₦airaland Forum

T.A has said it all,we must acknowledge that and support him as he has taken a bold step to help make Abia a better place for us all

Orji: My Predecessors Should Know Why Abia is Backward

Governor Theodore Orji

In an interview with reporters, Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, spoke on the ongoing process of rebuilding the state. Olawale Olaleyewas there. Excerpts:

What has it been like rebuilding Abia as you’ve always claimed?

You see, Abia needed to have a foundation. There should be some basic infrastructure on ground to allow government take off properly. But those facilities were not on ground. I’ll give you an instance with the secretariat. There has not been any secretariat in Abia State that can accommodate all the civil servants. The one you saw there was built by the Federal Government. Ministry of Agriculture is on this road. Ministry of Works and Housing is on this road while the Ministry of Lands is on St Finbarr’s Road. So, the ministries are all scattered. We wanted to have a composite building that would take all civil servants because they are the engine room of government and you have to provide for them.

Let me also give you an instance with the International Conference Centre. What we have here is the Michael Okpara Auditorium, which was built more than 20 years ago when we were in Imo State. It can only accommodate 500 people. Now, when you are holding a conference here, you have about 2,000 to 3, 000 people. That place has become very, very inadequate. We said no. The best thing we can do is to have an international conference centre that can take at least 5, 000 people- one that is modern. These are permanent structures that will outlive us; that any other person coming after me will not think of.

You are here. I am happy that you are here. This is the Government House. This is Abia State Government House. I am sure you went to Rivers State’s Government House. You have gone to Akwa Ibom, Imo and Delta States because last time I went to Delta, my colleague in Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan took me to the new Government House in Asaba. But look at our own. This is my sitting room. If you are many now, some of you will be standing. This has been in existence since the creation of Abia State. If you go upstairs, it doesn’t contain my family. I have been doing demolition and adding. But the land is there and this is the state capital. It has never occurred to any of those governments that have been here to build a standard government house for Abia State. I said no, this is the time for me to build a new government house.

Moreover, I am from this town and my people have come severally that if you don’t do this now, it is going to be difficult. So, I decided that I will build a new government house and I am praying that I will be the first person to open it, so that other governors can live here. These are the basic things that a government is supposed to have.

What of the health of the people? I am sure you went to the diagnostics centre. I don’t know if you went to Amachara General Hospital. If you go there, you will see things for yourself; how we are expanding that place to make sure that the people are healthy, including you people because you can come here and fall sick. As journalists, you have to be healthy to be asking me questions. So, Abia people must be healthy in order to enjoy dividends of democracy.

If you look at the road network, we have opened up many areas. As we are doing in Umuahia, we are doing in Aba and other places. As you are going out now, outside the gate, look by your left hand side, you will see compactors, refuse vehicles. We just bought two before Christmas. We paid for them and all of them are going to Aba, to help the ones we have there and keep the place clean all the time. So, in all the areas, we have brought out a template that a house must have a foundation. When the house is not solid, the House will collapse. I want to put on those foundations for the state.

We are building a housing estate, the Ohobo Housing Estate. They are clearing the site now. We located them to a new site. The same thing will happen to the Central Market, the one occupying the centre of Umuahia. We have reached 75 per cent completion in relocating it to Ubani Ibeku. There, we have over 6, 000 stalls against the 3, 000 stalls in this market now. So, once we finish with that, this market will move and in its place, we find something that we will build to befit the town. And just close to the market, the place we had Gariki before, we are building a Shoprite. Shoprite is coming to Abia State. They have cleared the site and it is only this festive period that delayed it. We have completed everything, paid our own counterpart funding to them and it is left for them to come onboard. As we are doing here, we are also doing for Aba and all the other local government areas of the state.

That brings us to the question of funding. How are you funding these projects?

We are in haste. All these projects I am taking on are the ones I can finish before I leave office. Like the Shoprite, it is partnership. I bring my own fund and they bring theirs. Some of the housing estates are partnerships. But the one we realised at Amokwe, I don’t know if you went there, we did that. We were disappointed by our partner there, who absconded and we had to do it ourselves. Out of annoyance, we have started building it. We have finished and people are living there now.

But if you are just rebuilding as claimed, what then has happened over the years in the state in terms of development. Besides, what happened in your first term that everything is now happening fast in your second term?

If you want to know what happened in the past, I think the question is better directed to those people who were here before me. I was not here then. We’ve had two civilian governors before I came. Ogbonnaya Onu was here, the former governor, my friend (Orji Uzor Kalu) was here. You better ask them what they did because anything I say here will be twisted and misinterpreted. But you can now see the difference between this government I am heading and the previous ones.

For my first term, you see this issue of godfatherism is a useless thing. I was constrained as a governor. Things I was supposed to do for my people, I could not do them because there was a godfather somewhere. We are not hiding it. Why we could not do the much we are doing now was because we were in PPA and PPA was a political party owned by one family and they used it to emasculate the government in power.

They were actually dictating what was happening. As a governor, I would like to appoint my commissioners, but they would bring a list for you and tell you to announce. Will you tolerate that as governor? You want to embark on a project and they will tell you no. Perhaps, I do not shine more than any other person. The major constraint I had was being in PPA. That’s the way I want to put it.

Abia used to be famous for kidnapping which has been contained considerably. How did you get around this?

Thank you, but that magic is my secret and like we say, it is security. You don’t discuss it before journalists else, these hoodlums are all around. If I say it and you write it, they will say, Oh, is that it? And they will go and find another means of countering it, bringing back another method, which will make me to start fighting back. So, those secrets are what they are- my weapons. Except maybe, any of my colleagues, who come to me and ask me how I did it. Of course you know it is difficult.

Everybody has his own ego. One or two people have come to me and I said do this or that. You remember we were the first persons in the South-east to ban commercial motorcyclists as a means of transportation. We saw that it was Okada that was used by kidnappers to run into the bush. Yet, it was a means of livelihood for our people, when we have not provided alternatives in tricycles. People said all kinds of things; newspapers wrote all sorts of things against me.

Today, it has paid off because those who were riding Okada are happier today with tricycles and it is safer too. Since we stopped Okada transport, go to Obioma Ward at the Federal Medical Centre, you don’t see people with their legs hanging for months. One doctor congratulated me for making their jobs easier for them. It is going round. Other states are doing that. That one you cannot hide but there are secret ones that we can’t reveal.

What was the period of kidnapping like?

You see, that kidnapping era was my worst period here. In the first instance, I didn’t cause kidnapping. It was unknown to us in this part of Nigeria. In Abia State, what we knew before was things like armed robbery, murder or the like. But kidnapping, we have never experienced before. It came when I became governor and it became a serious challenge for me. You know, kidnapping is a bit sophisticated. It is a technology crime. By the time it came, we hadn’t gotten the technology or wherewithal to handle it and it became a serious challenge. Abia’s own was out of proportion to the extent that they were using Abia as an example and our enemies cashed-in on it.

Those who didn’t want this government to stand and those who said they would make governance uncomfortable for me cashed-in on it and started writing. At that time, if a rat misses in Abia, it was front page news, even in a newspaper owned by an Abia State indigene. If a mosquito misses in Abia, it becomes front page news, just to discredit this government. The thing was blown out of proportion and criticisms were coming from everywhere and as the man in charge, you will feel highly demoralized, especially that time they kidnapped those kids – 15 of them in Aba and the journalists.

For the first time kidnapping went on the CNN. Who went and put it there? How many kidnapping incidences have we seen on CNN? It was just to discredit the government. But then, it brought out the fighting spirit and the indomitable spirit in us. God came and brought ideas. Tactics were coming; methods were coming in numbers and we were using them one after the other. Some were working, others were not. But today, you see our state is a model. Anybody who wants to do any case study on kidnapping comes here to learn from us. It is one of the achievements we have made that has elevated this state and myself to the highest pedestal.

That we are able to forestall kidnapping because another canker worm that is worse than kidnapping, Boko Haram, has come and is facing all of us. I am sure that the situation I was then is what some of my colleagues with Boko Haram are in now. So, the fact that we overcame this kidnap saga is a plus for this state. That’s why I said I can stop all projects to invest all the money I have here on security to make sure that we are safe.

What’s your take on the agitation for council autonomy?

There was a time local governments were given autonomy during Babangida’s time. Did it work?

At the Specialist Hospital were ambulances donated by a senator from the state, could it be part of the new vision to integrate the so-called Abuja politicians into the system? Second, do you buy into the clamour for additional state in the South-east?

Let me start with the issue of ambulance. If it was before, I don’t think either Senator Nkechi Nworgu or Enyinnaya Abaribe, will make that donation because we fought a common battle. It was a battle everybody was involved in. We fought against the type of roguery that was here before. It was a personalized roguery. We were not practicing democracy. I am sure that the Commissioner for Information is here. He is the one who brought that word into our lexicon- mamacracy. That was what we were practicing here: government of one family, by one family and for one family.

So, the people and stakeholders stood away from governance. If I don’t respect you, you will not respect me. So, the stakeholders stood away. No contribution, no collaboration, no advice. When we took over, all those people formed opposition camps, not against me. At least, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu has said it many times. It was against what was behind me. I am telling you honestly. But eventually, we liberated ourselves from that type of bondage. We had a war here and the doors were thrown open for people to contribute and know that they are a part and parcel of Abia; that they own Abia and benefit from what is here.

When that happened, participatory government started and that brought together, every person. We are united here. That’s why a senator can now donate ambulances to Abia North, South and Central. When you go to Okpara Auditorium, you will see 17 of them there, which we are going to give to each local government to complement what we are doing in the health sector. Having said that, for sure, we are desirous of having an additional state before you give us more. We are disadvantaged. We have only five only five while others have six or seven.

What about the viability of the state?

Give us, it will be viable. All the states are viable and if all the states are viable, the ones you create will also be viable.

But some of your colleagues held that some of the states are broke?

No! There is no colleague of mine that will say that his state is broke. You try as much as you can. You cannot have all the resources. It is the capacity to manage all that you have. We will like to have more states. But then, the other part of that question is that will states be created? When you look at all things, from the Constitution to what other states are saying, you have to go and get the consent of all the Houses of Assemblies. That has been the reason civilians cannot create states. No civilian government has created states here. All these states were created by the military.

The way out is for people to go across and lobby and some aspects of the constitution that are constraints can be set aside to allow the states to be created. But if you go by the dictates of the constitution, it will be difficult. The hurdles put by the constitution makes it difficult for states to be created.

Are you thinking of a successor, given your legacy projects?

Right now, what we are thinking of are the projects we are doing. A lot of people are showing interest and you sit quietly and contemplate on those people who are showing interest. At the right time, because you have to study each person- they are not foreigners – they have been living with us. At the appropriate time, you make up your mind. If you are doing a good thing, it will be difficult for somebody to come and avoid a good thing. It is only if you are doing a bad thing that the man will come and say let me do it differently. If you are doing the right thing, the man who will come will fall in line and work towards maintaining the structures because they are in the interest of the people.

Coming from this background, what then comes to your mind when critics dismiss you as non-performing?

When you say my critics, you know the person who is saying it. You know him. When you say my critics, it will seem as if everybody is doing it. It is coming from a certain publisher of a national daily and the people he is sponsoring. I want to place one thing on record. I didn’t know the said Publisher before and he did not know me. I have been a government man all along. Because the government knows I am capable, they were giving me sensitive appointments. And because I had a sensitive assignment, an important position, where he felt I would be of use to him, he started looking for me.

It was the mother who came and opened the corridor before he now surfaced and we became friends. I want it to be on record that I never knew him before; I never went to him before for anything. It was because of my position which the government gave me because of my competence that he felt I would be in a position to assist him and he started looking for me through the mother. It was the mother who came in company of one boy known as Douglas, who is now dead. He used to be their orderly. They came with a ram and we became friends. Because we were friends and he saw sincerity in me, after the election, he first made me Principal Secretary and then made me the Chief of Staff. I remain the only appointee that worked with him for the eight years that he was here.

The others were sacked, today and tomorrow. That I remained the only appointee who was with him for eight years means that I was an asset to that government because if I was useless, they would disengage me. I devoted myself to working. I didn’t look at contracts because the first thing he told me was, don’t look at contracts. There was no day I went to him and said give me this contract so that I can pay my children’s school fees. We never discussed anything about that. I did my job with dedication for the eight years. If I was an asset for the eight years, how come, you now see me as a nuisance? So, it is now that I am a governor that I am no longer an asset. That’s the question I want you people to go back and give me an answer.source :http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/orji-my-predecessors-should-know-why-abia-is-backward/136647/

noticed a great change in the way Abia state government have got their administration running smoothly....many works have been put to place,roads being fixed,other necessary and vital operational facilities are being raised,the state government is building a new government house; two gigantic 4-storey office complexes for civil servants, ultra-modern offices for departments and agencies; state-of-the-art international conference centre; magnificent court complexes in Umuahia and Aba; Diagnostic Centres in Umuahia and Aba,Construction of new umuahia industrial market, new mechanic and allied matter market, ubani international market,just to mention but a few....this site will usher one into a world where the real pictures of the said project are kept...http://www.panoramio.com/user/7238079?comment_page=1&photo_page=2&show=all

i noticed a great change in the way Abia state government have got their administration running smoothly....many works have been put to place,roads being fixed,other necessary and vital operational facilities are being raised,the state government is building a new government house; two gigantic 4-storey office complexes for civil servants, ultra-modern offices for departments and agencies; state-of-the-art international conference centre; magnificent court complexes in Umuahia and Aba; Diagnostic Centres in Umuahia and Aba,Construction of new umuahia industrial market, new mechanic and allied matter market, ubani international market,just to mention but a few....this site will usher one into a world where the real pictures of the said project are kept...http://www.panoramio.com/user/7238079?comment_page=1&photo_page=2&show=all

Abia state is on the right track now,courtesy of T.A ORJI.....my people i tried checking this site out and i got convinced: please check it out > http://www.panoramio.com/user/7238079?show=all

ORJI HAPPY WITH EXTENT OF WORK IN ABA
Abia governor, chief Theodore Orji has expressed happiness with the transformation going on in Aba in terms of road reconstruction and general cleanliness of the city.
The governor was speaking at Aba while inspecting the on-going rehabilitation work on some roads in the city.

Chief Orji said that for the first time, the face of Aba is changing, noting that the median which used to be a dumping ground for all manner of refuse is now clean.

The governor who expressed satisfaction that in less than one month Azikiwe, Milverton and Brass Roads in Aba have been completed said at the speed the rehabilitation work is going, a lot would have been achieved before the rainy season sets in.

He promised to surprise Aba people and disclosed that apart from road reconstruction, government is also embarking on the beautification of the city with a view to attracting investment into the state.

According to him, the preoccupation of his administration for now is to sustain the achievements so far made as well as to maintain the cleanliness of Aba and appealed to Aba people not to dump waste indiscriminately in the median but rather to use the ASEPA bins stationed at strategic locations.

The Abia state chief executive who also inspected the progress of work at the Geometric access road in Osisioma and the Atta-Isieke road in Umuahia revealed that government embarked on the Geometric access road to assist the power company and disclosed that the project has reached 75% completion.

Primary Health Centres Locations And Completion Status

These are the primary healthcare centres and their competion status in Abia state.

Community and Social Deve1opment Project (CSDP) is the outcome of an agreement between the Federal Government and the World Bank anchored on the 2005 � 2007 Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) to harmonize World Bank funded Community Driven Development (GDD) projects in the country.

The harmonization process, which informed the merger of Community-Based Poverty Reduction Project (GPRP) and Local Empowerment and Environmental Management Project (LEEMP), is to ensure that resources are effectively and efficiently targeted in reducing poverty levels in the country.
S/No Location LGA Status % Complete
1 Uratta Amaise Aba North COMPLETED 100%
2 UMUEBEKE Aba South COMPLETED 100%
3 Umuola Egbelu Aba North COMPLETED 100%
4 Asa Ukonu Aba North COMPLETED 100%
5 Osoke Amator Aba North COMPLETED 100%
6 Etit 1 Ohazu Aba South FINI5HING 80%
7 Asaeme (Elu Ohazu) Aba South COMPLETED 100%
8 Ohazu 4 Aba South LINTEL 45%
9 Ohazu, 11 Aba South ROOFING 60%
10 Abaukwu Amano 8 Aba South LINTEL 45%
11 Umuokennunu Aba South DPC LEVEL 20%
12 Qiqpojiabu 3 Aba South ROOFING 60%
13 Umunneisi Aba South LINTEL 45%
14 Ezema Ututu Obeiene Arochukwu COMPLETED 100%
15 Odumchiakuma Arochukwu COMPLETED 100%
16 Etiti Abam Arochukwu COMPLETED 100%
17 Mkpakpi Ututu Arochukwu COMPLETED 100%
18 Achara Ihechiowa Arochukwu COMPLETED 100%
19 Idima Abam Arochukwu LINTEL LEVEL 45%
20 Utugbugwu Arochukwu Arochukwu COMPLETED 100%
21 Amanagwu Arochukwu LINTEL LEVEL 45%
22 Obieze- Isu Arochukwu COMPLETED 100%
23 Iheose -Isu Arochukwu COMPLETED 100%
24 Abubi Ututu Arochukwu ROOFING 60%
25 Agborji Imenyi Bende COMPLETED 100%
26 Bende Ovu Bende COMPLETED 100%
27 Umuokwe Umuhu/ Ezechi Bende COMPLETED 100%
28 Mbaa Ozuitem Bende COMPLETED 100%
29 Ngwj Uzuakoli Bende COMPLETED 100%
30 Ezeukwu Bende COMPLETED 100%
31 Amaekpu -Item Bende COMPLETED 100%
32 Arnankalu-igbere Bende COMPLETED 100%
33 Agbamaizu Bende COMPLETED 100%
34 Ubibia Itumbauzo Bende LINTEL LEVEL 45%
35 Agbo Akoli Alayi Bende COMPLETED 100%
36 Umuhu-Ezedi Bende FINISHING 80%
37 Itumbuzo Bende FINISHING 80%
38 Ugwueke Bende FINISHING 80%
39 Lodu Imenyi Bende COMPLETED 100%
40 Okwe Ukwu Oboro Ikwuano COMPLETED 100%
41 Umuadangodo Ikwuano COMPLETED 100%
42 Ariam Ikwuano FINISHING 80%
43 Ngwugwo Ibere Ikwuano FINISHING 80%
44 Nchara Akanu Ikwuano COMPLETED 100%
45 Ndieke Ikemba Ikwuano COMPLETED 100%
46 lyala Ibere Ikwuano COMPLETED 100%
47 Umudike Ukwu Ikwuano COMPLETED 100%
48 Osusu Amairi Isiala Ngwa North COMPLETED 100%
49 Isiala Amapu Isiala Ngwa North COMPLETED 100%
50 Umuekpe Ntigha Isiala Ngwa North COMPLETED 100%
51 Amaekpu-isiahia Isiala Ngwa North COMPLETED 100%
52 Ichi Ukwu Isiala Ngwa North COMPLETED 100%
53 UmuiOgboka Eziama Ntigha Isiala Ngwa North COMPLETED 100%
54 Amano Nsulu Isiala Ngwa North COMPLETED 100%
55 Umunkpeyi Nvosi Isiala Ngwa COMPLETED 100%
56 Ikem Nvosi Isiala Ngwa COMPLETED 100%
57 Mbutu Ukwu Isiala Ngwa South COMPLETED 100%
58 Ngwa Ama Isiala Ngwa South COMPLETED 100%
59 Mbutu-Umuoko Isiala Ngwa South COMPLETED 100%
60 Agborangwu Otuka Isiala Ngwa South COMPLETED 100%
61 Umueleghele Isieketa Isiala Ngwa South COMPLETED 100%
62 Umunu-Nvosi Isiaia Ngwa South COMPLETED 100%
63 Ugba Isiala Ngwa South COMPLETED 100%
64 Umuotiri / Amaede Isiala Ngwa South COMPLETED 100%
65 Umuebere Aja Isiukwuato COMPLETED 100%
66 Annune Ovim Isiukwuato COMPLETED 100%
67 Amaiyi Obibhia Isiukwuato ROOFING 60%
68 Ndundu Isiukwuato ROOFING 60%
69 Amachara Isiukwuato FINISHING 80%
70 Umumara Uturu Isiukwuato ROOFING 60%
71 Nvurunvu Isiukwuato COMPLETED 100%
72 Amiyi Uhu Isiukwuato COMPLETED 100%
73 Otankpa Isuikwuato COMPLETED 100%
74 Nunya Isuikwuato COMPLETED 100%
75 Amaba Isuikwuato COMPLETED 100%
76 Isiala Ndu Obingwa COMPLETED 100%
77 Umuezeigbe Obingwa COMPLETED 100%
78 Mgboko-Anya Obingwa COMPLETED 100%
79 Mbano Ntigha Uzor Obingwa COMPLETED 100%
80 Isiala Itu Obingwa COMPLETED 100%
81 Ndiakata Obingwa COMPLETED 100%
82 Ehere Obingwa COMPLETED 100%
83 Owuwanyanwu Ohafia ROOFING 60%
84 Agborji Abiriba Ohafia COMPLETED 100%
85 Amangwu Ohafia Ohafia LINTEL 45%
86 Abiriba Ohafia ON-GOING 50%
87 Amuma Ohafia Ohafia COMPLETED 100%
88 Ufiele-Aku Ohafia COMPLETED 100%
89 Ndi Ibe Ohafia COMPLETED 100%
90 Elughu Kkporo Ohafia COMPLETED 100%
91 Ekelogo Ebem Ohafia FINISHING 80%
92 Isiala-Osokwa Osisioma COMPLETED 100%
93 Akanu-Ukwu Osisioma COMPLETED 100%
94 Okpuala Umugwor Osisioma LINTEL LEVEL 45%
95 Umuoyoro-Amator Osisioma COMPLETED 100%
96 Owoala Osisioma COMPLETED 100%
97 Mbutu Umuojima Osisioma COMPLETED 100%
98 Umueze Osisioma FINISHING 80%
99 Etiti Amavo Osisioma COMPLETED 100%
100 Oberete-Asa Osisioma COMPLETED 100%
101 Amankwu Osokwa Osisioma COMPLETED 100%
102 Azaa Ugwunagbo COMPLETED 100%
103 Asa Umunka Ugwunagbo COMPLETED 100%
104 Umuehukwu Ugwunagbo COMPLETED 100%
105 Ozaa Umuebukwu Ugunagbo COMPLETED 100%
106 Ngwaiyiekwe Ugwunagbo COMPLETED 100%
107 Isimanu Ugwunagbo COMPLETED 100%
108 Umuaja Ugwunagbo FINISHING 80%
109 Umuodo Ugwunagbo COMPLETED 100%
110 Umugara Ugwunagbo COMPLETED 100%
111 Isi Mkporobe Ukwa East COMPLETED 100%
112 Umuituru Ukwa West COMPLETED 100%
113 Umuekechi Ukwa West COMPLETED 100%
114 Umuiku-Ozaa Ukwa-West COMPLETED 100%
115 Ohuru Ukwa-East COMPLETED 100%
116 Ujuru Ohanku Ukwa-East COMPLETED 100%
117 ObunkuJkwueke East Ukwa-East COMPLETED 100%
118 Akirika Obu-Umuigube Ukwa-East COMPLETED 100%
119 Ohandu Ukwa-East COMPLETED 100%
120 Okotoko-Ohanku Ukwa-East COMPLETED 100%
121 Oba Ukwa-East COMPLETED 100%
122 Ndida Ozaa Umuebulu Ukwa-West COMPLETED 100%
123 Obiga Ukwa-West COMPLETED 100%
124 Umuitor Ukwa-West COMPLETED 100%
125 Umuaka Ukwa-West COMPLETED 100%
126 Owo-Asa Ukwa-West FINISHING 100%
127 Ezendioma Ukwa-West LINTEL LEVEL 45%
128 Ofeme Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
129 Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
130 Okaiugankwoegwu Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
131 Ahiaeke Ndume Ibeku Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
132 Umunsoekeokwuru Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
133 Eziama Ossah Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
134 Lodu Ndume Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
135 Uhuokwu-Ekeobia Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
136 Umumgbookwo-isingwu Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
137 Okpu Isingwu Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
138 Egwu Ukwu Umuegwu Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
139 Amaeke Afarata Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
140 Umuezeama Ofoeme Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
141 Umuda Isingwu Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
142 Amuzu Oro Amaforo Ibeku Umuahia North COMPLETED 100%
143 Amuzu Ubakala Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
144 Umuokorodu Ezeleke Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
145 Nenu Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
146 Obilibi-lpupe Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
147 Old Umuahia, Umuoboto Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
148 Amakama Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
149 Umuobia-Olokoro Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
150 Umutowe (ltaja & Amuzu) Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
151 UmuaJata Olokoro Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
152 Umuanya Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
153 Elugwu Umuoram-Ohiya Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
154 Ibe/Umuodo Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
155 Abam Alaocha Ubakala Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
156 Nsukwe Ubakala Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
157 D.Ikeukwu Ekenobizi Umuahia South COMPLETED 100%
158 Obolo Eziama Umunneochi COMPLETED 100%
159 Umucha-Amuda Umunneochi COMPLETED 100%
160 Lokpanta Umunneochi FINISHING 80%
161 Uru-Umuchieze Umunneochi FINISHING 80%
162 Aroikpa Umunneochi FINISHING 80%
163 Achara Umunneochi COMPLETED 100%
164 Amorie Umunneochi COMPLETED 100%
165 Uhuolugho-Agulato Umunneochi COMPLETED 100%
166 Umuogbor Osoke Amaise Aba North
167 Obuda Aba South
168 Elu-Ohazu Aba South
169 Ndi-Okpo Ihechiowa Arochukwu
170 Ndi-Ebem Abam Arochukwu
171 Lohum Bende
172 Ugwunkpa Bende
173 Oru Igwe Ikwuano
174 Agbalu-Ozu Ikwuano
175 Ngwa Ukwu Isiala Ngwa North
176 Nsulu Ancient Kingdom Isiala Ngwa North
177 Mgbokonta Isiala Ngwa South
178 Mgookonta Isiaia Ngwa South
179 Amaibo Isuikwuato
180 Obilohia Umuobiala Isuikwuato
181 Akpaa Mbato Obingwa
182 Umunkiri, Obingwa Ntigha Obingwa
183 Mbano Owo Ahiafor Obingwa
184 Oboro Community Ohafia
185 Amaeke Ohafia
186 Amaogudu Ohafia
187 Njiko Umunna Umuimo Osisioma
188 Obi Arongwa Osisioma
189 Umudike Ugwunagbo
190 Isinkpa Ugwunagbo
191 Akirika Uku Ukwa East
192 Obaji-Umunteke Ukwa West
193 Umukalu-Asa Ukwa West
194 Ikwuorie Ohanku Ukwa-East
195 Okohia Ukwa-West
196 Afara-lbeku Umuahia North
197 Ajata Na lyienyi Umuahia North
198 Okv/eiyi-lbeku Umuahia North
199 Umuagu-lbeku Umuahia North
200 Umuohu Umuahia North
201 Umunwanwa Umuahia South
202 Amizi Olokoro Umuahia South
203 Umuopara Ozara Olokoro Umuahia South
204 Obulo Eziama-Lekwesi Umunneochi
205 Umuogele Amuda Umunneochi
206 Oheahia, Akawa Nneato Umunneochi
207 Ngada-Umuelem Isuochi Umunneochi

ABIA GOVT INAUGURATES COMMITTEE TO RELOCATE MAIN MARKET

The Abia state government has inaugurated a seven-man committee to see to final realization of the Ubani modern market this year.

Inaugurating the committee at the government house, Umuahia, the governor, Chief Theodore Orji said the committee is to raise money for the completion of the market as well as to allocate shops equitably to traders.

He said that traders who have shops already at the main market should be considered first while allocating the shops rather than allowing those who have money to buy all the shops.
Chief Orji who said that the new market is about 80% completed disclosed that 2013 is the terminal date for the relocation of the main market to the new site and charged the committee to take the assignment seriously.
He advised the committee to discuss with the traders to make their own input in order to ensure a smooth relocation.

The governor stated that the government has made tremendous progress at the new market as about 5,000 stores have been built while light has also been connected.
He made public that the relocation exercise is not punitive or targeted at any person but rather aimed at enhancing the aesthetics of Umuahia, the capital city of the state.

Responding on behalf of the other members, the chairman of the committee, chief Ebenezer Offors thanked the governor for choosing them to serve and assured that the relocation of the Umuahia main market will be completed by the end of July this year.

@Blackteeth,your not better than a day dreamer.....ur free to imagine things as u could observe...sorry ur clairvoyance have failed u

Lots of projects have been actualized,we the people of Abia very well appreciate the good work the governor is doing,we all pray that he remained focus and not get distracted by any form of distractions ,we have seen Our healthcare sector,which was at its lowest ebb before the governor came on board, has been re-engineered to produce 250 health centers, across the state. It later gave rise to the ambitious Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Center which has witnessed several expansions Viz; Dialysis unit, Ophthalmology unit, and Children Center....for information regarding the level development in Abia Visit http://www.panoramio.com/user/7238079?show=all.....

T.A is the man for now,since he has started working assiduously ,so we the Abians are solidly behind him...

OUK is a disgrace,,period

people should appreciate T.A ....he has been working....and the right-thinking person(s) would attest that the governor is working .............

Chief Of Army Staff, Assets To Abia State—Gov. Orji

Abia governor, Chief TA Orji has described the chief of Army staff, Gen. Onyeabor Ihejirika as an asset to the state. The governor while playing host to the chief of Army staff in government house, Umuahia expressed gratitude to the Abia born general for the role his men played alongside other security agencies in stamping out kidnapping in the state.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to the governor in a statement, Governor Orji declared that Abia remains one of the safest states in Nigeria.

The governor said that he is happy that Abians are celebrating the festive season in a secured environment and pledged his continued support for the army even as he commended the officers posted to the state for the wonderful job they are doing.

Earlier, Gen Ihejirika who came with his wife and top military brass thanked the governor for his assistance and reassured the people of the state of the state of their safety.

Wife of the governor and the PDP state chairman were present at the occasion.

Gov.T.A Orji invites Abians in diaspora to partner with the state in Economic development.
Abia state governor, chief TA Orji says he has provided a conducive environment for investment in the state, hence the need for Abians in Diaspora to come home and partner with the state in area of economic and social development.
The governor made this declaration in Lagos in an interactive session with members of Abia Think Tank.
In a statement by his chief press secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue, Governor Orji hinted that unlike in the past when the atmospherease was characterized by fear, occasioned by the activities of kidnappers, the state is now secured more than ever, as this ugly trend has been consigned to the dust bin of history.
Chief Orji noted that with security in place, investors are now making Abia their destination point.
He specifically revealed that shoprite; a business conglomerate is now building its outfit in Umuahia the state capital.
Chief Orji maintained that he is not regretting the huge investment he is making in securing the state.
Speaking further, the governor stated that most of the projects he is building in the state will be commissioned this year.
He stated that the equipment for the dialysis center will be installed in January 2013.
Chief Orji assured that he will strive to make Abia the envy of other states.
Earlier in his speech, the chairman of Abia Think Tank, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa commended the governor on the infrastructural development going on in the state.
He made it clear that the leadership style of the governor is highly appreciated.While thanking chief TA Orji for the achievement he had made in terms of security, urged him not to relent in giving Abia a new face.

Abia Govt. To Pursue The Reopening Of Golden Guinea With Vigor In 2013
orji-gov-abia-state
Abia state governor Chief Theodore Orji says the year 2013 will experience a more committed attempt by his administration to jumpstart the industrial development of the state through the creation of agro- based value chain industries and agro- young entrepreneurs in the rural areas of the state.

The governor stated this in a goodwill message he delivered to Abia people to usher in the New Year. He said the agro entrepreneurs will be fully engaged in the emerging mechanized farms which have commenced in the state with the establishment of the liberation farms in the 3 senatorial zones.

According to the governor, the government also expects to actualize within the year, the technology parks in Aba and Umuahia to tap from the ingenuity of the state’s local entrepreneurs to revamp the fame of Aba and Abia made goods, pointing out that the process will support the SMEs in the state and provide self employment for Abians.

The governor who said that his government will pursue the reopening of the Golden Guinea breweries Ltd With renewed vigor assured that the legacy projects he embarked upon for the state will in 2013 begin to create the desired bulwark for tackling poverty, unemployment and inequality in Abia state.

Chief TA Orji promised that his government will not relent in utilizing all available resources of the state to ensure more effective democratization and in delivering the services of government to Abians and all sectors of the state’s economy.

The governor said that his administration will continue to guard and utilize judiciously the resources of the state and eliminate wastages and leakages in the system, adding that the biometric capture system adopted by the state will be completed in 2013 to further check and contain over bloated workforce and ghost workers and save resources for Abia state.
The Abia state chief executive disclosed that the government will usher in this January 2013, a new electronic product tax system where revenue accruing to the state will begin to be deposited directly into the government’s accounts in order to increase the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state and through that support address some inhibited areas of needs of the state.
He urged Abia citizens especially Aba business entrepreneurs and those elsewhere to grab this new opportunity to avoid double taxation and as responsible citizens contribute to the development of state.

Chief Orji commended Abians for their courage and indomitable and indomitable ‘can –do spirit and assured them that in 2013, the government will try to surpass their expectations and improve on the lives of all citizens of the state.

He pledged that government will remain prudent in the management of the state’s resources and make the personal commitments to reach on collective goals and through that make the difference.

orji-gov-abia-state
Abia state governor Chief Theodore Orji says the year 2013 will experience a more committed attempt by his administration to jumpstart the industrial development of the state through the creation of agro- based value chain industries and agro- young entrepreneurs in the rural areas of the state.

The governor stated this in a goodwill message he delivered to Abia people to usher in the New Year. He said the agro entrepreneurs will be fully engaged in the emerging mechanized farms which have commenced in the state with the establishment of the liberation farms in the 3 senatorial zones.

According to the governor, the government also expects to actualize within the year, the technology parks in Aba and Umuahia to tap from the ingenuity of the state’s local entrepreneurs to revamp the fame of Aba and Abia made goods, pointing out that the process will support the SMEs in the state and provide self employment for Abians.

The governor who said that his government will pursue the reopening of the Golden Guinea breweries Ltd With renewed vigor assured that the legacy projects he embarked upon for the state will in 2013 begin to create the desired bulwark for tackling poverty, unemployment and inequality in Abia state.

Chief TA Orji promised that his government will not relent in utilizing all available resources of the state to ensure more effective democratization and in delivering the services of government to Abians and all sectors of the state’s economy.

The governor said that his administration will continue to guard and utilize judiciously the resources of the state and eliminate wastages and leakages in the system, adding that the biometric capture system adopted by the state will be completed in 2013 to further check and contain over bloated workforce and ghost workers and save resources for Abia state.
The Abia state chief executive disclosed that the government will usher in this January 2013, a new electronic product tax system where revenue accruing to the state will begin to be deposited directly into the government’s accounts in order to increase the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state and through that support address some inhibited areas of needs of the state.
He urged Abia citizens especially Aba business entrepreneurs and those elsewhere to grab this new opportunity to avoid double taxation and as responsible citizens contribute to the development of state.

Chief Orji commended Abians for their courage and indomitable and indomitable ‘can –do spirit and assured them that in 2013, the government will try to surpass their expectations and improve on the lives of all citizens of the state.

He pledged that government will remain prudent in the management of the state’s resources and make the personal commitments to reach on collective goals and through that make the difference.

Abia still the safest state in Nigeria

Recent high profile kidnappings and security threats in other parts of the federation as evidenced in Boko Haram, political/communal violence and extremism, the Niger Delta, maritime security and transnational crime, when put together, tends to pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s

viability as a nation.

As we wonder, who is going to be the next victim, it is poignant to fashion out appropriate responses to confront these challenges given the success of the Abia security template; a multi faceted strategy which targeted body snatchers, bandits and perpetrators of violence in

a way that did not inflict civilian casualties nor collateral damage to human rights. We believe that it needs to be embraced as a veritable architecture of a national security format for sustainable peace.

Recall that in 2009,in response to the national malaise of kidnapping, robbery, banditry and urban terrorism which spilled over to Abia from neighbouring states, His Excellency, Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji

mapped out an inimitable and well thought out security blueprint to confront the menace that was almost spiralling out of control. Enyimba City, experienced a near holocaust as foreign and local businesses fled the towns and relocated to other climes. The circle of

poverty and unemployment grew larger in the land. For close to three years, Abia citizens lived in fear of kidnappers, as people went into hiding.

In spite of all the odds, governor Ochendo engaged the services of indefatigable and hard boiled veterans, in counter insurgency methods, weapons and tactics, to firm up game plans that restored Abia to its primordial and unassailable domain of safety. This feat recently

earned him the accolade of the best security conscious governor by Africa’s dominant security watchdog SECURITY WATCH in Accra,Ghana.

This achievement did not come as a fluke but through an integrated approach of security framework that focused on maximum policing, military force, improvement of the welfare of citizens, application of judicial and correctional measures, application of the rule of law and collective participation of the stakeholders in issues of conflicts, he was able to restore peace and sustainable security in Abia.

Reduced to brass tacks, the logic of Ochendo template was threaded through these methodologies. First he re-united the divided politicalelites of the state, both within and outside and renewed their confidence and trust in Government. He insisted on inclusion of all citizens in the affairs of the state, based on equity in the sharing of State legacies, devoid of interventions of godfathers.

Dr TA Orji, then adopted dialogue as a security approach, by engaging kidnappers and all those involved in criminal violence and called for the trading of kidnappers’ weapons in exchange for money, and eventual

amnesty, re-training and re-integration into the society.

OCHENDO collaborated with all stake-holders in the society, including traditional rulers, religious organisations, active youth groups, the police, the military and other security agencies, through the sharing of intelligence information, and monetary rewards for information leading to arrest of kidnappers and violent criminals.

Further he embarked on inter-state collaboration in the monitoring and tracking of kidnappers and other criminals, with the aim of isolating them, for apprehension and legal prosecution.

He went on to apply social reform in the to check gun production and weapon running, popular in some o areas, and assisted them to find other areas of gainful employment and embarked on massive developmental projects that targeted the youths for self employment, and creation of recreational facilities to engage them to re-invent their energies.

When the need arose for an iron fist approach the governor, adopted the collective use of Federal military force in dealing with an unacceptable security threat especially when 15 innocent and vulnerable pupils of Abayi International School in Aba, were kidnapped. A decisive attack on all the known dens of kidnappers and violent criminals, was launched successfully, capturing many of them, while the most notorious kingpin ‘Osisi ka’nkwu’, died in the process.

OCHENDO’s administration directly contributed and is still funding the Nigerian Police in the state, by providing equipment and logistic supports in vehicles and other movements. These have contributed to the maximum policing of our State and improved joint surveillance of both police and military detachments.

We are proud to say that both local and foreign investors have returned to our state, and economic activities, including night life and hospitality industries are now booming in Abia State commercial cities, which were dreaded areas in the past. Today, and for close

to three years, Abia State is ranked as the safest state in Nigeria as it now rewarded as the fastest growing economy in Nigeria, with growing internal and external inflow of investments. The confidence has been renewed in the belief that peace and security must necessarily precede, and re-inforces sustainable development of any entity.

The governor’s service delivery to the people of Abia State, especially the youths, has wired them up as the guardian-angels of the new security. He continues to work hard in stream-lining and refining the politics of the state, into a merit based standards, where all citizens can aspire to the highest positions in the state, without mortgaging their conscience to godfathers’ support.

The merit based system in the state has marked it out as the pillars of support for democracy and security in Nigeria, and attracted support of all stakeholders the PDP. Today, Abia state is the number one safest state in Nigeria, a complete 180 degrees turnaround from three years ago.

Recent high profile kidnappings and security threats in other parts of the federation as evidenced in Boko Haram, political/communal violence and extremism, the Niger Delta, maritime security and transnational crime, when put together, tends to pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s

viability as a nation.

As we wonder, who is going to be the next victim, it is poignant to fashion out appropriate responses to confront these challenges given the success of the Abia security template; a multi faceted strategy which targeted body snatchers, bandits and perpetrators of violence in

a way that did not inflict civilian casualties nor collateral damage to human rights. We believe that it needs to be embraced as a veritable architecture of a national security format for sustainable peace.

Recall that in 2009,in response to the national malaise of kidnapping, robbery, banditry and urban terrorism which spilled over to Abia from neighbouring states, His Excellency, Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji

mapped out an inimitable and well thought out security blueprint to confront the menace that was almost spiralling out of control. Enyimba City, experienced a near holocaust as foreign and local businesses fled the towns and relocated to other climes. The circle of

poverty and unemployment grew larger in the land. For close to three years, Abia citizens lived in fear of kidnappers, as people went into hiding.

In spite of all the odds, governor Ochendo engaged the services of indefatigable and hard boiled veterans, in counter insurgency methods, weapons and tactics, to firm up game plans that restored Abia to its primordial and unassailable domain of safety. This feat recently

earned him the accolade of the best security conscious governor by Africa’s dominant security watchdog SECURITY WATCH in Accra,Ghana.

This achievement did not come as a fluke but through an integrated approach of security framework that focused on maximum policing, military force, improvement of the welfare of citizens, application of judicial and correctional measures, application of the rule of law and collective participation of the stakeholders in issues of conflicts, he was able to restore peace and sustainable security in Abia.

Reduced to brass tacks, the logic of Ochendo template was threaded through these methodologies. First he re-united the divided politicalelites of the state, both within and outside and renewed their confidence and trust in Government. He insisted on inclusion of all citizens in the affairs of the state, based on equity in the sharing of State legacies, devoid of interventions of godfathers.

Dr TA Orji, then adopted dialogue as a security approach, by engaging kidnappers and all those involved in criminal violence and called for the trading of kidnappers’ weapons in exchange for money, and eventual

amnesty, re-training and re-integration into the society.

OCHENDO collaborated with all stake-holders in the society, including traditional rulers, religious organisations, active youth groups, the police, the military and other security agencies, through the sharing of intelligence information, and monetary rewards for information leading to arrest of kidnappers and violent criminals.

Further he embarked on inter-state collaboration in the monitoring and tracking of kidnappers and other criminals, with the aim of isolating them, for apprehension and legal prosecution.

He went on to apply social reform in the to check gun production and weapon running, popular in some o areas, and assisted them to find other areas of gainful employment and embarked on massive developmental projects that targeted the youths for self employment, and creation of recreational facilities to engage them to re-invent their energies.

When the need arose for an iron fist approach the governor, adopted the collective use of Federal military force in dealing with an unacceptable security threat especially when 15 innocent and vulnerable pupils of Abayi International School in Aba, were kidnapped. A decisive attack on all the known dens of kidnappers and violent criminals, was launched successfully, capturing many of them, while the most notorious kingpin ‘Osisi ka’nkwu’, died in the process.

OCHENDO’s administration directly contributed and is still funding the Nigerian Police in the state, by providing equipment and logistic supports in vehicles and other movements. These have contributed to the maximum policing of our State and improved joint surveillance of both police and military detachments.

We are proud to say that both local and foreign investors have returned to our state, and economic activities, including night life and hospitality industries are now booming in Abia State commercial cities, which were dreaded areas in the past. Today, and for close

to three years, Abia State is ranked as the safest state in Nigeria as it now rewarded as the fastest growing economy in Nigeria, with growing internal and external inflow of investments. The confidence has been renewed in the belief that peace and security must necessarily precede, and re-inforces sustainable development of any entity.

The governor’s service delivery to the people of Abia State, especially the youths, has wired them up as the guardian-angels of the new security. He continues to work hard in stream-lining and refining the politics of the state, into a merit based standards, where all citizens can aspire to the highest positions in the state, without mortgaging their conscience to godfathers’ support.

The merit based system in the state has marked it out as the pillars of support for democracy and security in Nigeria, and attracted support of all stakeholders the PDP. Today, Abia state is the number one safest state in Nigeria, a complete 180 degrees turnaround from three years ago.

T.A na baba

T.A ORJI = SECURITY EXPERT

visit this site and tell me what u think..wow !such a wonderful work
: http://www.panoramio.com/user/7238079?show=all

we have seen how active T.A ORJI is these days ;he is not relenting ,he is not dulling ,he is not withdrawing,he is not reluctant...he is fully exhibiting the technical-know-how of a visionary leader....we hope you continue at this level and attend more greater height......governor T.A has started fulfilling his promises to the people in aba ,Abia state..by next yr there will be quite a smooth run of by vehicles in every diagonal sections and networking road channels in Aba environ....thank to T.A for making it up for the people of Enyimba

Governor Sullivan Chime is alive, I am in touch with him --Governor T.A. Orji

The Abia State governor, Chief Theodore Orji has debunked the rumored death of Enugu state governor, Sullivan Chime.
The governor in a statement by his chief press secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue said that Chime is hale and hearty.
According to the governor, those peddling the rumours should refrain from such act as death is not what one should wish a fellow human being.
The governor made it clear that he has been in touch with Chime, stating that he will return soon.
He urged Enugu citizens to remain calm as their governor is in good condition.

people can say what they feel ,its the same criticism ,but its clearly known to us that T.A has been working assiduously this second tenure....he has been working round the clock..so am given a thumb up for T.A

what a great job the governor is doing....keep it up T.A Orji

this shows the level of progress in abia state...i have seen more projects than these...

Abia widow gets house gift

MANY residents of Abayi Ohanze in Obingwa Local Council of Abia State who witnessed the formal handing over of a new bungalow built and fully-furnished by the state governor’s wife, Lady Mercy Odochi Orji for a widow, Mrs. Best Ekoba and her six children, shed tears of joy.

Mrs. Ekoba was the sixth beneficiary of such house built for indigent widows by the governor’s wife.

Mrs. Orji said she was moved to build the house for Mrs. Ekoba when she heard of the sudden death of her husband following the injury he sustained when a tree fell on him, destroyed their house and thus, rendered them homeless.

Mrs. Ekoba’s house was equipped with household equipment and utensils as well as foodstuffs among others, which Mrs. Orji, told her to use for the celebrations this year’s Yuletide.

She further advised Mrs. Ekoba to begin to eke a living and cater for her six children from proceeds of selling water from the borehole provided for her.

Lady Orji, who was accompanied by the state deputy governor’s wife, Mrs. Nene Ananaba, reiterated her warnings against maltreatment of widows, vowing that the government would deal with such matters even as Umuada Igbo Nigeria and Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA) have offered to render legal assistance to widows so maltreated, if it receives such report.

Orji said the government was also committed to other vulnerable groups in the society, apart from widows.

Ekoba and her children thanked the governor’s wife for her kind gesture.source :http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/Aabia-widow-gets-house-gift

About 12,603 Human Infected Virus (HIV) persons in Abia state are to receive government minimal support services
About 12,603 Human Infected Virus (HIV) persons in Abia state are to receive government minimal support services as part of commitment towards the reducing the rate of infection and eradication of HIV/AIDS in the state.

The wife of the governor, Lady Mercy Odochi Orji dropped this hint on Monday in Umuahia after leading a road and awareness walk on HIV/AIDS in the state stated that 7,351 carriers of the virus will equally receive treatment in various outlets in the state.

Lady Orji further said that 33 counseling and testing outlets and seven comprehensive Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centres in the three senatorial zones of the state have been established all geared towards reducing the rate of new infections.

She called on pregnant women and all health workers in the state to access the services of prevention of mother to child transmission by going to the nearest centres to them for counseling, testing and treatment in order to deliver a HIV negative baby, and free the next generation from HIV.

The wife of the governor described this year's celebration theme-“ Getting to Zero death level” as aptly stating that ensuring national ownership and financial sustainability which involves mobilizing in-country resources to full in the huge gaps in the response with a major emphasis on greater access to treatment would go a long way to control the virus.

She therefore cautioned against stigmatization of the carriers and stressed the need for total abstinence and mutual fidelity as the best options to curb the spread of the epidemic.

In his address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Okechukwu Ogar said that in line with this year's global theme, the state has been working towards getting to zero level on the HIV/AIDS prevalence in the state through distribution testing kits to all facilities in the state, scaled up prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) to 25 more sites to reduce new infections, distribution of HIV/AIDS guidelines/protocols, capacity building of health workers, training of 60 health workers on PMTCT.

Dr. Ogar also said that 50 health workers on TB/HIV collaboration have been trained while 12 health facilities for HIV activities have been scaled up and 2012 National HIV/AIDS and reproductive survey conducted.

The Commissioner commended the wife of the governor for her special interest support and provision of a suitable environment for these interventions to be achieved.

Earlier in his speech, the Project Manager agency for Control of HIV/AIDS, Dr Sam Ohaeri commended the wife of the governor for her support to the agency's programmes and in all HIV/AIDS related programme and restated their commitment in the fight against the epidemic.

The event featured road walk around major roads and streets of the state capital by stakeholders and students in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Abia State government and four United Nations Health agencies (UNH4) have pledged to deepen their areas of partnership in their commitment to further promote maternal and infant mortality rate, exclusive breastfeeding, safe pregnancy delivery and optimal care for the new born baby in the state.

Restating this commitment during a courtesy call on the wife of the governor, Lady Mercy Odochi Orji by the UNH4 team comprising UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO and World Bank, they pledged to sustain all manners that would facilitate optimal healthcare for women and children.

Welcoming the team, Lady Orji said that the present state government accords healthcare a top priority and has therefore left no stone unturned in its commitment to give quality health services to the people.


Lady Orji stated that the construction of 200 new primary healthcare centres across the 17 Local Government, the establishment of the state primary healthcare development agency in line with the National policy, the executive support and personal involvement in all rounds of Immunization and de-worming of school children, war against measles sensitization on Cancer, hypertension and diabetes, exclusive breastfeeding and attracting medical teams for free medicare services to the people were all geared towards ensuring not only a sound health for women and children but the entire populace.

The wife of the governor stated that the above activities in the area of health support to people living with HIV/AIDS, empowerment through donation of food items to less privileged and indigent women fall in line with the UNH4 objectives of ensuring optimal health for women and children.

She assured the team of further collaborations of other donor agencies of government commitment in the health sector especially in primary healthcare to achieve optimal health for the people.

The leader of the delegation, Dr. (Mrs) Esther Obinya said that they were on advocacy visit to the state as one of states benefiting from Canadian Aid Group and to assess performance of the states in areas of primary healthcare.

Mrs. Obinya disclosed of special focus on community based new born baby care aimed at ensure that special care/attention are given to new born baby to ensure their survival and meet their needs.

She appealed to the wife of the governor for support the new initiative by ensuring adequate sensitization of women to deliver at hospitals and health centres were trained attendants are in place to minimize the state's rate of maternal mortality.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Okechukkwu Ogar said that the advocacy visit to states in South-East state were aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality rate and that the state has made presentations of what she has been doing especially in areas of maternal and child health and in all aspect of health as well as on how to deepen the co-operation with the UNH4.

A non-governmental organization – Follow Better Organization says its collaboration with the Abia State government has helped in the reduction of consumption of illicit and hard drugs among youths in the State.

The founder of the organization, Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa disclosed this at a special Prayer summit organized by the NGO with the Abia Prayer Network in Umuahia stated that they aimed at value to life through building and enhancing the quality of the intellectual capacity of the people.

Hon. Ohuabunwa stated that the collaboration with the state government with special focus on illicit and hard drugs among youths in the state has culminated in drastic reduction the number of addicts hooked to drugs as well as donation of teaching and learning aids to school in partnership with an European Organization.

He said that FBO are equally engaged in orientating the youths, ethics of fundamental behaviour, political education and sensitization programme with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other electoral organizations and commended Her Excellency, the wife of the governor, Lady Mercy Odochi Orji for initiating the Abia Prayer Network through which the affairs of the government and the staff are lifted to God.

The former House leader of the Federal House of Representatives said that they partner with the Prayer Network to pray for Gos's hand in the development agenda of the government, security and peace of the state stressing that idolatry should not be associated with a state christened God's Own State.

In her speech, Lady Orji urged all NGOs and Political Organizations in the State to make God the foundation of their operations. Stating that the Abia Prayer Network was designed to seek God's grace and divine intervention for peace, good governance, protection of lives and property and stability of the present government.

She described prayers as a veritable tool for unlocking God's divine blessings for mankind adding that prayers are penitent in the life of all mortals, communities and nations.

The wife of the governor enjoined all Abians to join hands with the Prayer Network to prey for those in authority and the state in general in order to ensure peace and rapid development.

Earlier in a sermon, an Abuja based Clergy, Pastor Mike Daniels Urged those placed in positions of authority to implement policies that would positively affect the lives of the downtrodden in the society and warded that judgment of God would descent upon that wicked that devices all wickedness that attract curse on the land and subjects and urged all to repent for God's mercies to cleanse the land and uplift the people. source :http://southeastnewsonline..com/2012/12/about-12603-human-infected-virus-hiv.html?spref=fb

I stoop to think why a few have seen the latest development on timber and allied products' new site as a bad idea; why do people think the government must wait till every body gets ready before a formal relocation could be made possible? i passed through the old timber and saw how the timber made that place a more slummy than what it could have looked if the land was converted for more integrated purpose.....i could remember ,the state government through the commissioner for information made it known to the public that the old timber was to be evacuated and that those concerned should make haste to secure places of interest at the new sites(the new timber),but i found out some lazy folks have turned a dapple face because they could not make hay when the sun shone,and now they have turned against the good development of the state government.....does it mean people don't want good things; i saw the beauty of what T.A Orji just did regarding that the relocation of the old timber to a more spacious one....this relocation has created room for more expansion,development,it has reduced road build-up which people always encounter at the timber.....one needs to get used to that road to experience what the road build-ups at that very point used to be.....as i passed through that road today i was able to see the beauty on the governor's hand work.....that decision by the governor must not favour every body,somebody must be affected for nature to strike a balance in other for good to be accommodated in the mix....so let us accept the governor behest with fate,for it is for our own good,and for the good of Abia people...tomorrow we shall tap into the greater good of it.......God bless AmuAbia,God bless Abia state......onye si odinma ,ya diri ya nma,onye si odinjo,odiri ya njo na ndu.....iseeeee

Governor T.A. Orji urged the CJN to do the necessary by swearing in Justice Ifeoma Jumbo Offor
Governor T.A. Orji urged the CJN to do the necessary by swearing in Justice Ifeoma Jumbo Offor

Chief Theodore Orji has urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alaoma Muktar to swear in Justice Ifeoma Jumbo Offor even as he has commended the Senate for directing the CJN to do same.
The Governor who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue said that Justice Jumbo Offor who is from Abia State is qualified for the position.

According to the Governor, Justice Jumbo Offor who has spent 14 years in Abia State Judiciary was cleared by the National Judicial Council for the position.

Chief Orji further stated that since President Goodluck Jonathan also gave his nod for her appointment as a judge at the Appeal court, the CJN was expected to have sworn her in like she did to others.

Chief Orji who said he is optimistic that Justice Jumbo Offor will be sworn in no distant time praised the Senate for taking a patriotic stand on the issue.

Chief Orji said he watched the debate on the issue and he was satisfied with the lawmakers’ contributions which he described as devoid of sentiments and quite illuminating.

The Abia State helmsman also commended other professional bodies and human rights groups that have added their support for the swearing-in of this Abia great jurist.
According to the Governor “I have no doubt in my mind that the CJN who is highly respected as the first female judge to occupy the exalted position will swear in Justice Jumbo Offor who is also an erudite Judge and a great Ambassador of Abia State”.

Mrs Orji Extends humanitarian hands into talent discovering.

In a bid to project Abia as one of the competitive States in Nigeria and to also include it as the hub of entertainment in the African map, the wife of the Abia State governor, Chief Lady (Mrs.) Odochi Mercy Orji, has extended her humanitarian hands into the showbiz industry by facilitating a programme that is aimed at discovering the unharnessed youthful talents amongst the Abia citizens.



The movie production and hunting exercise which aims at harnessing, discovering and empowering of young talented Abia citizens and Nigerians, who are of secondary school age at the rural areas who due to hardship and lack of opportunity do not have the medium of showcasing their talents is been conducted by Magic Lens Pictures Limited, a well known Nollywood production company.

The talent hunt search that would also empower and nurture the young people by creating a platform for their growth began with its first local government outing at Umuahia North, where four schools in each area were given an opportunity to hone their skills in acting. Also, as earlier promised, the seventeen days tour at the local government areas that make up Abia will end with a grand finale on November 28, 2012.



However, the elegant and charismatic Abia first lady who does not only want to limit herself to programmes that concerns the womenfolk extended her humanitarian hands into organizing a talent hunt exercise tagged: First Abia Secondary School Talent Hunt Show and Movie Production.



According to her, the exercise is aimed at discovering talents at the rural communities, which will successfully be propelled by her humanitarian love and passion, as she hopefully wishes that it will help to eliminate crime in the society, as well as putting the state in the entertainment map of Africa through the young talented and skillful Abia citizens who would be taken over the make-believe industry in the nearby future as the programme progresses.



Speaking, one of the participating students that schools at Community Grammar School, Oloko, who identified her name as Adiuko Goodluck expressed gratitude over the kind gesture of the governor’s wife, which according to her will go a long way into impacting their lives positively, “I feel so excited being part of this programme. I pray for its sustenance and continuity so to enable other inopportune students to be part of it, because it has positively impacted our lives,” she urged.



This which could be described as one of the arms of the First Lady’s programmes in her Hannah May Foundation that already comprises an NGO known as the Family Empowerment Programme (FEP), which today is a channel for implementing her social and humanitarian programmes was founded as a response to the widespread social disadvantages in our society, which have, over time, impacted negatively on family values, thereby undermining the role of the family unit in the development process. The idea is therefore to provide a platform for redirecting the focus of development efforts on the family as a strategy for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).



Interestingly, Lady Orji as a woman who engages so much commitment in her doings could be noted that her involvement in charity is never by accident. No matter, many might think it started with the Office of the First Lady, for her it is certainly not, as she always recollect: “All these things I’m doing, I didn’t start it today; I started long ago when I was working with the ministry; I’m a member of the International Volunteers. Those days, I used to go to hospitals, buy things and give to the sick. I made apron, which I usually wear to the hospitals as a volunteer. That time, my husband was a permanent secretary. If you suffered in your life and end up becoming somebody, you must realize one day that you started somewhere. Whenever I see these indigent kids and the less privileged, it really affects me,” she said.



Meanwhile, the Abia First Lady and “mummy for all” as most Abians call her has indeed positioned herself as a role model and woman of unquestionable character with her eccentric style which she so much believe is anchored on her simplicity, elegance and carriage.



Notwithstanding, through the administration and help of her husband, Governor Theodore Orji, she has been able to be in the forefront for the reduction in maternal and infant mortality and has been pursuing the agenda through the construction of healthcare centres in the nooks and crannies of the area, together with her usual way of life in the distribution of drugs, wheel chairs and clutches to the physically challenged. She has, however, concluded and fulfilled her promise of building homes for some widows and the less privileged people in the state, as well as complete work at the skills acquisition centre in Umuahia, where youths today, who could not advance their education, are been trained in vocational skills.
First Bank Online

Abia state governor has install many infrastructures ,which have been a public notice.......the blind could see it without lenses in a frame,its only the enemies of progress and people who do revel in discrediting their leader because of their own personal choice of interest....if one cares to know the level of contribution that the governor has made so far,i will urge the person to take a stroll around Abia state and see things for your self...the idea of sitting at home and making negative gestures against the governor or this present administration is to me an act of treason,malignity and derogation which only a disgruntle mind could oblige to....if one needs to /wants to have a know on the on-going activities in the present administration which is being chaired by T.A ORJI,he should not fail to visit the abia state official website, www.abiastate.gov.ng,or more importantly,one should take some time off to go round all the places where the projects,on-going and completed ones are located to be sure if the state government is working assiduously or not...please this is more important and will go a long way informing us on the actual fact about the level of progress that state government has made...because i believe that some people have chosen to be brain washed by some few who have derailed by the influence of some politicos who are on the other side of road ,working day and night to pull the state government down,all the state government's effort shall not be vanquished by mere politicos-craftiness,or evilly minded individuals around us......ABIA state will progress by the of GOD,Abia state shall reach her destination..GOD is the one who handles the rudder and he will take Abia through all storm.....GOD bless abia state ,God bless us.....if you like ABIA STATE,LIKE THIS THREAD!