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Tag: Abia State

  • Council boss reaffirms peace deal with counterpart

    Council boss reaffirms peace deal with counterpart

    The Chairman of Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Utibe Nwoko, has pledged to consolidate on the inter-community harmony and cordial relations with Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.

    He said Ika Council under his watch would sustain dialogue, peaceful coexistence and collaborative development with other neighbouring local governments areas, especially in Abia State.

    Nwoko said this while delivering remarks at a peace meeting between his people and residents of Ukwa East Council in Abia State.

    Describing the meeting as epochal, the council chairman said the engagement had continued to yield social and political benefits by providing a consistent platform for dialogue and peace-building.

    He said the gathering marked the beginning of a renewed phase in relationship between the people of Ikot Udo in Ika Local Government and their neighbours from Ukwa East and adjoining communities in Abia State.

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    Nwoko recalled that a similar peace meeting held on March 17, 2025, produced resolutions that had sustained peace between the communities up to the current time.

    He expressed gratitude to the governors and deputy governors of Akwa Ibom and Abia states for approving and supporting the continued convening of the peace meetings, and described their interventions as a demonstration of commitment to peace-building and inter-state cooperation.

    The council boss said Ikot Udo village in Ika Local Government shared a boundary with Abiaka village in Ibeme, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

    He recalled that resolutions reached at the 2025 meeting was that both states would begin road construction from their natural boundaries, with Obingwa communities building towards their boundary, while Ika communities would undertake construction from Ikot Udo through Nto Mfong and Ikot Akata to Urua Inyang, covering a distance of about 3.7 kilometres.

    Nwoko said there was no genuine boundary dispute between the communities, stressing that no party was laying claim to land, houses, forests, cultural artefacts or economic trees.

    ‘’Rather, the core issue centres on identity, with Akirika Obu people seeking recognition as indigenes of Abia State, while Ikot Udo people maintain their identity as indigenes of Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    He said identity-related differences should not be allowed to degenerate into hostility or disrupt development efforts, particularly the ongoing road building project intended to benefit the affected communities.

    According to him, disagreements over identity should never punctuate peace or truncate infrastructure projects designed to improve livelihoods and connectivity.

     Nwoko clarified that Ika Local Government did not have any boundary dispute with Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, noting that while Akirika Obu people claimed customary tenancy under Obingwa Local Government and traced their ancestral roots to Ukwa East near Port Harcourt in Rivers State, such narratives should not undermine peaceful coexistence or inter-community cooperation.

    Appealing for continuity of the road project, the council chairman urged Abia State Government to continue construction from Ntinwouzo through Obete Ibeme to Abiaka Ibeme, the last village in Obingwa Local Government, while Akwa Ibom State Government should complete its section from Ikot Udo through Nto Mfong and Ikot Akata to Urua Inyang in Ika Council

    He said completion of the road would further promote harmonious relations between Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and Obingwa Council of Abia State, while strengthening ties with Ukwa East indigenes living in the area.

    Nwoko appealed for adequate security for contractors handling the project, to ensure uninterrupted work and timely completion, reiterating that the people of Ika, Akwa Ibom State and Abia State were peace-loving and committed to unity and development.

    He appreciated the sacrifices, goodwill and interventions of leaders from states, praying for peace in their homes and administrations, and expressing confidence that the meeting would yield fruitful outcomes.

    In their remarks, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, and her Abia State counterpart, Ikechukwu Emetu, an engineer, pleaded with the people of Ikot Udo in Ika Local Government Area and Ukwa East Council in Abia State to embrace peace for lasting development.

    They urged youths from the two communities to get involved in productive ventures, to improve their families, rather than engage in senseless feud, so as to encourage governments of the two states to do more for them.

    The peace parley was attended by stakeholders from the two states.

  • Abia traditional rulers launch statewide drive to boost NIN, PVC registrations

    Abia traditional rulers launch statewide drive to boost NIN, PVC registrations

    The chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Sir Linus Nto Mba, on Tuesday announced a statewide mobilisation initiative aimed at significantly increasing the number of residents registered for National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).

    Eze Sir Linus made the announcement while presiding over a meeting of the Council, which included principal officers and chairmen of traditional rulers from the 17 Local Government Areas, held at his office in the JAAC Building, Umuahia.

    The decision came amid concerns over Abia state’s relatively low registration figures despite its large population.

    The chairman emphasized that traditional rulers, as custodians and fathers of the people, have resolved to take responsibility for mobilising eligible citizens, particularly those aged 18 and above who have yet to register.

    “Our resolve is to ensure that Abia State records one of the highest numbers of registered citizens. This exercise is not for any individual or political interest, but purely in the interest of the state and its development,” he stated.

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    Eze Sir Linus explained that the mobilisation drive will adopt a grassroots approach, extending from the state level to zones, local governments, and autonomous communities to ensure no eligible citizen is left out.

    The Council also plans to assess the availability of registration facilities, including equipment, personnel, and logistics, by visiting relevant offices where registrations are conducted.

    The Chairman underscored that the initiative is non-political, noting the pivotal role of traditional rulers across Nigeria in grassroots mobilisation for national development.

    “As true fathers of our communities and the state, we will not allow Abia to lag in this critical national exercise,” he added.

    The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers to support government efforts aimed at strengthening civic participation and ensuring accurate population data for the overall progress of the state.

  • Abia CP tours strategic locations ahead of Christmas to boost security

    Abia CP tours strategic locations ahead of Christmas to boost security

    The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, has conducted a strategic tour of key locations across the state in preparation for the Christmas celebrations.

    The areas visited by the police chief included Ubakala Junction, Isiala-Ngwa Junction, Ariaria Junction, Osisioma Flyover, Bata Junction, Obikabia Junction, Ngwa Road, Okpara Square, Umudike Junction along Ikot-Ekpene Road, and Uchenna Bus Stop, among others.

    Speaking to journalists after the tour on Wednesday, Isa described the exercise as part of the command’s overt security operational strategy to ensure public safety, maintain order, enhance police visibility, and supervise activities before, during, and after the Yuletide season.

    He explained that the tour allowed him to conduct a first-hand appraisal of security conditions in the critical areas. 

    The commissioner revealed that the state command has strategically deployed personnel to places of worship, event centres, highways, inter-state routes, critical infrastructures, and other high-density public areas to prevent criminal activities, traffic congestion, and road-related incidents.

    Isa added that proactive raids on criminal hideouts are being sustained in collaboration with sister security agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive security coverage, in line with directives from the Inspector General of Police.

    He urged residents to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency hotlines.

  • Abia launches massive NDDC-led campaign to eradicate drug abuse among youths

    Abia launches massive NDDC-led campaign to eradicate drug abuse among youths

    In a determined effort to stem the tide of drug and substance abuse among students and youths in Abia, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in strategic partnership with MARG Education International Ltd, has intensified its commitment by organizing a high-impact sensitization awareness across schools in Abia state.

    This initiative is in commemoration with the International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, underscoring the urgency and global significance of the fight against substance abuse.

    The comprehensive campaign aims not only to raise awareness but also to instill lasting behavioural change and resilience among students who remain vulnerable to the pervasive influence of drugs.

    The awareness campaign themed; “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Chain, Say No to Drug Abuse,” also brought together the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) amongst others.

    The campaign incorporated vital health talks and counseling sessions in schools aimed at equipping students with factual knowledge and practical tools to resist peer pressure and avoid drug experimentation.

    Several secondary schools, including Abia: Girls Secondary Commercial School, Osusu Community Secondary school, Ngwa High School, Government Technical College Abayi Girls Secondary amongst others, embraced the campaign, demonstrating a united front against substance abuse.

    The NDDC, NDLEA team, along with coordinators from MARG Education International Ltd, addressed the students at different schools with compelling insights into the dangers of drug abuse, emphasizing its detrimental effects on mental health, academic achievement, and overall well-being.

    “It is deeply alarming to witness the rising cases of substance abuse among adolescents. This not only undermines their mental and physical health but also jeopardizes their academic futures and societal contributions,” the speakers cautioned.

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    They strongly advocated for early prevention education as a frontline defense, urging students to embrace drug-free lifestyles and become champions of positive change in their communities.

    The speakers further underscored that drug abuse is not merely an individual problem but a wider social challenge fueled by a network ranging from cultivators to traffickers, hence the necessity for a comprehensive, community-wide response. They encouraged vigilance, awareness of drug abuse indicators, and a collective commitment to breaking the cycle.

    Schools’ representatives expressed deep appreciation to the NDDC, MARG Education International Ltd, and NDLEA, for spearheading such a transformative initiative. They lauded the campaign’s role in empowering young people to make informed decisions and resist negative peer influences.

    This landmark event embodies a significant stride towards fostering sustained community engagement, enhancing drug prevention education, and ultimately promoting a healthier, drug-free generation.

  • 22-year-old lady collapses, dies at work in Umuahia

    22-year-old lady collapses, dies at work in Umuahia

    A 22-year-old young lady simply identified as Christiana, a staff of an Event Centre has reportedly died after collapse in Umuahia South local the Abia State capital.

    Christiana, who was born on December 8, 2003, and would have turned 23 next month, reportedly slumped at her workplace and was later confirmed dead upon arrival at the hospital.

    Speaking amidst tears, her bereaved mother, Mrs. Uwalaka, whose husband, Mr. Innocent Uwalaka, died 15 years ago, said her daughter had only ever complained of stomach ulcer but showed no signs of serious illness.

    “I spoke with her yesterday afternoon, and she said she was fine,” the grieving mother recounted.

    “But early this morning around 7am, the chef at her workplace called me and said my daughter fell down last night. I asked them, ‘Since last night, you couldn’t rush her to the hospital?’ They just kept quiet.”

    According to Mrs. Uwalaka, the management of the event centre only contacted the family hours later, asking them to come and pick up Christiana’s body.

    Her elder brother, Onyemaechi David Innocent, rushed to the scene and conveyed his sister on a motorcycle to a hospital at Olokoro, where doctors confirmed she was already dead on arrival.

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    “They said she was sick all through the night, but nobody helped her. They didn’t take her to the hospital. Even when they called us, nobody followed my son to try and save her.

    “They just waited until she died,” her widowed mother wailed, unable to hold back tears.”

    It was gathered that Christiana had only worked at her place of work for two months before the ugly incident.

    Her family described her as “a hardworking, humble, and God-fearing young woman who was just starting life.”

    “My daughter went to work healthy. I just want to know what happened to her. She didn’t deserve to die like this,” she said softly.

    Christiana’s death has thrown the entire Olokoro community into mourning, with many residents calling for a proper investigation into the circumstances surrounding her untimely death.

  • Abia youths empowered with hands-on skills

    Abia youths empowered with hands-on skills

    The MAI Foundation for Women Empowerment and Advocacy, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has launched the Imu Oru Upskilling Project — an initiative designed to empower and train 120 youths in Abia State with practical skills in carpentry, tailoring, and shoemaking.

    The one-year project, which commenced recently, integrates the Igba Boi (Igbo Apprenticeship System) — a traditional socio-economic model where a master (Oga) mentors an apprentice, imparting trade and business knowledge over a defined period.

    Founder of MAI Foundation, Chika Ezinma Obidike, explained that the apprenticeship model provides an immersive, on-the-job learning experience that helps participants develop real-world expertise and entrepreneurial confidence.

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    “The Imu Oru Upskilling Project goes beyond vocational training; it is designed to strengthen local economies, build resilient communities, and promote gender equality and socio-economic empowerment,” Obidike said.

    She added that research has shown that beneficiaries of vocational programmes in Nigeria earn up to 30 per cent more than their unskilled peers, while over 60 per cent go on to train others within their communities, multiplying the impact.

    Obidike further noted that, upon completion, each participant will receive starter kits and business resources to enable them to establish and grow their ventures, thereby creating ripple effects of opportunity and innovation across Abia communities.

    Speaking on the partnership, Project Manager Amanda Obidike highlighted that the initiative reflects the shared vision of MAI Foundation and Mastercard Foundation to bridge critical skills gaps, empower young people, and drive inclusive socio-economic development.

    “Beyond technical expertise, participants will also undergo intensive training in soft skills, business development, and financial literacy, ensuring they are well-equipped to launch, manage, and sustain their enterprises,” she said.

  • We have exceeded national average on preventable blindness, says Abia

    We have exceeded national average on preventable blindness, says Abia

    The Abia State government has said that the rate of preventable blindness in the state is higher than the national average, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to combat quackery and traditional treatments.

    The Administrator of the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr Betty Emeka-Obasi, disclosed this during an event marking the 2025 World Sight Day.

    The event was themed, ‘Prioritising Eye Health, a Collective Approach.’

    Nigeria faces a growing challenge of avoidable blindness, with the World Health Organisation estimating that over 1.13 million Nigerians are currently blind, and more than four million live with varying degrees of visual impairment—figures that continue to rise due to preventable causes such as cataracts, glaucoma, uncorrected refractive errors, and diabetic retinopathy.

    According to data from the National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health and the International Centre for Eye Health, the national blindness prevalence is estimated at 0.78%, but the rate is significantly higher in the South-East region, where access to quality eye care remains limited.

    Emeka-Obasi stated that the situation stems from the fact that the Southeast has the highest rate of eye diseases in the country.

    She said, “Abia State has its fair share of health challenges. The preventable blindness rate is higher than the national average.

    “In rural local government areas, only 15% of people access annual screenings, leaving early detection a distant dream. Women face a 12% care gap, bound by cultural chains and economic hurdles.”

    She explained that the establishment of the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau “Stands as a testament to Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to transformative health care.

    “Our mandate is clear – to build a robust, accessible, affordable eye care system across all 17 local government areas. And by God’s grace, in just over a year, we have achieved remarkable milestones.”

    She further said, “We have upgraded the Abia State Specialist Hospital Eye Centre; launched three new clinics at Amachara, Ugwunagbo, and Aba General Hospitals; and integrated additional services into 10 primary health care centres, with four already operational.

    “We have served 15,110 patients, delivered 11,000 free screenings, and performed 2,000 life-changing surgeries through partnerships with ANPA, the NNPC Foundation, and our state government. Revenues have skyrocketed.

    “We have trained 192 teachers as first responders for our school eye health programme and launched a unified automatic internship to build a cadre of skilled professionals. Poverty must end. Rural blindness must cease. Gender disparities must shatter,” she said.

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     Challenging traditional rulers, the clergy, educators, and citizens to demand screenings and embrace “Love Your Eyes” as a mantra.

    She outlined a series of activities for the day, which include free eye screenings and free glasses. These have been “going on in our various vision centres and in our primary health care centres.

    “So we are running at this time free eye screening, free eye tests, and giving free reading glasses. [We provide] drops when you need them.”

    She also warned against “false cures that blind rather than heal. We call them harmful practices. Please, [they are] damaging instead of healing the eyes.”

    In his lecture, the keynote speaker, Prof. Emmanuel Esenwah of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, described eyesight as critically important, stating that about 1.2 billion people worldwide are visually impaired.

    He disclosed that eye diseases are more prevalent in the South-East zone of Nigeria.

    He advised, “The state should do more. We must show more interest in our eyes,” concluding that to achieve this, all hands must be on deck through an integrated, people-centred approach.

  • Abia yet to implement LG financial autonomy

    Abia yet to implement LG financial autonomy

    Abia State is one of the states in the country that are yet to implement the Local Government financial autonomy.

    The Nation reports that despite the election of local government chairmen which should have constitutionally granted them unhindered access to the local government funds, the state governor still determines how much the 17 local government chairmen get monthly.

    The action of the state governor, our correspondent learnt, stifles pace of work and development in the council areas, as some local government chairmen claim that they don’t have the funds that they would need to execute projects in their council areas.

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    It was gathered that both payment of local government staff and teachers were still being done by the governor through the office of the Accountant General of the state.

    Efforts to speak with members of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) at the time of the report failed as none of the members could be reached for comments.

  • Abia Civil Service Commission debunks selling healthcare workers recruitment exercise

    Abia Civil Service Commission debunks selling healthcare workers recruitment exercise

    The Abia State government has debunked the news that the state has sold out slots of the ongoing recruitment of health workers in the state.

    Rumours making rounds in the state were that some officials of the government had sold out slots of the recruitment to allies and other cronies outside the state.

    This is coming on the heels of the statement by the governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti, during a media chat last week, that even foreigners are interested in working as health personnel in the state.

    The chairman, Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pst Eno Jerry Eze, in a statement described the information as fake, adding that the state as part of its moves to promote transparency, adopted the use of a computer-based Test for applications, adding that interviews were meticulously designed to eliminate biased by ensuring that the best and most qualified candidates were selected for available positions.

    The Abia State Civil Service Commission chairman, while assuring the commitment of the commission to openness and transparency in the recruitment of the health workers encouraged anyone with verifiable information about potential infractions or attempts to misrepresent the Commission to report it immediately.

    Eno said “The Abia State Civil Service Commission is compelled to address a recent publication alleging the sale of slots in the ongoing healthcare workers recruitment process. We wish to assure Abians that these allegations are baseless and unfounded.

    “The Commission has implemented a robust recruitment process that integrates technology and global HR standards, ensuring transparency, fairness, and meritocracy at every stage.

    “The application, Computer-Based Test (CBT) and interview processes have been meticulously designed to eliminate biases and ensure that only the best and most qualified candidates are selected for the available positions.

    “This process has received continuous praise from candidates and stakeholders, who acknowledge that it sets a new precedent in the public sector for its integrity.

    “We want to assure Abians that, just as with the Computer-Based Tests, the final results of the recruitment process, along with candidates’ documentation status, will be publicly published on the official recruitment portal.

    “This commitment to openness leaves absolutely no room for manipulation or alteration.

    “The Abia State Civil Service Commission is resolute in maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency throughout this process.

    “We urge all stakeholders to remain confident in our ability to deliver a fair and merit-based recruitment exercise.

    “We strongly encourage anyone with verifiable information about potential infractions or attempts to misrepresent the Commission to report it immediately through this link: https shorturi at EonF3.

    “We assure all stakeholders that these reports will be thoroughly investigated, and decisive, appropriate actions will be taken against any confirmed breaches.

    “The Abia State Civil Service Commission remains dedicated to ensuring that the recruitment process is conducted with the utmost integrity to build a highly competent and professional healthcare workforce for the state.”

    Governor Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, regretted that many women have lost their lives due to uncontrolled complications at the traditional birth attendants, saying that, his administration is intentional about the lives of the people, especially the mother and child, hence his government embarked on the retrofitting of 200 PHCs across all the wards in the state.

    He reiterated his resolve to take decisive action against operators of such traditional birth attendants to safeguard the lives of expectant mothers.

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    He urged community leaders to take ownership of the facility.

    The governor disclosed that the state government would also build staff quarters for health workers and encouraged residents to make full use of the centre.

    He later conducted a tour of the facility with the State Director of Orientation Agency, Mrs. Ure Abazie, and the traditional ruler of Ohiya, Eze Abel Uhuegbu.

    He informed that the centre is equipped with modern facilities including an automatic external defibrillator, radiant warmer, vital signs monitor for pregnant women, ultrasound, parameter machine, weighing scale, general laboratory, and auto analyser among others.

    Also speaking, the Mayor of Umuahia South LGA, Engineer Chinedu Enwereuzo, expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for embarking on life-touching projects, describing the projects as a true sign of love for the people.

    He urged the Ohiya traditional ruler to ensure the protection of the equipment and called on the community to reciprocate the governor’s gesture at the appropriate time.

    He also commended the state for giving health proper attention and encouraged Abians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards to strengthen their civic responsibility.

    Speaking with journalists, the Director General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Ure Abazie, lauded Governor Otti and the Ministry of Health for prioritising the well-being of Abians.

  • Abia frowns at pregnant women patronising traditional birth attendance centres

    Abia frowns at pregnant women patronising traditional birth attendance centres

    The Abia State government has frowned at the attitude of some pregnant women who patronise traditional birth attendants for child delivery instead of the government hospitals.

    Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti was speaking while commissioning the newly retrofitted Ohiya Primary Health Centre, in Ohiya, Umuahia South Local Government Area of the state.

    Governor Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, regretted that many women have lost their lives due to uncontrolled complications at the traditional birth attendants, saying that, his administration is intentional about the lives of the people, especially the mother and child, hence his government embarked on the retrofitting of 200 PHCs across all the wards in the state.

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    He reiterated his resolve to take decisive action against operators of such traditional birth attendants to safeguard the lives of expectant mothers.

    He urged community leaders to take ownership of the facility.

    The governor disclosed that the state government would also build staff quarters for health workers and encouraged residents to make full use of the centre.

    He later conducted a tour of the facility with the State Director of Orientation Agency, Mrs. Ure Abazie, and the traditional ruler of Ohiya, Eze Abel Uhuegbu.