of cashew processing and tricycle assembly plants in Igbere, aimed at creating employment opportunities for youths and residents.

Under his leadership at the South East Development Commission, the commission secured a ₦140 billion budgetary allocation targeted at critical infrastructure, healthcare and education projects across the South-East geopolitical zone.

Education has also remained a major focus of his constituency projects, with the senator facilitating the construction and renovation of schools, classroom blocks, libraries and science laboratories across Abia North.

Thousands of students have equally benefited from scholarships, bursaries, educational materials and sponsorship programmes linked to initiatives facilitated through his foundation.

On empowerment, Senator Kalu has distributed grants, tricycles, motorcycles, sewing machines, generators, laptops and agricultural inputs to women, youths, artisans and farmers across the district as part of efforts to promote self-reliance and reduce unemployment.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially announced the results of its House of Representatives primary elections across the eight federal constituencies in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections, ABN TV reports.


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Chairman of the Abia State National Assembly Primary Election Committee, Barrister Erasmus Cishak, announced the results on Saturday night at the APC State Secretariat in Umuahia.

According to Cishak, the primary elections were conducted across the various federal constituencies in the state, with party members participating in the selection of candidates to fly the APC flag in the forthcoming general elections.

In Bende Federal Constituency, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu emerged unopposed as the party’s candidate.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment and former member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, was returned unopposed as the APC candidate for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency.

For Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chris Nkwonta emerged as the party’s candidate, while Hon. Uzor Azubuike secured the ticket for Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency.

In Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chinedum Orji, emerged victorious in the party primary.

The APC also announced Hon. Uzoma Theodore Uka as the candidate for Isiala Ngwa North/Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency.

For Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Udo Alozie clinched the party’s ticket, while Hon. Ikenna Nicholas emerged as the APC candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency.

Barrister Cishak commended party members and stakeholders for their conduct during the primary process and assured that the committee remained committed to transparency, fairness, and credibility throughout the exercise.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party, Peter Azubuike, says opposition political parties in the state do not threaten the party.

Speaking during an exclusive interview on ABN TV’s Political Perspective, Azubuike maintained that the Labour Party remains focused on governance and grassroots mobilization rather than political distractions.

According to him, the opposition parties in the state are struggling with internal conflicts and lack the cohesion needed to challenge the Labour Party in Abia.

He stated that the party’s major objective remains delivering Governor Alex Chioma Otti for a second term and ensuring Labour Party candidates' victory in future elections.

Azubuike argued that the governor currently enjoys unprecedented grassroots acceptance across the state due to his administration’s performance in office.

He further noted that, unlike the 2023 elections when the Labour Party contested as an opposition party, the party is now more organized, experienced, and better positioned to prepare for future elections.

The chairman expressed confidence that the Labour Party would emerge stronger going into 2027, stressing that the party has recovered from previous internal challenges and is now fully settled.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has encouraged aspirants within the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to lose hope if they fail to secure party tickets during the forthcoming primaries.


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Kalu spoke during the APC Stakeholders Meeting in Umuahia, where he shared his personal political journey as a lesson in patience, perseverance, and faith.

According to him, he waited for 17 years before eventually emerging as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, despite facing repeated disappointments and political obstacles.

“I waited 17 years, and I did not die. Today, I am the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Kalu said.

The Deputy Speaker disclosed that there were several occasions when circumstances seemed unfavorable to his political ambition, but he remained steadfast and hopeful.

“Every time, there was always a reason why I should not go. But today, God, whose hand controls power, has restored all the years I lost,” he stated.

Kalu urged aspirants who may not emerge victorious during the primaries not to feel abandoned or rejected, insisting that political success often comes with patience and timing.

“If it is not your turn today, tomorrow, or the next tomorrow, do not feel forsaken. Your own time will come, and when it comes, you will not lose anything,” he encouraged.

He noted that not everyone can occupy political positions simultaneously, adding that some individuals may need to wait while others take their turn.

The Deputy Speaker appealed to party members to remain loyal to the APC regardless of the outcome of the primaries, emphasizing that unity and long-term commitment remain essential for political success.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Paul Ikonne, has called for a generational shift in representation for Abia South Senatorial District, urging the incumbent senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, to step aside ahead of the 2027 general elections.


Ikonne made the call during an interview with ABN TV shortly after his official declaration to contest the Senate seat at the Enyimba Town Hall in Aba, where supporters and people of Abia South also endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.

While acknowledging Abaribe’s years of service, Ikonne maintained that the time had come for new leadership to emerge in the district.

“Our elder brother has done his best. The people are now saying it is time to move forward and allow a new voice represent Abia South,” he said.

The former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority also criticized the senator’s recent political movements, describing frequent party defections as a sign of inconsistency that could weaken political structures and erode public trust.

“Jumping from one party to another will not save you. If you are familiar with Senator Abaribe, you will realize that he has lost touch with the grassroots. Our people are saying enough is enough; it is time for him to return home,” Ikonne stated.

He warned that a fresh bid by Abaribe in 2027 may not yield a favourable outcome, insisting that the electorate is increasingly inclined towards change.

Traditional rulers from Umuahia North, Umuahia South, and Ikwuano Local Government Areas have intensified calls for peace and strict adherence to an existing zoning arrangement, urging stakeholders to allow Ohuhu complete its agreed two tenures in the House of Representatives.


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The monarchs made the call during a cross-community meeting held at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Eze Iheanyichukwu Abel Ezeigbo, Ochima I of Uhabiri Umuchime Na Amanso Autonomous Community, Ossah-Ibeku, on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Addressing the gathering, the traditional rulers warned that rising political activities and agitations by aspirants from other areas could trigger avoidable tension if not carefully managed.

Speaking on behalf of the Ohuhu Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, Idinoba of Ekeoba Kingdom, said the intervention was necessary to preserve peace and uphold a long-standing agreement guiding the rotation of the federal constituency seat.

According to him, the zoning formula established decades ago ensures that each bloc occupies the House of Representatives position for two tenures before it rotates.

“We are not here for politics or to promote any individual. Our message is clear allow Ohuhu to complete its two tenures as agreed. That is the only way to maintain peace, fairness, and mutual respect,” he said.

Also speaking, His Royal Eminence, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu of Umudiawa Kingdom, reiterated that the appeal was based on an agreement that has existed for over 30 years and must be respected.

“We are reminding our brothers of what we all agreed upon. This is about equity and justice. Let Ohuhu complete its tenure, and when it moves to other areas, the same principle should apply,” he stated.

Responding to the appeal, traditional rulers from Ikwuano and Umuahia South expressed support for the message and pledged to take it to their people.

His Royal Highness, Eze Ben Oriaku, Dike I of Umudike Ukwu Oboro in Ikwuano, acknowledged receipt of the message, noting that there has always been an understanding of how the House of Representatives seat is zoned among the three LGAs.

He stressed the importance of peace, urging restraint among political actors.

“The best way to make peace is to stop any advance of conflict. We will reach out to our sons in Ikwuano to remind them of the zoning formula and the need to avoid actions that could lead to friction. I will also take this message to the Chairman of Ndi Eze Oboro and Ikwuano. Our advice is simple—avoid war,” he said.

From Umuahia South, His Royal Highness, Eze Paul C. Egwu, Dike Ukwu Autonomous Community, described the appeal as timely and necessary for unity.

“It is a good thing. Recognising those who have gone before to complete their second tenure will promote peace and remove disputes and misunderstandings. We accept this message and will pass it to other traditional rulers in Umuahia South,” he stated.

Also lending his voice, the host monarch, His Royal Majesty, Eze Iheanyichukwu Abel Ezeigbo, Ochima I of Uhabiri Umuchime Na Amanso Autonomous Community, emphasized the critical role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace.

He described the message from Ohuhu as significant and called for collective responsibility among all stakeholders.

“They have come to plead with us to do everything possible to maintain peace and order. We from Ibeku are expected to support them to complete their tenure, and when it is our turn, they will also support us,” he said.

Eze Ezeigbo added that the matter would be escalated to the wider Ibeku Traditional Rulers Council for further deliberation, stressing that traditional institutions must always act as custodians of peace.

“If what they have told us about the agreement is true, then the right thing to do is to allow peace to reign and align with that agreement. Instead of allowing conflict, they have chosen dialogue, and that is commendable. All we want is peace so that we continue to live as one people,” he added.

The monarchs collectively warned against any actions capable of inciting violence, reiterating that their primary responsibility is to safeguard lives and property.

They concluded with a unified call for calm, mutual respect, and political maturity, insisting that honoring established agreements remains key to sustaining peace in the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.

The Nigerian Army has distanced itself from an individual alleged to be involved in armed robbery in Abia State, describing him as a criminal impersonator falsely parading as a serving soldier.


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In a press release issued by the Headquarters, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia, the Army said its attention was drawn to reports circulating on social media claiming that one Lance Corporal Chukwu Ebuka Peter, purportedly attached to the Brigade, was involved in criminal activities.

However, the Army categorically denied the claim, stating that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is not a member of the Nigerian Army but an impostor using the identity of a soldier to perpetrate crimes.

According to the statement signed by the Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Captain Mazinho Attah, every genuine soldier of the Nigerian Army is duly identified with a unique service number, and no record of the suspect exists within the 14 Brigade or any of its units.

The Army further noted that during interrogation, the suspect could not be linked to any recognized unit under the Brigade, reinforcing the conclusion that he is an unscrupulous criminal impersonator.

The Nigerian Army strongly condemned the act of impersonation, reiterating its commitment to maintaining strict discipline, professionalism, and accountability among its personnel.

It emphasized that any serving soldier found guilty of criminal conduct would be subjected to due process in line with military laws and regulations.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated that no state governor in Nigeria is currently struggling to borrow from banks to pay workers’ salaries, describing the development as a sign that the nation’s economy is gradually stabilizing.


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The President made the remark while addressing religious and traditional leaders during a gathering held to mark the coinciding fasting periods of Ramadan and Lent.

According to Tinubu, the economic reforms introduced by his administration have helped improve the financial standing of states, enabling governors to meet their obligations to workers without resorting to emergency borrowing.

“No governor in this country, in any of your states, is now running around the banks to borrow money to pay the salaries of their workers,” Tinubu said.

He noted that the situation was very challenging when his administration assumed office, but assured that significant progress had been made in stabilizing the nation’s economy.

The President said Nigeria had been saved from the brink of bankruptcy through tough but necessary economic decisions taken by the Federal Government.

“It was very daunting and very challenging when we took over, but today I can say with pride and joy that we are surviving and the economy has turned the corner,” he added.

Tinubu also revealed that pensioners are gradually receiving relief as the government continues to implement policies aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

He reiterated that his administration remains committed to investing in critical sectors such as agriculture and education to ensure a better future for the next generation.

The President further assured Nigerians that despite security challenges, including terrorism and banditry, the Federal Government remains determined to restore peace and protect the country’s sovereignty.

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully conducted its state congress, with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu declared that the party is fully prepared to win the governorship election in the state in 2027.

The congress, held under a consensus arrangement, produced Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, a former Minority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, as the new State Chairman of the party. Chidi Avoaja emerged as State Secretary, while Uche Aguoru was elected Publicity Secretary. The former Publicity Secretary, Benedict Godson, was elected Assistant Secretary, among other members of the newly constituted state executive committee.

Speaking during the congress, Kalu described the peaceful conduct of the exercise as a sign of a new direction in political party administration in Abia State.

According to him, the consensus arrangement adopted for the congress, which allowed party leaders across different levels to nominate candidates, demonstrated that the APC had been returned to the people.

“With the congress concluded, the APC is now stronger in Abia State. The party is ready to break barriers and win elections,” Kalu said.

The Deputy Speaker also expressed confidence that the APC would deliver overwhelming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

“Abia is ready for President Bola Tinubu and ready to give him the votes he deserves. We are not negotiating with anyone for the President to secure 25 percent of the votes in Abia. We have the capacity to deliver more than 80 percent for him in 2027,” he stated.

Kalu added that the party would soon organise a major APC rally in the state that would attract top leaders of the party, including the President and Vice President.

“What we have done today is not a rally. Abia should get ready because the APC rally is coming, where the President, his Vice, and other party leaders will be present,” he added.

He further noted that the southern political bloc remains firmly behind President Tinubu and urged party members to mobilise support for his re-election.

Also speaking, the National Organising Secretary of the APC, Donatus Nwamkpa, commended party leaders including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, for their efforts in ensuring the success of the congress.

Nwamkpa expressed optimism that with such leadership, the APC would produce the next governor of Abia State in 2027.

Similarly, the Chairman of the National Committee for the Abia Congress, Emmanuel Go’ar, praised the Local Organising Committee led by Chief Marc Wabara for successfully coordinating the congress.

Several party stakeholders who spoke at the event also commended the leadership of the party for reconciling previously aggrieved factions and pledged their support for the newly elected state executive.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected State Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the executive.

He pledged to lead the party with humility and dedication, assuring that the APC would work tirelessly to ensure that Abia becomes an APC-controlled state in 2027.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has strongly defended the impact of his administration’s reforms, insisting that the results of governance in the state are visible and can be felt by residents in their daily lives.

The exchange occurred during the February edition of “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians”, when a journalist, Chika Nwabueze of Don Media Group, asked the governor to provide measurable and transparent data showing how his policies have improved the economic and living conditions of ordinary Abians beyond infrastructure projects.

The journalist noted that while the administration had received praise for visible road construction and reforms, critics believe more verifiable evidence is needed to demonstrate inclusive governance and measurable economic impact.

Responding, Governor Otti questioned the foundation of the inquiry and challenged the journalist directly.

“You have not said anything. Do you live in Abia?” the governor asked.

He went further to cite practical examples of changes residents experience daily.

“The road you use, is it tarred? Do your children pay school fees? But you see, children that don’t pay school fees, right?”

Otti insisted that the monthly media engagement is a serious forum and should not be used for what he described as poorly framed questions.

“This media chat is a serious media chat. We are not here to massage your opposition,” he said.

“When we throw this open for people to ask questions, it doesn’t mean people should be stupid.”

The governor maintained that governance outcomes should be assessed through observable changes rather than abstract demands for statistics from the executive.

“If you can’t feel what is happening in this state where you live, then I’m sorry, I can’t help you,” he said.

“That’s not my business. My business is to deliver on my promises.”

Listing areas he believes demonstrate measurable progress, Otti referenced improved road infrastructure, reduced accidents and travel time, the introduction of free electric buses, and expanded access to healthcare services.

“Because roads have been done, accidents have reduced, travel time has reduced, and there are electric buses all over the place that are free of charge,” he stated.

“There are 200 primary health care centres that were not here before.”

He added: “If you want the governor to sit and tell you the economic impact, then something is wrong.”

Concluding the exchange, Governor Otti advised journalists to come better prepared for future sessions.

“Next time, when you are coming to ask a question, prepare very well,” he said.

Despite the tense moment, the governor reiterated that his administration remains focused on delivering on campaign promises and believes that government performance should be evaluated based on visible outcomes and practical improvements that residents can independently verify.

Pastor Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa has been officially appointed as the 7th Vice Chancellor of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).

With her appointment, she makes history as the first female Vice Chancellor of the institution, ABN TV reports.

The appointment was announced to the Press by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Comrade Fidelis Chukwunweike Edeh, shortly after the 95th Meeting of the Council considered the report of the Selection Panel.

Prof. Akanwa, who serves currently as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Development in the University, will take over from the 6th Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, on March 1, 2026.

Prof. Akanwa is a professor of Educational Measurement and Evaluation. She joined the services of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike in 20101 as an Associate Professor from Abia State University, Uturu, and rose to the rank of full professor in 2014.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has congratulated the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, on his 61st birthday, applauding his leadership and commitment to the transformation of the state.

In a goodwill message dated February 18, Kalu commended Governor Otti’s dedication to improving governance and delivering development-driven policies aimed at enhancing the welfare of Abia residents.

The Deputy Speaker noted that while citizens continue to demand more progress from the government, such expectations are necessary for growth and should not diminish the achievements already recorded under Otti’s administration.

Acknowledging the complexities associated with leadership, Kalu expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among political leaders, stakeholders, and the people would further accelerate positive change across the state.

He reaffirmed his readiness to partner with the governor in advancing Abia’s development agenda and prayed for long life, sound health, and continued impactful service.

“We are committed to partnering with you to build a brighter future for our State. I wish you many more years in good health. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency,” Kalu stated.

All is now set for a historic Valentine’s Day empowerment programme as the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, prepares to roll out a massive support initiative worth over ₦1 billion for his constituents on Saturday, February 14, 2026.


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The large-scale intervention, designed to boost small businesses, create employment opportunities, and improve household livelihoods across the constituency, will see the distribution of a wide range of income-generating tools and equipment to beneficiaries.

Items scheduled for distribution include 50 electric motorcycles, 30 Keke NAPEP tricycles, and 70 tricycle pickup vans, alongside 100 manual sewing machines and 200 industrial sewing machines to support tailoring and fashion enterprises.

Other equipment to be handed over are 80 washing machines, 30 car-washing machines, 550 gasoline generating sets, 200 grinding machines, and 40 vulcanizing machines, all targeted at strengthening micro and small-scale businesses within the constituency.

In addition, beneficiaries will receive 20 solar power generators, 10 cutting machines for tillers, and two electric transformers to enhance energy access and productivity in selected communities.

Beyond equipment distribution, Hon. Onwusibe will also disburse ₦50 million in financial support directly to constituents as part of efforts to stimulate grassroots economic growth and cushion prevailing economic challenges.

The Valentine’s Day empowerment programme is widely regarded as one of the largest single-day constituency support initiatives in Abia State, reflecting the lawmaker’s commitment to practical representation and inclusive development.

Residents and stakeholders across Isiala Ngwa North and South have expressed anticipation that the intervention will significantly expand business opportunities, reduce unemployment, and strengthen local economic activity.