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Tag: abia

  • Abia signs MoU With UNDP to accelerate development

    Abia signs MoU With UNDP to accelerate development

    The Abia state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to accelerate sustainable development efforts in some areas of the economy across the state.

    Speaking while signing the MoU in his office, Governor Alex Otti said that the MoU marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Abia State government and the UNDP as well as a journey to development of the state.

    “For us, this MoU marks a significant time in our journey. It means clearly that, we can count on your support because we have a document.

    “This partnership is a significant step forward with the signing of this MoU. We know that it marks the beginning of so many great things that will come.

    “We will go about to do what we have to do to ensure that we do not let you down with the commissioning of the Aba Export Growth Lab later today. 

    Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to equitable development, emphasizing that the primary purpose of government is to ensure the welfare and security of its people.

    He described the people of Abia as naturally entrepreneurial, noting that with minimal support, they have the capacity to excel. 

    He described the MoU as a turning point in the State’s development trajectory and pledged full implementation of the agreement’s provisions.

    “Our people are ready; we just need to provide the right environment and support. We have people with entrepreneurial hands to produce. 

    Read Also: Abia govt raises alarm over alleged plot to buy rural PVCs for 2027 election manipulation

    “Just a minimal support from government in terms of creating the right environment for their businesses to grow is our duty.

    “The essence of government is the welfare and security of the people. We have remained focused on that. Gov. Otti stated.

    Governor Otti said that the partnership is expected to bring technical expertise, capacity building, and funding support to key sectors in Abia, in line with the UNDP’s accelerated development framework, and thanked the UNDP representative for the successful signing of the MoU.

    Earlier, the Resident Representative of the UNDP in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah extolled the achievements of Governor Otti’s administration, stating that the MoU aligns with the UNDP’s mission to drive inclusive and sustainable development at the sub-national level.

    “We are inspired by the progress here in Abia. This MoU is not just a formality; it represents our commitment to co-investing in Abia for a better Nigeria,” she said.

    She said that the partnership covers certain areas such as SME’s, digitalization, energy, agriculture among others, and assured of the support of the UNDP in the launch of the Aba Export Growth Lab.

    Ms Attafuah described it as “the first landmark MoU that they have signed with the State within the context of what they call, ‘Integrated Smart State Accelerated Development’and admitted that the event is very historic.

    “I think what is crucial is that we are co-investing into the future of development together. So, we are here for the signing of the MoU, and secondly, to support you as we launch the Aba Export Growth Lab today. 

    “Your Excellency, on behalf of UNDP, indeed the United Nations as a whole, let me say how proud we are of you for the vision that you have, for the exemplary leadership and I think increasingly, Abia is showing the way as an epitome of the subnational that is really doing what matters, and particularly in times like this.

    The signing ceremony was witnessed by many high profile political appointees of the government.

  • Abia govt raises alarm over alleged plot to buy rural PVCs for 2027 election manipulation

    Abia govt raises alarm over alleged plot to buy rural PVCs for 2027 election manipulation

    The Abia State Government has raised concerns over alleged plots by some politicians to tamper with the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) of rural residents in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    In a statement signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Alex Otti, the government accused unnamed political actors of deploying agents to rural communities to fraudulently obtain PVC details from unsuspecting residents. The agents were said to be offering ₦10,000 in exchange, claiming it was for the creation of a non-existent e-wallet meant for empowerment.

    According to Ekeoma, the scheme is aimed at compromising the integrity of the PVCs and disenfranchising voters by rendering their cards invalid.

    Read Also: Why Abia monarch was suspended, by traditional rulers council

    “The attention of the Abia State Government has been drawn to the activities of some politicians in parts of the state who are using fraudulent means to obtain PVC details of rural dwellers under the guise of setting up an empowerment e-wallet,” the statement read.

    The government urged residents to remain vigilant and not to release their voter information under any pretext, warning that such actions could jeopardise their right to vote.

    Authorities have vowed to investigate the allegations and take appropriate legal action against anyone found culpable.

    “The intention of the sponsors and perpetrators of this criminal act is to compromise the authenticity of such PVCs and render the owners unfit to vote during the 2027 election.

    “Abia State government has carried out empowerment programmes for the youths and the elderly across the State and will continue to carry out empowerments, like the Abia State Interest Free Loan Empowerment Scheme for over 10,000 Abians, the Abia Techrise Project, Training of Abia Youths in Agricultural Skills in Nasarawa and subsequent funding by the government etc, without politicisation and without attaching questionable preconditions aimed at violating their rights.

    “The government views this deliberate act of criminality as an irresponsible act and warns that any person or persons, no matter how highly placed, caught indulging in this act of criminality, directly or through agents, shall face severe consequences beyond their imagination.

    “Government wishes to call on Abians, especially rural dwellers, to henceforth distance themselves from any individual or group who may approach them for obtaining information contained on their PVCs or any other personal information that may disenfranchise or endanger them in any way.”

  • Ex-Abia lawmaker demands justice for constituent killed by trigger-happy policeman

    Ex-Abia lawmaker demands justice for constituent killed by trigger-happy policeman

    The immediate past Minority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of a happy-trigger policeman that allegedly killed a constituent.

    The death of 35-year-old, Mr. Anyim Elijah Obinna and two others, The Nation learnt has thrown the people of Ugwueke in Bende local government area of the state into mourning.

    The incident our correspondent gathered has sparked widespread condemnation from notable indigenes of the area including the former Minority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, who joined the call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officer responsible for the crime by the leadership of the Abia State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    The father of the deceased, Mr. Paul Anyim who narrated the incident claimed that the son’s killer fled after also shooting the son’s friend and another person who threatened to expose him.

    The distraught father who disclosed that he has been seeking justice for his son since May when the incident happened said “we went home for Easter holidays and my son came back on Saturday at about half past two in the afternoon, same day that we arrived at the village.

    Read Also: Body launches empowerment drive, others for Abia youths

    “So on Sunday, exactly quarter after six, he left my house with his younger brother after dinner for a birthday party of one of their friends at a hotel in Ugwueke.

    “After about 10 minutes past 10pm, I heard a voice that the General’s son had been shot down. Then I turned, and my wife asked me to sit down. So I said, no, am I the General?

    “I asked the people and they said my son has been shot down. They didn’t allow me to come out from the room. Later at last, we find out that the young man is dead.

    “Since two of them were out, I didn’t actually know the particular one that they shot. Then a friend, one Samuel Anyim, came to my house and told me that George Anyim is alive and that my first son, Elijah Anyim, was shot.

    “That was how I came to know the story. Then around half past one, my younger brother, Dr. Chukwu Agu, a lecturer in UNN, came and picked me up. Then reaching there, I found out that he was already dead.

  • Abia will go to APC in 2027, says ex-Rep Onuigbo

    Abia will go to APC in 2027, says ex-Rep Onuigbo

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the House of Representatives from Abia State, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, has expressed confidence that the State will go to the APC come 2027. 

    Onuigbo, in an interview, attributed this to the strategic political messaging deployed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency. 

    He said the Deputy Speaker has upped the ante in communicating the achievements of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to Abians, giving special attention to multitude of disillusioned People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and members in the state articulated under his project, Renewed Hope Partners. 

    He said the agenda of the Deputy Speaker has had far-reaching effects on how Abians view and perceive what the administration has been doing so far,  succeeding in giving shelter and anchor to a sizable number of PDP leaders in the state, whom he said are now defecting to APC in droves. 

    Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North-South Federal Constituency in the ninth Assembly, disclosed that as a major fallout from the engagement spearheaded by Benjamin Kalu, some founding members of the PDP in Abia Central and Abia North have defected to the APC, while others are seriously gravitating towards the party. 

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    The former lawmaker, who is a member representing the South-East on the board of North East Development Commission and the champion of the Climate Change Act, praised President Tinubu, for his efforts to improve the state and country at large.

    He said the administration of President Tinubu was going through the crucibles of governance to birth a new nation.

    Onuigbo said the administration has done well despite taking off in what he described as a very rough weather.

    He said the decisions taking by the administration, though tough were necessary for moving the country forward.

    “This administration has done well by stabilizing the country, the economy and opening up tremendous opportunities for its citizens,” he said.

  • Violent violation

    Violent violation

    • Attempted rape of minor in Abia should not go unpunished

    A case of brutal sexual assault in Obete Nchina village, in Obingwa council area of Abia State, further highlighted the problem of female-targeted gender-based violence (GBV) in the country. A 33-year-old man, Chinazum Nwaubani, was reported to have attacked a 14-year-old girl, Felicia Anaba, with a machete following her resistance to attempted rape, leaving her unconscious as a result of blood loss. He has been arrested and detained. She has been hospitalised.

    According to the spokesperson for the Abia State Police Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the victim and her twin brother had gone to their father’s farm where the suspect, “a resident of the same village, allegedly approached them armed with a machete.” She said: “He reportedly grabbed the female twin, ordered her to lie down and remove her clothes. When she refused, the suspect allegedly attacked her with the machete, inflicting injuries on her head, back, and leg.” Her brother escaped and alerted the family, leading to the suspect’s arrest by the police.

    Normally, the suspect should be prosecuted for the crime. However, the victim’s father, Chijioke Anaba, fears that the matter may take a different turn and his daughter may be denied justice. He said his daughter “had fallen into a coma when she was rescued by the search party in the bush.” After taking her to the hospital, the family had “lodged a report with the police at the Eastern Ngwa Division.”

    According to him, “The police demanded N30,000 to investigate the matter, which I paid. They have arrested the suspect, but from what’s happening, I am afraid that Chinazum may be released from detention.” He added: “The police should do their job because the boy is now a risk to the people in the village. The police are saying he is a mad man but it’s not true.”

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    The police described his claims as “unverified allegations.” They said he should “come forward with evidence” to show that police personnel had demanded money from him to facilitate investigation of the matter and he paid such money.

    His claims are concerning. Police authorities should investigate them. Also, they should investigate the case of sexual assault and ensure that the perpetrator is prosecuted, and punished for a deterrent effect. 

    There is a need to send a strong signal that sexual assault is unacceptable. Importantly, the victim in this case is a minor, which makes the attack even more egregious and condemnable. Nigeria’s Child Rights Act (2003) defines persons under the age of 18 as children. Apart from the victim being a child, there is also the possible dimension of attempted murder, given the severity of the attack. Indeed, the victim’s father expressed fear that she may be disabled as a result of the deep machete cuts inflicted on her by the suspect.

    Gender-based violence against females includes sexual violence. Sexual violence includes rape; and attempted rape, as in this case. Any sexual activity with a child (any person who has not yet completed 18 years of age) is regarded as constituting sexual violence. Experts say it has devastating effects on the development of the child involved, as well as on his or her physical and mental health.

  • First Lady set to launch humanitarian outreach in Abia

    First Lady set to launch humanitarian outreach in Abia

    The Abia State Government has announced that Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will visit the state on Friday, May 23, to officially launch her humanitarian outreach programme.

    The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this known during a media briefing, adding that the First Lady will be accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima.

    “Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, will be playing host to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CoN, who will be on hand to launch her Initiative to Support Vulnerable Persons in the state,” the Commissioner stated.

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    The outreach, according to Kanu, will be centred on supporting vulnerable groups in Abia through the distribution of essential items.

    “It will be a food outreach and it will involve the distribution of food items and other materials to vulnerable people in the state,” the Commissioner noted.

    According to the Abia State Information Commissioner, “this event underscores the commitment of both the Federal and Abia State Governments to strengthening social welfare and improving the living conditions of the underprivileged in the region.”

  • Abia to commence construction of 10,000-barrel modular refinery

    Abia to commence construction of 10,000-barrel modular refinery

    Abia State government has said it will commence the construction of a 10,000 capacity modular refinery this month at its flagship Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) project site, Ukwa West Local Government area of the state.

    Prince Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information, in an interview with reporters, disclosed that the refinery, operated by HSI, with a processing capacity of 10,000 barrels per day, would drive industrialization and job creation in the State.

    According to him, bush clearing and site preparation activities were ongoing around the modular refinery site, and full construction is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025.

    Read Also:Abia Rep dismisses LP’s suspension, reaffirms support for Otti

    “The State Government is making steady progress on the AIIP project, and to this effect, the payment of compensation to all affected landowners has been completed.

    “Bush clearing and aid works around the project site have commenced, especially around the modular refinery site.

    “Construction for the Modular Refinery will commence fully during the second quarter of the year, and that’s this month of May.

    “This, of course, is as a result of the approval granted to HSI to operate the 10,000 barracks per day capacity modular refinery at that AIIP site,” he stated.

  • Abia new government house uninhabitable, says Information Commissioner

    Abia new government house uninhabitable, says Information Commissioner

    Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, says that the new Government House claimed to have been completed and commissioned by the immediate past administration in the state, is uninhabitable and was never meant to be a residential building.

    This, the commissioner said, was against the narrative by the past administration in the state about the abandonment of the new Government House located at Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, by Governor Alex Otti.

    The Commissioner for Information, who made this public during a facility tour he embarked upon in the complex in company with news men in Abia State, said that the complex lacked so many facilities to be called a Government House.

    “This place appears uninhabitable. There are no wardrobes anywhere. Most of what we saw were just halls, empty halls

    “Did anybody see any wardrobe on any of the floors? There were no wardrobes. So this place was never meant, at the initial stage to be a residential house.

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    “And one begins to wonder, the person or persons who designed this so-called Government House. One begins to wonder what they had in mind when they designed this kind of Government House and expected a governor to come and live in this kind of place.”

    Kanu emphasised that, just like the governor stated a few days ago, the building was not completed.

    “And there is only the first floor that appears to have been finished. The rest of the floors were not finished.

    “Of course, when Dr. Alex Otti spoke about this Government House a few days ago, John Okiyi went to Arise, to go and, as usual, spew falsehood.

    “Almost everything he said was a lie. Now I brought you people (press men) here to see for yourselves and to confirm what Dr. Alex Otti said.

  • Monarch raises alarm over acquisition of community land by herdmen in Abia

    Monarch raises alarm over acquisition of community land by herdmen in Abia

    The traditional ruler of Okahia Autonomous Community in Obingwa council Area of Abia State, Eze Okey Ananaba, has raised the alarm over what he described as the security threats posed by the massive land acquisition by suspected herdsmen in some  communities.

    He stated that the destruction of farm crops and possession of illegal arms like AK-47 rifles by the herders have aggravated tension in the rural communities as the herdsmen  threaten to kill the vigilantes and farmers who challenge them.

    Ananaba, who raised the alarm during a sensitisation visit/town hall meeting by the officials of the Greater Aba Development Authority, (GADA), in his community, expressed concern that suspected herdmen have acquired over 5,000 plots of land in strategic border communities such as Mgboko Umuanunu, near the boundary with Akwa Ibom State and Akpaa Mbato community behind the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Ovom, Aba

    He said: “We are concerned that suspected herders have already acquired over 5,000 plots of land in strategic border communities such as Mgboko Umuanunu, near the border with Akwa Ibom state and Akpaa Mbato community behind the National Institute for Nigerian Languages, NINLAN, Ovom, Aba.

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    “There are other massive land acquisitions in other communities in Obingwa Local Government Area and environs.

    “These land acquisitions pose serious security threats and could be used as operational bases for violent attacks on local residents.

    “We don’t know  the reason behind the acquisition of these massive land areas in most communities in Obingwa Local Government Area.’’

    The monarch added that monarchs in the area have  petitioned the state government over the matter, but lamented that nothing had been done.

  • Abia inaugurates committees for International, Africa Para Badminton Championships

    Abia inaugurates committees for International, Africa Para Badminton Championships

    The Abia State Government has inaugurated the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the upcoming 1st Abia Para Badminton International Championship and the Africa Para Badminton Championships 2025.

    The inauguration ceremony was held on Friday at the Abia State Government House in Umuahia, in the office of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu.

    The 1st Abia Para Badminton International Championship is scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 5, 2025, followed by the All Africa Para Badminton Championship from October 6 to 12, 2025.

    President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his significant investment in sports development. 

    He noted that both championships would have a substantial economic impact on the state and attract international recognition to Abia’s progress under Governor Otti’s administration.

    “This marks Nigeria’s first time hosting an international para badminton championship, which reflects our shared commitment to advancing para sports,” Orbih said.

    He added,:“Your Excellency, by hosting this historic event, you are not only making a powerful statement about equity and opportunity, but also positioning Abia State as a beacon of progress in sports development, both nationally and across the continent.

    “This championship offers tremendous opportunities—it will stimulate the local economy, attract international attention, and inspire a new generation of para-athletes across Africa.”

    Orbih assured the state of the BFN’s full support, pledging technical expertise and collaboration to ensure the event meets international standards.

    He also charged committee members to uphold professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties:

    “I urge you to work with unity, transparency, and excellence. The eyes of the continent, and indeed the global badminton community, will be on Abia, and I am confident you will rise to the occasion.”

    Orbih also referenced Eniola Bolaji’s historic achievement at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, which brought global recognition to both Nigeria and Africa in para badminton.

    In his remarks, Governor Alex Otti, represented by Deputy Governor Emetu, expressed pride in the achievements of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and the state’s local Association.

    He praised their dedication and emphasized Abia’s potential to become a leading hub for badminton in Africa.

    Emetu also encouraged stakeholders to invest in grassroots development to nurture the next generation of champions.

    Read Also: Abia govt suspends Onwe as college of education provost

    The Governor further congratulated Francis Orbih on his election to the Badminton World Federation Council, recognising it as a milestone for Nigerian badminton on the global stage.

    After the inauguration, the committee members embarked on an inspection tour of the facilities for the events after which Orbih said “I want to say I am impressed with the level of renovation work going on at the venue. We also visited designated official hotels for the event to make sure they are up to standards set for such events”.

    List of Main Organising Committee (MOC) Members:

    Chairman: Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu

    Vice Chairman: Francis Orbih

    Members: Prescilia Alex Otti, Ekeoma Samuel, Hon. Nwaobillor Ananaba, George Obioma, Abel Sunday, Alhaji Mohammed Maina, Mallam Tunde Kazeem, Salihu Abubakar, Seyi Johnson, Sunday Odebode, Thecla Okpara, and Oludare Davies.

    List of Local Organising Committee (LOC) Members:

    Chairperson: Her Excellency Prescilia Chioma Alex Otti

    Vice Chairman: Celeb Ajagba

    Members: Pascal Karibe Ojigwe, Francis Orbih, George Obioma, Abel Sunday, Ekeoma Samuel, Kenneth Odanwu, Dr. Eugene Ihuaba, George Shitta, Obiageli Solaja, Hon. Sulyman Shehu Warah, Amb. Yahaya Faruk, and Mallam Tunde Kazeem.