₦airaland Forum

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti says his administration is putting modalities in place for the commencement of payment of the new minimum wage by the end of this month.

Governor Otti announced this on the occasion of the 2024 World Teachers Day Celebration with the Theme: "Valuing Teachers' Voices: Towards A New Social Contract For Education"

He said that the new minimum wage is in addition to the 15,000 naira wage award already paid to Abia civil servants in the past 3 months.

He said that his administration declared a state of emergency in the education sector and introduced new incentives including an increase in the retirement age of teachers to 65 years and 40 years in Service.

Governor Otti said that his Government in addition banished all forms of discriminatory practices in payment of salaries and assured that regular payment of workers' entitlements will continue to receive priority attention.

"Our administration understands the importance of education which explains why we prioritise it as one of the major pillars of our governance objectives.

"As the Chairman of NUT in the State said, we had since increased the retirement age of teachers in the State to 65 years or 40 years of service subject to health and willingness of individuals to remain in the field".

"We have effectively banished all forms of discrimination in the payment of workers salaries and allowances" Governor Otti declared.

"Today, teachers in primary and secondary schools across the State get their salaries at the same time their counterparts in the civil service are paid." Gov. Otti stated.

As part of plans to make teaching more attractive, the Governor said his administration has retrained about two thousand teachers in the primary school while teachers in the secondary school will commence their retraining by November this year.

The Governor announced that before the end of this year, 100 newly retrofitted Public Schools will be ready for use across the state, adding that he has directed the Office of Homeland Security to provide adequate security to public schools in the state for the safety of teachers, students, and facilities already in place.

The Governor said that he is committed to creating an ecosystem conducive for teaching and learning, adding that he will consider the Students-teachers ratio in engaging more teachers in schools across the state.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion and Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi while congratulating Abia Teachers on this year's event said that the State Government sees teachers as friends, role models, mentors, builders and character molder which informed the extensive ongoing capacity building of teachers and massive infrastructural development across Public Schools for effective and efficient performance.

He noted that Governor Otti has prioritized teachers' welfare, calling on NUT to ensure that teachers reciprocate the Governor's gesture by being alive to their responsibilities as the years of truancy are long over.

In his speech, the state Chairman Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Madu Chukwujekwu said that the theme of this year's event "Valuing Teachers' Voices: Towards a New Social Contract For Education" recognizes the critical role teachers play in the future of education, adding that government needs to empower teachers to take ownership of their profession, to share their expertise, and to drive innovation in education.

Comrade Chukwujekwu used the forum to list some achievements made in education sector by the present administration including approval and full implementation of 65 years of age and 40years of service through the harmonized Teachers Retirement Act 2022, regular and prompt payment of monthly salaries to Teachers and all civil servants in the state among others, calling for the immediate recruitment of teachers to fill in vacancies in various Public Schools.

Abia state police command has confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the beheading of an aged couple who were reportedly found dead in their apartment at Etiti-ulo in Bende LG of Abia State.

Spokesperson of the state police command, ASP Maureen Chinaka disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

ABN TV had earlier reported that condemnation trailed the killing of an elderly man, Mr. Jacob Udo, and his wife, Mrs. Comfort Udo, in Bende Local Government of the state, with leaders, including former governor and member of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu and others calling for a probe.

The command said the suspects were arrested following the investigation launched after examination of the crime scene and are being held for further interrogation at the state Criminal Investigation Department, Umuahia.

The statement reads, “On the 2/10/2024, we received a report at Bende Divisional Headquarters that same date at about 0830hrs, Mr Jacob Udo ‘M’ 78 yrs old and Mrs Dorcas Jacob ‘F’ 73 yrs old, of Ndiwo Itumbuzo Bende LGA Abia State but domiciled at Etiti-ulo in Bende LGA of same State, were found lying lifeless in a pool of blood in their compound at the aforementioned address. It was further discovered that several properties were carted away from the house.

“Upon this report, the crime scene was visited and corpses were deposited at the mortuary for autopsy. Three (3) suspects were arrested in connection with the heinous crime and are currently under interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Umuahia.”

The statement further revealed that the Abia State Command Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, expressed his concerns over the incident as he promised a thorough investigation into the incident.

The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has congratulated Nigerians at the occasion of the country's 64th Independence Anniversary.

The governor said the last 64 years of Nigeria's Independence avails us the opportunity to appreciate that Nigeria a land of resilient and generous souls who epitomize the highest standards of human spirit and ideals.

In his address to the people of Abia on Tuesday, the governor however expressed dissatisfaction that the expectations of Nigerians have not been met 64 years after the Independence of the country.

He said the current economic reality is has brought about dismay in the faces of millions of our compatriots, which he says tells the story of failure to live up to that lofty expectation that heralded our Independence.

He said, "Whatever your motivation may be, it would be uncharitable to dismiss the disappointment of those who have been dealt a harsh blow by the present socio-economic realities which have subjected many to destitution and anxiety.

"Today presents us a unique opportunity to think less of ourselves and spare a thought for our brothers and sisters suffering the pains of displacement and heartache on account of insecurity, poverty, and accidents of human errors and poor judgment."

He also called on Nigerians to engage in soul searching on what could be done to move the nation forward.

"When we condone corruption and malfeasance in our various establishments or place primordial sentiments of tribe and religion above objectivity in our response to national issues, we simply water the ground for unending cycles of failure", he added.

He expressed gratitude to the Abians for their continuing faith and support for the Nigerian project.

In a bid to curb the economic losses incurred through illegal mining, a Senator representing Abia North, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has called for the establishment of a ranger service to tackle the issue, ABN TV reports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6nGq-DTSHc
Speaking during a plenary session, Kalu emphasized that Nigeria loses approximately $15.9 billion yearly due to illicit mining activities.

Kalu stressed that a well-equipped ranger service would not only address illegal mining but also assist the Nigerian police and customs in combating smuggling. He proposed arming the rangers to ensure their effectiveness.

The senator highlighted the significance of securing Nigeria's mining areas, pointing out that mining has the potential to generate more revenue than crude oil. With natural resources abundant in every region, Kalu urged Nigerians to capitalize on these opportunities.

Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, President of Interpol, hosted Sir Chikwe Udensi, Vice President of the International Security Association (ISA), to a working dinner at Interpol's headquarters in Lyon, France, ABN TV reports.

The meeting provided a platform for both leaders to discuss pressing global security concerns, share expertise, and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation between Interpol and the ISA.

Major General Al-Raisi, who assumed the Interpol presidency in 2021, has been instrumental in driving international efforts to combat transnational crime and terrorism.

Sir Chikwe Udensi, a renowned security expert, brings valuable insights from his ISA role, which focuses on promoting global security standards and best practices.

The working dinner underscores Interpol's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with international organizations to address evolving security threats.

"This meeting marks an important step in our continued efforts to unite global law enforcement and security stakeholders," said Major General Al-Raisi.

Nigeria has outlined various strategic approaches toward the achievement of Agenda 2063 of the African Union (AU).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEcuJA2l-hI

Some of the proposed measures include the establishment of centres of excellence at the subregional levels to build capacity in technology; the need for innovative financial models; and the creation of appropriate incentives for public, private partnership (PPP) arrangement for the development of infrastructures under the flagship.

The country's propositions were advanced by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and leader of the Nigerian delegation, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu on Thursday to the ongoing 12th Annual Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in Midrand, South Africa, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu said in a statement.

Agenda 2063 is a 50 year Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into the global powerhouse of the future.

Signed in 2013, the agenda is the continent’s strategic framework that aims to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development.

It encapsulates not only Africa’s aspirations for the future but also identifies key flagship programmes which can boost Africa’s economic growth and development and lead to the rapid transformation of the continent.

Speaking at the session, Kalu who reacted to a paper presented on the subject-matter urged the Parliament to strive to make agenda 2063 a house hold name in Africa, the statement quoted him further as saying.

The Deputy Speaker also underscored the need to fund the project to achieve the desired results adequately.

"I want to commend you for that beautiful presentation. The idea is wonderful, we are pursuing it but we are struggling. We are struggling because of the gaps you have mentioned.

"The issue of financing. You also agreed that financing is an issue with regards to this agenda. So, the question becomes, how do we make it a household project. A household agenda without fund? It will be difficult, and you’ve highlighted that the we cannot depend on external bodies to be able to push this project, we need to own it, finance it.

"Will it be a good idea for Africa to look at PPP, Private Public Partnership in raising funds for the fulfillment of the objectives of this agenda. As legislators in our various parliaments, legislating that those who participate especially in infrastructure development that’s in line with this agenda 2063, to incentivize maybe through a tax break for some of them.

"Another one is that it appears to me that there’s a strong overlap between agenda 2063 and SDGs. I heard you talk about health facilities and rest of them, which is also one of the agenda of SDGs. Are they not overlapping so much if they are and SDGs is taking care of some of these responsibilities, do we not to prioritize the ones that are outside the list of SDGs to be able to drive efficiency in a better form. With regards to implementation and oversight, how it is being done in various countries especially in my country where I come from, Nigeria is that SDGs implementation is being executed by the ministry in charge of that and also, the parliament oversights it.

"For us to drive 2063, there’s every reason for people to have the right capacity to drive it. We cannot go to Europe and borrow from people that will help us implement our agenda. To achieve that, what are we doing about the knowledge that’s lacking, the capacity that’s lacking?

"Will it be a wrong proposal for us to say, let’s us establish centers known as centres of excellence across the various regions in Africa where we can build capacities in technology and knowledge so that we’ll be able to own this project", Kalu proposed.

The new Commissioner of Police in Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa has held a maiden press briefing where he said he would adopt intelligence-led policing as well as community partnership in driving a robust policing structure for the state, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JfnwzoXsPc

CP Isa, appointed the 34th Commissioner of Police in the state expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission for the trust and confidence reposed in him to serve the great people of Abia State.

"I arrived here with a clear mission: to ensure peace and security in Abia State, to foster collaboration with all stakeholders, and to promote a conducive environment where law and order prevail", the police boss said during the briefing.

He expressed commitment to the people of Abia, saying he is determined to work diligently with all relevant partners, including other security agencies, community leaders, and the public, to achieve a shared goal of sustained peace and security.

"This approach is crucial in tackling modern crime challenges, as it allows us to stay one step ahead by preventing crimes before they occur. By gathering, analyzing, and acting on timely and relevant information, we can be more proactive and responsive in dealing with criminal activities", he said, referring to intelligence-driven policing.

He noted that the police cannot function effectively without the support and cooperation of the community, urging community members to engage with the police, share information, and collaborate in ensuring the safety of all.

"Furthermore, the police under my command will uphold a high standard of civility in our interactions with the public. It is essential that we maintain professionalism, fairness, and impartiality in all our dealings to ensure justice for everyone, regardless of status or background. We will be both firm and fair, ensuring that the rule of law is upheld without discrimination or favoritism.

"Our officers will be approachable, friendly, and accessible to the public. Building trust between the police and the community is one of my top priorities, and we will work hard to earn that trust through openness and transparency in our actions. As part of our proactive policing strategy, I will emphasize visibility policing—ensuring that the presence of the police is felt throughout the state. Our officers will be deployed across Abia to enhance security and deter criminal activity", he added.

The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Danladi Nda has assumed duty as the 34th CP in the South East state, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJSy7upyR3U

He succeeds AIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie who has been promoted and redeployed to zone 13 Maiduguri.

The PPRO in charge of the command, ASP Maureen Chioma Chinaka in a release said CP Isa hails from Oganenigu, Dekina LGA, Kogi State.

He holds a B.Sc in Chemistry from Ahmadu Bello University and an MBA from Imo State University. He joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 1992 and has undergone extensive training in policing and strategic leadership.

She stated further, "Some of the courses he has attended include the Junior Command Course and Intermediate Command Course at the Police Staff College Jos, Internal Security Course at the Command and Staff College, Jaji Zaria, and the Senior Leadership Command Course. He has also attended the Police Mobile Training School Gwoza, solidifying his expertise in mobile and operational units.

"Prior to his posting to Abia State Police Command, CP Danladi served as the CP Admin FCID Annex, Alagbon Lagos.

"As Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in 2020, he served as DC Admin, Gombe State Command, DC Admin, Zone 12 Bauchi, and DC SWAT, FCID Force Headquarters, Abuja.

"In his role as an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) from 2016 to 2020, CP Danladi Nda served as AC Operations in Bayelsa State Command, Area Commander in Ondo State Command, AC Operations Airport Command, and Area Commander in Oba Market, Benin, and Keffi.

"From 2009 to 2016, he served as 2i/C Area Commander in Gwagwalada and as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Karshi, Kuje, Maitama, and Bwari, all within the FCT Command. Additionally, he held leadership roles as O/C Anti-Fraud CID FCT Abuja and Commander, CP Monitoring Unit, CID FCT, Abuja."

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East, has condemned the ongoing feud between the media teams of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu and Governor Alex Otti over the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdksIe8r-Ak

The group described it as regrettable, stating it is not beneficial for Abia or Ndigbo.

In a statement issued in Owerri, jointly endorsed by COSEYL President General Comrade Good Luck Ibem and Publicity Secretary Okey Nwaoru, they said that both camps’ releases indicate that regional issues are more pressing.

They criticized Governor Otti’s release from August 28, 2024, during the road reconstruction flag-off, which mentioned Premier Michael Ọkpara without acknowledging other contributors.

According to them, that statement is exclusionary and suggests the Governor is only concerned with self-gratification.

The statement reads, "It should be recalled, was the premier before the Nigerian civil war. So it is exclusionary to state, as contained in Governor Otti’s statement, that the road was built by Michael Ọkpara without mentioning others, including during military rule, who contributed to building the road, even though they did not complete the project begun under them.

“Before Senator Orji Uzor Kalu became governor of Abia State, Professor Chimere Ikeokwu, a board member of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), and Mazi Ọchị Achinivu, a Senior Director, who are prominent Aro sons, used their good offices to attract the funds for the construction of the project.”

“Construction began under Gen. Sani Abacha but was later abandoned after the head of state then died in 1998.”

"As an elected governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu resurfaced the road in 2002/2003 and later facilitated the rehabilitation of the road as a senator in 2017/2018 when he attracted the federal government to the road.”

“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu did not relent; he kept pressuring the Buhari-led federal government to intervene in the road. So saying or trying to exclude Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and others like Dr. Ikeokwu and Mazi Achinuvu from the success story of the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road is a disservice to our history.”

A distressing search operation is underway in Aba, Abia State, following the alleged kidnapping of a 5-year-old girl named Jaden, ABN TV reports.

The incident occurred on Thursday morning, 12th of September 2024, while Jaden was playing with other children at her residence in Starline, off Opobo junction, Ogborhill.

According to a family source, Jaden's disappearance was discovered when she failed to return home after playing outside.
Her family and concerned citizens have launched a frantic search, appealing to the public for assistance.

In a distressing update, Jessy Njoku, a family contact, reached out to ABN TV, stating: "ABN TV, I appreciate the good works your page is doing, please I want to bring to your notice that the little Jaden that went missing is yet to be found up till now."

The authorities have been notified, and an investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding Jaden's disappearance or potential whereabouts is urged to contact the authorities immediately.

An autopsy result has indicated that the death of Nigerian Air Force Tarmac Four cadet officer, Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyeomereneche was attributable to murder and not drowning.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AsXr_ZocP4

This contradicts initial assumptions and speculations surrounding the circumstances of his demise.

A police source, who was involved in the investigation into the death of the late Chidiebere, told our correspondent on Tuesday that autopsy confirmed that the officer was likely murdered at Hotel Royal Damgrete in Umuahia, Abia State, and thrown into the hotel swimming pool to cover up the crime.

The autopsy result was made available to ABN TV by the Father, Mr. Ephraim Onyeomereneche on Tuesday after media chat with journalists.

The result shows that the late Air Force cadet officer died as a result of intracranial haematoma and skull fracture at occipital and right parietal region.

Contrary to report that Chidiebere drowned in a swimming pool at Hotel Royal Damgrete in Abia State on April 9, 2024, Onyeomereneche claims that his son was murdered, citing an autopsy conducted on June 29 which he said revealed the cause of death could be linked to poison.

He believed that Chidiebere's death was orchestrated by one of his son’s colleagues.

However, the autopsy report for the late Chidiebere, issued on August 18, 2024, and authenticated by a team of renowned medical specialists, including Prof. M. A. Nnoli, Assoc. Prof. Jegede O.O., Dr. Chukwuegbo C.C., and Dr. Ogbata S.E., categorically rules out poisoning as the fatal factor.

Part of the autopsy result reads: "We certify the cause of death in our opinion to be: 1a. Intracranial Haematoma; 1b. Skeletal Injury (Skull Fracture - Occipital & Right Parietal Region) and 1c. Soft Tissue Injury (Blunt Head Trauma - Occipital Region).

"Summary of Cause of Death: Following the sudden blunt injury (soft tissue injury) at the back of the neck with consequent formation of subcutaneous haematoma and fracture as stated above, there is likely damage to vasomotor/baroreceptor centres and nerve roots as the area is very prone to injury.”

"These structures control the cardiovascular and respiratory centres and could have accounted for sudden death seen," it reads.

The governor of Abia state, Dr. Alex Otti has absolved himself of wrongdoing with regards to unpaid salaries of workers in the state, instead saying that administrations that came before him ought to be held accountable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdkO0wyp9bY
The governor of Abia state, Dr. Alex Otti has absolved himself of wrongdoing with regards to unpaid salaries of workers in the state, instead saying that administrations that came before him ought to be held accountable.

The governor in his monthly media chat in Umuahia, the state capital insists that it is unfair to hold him responsible, saying he is cleaning the mess of someone else and should be commended.

"Some of the salary arrears were not disclosed, until not too long ago and anytime I spoke in the past, my predecessors would take me on as if I was lying and the people who are being owed were quiet", he stated.

According to Otti, when he came on board, his administration cleared the salaries past administrations owned.

He said the state government entered an agreement with Abia State University (ABSU), College of Education (technical) Arochukwu, and the state-owned polytechnic located in Aba, some of whom staff were owed between 33 to 36 months.

The governor said the state is paying these arrears of salaries in addition to other debts owed by the past administrations.

The governor while reiterating that his administration will pay up owed salaries appealed that nobody should put a gun to his head.

"I'm not owing anybody, I have not owed anybody since I took over office", the governor clarified.

While describing the owed salaries as inherited, he assured that his administration would clear the backlog as funds are available.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has flagged off the reconstruction of the 41.4km Ohafia-Arochukwu Road, a critical artery connecting several communities and towns in the region.

The project, expected to be completed in 18 months, aims to restore the road to its former glory, boosting economic activities, agriculture, commerce, tourism, education, and industrial manufacturing.

Governor Otti emphasized the importance of trust and problem-solving in governance, highlighting the need to create opportunities, ease burdens, and build new systems of advantages for future generations. He acknowledged the road's historical significance, built in the 1960s, and its decline due to neglect and abandonment.

The Governor expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the Federal Government, the State Commissioner for Works, and the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. He also appealed to the Federal Government to consider reimbursing the State for the project, given its economic benefits.

This reconstruction project aligns with the State's integrated development agenda, focusing on creating new pathways of opportunities, restoring agricultural corridors, and encouraging investments. Governor Otti emphasized the need for stakeholders' cooperation and tax payments to support the project's success.

The event marks a significant milestone in the State's development journey, breaking the jinx of neglect and paving the way for a brighter future.

At least one person was feared dead in Umuahia, Abia State capital on Tuesday after an articulated vehicle, popularly known as a trailer lost control and crashed into a crowd displaying wares on the roadside, ABN TV reports.

The fatal accident which occurred at Ahiaeke Junction along Ikot Ekpene Road also led to the destruction of property.

Despite the efforts of the trailer driver conveying bamboo sticks to avoid casualties, the vehicle struck a keke (tricycle) and dragged its driver under it.

Also, a young man on a motorbike was also hit and dragged under the lorry, resulting in severe injuries.

The crowd who witnessed the driver's efforts to prevent further damage protected him from angry mob and escorted him to the Ehimiri Police Station.

Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has officially assigned portfolios to the newly appointed commissioners following their swearing-in ceremony yesterday, ABN TV reports.

In addition, the Governor has implemented a minor reshuffle within his cabinet and established several new ministries.

The new composition of the State Executive Council is as follows:

Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna – Honourable Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice

Prince Uzo Nwachukwu – Honourable Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs

Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu – Honourable Commissioner for Finance

Mr. Kingsley Anosike – Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning

Mr. Okey Kanu – Honourable Commissioner for Information

Mr. Goodluck Ubochi – Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education

Prof. Uche Eme Uche – Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education

Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche – Honourable Commissioner for Health

Dr. Mrs. Maureen Ijeoma Aghukwa – Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs

Mrs. Blessing Ngozi Felix – Honourable Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection

Mr. Philemon A. Ogbonna – Honourable Commissioner for Environment

Prof. Joel F. Ogbonna – Honourable Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources

Mr. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha – Honourable Commissioner for Trade & Commerce

Mr. Mike Akpara – Honourable Commissioner for Industry & SMEs

Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba – Honourable Commissioner for Youth & Sports

Mr. Mathew Ekwuruibe – Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture & Creative Economy

Mr. David Kalu – Honourable Commissioner for Science, Technology & Innovation

Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije – Honourable Commissioner for Lands & Housing

Engr. Don Otumchere Oti – Honourable Commissioner for Works

Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu – Honourable Commissioner for Transport

Engr. Ikechukwu Monday – Honourable Commissioner for Power & Public Utilities

Comrade Sunny A. Onwuma – Honourable Commissioner for Labour & Productivity

At least eleven persons were killed on Sunday, including two babies following a tragic road accident near Umuika Junction on the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwYsJSl7zsA

The road crash at about 12:45 pm happened when a Sienna car belonging to Abia Line Network carried a full load of passengers, the driver slept off on the steering lost control, and collided with a heavily loaded truck before crashing into a nearby bush.

The devastating impact resulted in the loss of 11 lives, including two infants.

An eyewitness who gave his name as Ochiegbu Marvelous speaking with ABN TV, described the scene as "terrible" and estimated the death toll to be above 11.