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Tag: Okezie Ikpeazu

  • Ikpeazu calls for early submission of budget proposals

    The Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has urged heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state to ensure that they prepare and submit their budgets in order to ensure that it was passed into law early by the State House of Assembly.

    Ikpeazu represented by his deputy, Ude Oko Chukwu while flagging off the 2019 Budget Defence Session of the MDAs, tagged “Budget of Consolidation” at the conference Room of the Abia State Planning Commission, Umuahia said it was important that stressed the need for the participants in the exercise to ensure that a realistic budget that reflects government policies and aspirations as every government programmes and policy revolves round Budget planning.

    Oko Chukwu maintained that the early passage of the budget by the State House of Assembly would enable government to start early in addressing issues raised by various MDAs in addition to enhanced the state ranking by international and Donor Agencies.

    He commended the 2019 Budget Defence Committee under the chairmanship of Ugoeze Adanma Iheuwa for their dedication to duty and hard work and assured that government would always provide every assistance to enable them execute their jobs more efficiently.

    In her address, the Chairman of the state Budget committee and Permanent Secretary/ Executive Secretary of the Commission, Ugoeze Adanma Iheuwa said the 2019 Budget Defence session tagged ( Budget of Consolidation) was prepared in accordance with global best, envisaging government policy direction, improve internal generated revenue ( IGR) as well as allow completion of ongoing projects started by governor Okezie Ikpeazu administration who attaches great importance to planning for economic,social and over all development of the state.

    Read Also: Ikpeazu: Okpara inspired me

    She said that the Budget outlay and the MDAs ceiling/ envelopes were obtained after careful analysis of fiscal updates and actual performance trends and risk elements for six(6) years.

    The Executive Secretary advised MDAs to ensure that their proposal do not exceed their given ceding as the Budget committee would remain focused in their deliberations and consideration by ensuring that government realised its developmental objective through prioritized Budget provisions.

    Ugoeze Iheuwa thanked the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for his encouragement and solicit approval to link the state planning commission with the integrated software server at the office of the state Accountant General.

    In his vote of thanks, the state Auditor General, Elder O.U. Ngwobia assured that they will do their best to come up with a realistic Budget consolidation that would enable the governor continue his developmental plans across the state.

  • Kwankwaso promises to promote justice, fairness if elected

    Former governor of Kano State and Presidential hopeful of the People’s Democratic Party in 2019 general election, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso has vowed to promote justice, fairness and equity if elected the president of the country which he said that the country is lacking at the moment.

    Kwankwaso while addressing members of the PDP at the Abia State chapter secretariat of the party at Finbarrs road Umuahia, the state capital said that he wants to lead a Nigeria where people are educated and exposed beyond the confines of their tribe, religion, linguistic group or place of birth when elected president.

    According to the Kano born politician who attributed the challenges being faced in the country is as lack of leadership capacity by the incumbent administration said he is committed to address the needs of Nigerians bothering on restructuring and stated that the constitution of the country needed to be reviewed constantly in order to meet the yearnings of Nigerians.

    While praying for credible primaries of the party, Kwankwaso said he believes in one united and developed Nigeria and appealed to prospective PDP delegates to the primaries to make a good choice amongst the party’s presidential hopefuls in order to withstand the major opposition party which he accused of not giving proper attention to the challenges the challenges that have bedeviled country in recent times.

    He also commended the State PDP Chairman led Executive for their continued support for a free, fair, transparent and credible elections in Nigeria, which according to him will ensure lasting peace.

    In his remarks, the State PDP Chairman, Sir Johnson Onuigbo saluted the consuming zeal and courage of Mr. Kwankwaso, saying that many people have heard about his good deeds even when he served as the Governor of Kano state.

    Read Also: Kwankwaso pledges paradigm shift at declaration

    Onuigbo observed that the Aspirant has both the quality and academic vibrancy to lead Nigeria, pointing out that his leadership in Kano State cannot be wiped out in a hurry.

    Sir Onuigbo pointed that his leadership in Abia also preaches for credible and verifiable elections, disclosing that Abia PDP respects the rule of law and promotes democracy in action.

    He further promised that the party will take his plea of support to the appropriate quarters.

    Earlier during a courtesy visit on Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at the Government House, Umuahia, Kwankwaso congratulated Ikpeazu for his giant strides for Abians and his contributions to the PDP family across the country.

    He said he has heard so much about the Governor’s achievements and seen things on the ground despite the fact that Abia receives one of the least allocations from the federation account and also among the least in terms of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    He said Abia was lucky to have Dr. Ikpeazu as Governor and advised the people to come out en masse to vote him back to power in 2019 to avoid the mistake made by Kano state in 2003.

    According to him, his visit to Abia was to inform the Governor and the party in the state of his intention to run for president of the country and to solicit for their support and cooperation.

    The presidential aspirant who said he left the PDP at a time because he thought the party was bad only to realize that the PDP is better than the APC. “This time we are all out to change the change itself”, he said.

    Receiving the Presidential Aspirant, Governor Ikpeazu restated that Nigeria needs somebody with capacity and exposure to confront the challenges facing the country especially security.

    He stressed the need for social mobilization so that every Nigerian will have belief in government and governance of the country.

    The Governor said his greatest achievement in the state is the prevailing peace and unity, explained that Nigeria currently needs a unifying factor as the country is yearning and crying for ownership.

    He assured his guest that Abians are on the same page as it concerns national interest rather than primordial sentiments.

     

  • Ikpeazu promises to complete ongoing projects in the state

    Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has assured resident and Abians that his administration would complete all ongoing projects across the state before leaving office despite paucity of funds.

    Ikpeazu who spoke at a reception in his honor by the people of Abam Onyerubi in Arochukwu Local Government Area, said a movement would be started in Abam that would involve everyone tapping into the mineral resources in the area for even development.

    Ikpeazu stating that his business in government is to do good because his emergence as Governor of Abia State is an act of God, also assured that the ongoing Anaele bridge reconstruction would be commissioned before the end of the year.

    He commended the effort of member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Uko Nkole, for his efforts at ensuring that his constituent gets the desired representation and development.

    The Governor promised that Abam would get a befitting hospital soonest, among other things his administration would do.

    In his speech, Hon. Uko Nkole appreciated Governor Ikpeazu for his efforts at developing Abia especially infrastructurally including the ongoing bridge construction at Amaeke Abam, Ndiebe Abam and construction of Okobo Bridge and expressed belief that other outstanding projects of the governor would soon be completed.

    He assured of the unwavering support of his people for Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration.

    The Deputy Governor of the State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu was among top government functionaries of the state that attended the occasion.

    Governor Okezie Ikpeazu says his ambition is to create a platform that will raise the self-esteem of Abia Teachers to enable them compete favorably with their contemporaries around the globe.

    Read Also: Ikpeazu’s stand on plastics

    Ikpeazu who stated this during a Town Hall meeting with Teachers at the Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia, said, such will be achieved by exposing their psyche through training and retraining in modern teaching techniques

    The Governor, who also described teachers as strategic and significant to the development process of any society, said apart from salary his administration is also upgrading infrastructure in public schools, pointing out that the four new modern schools built by his administration will be commissioned next month.

    He added that the state has the highest wage bill in the whole south East and promised that the issue of salary Arrears of all Teachers in the state will be history before the end of December this year.

    In a remark the senior special Assistant to the Governor on Education Mr. Benjamin Iroakazi, said, the achievements of Governor Ikpeazu in the Education sector including free school feeding program, training and retraining of primary school teachers, including provision of enabling environment for teaching and learning has given Abia students an edge over their contemporaries elsewhere

    In an address on behalf of the 17 LGA’s Education Authority, the Education secretary of Aba South Mrs. Ngozi Nwaogwugwu thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for clearing the salary arrears of primary school teachers in the state

    Correspondent Godwin Ike Reports that the Town hall meeting which featured talk on Classroom management and Teachers/pupils relationship attracted the presence of stakeholders in the education sector.

    In another development, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu says his ambition would create a platform that will raise the self-esteem of Abia Teachers to enable them compete favorably with their contemporaries around the globe.

    Governor Ikpeazu who stated this during a Town Hall meeting with Teachers at the Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia, said, such will be achieved by exposing their psyche through training and retraining in modern teaching techniques.

    The Governor, who also described teachers as strategic and significant to the development process of any society, said apart from salary his administration is also upgrading infrastructure in public schools, pointing out that the four new modern schools built by his administration will be commissioned next month.

    He added that the state has the highest wage bill in the whole south East and promised that the issue of salary Arrears of all Teachers in the state will be history before the end of December this year.

    In a remark the senior special Assistant to the Governor on Education Mr. Benjamin Iroakazi, said, the achievements of Governor Ikpeazu in the Education sector including free school feeding program, training and retraining of primary school teachers, including provision of enabling environment for teaching and learning has given Abia students an edge over their contemporaries elsewhere.

    In an address on behalf of the 17 LGA’s Education Authority, the Education secretary of Aba South Mrs. Ngozi Nwaogwugwu thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for clearing the salary arrears of primary school teachers in the state.

    Correspondent Godwin Ike Reports that the Town hall meeting which featured talk on Classroom management and Teachers/pupils relationship attracted the presence of stakeholders in the education sector.

     

  • Enyimba set for return to Aba Stadium

    *Gov Ikpeazu leads Stadium inspection

    Confederation Cup campaigners Enyimba are on the verge of returning to their base after Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu led a team that includes former Super Eagles defender Uche Okechukwu to inspect the Aba Stadium on Friday.
    The Aba Township Stadium which has been under renovation for some time now forcing the Peoples Elephant to play home matches away looks set for action not only for the remainder of their Confederation cup campaign but also ahead of resumption of the premier league season currently in the cooler following the ongoing brouhaha at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    The league had initially been put on hold to accommodate the World cup in Russia but is yet to resume 12 days after the end of the World Cup.
    Enyimba who will be facing Ivorian side WILLIAMSVILLE ATHLETIC CLUB (WAC) on Sunday in continuation of the Continental campaign, are leading the Group C with 6 points and will be aiming to consolidate when they file out against the Ivorians on Sunday.
    Enyimba in the first leg defeated WAC by a lone goal at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium Port Harcourt, a result considered in some quarters to be too slim for comfort ahead of Sunday’s return leg. Ibrahim Mustapha who scored the only goal in Port Harcourt will hoping convert another opportunity in Abidjan if the Aba side is to have a smooth passage.
    Paul Aigbogun who was in charge when Enyimba claim the slim victory against WAC only recently resigned his appointment with first Assistant Usman Abd’allah now charged with the responsibility of piloting the team.

  • Abia plants two million palms

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has flagged off the distribution of two million oil palm seedlings (Tenera) to residents and farmers across the 17 local government areas of the state. The state is targeting being a major exporter of oil palm in the near future.

    Ikpeazu, while performing the distribution exercise at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Nursery site at Ayaba Umueze in Osisioma Local Government Area of the state, disclosed that the state government was targeting planting of 7.5 million oil palm seedlings in the state by 2019.

    According to the governor, the distribution exercise was part of the state government’s efforts to diversify its economy and reduce overdependence on the federal monthly allocation.

    “We were bordered and worried by the fact that so many years after the era of Michael I. Okpara who was best known in Nigeria as the foremost leader in the agric sector, the state has been unable to add one more palm tree, cashew, cocoa or rubber to the estate already acquired by M.I Okpara which we inherited.

    “The greatest source of worry is that if M.I. Opkara could establish University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Golden Guinea (Breweries) and other major industries in the Eastern Region in those days using only agro products, why has it taken so long for us realise what we have missed or lost in the area of agriculture?

    “It was in response to this question or gap that our administration decided to embark on oil palm revolution. In initiating the five pillars of development for this administration for which agriculture is one of them.

    “We decided not to take on every crop despite the fact that Abia is so fertile; that any crop can grow and flourish in Abia. We decided to be jack of a few trade and master them.

    “We chose for ourselves oil palm, cassava, cashew and cocoa. So what we have come here to do today is to demonstrate a manifestation of our tenacity and desire to make sure that oil palm replaces crude oil in the economy of Abia State.

    “We are aware of the fact that you cannot talk about agriculture in the 24th century unless you can boast of improved seedlings and I have been briefed and made to understand that the current specie which is the most exotic and profitable specie of oil palms was taken from Abia, Southeast and Nigeria to Malaysia at the cost of N10 and they have improved on it genetically and returned it to us with another name called Tenera.

    “So what we have done is to repatriate what was stolen from us and I am proud to say that there is no other state that has proliferated the Tenera seedling of oil palm to the extent of 2million seedlings apart from Abia State.”

    He urged those that got the oil palm seedling to ensure that they planted it in the state to achieve the desired aims and objectives of the administration

    “I am appealing to youths, traditional institution. We will go back to planting of oil palm tree. I am happy with what I am seeing. It shows that the people of the state are buying into the project. My hope is that the oil palm seedlings will be planted in the state. Our target is 7.5million. We will now rest until we meet our target. Since we have been able to know how to breed them, we will ensure that it goes round the state.”

    Earlier in his speech, the commissioner of Agriculture in the state, Rt. Hon. Uzo Azubuike said that overall objective of the ministry was to position the state to be able to feed its population as well as produce for export and provide new materials for Agro-based industries which would ultimately lead to generation of wealth and job creation.

    “By the time these plants are in full production, Abia would have been placed squarely on the economic map as the highest oil palm producer in the West African Sub-Region.

    “The multiple effect of creating over ten thousand jobs (more than half the current Public-sector workforce), the quantum leap in oil palm processing plants and the industrialisation of the State through the provision of industrial raw materials and the fabrication or processing and storage facilities by Abians will obviously transform Abia into the economic giant of the founding father’s dreams,” Azubuike stated.

     

  • 2019 – ‘I am coming to reclaim my stolen mandate’

    The 2015 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Alex Otti said that he is coming to contest 2019 gubernatorial election in the state in order to reclaim his 2015 election that was allegedly stolen by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Otti while officially declaring his intention to run for the governorship position under APGA at the Ngwa High School playground in Osisioma Local Government Area of the state, expressed worries that the incumbent administration led by Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu was yet to address majority of the issues that prompted him to abandon his lucrative and plump job to come and govern the state.

    Otti who maintained that his loss to the PDP in 2015 was clear case of electoral robbery by the PDP who he accused of using federal might to overturn the party’s victory in 2015, but however stated that it will no longer be business as usual.

    The financial expert and former MD/CEO of Diamond Bank while assuring party faithful and his supporters that the party would become victorious in 2019, promised to deploy his wealth of experience in the private and public sector to bring the state out of its state of slavery. This is even as he stated that it was high time the state was redeemed from the hands of godfathers who do not think well for the state.

    “I’m declaring for 2019 to reclaim the mandate you people gave me in 2015. Despite whoever that is occupying the Government House, the person that is ruling Abia today is T.A Orji. Abia is not his personal  property, I am on a mission to rescue my people from the Pharaohs of Abia and there will be no retreat and no surrender; they must let our people go this time around. ”

    Read Also: Ekiti: We will reclaim mandate in court, says Fayose

    Urging people of the state not to allow themselves to be deceived again on where he comes from, Otti said he was proud to say although he has Arochukwu ancestry, that he was born and bred in Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government.

    He said the same could not be said of some of his political opponents who have made this a political issue and whose ancestry he enthused had been traced to Itim Ekpo in Akwa Ibom state.

    “I am all round an Abia man, I have an Arochukwu ancestry, I’m not denying that and I was born and bred in Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa Local Government, but we have traced the ancestry of some of those who have made this a political issue, to Etim Ikpo in Akwa Ibom State and people can now tell who is more Abian”.

    Otti said if elected governor next year, he would change the narratives of the state, assuring that he will not only ensure the state prospers economically, but also ensure her workforce will not suffer as a result of nonpayment of salaries, gratuities and pensions.

    In their various speeches, the State Chairman of APGA, Reverend Agustine Ehiemere, Senator Victor Umeh, and the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke described Otti as a man with impeccable character, intelligence and of good repute who have distinguished himself in both public and private sectors of the economy.

    According to them, Otti with the experience he has been able to garner would be the most qualified candidate to lead the state out of its present state of doldrums.

    Obiano while urging Abians to give Otti the needed support said that the government of Anambra and leadership of the APGA have the confidence that if elected the governor of the state would replicate the APGA transformation in Anambra and also add to the number of governor in the southeast that would help to ensure that they use their influence and connection to draw the attention of the federal government to plight of the Igbos in the southeast in particular.

    High point of the event was the receiving of the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ikpeazu on ICT, Tony Onyenweaku who decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party to APGA officially by the leadership of the party.

     

  • Restructuring will address IPOB agitation – Atiku

    Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has stated that true federalism and restructuring being clamored by different ethnic groups in the country would address secession threat by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

    Atiku stated this in a chat with journalists at the state secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Finbarrs road, Umuahia, the state capital at the end of a closed door meeting with national delegates of the PDP during his visit in the state.

    Atiku while debunking insinuations that the Northerners were averse to restructuring further stated that devolution of power and creation of state said that the all that was needed is for all the sections of the country to come to a roundtable to redefine how best to move the country forward.

    Atiku who was earlier received at the Exco chamber of the State by Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the watch of President Buhari of destroying the achievements of the 16 years of PDP leadership in the country within three years of being in power.

    Read Also: Secondus, Atiku deplore ‘police attack’

    Former vice president and presidential hopeful of the PDP informed his host that he was in the state to woo support of the national delegates ahead of the party’s national convention and presidential primary coming up later this year.

    He used the opportunity to commend the efforts of the Ikpeazu’s led administration in the state which he (Atiku) noted has brought transformation and development to the state. This is even as he described Aba, the commercial nerve of the state as a city with great economic potential which any serious government cannot overlook.

    “I believe that when you restructure this country and you give more resources and powers to component units of this country, you will not have the problem of IPOB. IPOB is looking for self-determination and when you devolve more powers and resources that will take care of the agitation.

    “Our great party is at the cross road as well as the country. We have never been so divided in all my life in this country the way that we are divided today between the North south and east and Christians and Muslims. It is a very serious issue.

    “We have the issue of insecurity. You are not secure in any part of the country. Of course, we have one of the greatest economic declines in the history of this country. There has never been a time when we recorded more than 11million people out of their jobs in this country; this is the first time that we are witnessing that. In every aspect of the country, we have gone back while other countries are forging ahead, we are declining. There is no unity, no security and the economy is bad as well.

    “Therefore, it has become imperative that we put our heads together and unite and make sure that we elect a leader that can reverse all these negative growth this party (APC) has brought to this country. It is on record that 16years of PDP administration in this country has improved the standard of living of this country.

    “During the PDP, Nigeria was declared debt free country but within three years, all the 16 years achievements of the PDP have been reversed completely by the APC led administration, so there is need for us to elect a leadership that can reverse all these negative growths that we have achieved in the last three years.

    “I have been an advocate of either local or community policing to deal with local issues. I do not know of a federation that has a Centralized Policing.”

    In his response, Dr. Ikpeazu described Atiku as a man that has great administrative and leadership experience who has been able to make his marks in both public and private sector and expressed hope that he (Atiku) uses his experience to bring transformation to all sectors of the country.

    According to Ikpeazu, it is important that Nigerians should take the right decisions in choosing who leads them if the country must move forward from its precarious state.

  • Abia traders endorse Ikpeazu for second term

    Traders in Abia state under the umbrella of the Abia State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) have endorsed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu as their consensus candidate in the 2019 governorship polls.

    Speaking at the Government House, Umuahia at a rally organized by ASMATA in support of the Governor, the traders assured the Governor of their unflinching support in next year’s election.

    According to the ASMATA president, Emeka Emecheta as well as others who spoke at the event, the traders were impressed with the landmark achievements recorded by the Governor in the various sectors of the state’s economy especially the construction of quality roads in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state.

    Read Also: Abia APC to ensure Buhari’s reelection

    They assured the Governor that they shall not entertain any campaign by any other candidate apart from the Governor and promised him of their massive vote in 2019.

    Receiving the traders, the Governor asserted that without traders there is no Abia and that’s why trade and commerce remains the first pillar of his government.

    He maintained that traders are an integral part of his government as he believes that Abians can fend for themselves if provided with the enabling environment.

    The Governor assured that his plan is to connect all the markets in the state through good roads in order to enhance trade and commerce.

    He promised not to disappoint Abians but to fulfil all his campaign promises to the people disclosing that his government will take over Obohia and Ohanko roads if the NDDC contractors given the contracts fail to report to site in the next three weeks.

  • Ikpeazu, Ortom, help me, cancer patient begs

    A breast cancer patient, Mrs. Tina Agnes Aka has sent a passionate appeal to Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and his Benue State counterpart Samuel Ortom to help save her from her ordeal.

    The woman hails from Guma Local Government Area of Benue State but is an outpatient of Nigerian Christian Hospital, Nlagu in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

    Aka was in pains and in tears as she spoke to our reporter surrounded by her relatives.

    She said she needs N500,000 to have the affected breast surgically removed by a team of medical experts visiting the hospital this month. Failing to come up with the money, she would have to endure the agony for the next three months when the surgeons are expected back in the hospital, and will still pay that sum.

    The 50-year-old widow and farmer, whose farms and home were burnt down by herdsmen who ransacked their village, said that life has been harsh on her and her children who now live on charity from individual donors and non-governmental organisations who donate relief materials in one of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in their area.

     

    The beginning of her troubles

    “It started when I noticed some rashes on my breast which came with pain,” Aka narrated. “I told some persons about it because it was strange to me. At first, I thought it was a spiritual attack and when I noticed it was not, I was taken to a herbal home where the situation grew worse.

    “It was from the herbal home that I was now moved to Nlagu by my in-law who is residing in Aba. It was at Nlagu that I was told that I had cancer of the breast where I was told that the best thing that they can do is to cut off the affected breast to avoid it going over to the next one.”

    Mrs. Agnes, told our reporter that she would have sold some portion of her family’s lands to treat herself but herdsmen have sacked their community, and the residents haven’t been able to farm or even go back to their village.

    Agnes said that she has been told about the love the wife of Abia State governor and her husband, Okezie Ikpeazu have been showing to patients at the hospital and begged them to show mercy on her.

    She called on her state governor, Ortom to come to her rescue, stressing that she would want to reunite with her children at the IDP camp near their village who are still there without her supervision.

    A medical report by a consultant pathologist, Dr. C. O. Onwuka of Surepath Pathology Consultants of No.3 Akpa Ube Close, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, carried out on Agnes on July 14, 2017, confirmed that she has cancer of the breast.

    According to the report, Agnes would require three courses of Chemotherapy and actual surgery that would result in the removal of the ruptured breast.

    Her son, Joshua corroborating his mother’s account, said that the affected breast ripped open after his mother drank a concoction mixed by the herbalist whom they had deposited N30, 000 with out of the N50,000 he had charged to heal her.

    He told our reporter that caring for his mother with her health condition has not been easy with the family and their in-law in whose house at Alaoji in Obingwa LGA they have been taking refuge over one year.

    He disclosed that his mum in the last one year or more can only eat noodles, pap, yoghurt and bean cake (akara) and would vomit anytime she tries to eat solid food.

    To reach Tina Aka, call 08079484000, and for your donations, her account number is 3124097527 (First Bank Plc).

    To contact the team of doctors, call Dr. Brain Camazine (Chief Surgeon) on +12547180659   (USA), 07038459683 (Nigeria).e-mail; briancamazine@gmail.com or Dr. Jumbo (Chief Medical Director) 08038986345.

  • Ikpeazu visits Abia girls school after attack

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and his wife Nkechi have paid a surprise visit to Methodist Girls Model Secondary School (formerly known as Ovim Girls Secondary School, Isuikwuato) to personally review the security and other infrastructure in the school after it was invaded by a lone hoodlum a week ago.

    After the inspection, Governor Ikpeazu addressed the pupils, assuring them that the government will do everything possible to protect them and prevent future attempts to disrupt their peace and security.

    He directed security agencies to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of the attacker who jumped over the school’s dormitory fence to attack the students.

    He also directed that an electricity transformer be provided for the school to ensure regular power supply.

    Governor Ikpeazu, who was also accompanied on the visit by Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Commissioner for Strategy, Chief Obinna Ekekwe, Commissioner for Sports, Chief Martin Okoji, member representing Isuikwuato state constituency, Honorable Chukwudi John-Ogelle, the LGA Chairman and his aides promised to ensure that the internal roads of the school are lit at night to enable easy identification of intruders. He also directed the Chairman of Isuikwuato local government area, Chief Nnamdi Udueze, to immediately clear all the bushy area within the institution and put in place a sustainable plan for the regular clearing of overgrown grasses in the school.

    While conducting the governor round the school, the visibly elated principal of the school, Ezinne Oluchi Ibenye, joined by the proprietor of the school, Rt. Rev. Obadiah Agbai, thanked the governor for visiting the school and also dispatching his aides before now to enquire about the school. She assured him that no student of the institution was raped by the hoodlum who, she said, took advantage of the heavy downpour of that day to invade the dormitory area.

    “My dear Governor,” she said, “I can assure you that no student of this school was raped as our brave students fought the hoodlum and raised the alarm and we arrived promptly. Unfortunately the hoodlum wounded some students with a rod but they have all been treated and discharged.”

    Governor Ikpeazu directed that the medical bill of the injured girls be forwarded to him for reimbursement.

    He also authorised the immediate extension of the fenced area of the dormitory to include the convenience building.

    The governor vowed to ensure that schools in the state are adequately protected and used the opportunity to applaud Abia school children, their teachers and parents for raising the best students in Nigeria. He promised that his administration will continue to prioritise qualitative and affordable education to guarantee that the future of the state.

    In a related development, the member representing Isiukwuato/Umunneochi Federal constituency, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha who is an old girl of the 87-year-old mission school has equally visited the school to throw her support for the injured students.

    Onyejiocha expressed shock over the ugly incident and called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspect(s).

    She described the strange incident as “terrorism against the girl child” which she said must be resisted.

    The lawmaker who promised to fortify the school’s perimeter fence, replace the damaged louvers and doors however called for the beefing up of security in and around the school.