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Tag: Ebonyi

  • Abia, Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo lag behind in CVR as Borno maintains lead

    Abia, Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo lag behind in CVR as Borno maintains lead

    Four States- Abia, Edo, Ebonyi and Ondo- have continued to lag behind in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

    While Abia has so far registered about 11,221 eligible voters online since the exercise began, Edo has registered only 11,570, Ebonyi registered 13,979 and Ondo state registered 17,618 after nine weeks of the online registration. 

    However, Borno, Osun, Lagos, Kebbi, Kaduna and Ogun States have continued to maintain impressive turnout of eligible voters to register online for the exercise. 

    Borno, which has overtaken Osun in the online registration, has so far recorded about 826,310 eligible voters followed by Osun with 646,580, Lagos with 604,819, Kebbi with 581,135, Kaduna with 510,490 and Ogun with 510,062.

    Overall, the North West has registered more voters online in the last nine weeks with 2,516,890 eligible voters, followed by the South West with 2,118,036 voters, North East with 1,549,905, North Central with 1,169,693 while the South South and South East brings up the rear with 487,456 and 159,986 respectively. 

    Anambra is not participating in the exercise until after the November 8 governorship election in the state. 

    Data from the Independent National Electoral Commission indicate that about 8,003,196 eligible voters have so far registered online in the dedicated portal for the CVR, while 1,710,450 have so far completed both the physical and online registration after eight weeks. 

    Osun state maintains the lead in the physical registration exercise with 151,593 voters followed by the FCT with 106,858, Kano with 96,280, Imo with 90,469, Sokoto with 86,183, Lagos with 85,831 and Borno with 85,720.

  • Ebonyi employs 1,936 teachers

    Ebonyi employs 1,936 teachers

    Ebonyi State Government said it has employed 1,936 new teachers for primary and secondary schools. 

    Special Assistant to Ebonyi Governor on New Media, Leo Oketa stated this in a statement on Monday. 

    He said the recruitment is part of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration’s comprehensive strategy to enhance the quality of education and address the long-standing shortage of teaching staff in public schools.

    According to him, the employment comprises 1,000 teachers for senior secondary schools and 936 teachers under the Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) to serve in primary and junior secondary schools.

    Oketa described the move as a major step towards implementing the Governor’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda, which prioritizes education and human capital development.

    Oketa quoted  Mrs. Lilian Nwankwo, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Secondary Education Board as stating that the newly recruited teachers have already been posted to their respective schools. 

    She added that monitoring and inspection exercises would soon commence to ensure effective service delivery and accountability.

    “Recruitment alone is not enough.We must ensure that these teachers are present, dedicated, and delivering quality education to our children,” Nwankwo said

    Oketa, who said the initiative underscores Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to repositioning the education system, described the move as a visionary step toward lasting educational reform.

    According to him, the decision will yield immediate and long-term benefits for the state.

    He listed the short-term goal to include
    smaller class Sizes,  reduction of over crowded classe, personalized attention to students employment boost, economic stimulation, and improved morale of teachers.

    Oketa  noted the long term goals of the move include: Human Capital Development, Sustainable Growth and investment attraction 

    He emphasised that Governor Nwifuru’s approach reflects a shift from quick fixes to structural and sustainable reforms.

    He noted that the Governor’s emphasis on “training and retraining of teachers” ensures the workforce remains globally competitive.

    “Governor Nwifuru’s action demonstrates focus, accountability, and a genuine concern for the future of Ebonyi youths. 

     “He is not just improving today’s classrooms; he is building the foundation for the state’s long-term prosperity,” Oketa noted.

  • Ebonyi partners US firm to build food processing plant

    Ebonyi partners US firm to build food processing plant

    The Ebonyi State Government has taken a bold step toward industrial transformation with a landmark investment deal sealed during the recent investment summit in New York City, United States.

    The delegation, led by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, participated actively in the summit, organized by African Import Export Solutions, one of the leading trade promotion organizations connecting African economies with global investors.

    According to the Commissioner for Special Duties and Focal Person, State Diaspora Office, Valentine Okike-Uzo, who was part of the Governor’s entourage, the event, which was held on September 22, 2025,  marked a turning point for Ebonyi’s industrial future.

    “For those asking for evidence of the investment summit attended by our dear Governor, the pictures taken both within and outside the venue clearly show the Ebonyi team engaging meaningfully with global investors,” Okike-Uzo said.

    He revealed that Nwifuru had a close interaction with the Managing Director and CEO of African Import Export Solutions, Mr. Uduka Udeh — a Nigerian from Delta State based in the U.S.

    According to Mr Okike-Uzor, the meeting focused on exploring viable partnerships aimed at converting Ebonyi’s vast agricultural potential into global export opportunities.

    “To ensure the authenticity and sustainability of the proposed investments, the Governor invited Udeh and his team for a follow-up engagement, during which discussions were deepened and a partnership agreement was sealed.”

    “In about two weeks, the team from the U.S. will arrive Abakaliki to further discussions on establishing a multi-billion dollar food processing factory in the state,” Okike-Uzo disclosed.

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    The Commissioner noted that when completed, the factory is expected to process yam, cassava, maize, sweet potatoes, rice, and palm oil — all abundant in Ebonyi State — into export-ready products for markets in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia.

    He noted that beyond strengthening Ebonyi’s export base, the project is projected to create at least 1,000 direct jobs and generate between $50 million and $100 million in annual export revenue.

    “It’s the desire of the governor to industrialize the state, hence these all-important meetings in faraway New York City,” Okike-Uzo added.

    “By the grace of God, this project will become a reality and change the economic fortunes of our people,” Okike-Uzor said.

    He assured the public that updates on the progress of the partnership would be communicated as the implementation phase begins, expressing confidence that Governor Nwifuru’s efforts have already secured a brighter and more prosperous future for Ebonyi State

  • Ebonyi police arrest kidnap syndicate, recover stolen vehicles

    Ebonyi police arrest kidnap syndicate, recover stolen vehicles

    The Ebonyi State Police Command says it has achieved another breakthrough in its crackdown on criminals terrorising the state with the arrest of suspected kidnappers and the recovery of stolen vehicles.

    Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu, in a statement on Friday, said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad acted on credible intelligence on September 2, 2025, to raid Nwagana Guest House in Umuhuali, Ishielu Local Government Area, where two suspects — Chinedu Okorie and Okpaga Chibueze — were arrested. A Lexus car with registration number LSR 895 DB was also recovered at the scene.

    Ukandu added that confessional statements from the suspects led officers to Abuja, where two more syndicate members, Stanley Benson Agada and Joshua Noah Olatunji, were apprehended.

    Read Also: Ebonyi launches free 24-hour ambulance service in Abakaliki

    The operation further led to the recovery of four stolen vehicles: a Toyota Corolla (KWL 141 CE), a Toyota Highlander Jeep (LSD 589 JX), a Toyota Venza (LXR 272 JH), and a Toyota Sienna Bus (RSH 196 DF). The rightful owners, previously kidnapped by the gang, have since identified their vehicles.

    The police confirmed that arrangements are being made to return the vehicles to the victims after due process, while investigations continue to track other fleeing gang members.

    The suspects will be charged in court once investigations are completed.

    Commissioner of Police in the state, Adaku Uche-Anya, reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to flushing out criminal elements and restoring lasting peace and security.

  • Five arraigned in Ebonyi over murder, armed robbery allegations

    Five arraigned in Ebonyi over murder, armed robbery allegations

    Five men were arraigned on Wednesday before an Abakaliki Magistrates’ Court over the alleged murder of one Udu Nnachi-Orji.

    Court records also accused the defendants of armed robbery for allegedly stealing a truck worth N39 million belonging to Eni Uduma-Chima, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited Board and former Chairman of Edda Local Government Area.

    The accused are: Amarachi Irem, 27; Oledi Philip-Nsi, 26; Ogbu Nkama, 22; Chibueze Nnachi, 36; and Okoro Stanley Onuu, 39.

    They are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.

    One of them, Oledi Philip-Nsi, faces an additional charge of attempted murder of Mr. Uduma-Chima on June 1, 2025, at Ekoli-Edda.

    Police Prosecutor Eze Ndubuaku informed the court that the alleged offences were committed on July 9 at Ndienworo village in Ekoli Edda Local Government Area.

    Ndubuaku said that the defendants conspired amongst themselves to commit murder and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 324 of the Criminal Code Cap 33 Vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria 2009.

    “They also killed one Udu Nnachi-Orji, ‘m’ by shooting him with a gun, which caused his death and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 319 of the Criminal Code Cap 33 Vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria 2009.

    “The suspects also robbed a truck valued at thirty-nine million naira only (₦39,000,000.00) property of Eni Uduma Chima,” he added

    Mr Sunday Ajah, Defence Counsel, prayed the court to grant the suspects bail.

    But the Magistrate, Sandra Onyibe, rejected the bail application and adjourned the matter to Oct. 2 for a report of compliance.

    Read Also: Ebonyi launches free 24-hour ambulance service in Abakaliki

    According to the Magistrate, the court lacks the jurisdiction to grant them bail.

    Meanwhile, elders of the Ekoli-Edda community have applauded the authorities of the Nigerian Police Force under the leadership of CP Adaku Uche-Anya for the professionalism displayed by her team in the arrest, charging, and remanding of the suspects in connection with the crises in the Ekoli-Edda community.

    One of them, who spoke to Journalists, Etta Egor, praised the CP for allegedly resisting every political pressure from very high quarters to ensure that perpetrators of heinous crimes in the community were brought to book.

    “We commend the CP and the investigating officers very highly for their professional conduct. Even though some are still on the run, we have confidence that they will all be netted. At last, peace and calm have returned to Ekoli since these arrests and prosecutions began”, he maintained. 

  • Ebonyi launches free 24-hour ambulance service in Abakaliki

    Ebonyi launches free 24-hour ambulance service in Abakaliki

    The Ebonyi State Government has introduced a free 24-hour ambulance service to respond to medical emergencies in the Abakaliki capital city, Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced.

    Special Assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru on Documentation, Boniface Nwankwo disclosed this in a statement he issued on Friday.

    He said the service covers all communities and towns within the Abakaliki capital territory by the Abakaliki ring road.

    The ring road covers seven local government areas of the state namely, Izzi, Ebonyi, Abakaliki, Ikwo, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ohaukwu.

    Nwankwo said the service, coordinated through the Ministry of Health and is accessible by dialing the toll-free emergency hotlines.

    He noted that it is designed to provide rapid response to emergencies such as pregnancy-related complications, health crises involving children under five, snake bites, gunshot injuries, and road traffic accidents.

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    He noted that beyond Abakaliki, the programme extends to Ohaukwu and Ivo Local Government Areas.

    According to him, five standby drivers are stationed in each political ward to ensure round-the-clock availability.

    In a major relief for patients, the government pledged that anyone ferried to hospitals under the emergency ambulance scheme would receive 48 hours of free medical care, fully covered by the State Government.

    Nwankwo noted that the initiative reflects Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to ending maternal and infant mortality and ensuring that no resident is denied emergency healthcare due to financial constraints.

    “This humanitarian service is strictly for genuine health emergencies, and citizens are urged not to abuse the hotline numbers,” Nwankwo stated.

    The free ambulance project is the latest in a series of healthcare interventions rolled out by the Nwifuru administration under its People’s Charter of Needs agenda.

  • Police neutralise criminal kingpin in Ebonyi, recover AK-47 rifles

    Police neutralise criminal kingpin in Ebonyi, recover AK-47 rifles

    The Police in Ebonyi state said it has neutralised a notorious criminal kingpin, Isaiah Okoronkwo, who has long been on its wanted list for violent crimes across the state.

    Spokesperson of the Police in the state, Joshua Ukandu, a Superintendent of Police, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. 

    He said the breakthrough was recorded on August 29, 2025, when operatives of the Command’s Crack Squad stormed a criminal hideout in Iyonu Forest, Ishielu Local Government Area.

    According to him, the operation, which was based on credible intelligence, targeted a syndicate linked to a series of armed robbery incidents and violent crimes that had recently surged in Iyonu community. 

    Ukandu said the hoodlums opened fire on noticing the Police team, prompting a fierce gun battle. 

    The statement noted that the operatives responded gallantly, subdued the criminals, and neutralised their ringleader. 

    “In the ensuing encounter, the syndicate’s kingpin, Isaiah Okoronkwo, who had long been on the Command’s wanted list, was neutralised. 

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    “Two AK-47 rifles were recovered during the operation”, he said.

    The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya as commending the Crack Squad for their professionalism, courage, and painstaking intelligence work that culminated in the successful operation. 

    She reassured Ebonyi residents that the Command remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard lives and property.

    The Commissioner of Police stressed that the police will continue to dismantle criminal networks wherever they operate in the state.

    She urged members of the public to continue to provide timely information to aid its efforts in maintaining security and restoring peace across communities.

  • Ebonyi increases workers salary

    Ebonyi increases workers salary

    The Ebonyi State Executive Council has approved an additional ₦20,000 increase in the minimum wage of State workers across all levels.

    Commissioner for Information, Ikeuwa Omebeh, in a statement after the meeting on Thursday said the increment is part of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of civil and public servants.

    Omebe said the Council also deliberated and approved the 8 years tenure Policy for Directors and directed the immediate retirement of all Directors who have served eight years.

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    He said: “EXCO after an exhaustive deliberation on the matter approved immediate implementation of the policy on affected Permanent Secretaries and Directors.

    “Inline with the avowed determination of the Governor to better the lots of Ebonyi civil/public servants, EXCO approved a further increment on the current minimum wage of Ebonyi State workers with an additional Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000) across board”, he added.

    Governor Nwifuru had increased the minimum wage last year to N75,000 following the signing of the new national minimum wage law by the Tinubu Administration.

    Three new Special Assistants (SAs) to the Governor on Housing, Security, and Commerce and Industry were also sworn in during the meeting.

    Nwifuru charged them to be proactive and dedicated in contributing to the state’s development.

  • Lagos businessman treks 633km to honour Governor Nwifuru’s peace efforts in Ebonyi

    Lagos businessman treks 633km to honour Governor Nwifuru’s peace efforts in Ebonyi

    A Lagos-based businessman, Jeremiah Nworu Obaji, has set out on a 633-kilometre walk from Ikorodu, Lagos State, to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in support of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s peace initiatives in the Effium/Ezza-Effium community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

    Obaji, a native of Inikiri Umuezeoka, began his journey at noon on Friday, cheered on by friends and business associates.

    He said the trek was inspired by the governor’s proactive efforts to end the violent conflict that erupted in January 2021, which claimed lives and displaced many families, including some of his relatives.

    “The crisis caused untold hardship to me and many others. The governor promised peace during his campaign, and he has delivered. This trek is my way of thanking him,” Obaji said.

    He also commended the creation of new autonomous communities and boundary demarcations to prevent future disputes, noting that the governor signed a peace accord into law in May, which included establishing five autonomous communities—three for Effium indigenes and two for their Ezza counterparts.

    “We have been able to champion peace with dignity and respect for humanity. Some people are benefiting from this crisis, but this government will not allow them to sabotage peace,” the governor had said during the signing ceremony at the Government House in Abakaliki.

    However, not everyone has embraced the measures. Leaders of the Effium community have rejected certain aspects of the peace plan—particularly the ceding of land and the creation of autonomous communities—vowing to challenge the move in court. They accused the governor of favouring the Ezza people.

    Despite the pushback, Governor Nwifuru’s efforts have received widespread praise. The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and several federal lawmakers have applauded his commitment to restoring peace.

    Read Also: Mining disaster: Ebonyi launches investigation, refutes negligence claims

    APC spokesperson Chidi Ogbuatu described the governor as “a true peacemaker,” while Senators Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) and Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) hailed his “courageous political will” in tackling the conflict.

    As part of its broader peace agenda, the state government recently released about 180 detainees arrested during the height of the conflict, citing insufficient evidence to prosecute them.

    Despite lingering tensions, Obaji insists that peace is gradually returning to his community.

    “Even if the governor did nothing else, the peace he brought has saved countless lives. We must all appreciate him when he does well,” he said.

    At the time of filing this report, Mr Obajie had passed Pre in Ondo state and was heading to Ofosu before Okada Junction in Benin City Edo State.

  • Mining disaster: Ebonyi launches investigation, refutes negligence claims

    Mining disaster: Ebonyi launches investigation, refutes negligence claims

    The Ebonyi Government has commenced investigation into the collapse of a mining pit in Ihietutu, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of the state.

    The State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chidi Onyia, said this at the site during a fact finding mission with federal mines officers and security agencies.

    It would be recalled that two persons lost their lives, while three were injured when the mining site collapsed last Friday.

    Reports in some quarters alleged negligence on the part of the Company, Greenfield Metals Ltd., but Onyia said preliminary investigation suggests natural occurrence.

    “Mining, like many industries worldwide, comes with hazards.

    “From our preliminary findings, this was a natural occurrence and not a result of negligence.

    “Investigation is ongoing by all regulatory bodies, including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, police, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to ensure transparency.

    “If we find recklessness, we will act accordingly. But if it is a natural disaster, we must accept it as such,” Onyia said.

    He therefore commiserated with the bereaved families, while debunking reports that the site was parcelled out to illegal miners.

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    The commissioner urged the public not to worsen the grief of families with false claims, emphasising that the state does not encourage illegal mining and fully respects licenses issued by the federal government.

    Fabian Chukwu, one of the community leaders, and Board of Trustees Chairman, Ihietutu Development Union, said the company had empowered a lot of people in the community.

    “They built the road to this site and never delayed in giving the community its due entitlements.

    “That is why we stand by them in this unfortunate incident.”

    The company had since suspended operations at the site pending the outcome of investigations.