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Tag: Abia govt

  • Environmental degradation: Abia govt plans to rehabilitate FUTO dilapidated roads

    Environmental degradation: Abia govt plans to rehabilitate FUTO dilapidated roads

    The Abia State Government has promised Governor Alex Otto’s intervention in deploying resources to repair the dilapidated road infrastructure at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

    This was disclosed by the Abia State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and Africa Representative of the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP), USA, Professor Joel Ogbonna, in a keynote address presented at the International Conference on Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (ICPES 2025), held at FUTO.

    Prof. Ogbonna was concerned about the deplorable roads and assured that urgent action would be taken to address the issue promptly.

    “When I arrived at FUTO, I was excited, but I was shocked to see the state of the roads in the university. Today we are here to discuss sustainable development and climate change, we must do all we can to protect our environment and I can assure you that something urgent will be done to address the deployable roads.”

    He emphasized that achieving sustainable and resilient livelihoods requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and civil society collaborating to innovate and implement procurement policies that prioritize environmental stewardship and social justice.

    Prof. Ogbonna urged, “Let us use the lessons learned from this Conference to reaffirm our commitment to embedding equity, justice, and sustainability into procurement processes, advancing environmental and social standards that protect human health and the planet, and building resilient livelihoods that withstand the growing threats of climate change.”

    The Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. Nnenna Oti, noted that universities are the beating heart of global knowledge, where scholars gather to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and shape the future.

    Prof. Oti stated that the conference themed “Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards: Achieving Sustainable and Resilient Livelihoods in the Face of Climate Change,” “is a call to action, to rethink how we procure, protect, and uphold social standards in a rapidly changing world.”

    In their separate addresses, the CE-sPESS Director, Prof. Gloria Chukwudebe and Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, Prof. C.O Nwoko noted that climate change was no longer a distant threat, but a present reality shaping economies, communities and ecosystems , adding that the conference was designed to promote and foster research, development and innovation that would drive economic growth.

    “We need to replicate standard compliance for procurement, environmental and social development practices. We need to build roads and guarantee 10 years before maintenance, we need to guarantee the air quality, water quality in all our towns, we need to guarantee the health, well being and social livelihood of all communities. That is what distinguishes Nigeria from advanced world,” they said.

  • Abia govt debunks claims on non-implementation of national minimum wage

    Abia govt debunks claims on non-implementation of national minimum wage

    Abia state government has refuted claims made by the national leadership of the organized labour, which alleged that it is one of the 14 states yet to implement the new National Minimum Wage. 

    The government described the claims as false and misleading.

    Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to the Governor, addressed the issue during a briefing with newsmen at the Government House in Umuahia. 

    He clarified that Abia was among the first states to begin the implementation of the new wage for its workers, having commenced the process in October this year.

    “It is a misinformation that Abia State has not started the implementation of the new minimum wage.

    ” Of course, Abia workers have been paid the first salary according to the new minimum wage in their October salary and that has also been done this last  November.

    “So, it is not true that Abia State is one of those States that has not started implementation of the new national minimum wage,” Ajagba stated.

    Pastor Ajagba while reaffirming the commitment of Governor Alex Otti in prioritizing the welfare of Abia workers, reiterated that the present administration has always demonstrated commitment to industrial harmony and welfare of Abia workers and wondered why Abia should be named among states yet to implement the new wage.

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    He noted that the issue was the grey areas which the Organized Labour observed after the implementation, which government has also shown firm commitment to addressing same and assured that whatever shortcomings arising from the implementation will be well taken care of.

    “His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti has always demonstrated his commitment to ensuring industrial harmony and also to make sure the welfare of Abia workers receive priority attention.

    “It is on record that Abia State was one of the States that signified the intention and actually went ahead to contact the Organized Labour when the Federal Government concluded the issue of minimum wage.

    “We rounded off our deliberations in October and the first payment was made the same October 

    “After the payment was made to the Organized Labour made some observations which the communicated back to us . In the same spirit of being a very responsible government we assured them that it should be looked into.” Ajagba explained.

    While describing Abia and the government of Dr Alex Otti as responsible and responsive, Pastor Ajagba noted that the organized labour has always enjoyed a cordial working relationship with the state government.

    Also speaking, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Ihechi Eneogwe confirmed that Abia State government has already commenced implementation of the new minimum wage from October this year, pointing out that the issues was some anomalies observed in the salaries of workers between grade levels 8 to 16.

    They noted that the Organized Labour is in talks with the Abia State Government in to endure the error noted is addressed , assuring that it would be corrected.

    In his words, the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro said,

    “Let me categorically say that Abia State implemented the minimum wage in October but it did not favour all the workers. It favoured workers between level 1 to 7.

    “From 8 to 16 were not properly taken care of. And when we noticed that anomaly, the Organized Labour wrote a letter reminding the government that we have not tidied up the remaining loose ends, that there is need for workers between level 8 and 16 should be better placed. 

    “Immediately that minimum wage was implemented in October those in level 7 were taken higher payment than those in level 10. And it’s not supposed to be like that.” Okoro maintained.

    The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Uwaoma Ukandu, his Labour and Productivity counterpart, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, the state Head of Service, Dr Ngozi Obioma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma among other top government officials were present during the briefing.

  • We‘ll not allow criminal elements destroy our achievements-Abia govt

    We‘ll not allow criminal elements destroy our achievements-Abia govt

    The Abia State Government has vowed that it will not allow criminal elements to destroy the modest achievements made so far under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.

    The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu made this known while briefing the press after this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

    He said that the state government had zero tolerance for criminal activities and would not condone it, explaining that armed criminal elements Monday morning engaged security personnel at Aba.

    “Earlier today, criminal elements engaged the security personnel in a gunfight  at Umuode community, along the  Port Harcourt-Enugu Express Road, and later at Umuojima in Osisioma where they were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces.

    “In the ensuing gunfight, one of the gunmen was neutralized, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries”

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    The Commissioner further said that one of the vehicles belonging to the criminal elements, a Highlander vehicle, was abandoned by the fleeing gunmen and is now under the custody of the security agencies.

    He said that credible intelligence reports showed that the hoodlums were on the prowl to cause mayhem in the state and urged members of the public to be vigilant.

    Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd.) said, “What happened today is a testament to the fact that we have also reviewed our strategies.

    “So my assurance is that going forward, it’s going to be a different ball game in the fight to rid our state of all kinds of criminal elements.

    “There was no loss on the side of the security agents.”

    He assured that the game had changed as it was no longer business as usual, adding that the security agencies were on the trail of the fleeing criminals.

    The Commissioner for Information and Culture Prince Okey Kanu disclosed that in a bid to reposition Abia State in the ease of doing business, the state government has inaugurated a council on Ease of Doing Business.

    According to him, the governor “took a major step in his bid to reposition Abia State through reforming the state’s business environment to provide optimum services for investors and to give them confidence about doing business in Abia state.

    “Abia State government has adopted the State’s Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP) 2024, while also approving the 2023 Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP) progress report.”

    He informed that the council is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu. Other members of the council include; Commissioners for Trade, Commerce and Industry Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Budget and Planning Kingsley Anosike.

  • Abia govt denies interest in controversial ancient monarch stool

    Abia govt denies interest in controversial ancient monarch stool

    Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, has dismissed insinuation that Governor Alex Otti has a preferred candidate in the Eze Aro enthronement tussle in Arochukwu Local Government.

    He made the clarification while addressing reporters at the Government House, Umuahia in company with the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu and other members of the Executive Council, who rose from the New Year Executive Council meeting chaired by Dr. Otti.

    Said he: “Governor Otti does not have interest in who emerges as Eze Aro. He  has no interest in who becomes the Eze Aro, he has no interest in the process. 

    “He is only trying to ensure the people obey the laws they instituted by themselves.”

    Nwachukwu said the interest of the governor was to ensure peace and tranquility in communities. 

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    He said: “What the government is trying to do is to ensure peaceful and harmonious existence in every community, according to the laid down rules and laws. 

    “These rules and the procedures of who emerges as Eze Aro, they were enacted by the people, not the government and they submitted them as part of their laws that these are the laws that govern our community.” 

    The commissioner added that the government was not trying to mandate them to do something different from their own rules.

    He said if the governor had any interest, he would have told his preferred candidate to go ahead and hold coronation. 

    Nwachukwu said he wrote a letter to the police and the two individuals involved were forced to reconsider their positions, regretting that even at that, one of them still went ahead and had his coronation done in secret.

    He narrated the scenario in the Eze Aro tussle and said for an Eze Aro to emerge, he must emerge from any of the families that could produce a king. 

    He said: “There are two families in contention in this instance, and once the kingmakers screen those who have presented themselves, whoever they choose, they now present to the Eze Ibom Isii, whose duty is to do the crowning. 

    “The duty of the Eze Ibom Isii is to do the crowning; his duty is not to choose. Now the committee, whose duty is to do the selection, finished with their selection. 

    “They had a candidate, but the candidate they produced was not the one the Eze Ibom Isii chose to crown. 

    “So at the time the Eze Ibom Isii chose the candidate as against the people, whose traditional authority was to produce a candidate, they raised the alarm and wrote a petition to the government.”

    Nwachukwu said it was at that point that a petition was written that the government told Eze Ibom Isii to suspend what he was doing, go back to the process and follow the procedure as established by the tradition of his people, which he flouted. 

    He said when Eze Ibom Isii failed to rescind his decision, he was suspended by the government according to law, adding that based on his refusal to rescind his decision and settle allegations that were being created in Arochukwu, the government established an administrative panel of inquiry to look into the matter. 

    He said the panel had concluded its assignment and had submitted its report to the government, who would study it and come up with a White Paper.

  • Abia govt allegedly uncovers plot to blackmail Otti

    Abia govt allegedly uncovers plot to blackmail Otti

    Abia state government says it has uncovered plots by some disgruntled politicians in Abia state to sponsor a blackmail campaign against the governor of the state.

    In a statement signed on Wednesday, November 22, by the senior special adviser to Gov. Otti on media, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the state government disclosed that the said individuals had paid some unnamed media outfits as part of their strategy to push a false narrative about the incumbent administration to the general public.

    The statement by Ekeoma read: “A plot to unleash consistent vicious media onslaughts and blackmail against the Governor of Abia state, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, and the government of Abia state, has been uncovered.

    “A certain federal lawmaker gathered some media men over the weekend in Abuja and handed over tons of fake documents purportedly from the government to the media men to support the launch of a media onslaught on the governor.

    “What is clear is that the plot is being bankrolled by those with the delusional desire to hold Abia State down in penurious perpetuity that was rejected by the people at the polls.

    “We, therefore, wish to state as follows: That Governor Alex Otti holds the popular mandate of Abia people in trust and enjoys the overwhelming support of Abia masses who are already heaving a sigh of relief since his assumption of office, no form of orchestrated and senseless media attack can diminish his towering credentials and verifiable achievements as being acknowledged by Abians.

    “Those unleashing these endless smear campaigns against Governor Otti are pained by the popular verdict of acceptance which has continued to place him very high as a very performing and popular Governor in the country.

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    “Sadly they do not know that these vicious campaigns can never offer them the second opportunity they desperately seek to bring back their era or ruins, ruthlessness, and enslavement against Abians.

    The statement further stated: “Abians have taken a courageous decision to live honourably and peacefully in the New Abia under the responsible and responsive leadership of Governor Otti and therefore can never fall prey to the antics of political opportunists or be deceived to believe that their oppressors of yesterday can become their saviours of today.

    “Those who are out to blackmail and defame the present government and the Governor in order to return to power directly and indirectly and continue to build the eternal criminal empire they dreamt about, clearly have underestimated the resolve and determination of the government and people of Abia state to resist, confront and defeat them in order to build an Abia that would be glorious and prosperous in all spheres.

    “Finally, the Alex Otti government is only loyal to the Abia people and not to a group of selfish political merchants who are only after their selfish political interests, and thus would continue to serve Abians passionately and diligently while remaining accountable and answerable to them at all times.”

  • Abia govt shuts school over two-year-old’s death

    Abia govt shuts school over two-year-old’s death

    • Operation permit withdrawn, says commissioner

    Abia State Government has announced the sealing off of a private school, Emerald International School, operating in Aba South Local Government.

    The Nation had reported that a two-year-six-month-old baby, David Etim, the only son of his father, Jacob, died after falling off from a three-storey building of the school where his class was situated.

    Education Commissioner Prof. Uche Eme-Uche in a statement said the operational permit of the school had also been withdrawn.

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    She urged parents and guardians, whose children and wards attended the school located on Crystal Park Avenue, off Port Harcourt Road, to withdraw them.

    Eme-Uche said government’s action was hinged on the outcome of the ministry’s findings in the school.

    The commissioner said the school was operating below the standard set for private schools, which she attributed to the death of the pre-nursery pupil.

    The incident, our correspondent gathered, is still being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Abia State Police Command.

  • Abia govt: Stop illegal demotion of Mrs. Ezichi

    The Young Leaders Association of Nigeria, also known as Nigerian Youths Forum, Abia State Chapter, condemns the continuous victimisation of the Headmistress of Amaetiti Primary School, Asaga Ohafia.

    Her only offence was her plea for over five months unpaid salaries to be paid by the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration. She was allegedly whisked away from her place of work to Umuahia and thereafter handed a transfer letter to another primary school in Ukwa-East Local Government Area to resume as a classroom teacher.

    She was accused of “embarrassing” Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu, the wife of the governor, who was in the school to kick-off her one free meal programme for primary school pupils. The ‘embarrassment’ was that Mrs. Ezichi, a mother, pleaded with Mrs. Ikpeazu, a fellow mother, to intercede on behalf of the teachers to the state government for their over five months unpaid salaries to enable them buy food for their children, pay house rents, take care of their medical needs, pay debts, and other needs. But instead of taking pity on these starving teachers who are putting in their best to groom the primary school pupils for a greater society, the government demoted her and transferred her to a remote area. This is the height of injustice and inhumanity. No other type of humiliation can be worse than this.

    We are bewildered that the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Abia State chapters have not said anything about this woman’s fate.

    The Young Leaders Association of Nigeria therefore condemns this undue maltreatment of this worthy Abia citizen by the government. We demand that the governor should not only reinstate Mrs. Ezichi but also pay all the teachers’ their entitlements.

     

    • By Duke Imandu

    Press Secretary, Young Leaders Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter

  • Abia govt vow to support Enyimba, Abia Warriors

    Abia State government  has revealed to Sportinglife that they have concluded plans to sponsor both Enyimba International of Aba and Abia Warriors of Umuahia in the 2016 African Champions League, if they emerge champions and runners up at the end of the season.

    According to the Deputy Governor of the State, Ude Oko Chukwu, the state is not only aiming at winning the Premier League shield, they are also looking forward in seeing that Abia Warriors finish as the runners’ up

    “We are aiming at winning the runners’ up slot as well. We have concluded plans to ensure that we properly fund the two teams in the continent next season. I hope you are aware that Enyimba remains the only club in Nigeria that have ever won the Champions League shield twice, we are also positioning the team to repeat that again next football season, and if possible to see two of our teams playing in the finals. That is what we are out to achieve, and we are not relenting on it”.

    He boasted that Abia State is not only a God’s own state, but has become a pacesatter in sports in Nigeria.

    “I recently read that Nigeria is  the fifth exporter of footballers in the World, but if you take a critical analysis of that figure, you would find out that Abia State may have the highest number of such players,” he concluded.

  • Abia Govt recalls non-indigenes sacked from state’s civil service

    THE Abia State Government has approved the recall of non-indigenes earlier sacked by the state’s civil service and has asked them to reapply to get back their jobs. The decision to recall the workers who were asked to go back to their respective states through a circular issued by the Head of Service, Mr. Godson Adiele, was taken during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Theodore Orji. Speaking to newsmen on the outcome of the executive council meeting in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Information, Eze Chikamnayo said that those who were sacked during the period and are willing to return would be reabsorbed into the state civil service without losing their former positions. Chikamnayo said that the approval will also give room for all displaced Abians by the security challenges in some northern parts of the country to be employed, including those who were earlier sent back to their states of origin. He recalled that in 2011, some workers of the state who were not from the state were sent back to their states of origin. “This was as a result of the policy by some of the neighbouring states who had earlier returned Abia indigenes who were working in some of those states.” He explained that the decision of the state government to return workers who are not indigenes of the state to their states of origin was based mainly on the dwindling resources available to the state, “but now our Internally Generated Revenue has increased because of certain measures we took, so we can now afford to employ more workers.” Chikamnayo said that the exco also approved the building of an airport in any part of the state the committee set up for the building of an airport recommends, stressing that when completed, the airport would help people of the state who are highly mobile in their business activities. The commissioner said that the present administration headed by Governor Theodore Orji is known for starting and completing all projects, adding that once the committee submits its report and it is accepted, the project will be

  • No pipeline vandalism along NNPC Osisioma depot line- Abia govt.

    No pipeline vandalism along NNPC Osisioma depot line- Abia govt.

    The Abia State government has denied that the recently reopened Osisioma Depot of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company [PPMC] in Aba has been facing series of pipeline vandalism, insisting that the pipeline has been duly monitored by soldiers and other security agencies.

    Speaking with newsmen in Umuahia, the state commissioner for petroleum and natural resources, Don Ubani said the state government will never compromise the safety of the pipeline after working hard to see to the reopening of the depot eight years after being in a comatose situation.

    Ubani said since the depot was reopened, the economic activities around the area has picked up, pointing out that it will help to keep the youths of the state in check and reduce the constant pipeline vandalism being noticed before now.

    The commissioner, who was reacting to a letter allegedly written to the state government by the PPMC over the alleged vandalism along the pipeline leading to the Osisioma depot, said the letter did not emanate from the owners of the depot.

    He appointed fingers at some unscrupulous petroleum marketers who want to create problems that will make the PPMC to stop the supply of the Premium Motor Spirit [PMS]. “They want to create problems so that petrol dealers will come to their farm tanks to buy fuel,” he said.