The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Umuahia

  • Umuahia to host southeast’s finance expo Oct 25

    Umuahia to host southeast’s finance expo Oct 25

    Umuahia, the Abia State capital, will on October 25 host the Abia Forex Expo with Sam Keys, billed as the largest finance conference in the Southeast. The event will take place at the International Conference Centre.

    With the theme “The Future of Finance – Navigating Change in a Digital Economy”, the expo will convene finance professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, students, and innovators to explore opportunities in forex, synthetic indices, and digital finance solutions.

    At the centre of the event is Sam Keys, renowned financial educator and founder of Freedom Tradehouse, a fast-rising platform offering forex education, real-time market insights, and digital empowerment tools.

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    Organisers say the expo will position Umuahia as a hub for transformative financial conversations in the region. 

    Alongside technical training, it will spotlight financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and sustainable wealth creation.

    Speaking ahead of the conference, Sam Keys said the expo was conceived to equip Nigerians—particularly young people—with the skills to thrive in today’s fast-changing financial landscape.

    “Finance is evolving faster than ever before. With the right knowledge, our people can harness digital tools to achieve independence and create lasting wealth,” he said.

    The Abia Forex Expo will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, with stakeholders describing it as a potential game-changer for financial innovation in the Southeast.

  • JUST IN: Policeman slumps, dies in Umuahia

    JUST IN: Policeman slumps, dies in Umuahia

    A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) attached to the Zone 9 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) slumped and died on Thursday while having a meal at an eatery within the command premises in Umuahia, Abia state. 

    Sources revealed that the officer had just returned from an investigative operation with his team and decided to eat before resuming his duties.

    However, he reportedly began behaving strangely while eating and collapsed moments later. 

    His colleagues rushed him to the police clinic at the Central Police Station on Bende Road, Umuahia North Local Government Area, but found no medical personnel on duty.

    Read Also: Gunmen kidnap policeman on Abuja-Kaduna highway

    This prompted them to transfer him to the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Umuahia, where he was confirmed dead. 

    His body has been deposited at the FMC morgue.

    As of the time of this report, Zone 9 Headquarters has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

  • Boxing Day: Low patronage hits Umuahia, Aba eateries

    Boxing Day: Low patronage hits Umuahia, Aba eateries

    Eateries in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, and Aba, the state’s commercial hub, have expressed disappointment over low customer turnout on Boxing Day.  

    Residents of Aba have attributed the lack of enthusiasm to the absence of modern recreational facilities, urging Governor Alex Otti and other stakeholders to establish well-equipped parks to enhance leisure options in the city.  

    A correspondent who monitored the Boxing Day celebrations in Aba observed that even the city’s major eateries experienced low patronage.  

    The only recreational centre in Aba, located along George’s Street, also saw a reduced number of visitors.

    Some staff members of the eateries, speaking anonymously, attributed the low patronage to the current economic situation in the country and the mass migration of residents to their respective villages. 

    One of the customers, Mr. Fabian Ikwumezie, who spoke to our correspondent, said that they chose to visit the eateries to relax with their families in celebration of the Christmas season.

  • Ikenne, Umuahia, Lagos are NPFL’s Matchday 10 battle grounds

    Ikenne, Umuahia, Lagos are NPFL’s Matchday 10 battle grounds

    There are many  battlegrounds  this weekend  in the Nigeria Premier Football league  but Ikenne, Umuahia and Lagos are expected to feel the intensity as Lobi, Heartland, Rivers United visit local warlords,  writes TUNDE LIADI.

    Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL)  enters Matchday 10 this weekend with second placed Remo Stars slugging it out with Lobi Stars as the most outstanding fixture while the Oriental derby between Abia Warriors and Heartland FC is another tie with intense rivalry.

    Remo Stars were pinned 1-0 in Owerri by Heartland FC last weekend but they will face Lobi Stars with Daniel Amokachi as their head coach who are 17th  on the log with nine points. The Sky Blue Stars have been knocked off the perch by Rivers United who continues to dictate the pace at the top but the Pride of Benue are eager to swim out of the relegation zone and are in dire need of a positive result.

    In Enugu, reigning champions, Rangers International FC will trade tackles with Nasarawa United. Bar the result in Ilorin last weekend, the Flying Antelopes have not been flying in recent games with just a win in the past five games and have slipped to the ninth spot with just 12 points.

    The Solid Miners on their part, laboured to a controversial 1-0 home win over Kano Pillars in Lafia to rise to the eighth spot with 12 points. Can the Flying Antelopes return to winning ways or will the Lafia side hinder Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men further?

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    In Katsina, Kano Pillars will welcome Plateau United hoping to grab the maximum points for the first time in three games. Sai Masu Gida welcomed their 4-3 win in Enugu with a surprise 1-1 draw against Kwara United. They could not make hay in Lafia too losing 1-0 to Nasarawa United.

    Plateau United have been erratic in recent games losing to Bayelsa United and Abia Warriors in away games  but they have turned their home ground to their fortress and are currently fourth with 14 points from as many games.

    In Ijebu Ode, Sunshine Stars will face Bendel Insurance; El Kanemi Warriors entertain Katsina United while Niger Tornadoes will square up against Shooting Stars with the hope of securing their first home win of the season.

    In Umuahia, it will be another Oriental derby for Abia Warriors and Heartland FC. The home team has dominated this fixture in time past but results have improved in the last five games and Heartland will seeking another positive result in Umuahia for the second time since 2014.

    In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United will confront Enyimba knowing that anything other than a win would be suicidal. The Prosperity Boys are 18th  on the log with nine points but they are up against the People’s Elephant who are third with 17 points.

    Bayelsa United were beaten 2-1 in Lafia by Lobi Stars on Monday despite a serious resistance from them. Can they shock Enyimba?

    In Lagos, Ikorodu City will continue their learning curve with a tough fixture against league leaders, Rivers United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. The Oga Boys conceded a late goal before losing 2-1 to Enyimba in Aba and after schooling Lobi Stars and Bendel Insurance, can they fancy their chances against the Pride of Rivers?

    The last fixture holds at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo between bottom of the league side, Akwa United and Kwara United. Just the previous two seasons, the Promise Keepers are flirting with the relegation zone again and with just six points from nine games, a drastic action must be taken to arrest the poor form.

    Kwara United will be tough nut to crack having gone four games unbeaten streak including away games with Kano Pillars (1-1) and El Kanemi Warriors (1-1).

  • Candidates urge JAMB to upgrade computers for calculations

    Some candidates in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) have called for the upgrade of the computer systems to provide mathematical calculations for the examination.

    A cross-section of the candidates made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, during the 2019 UTME Computer-Based Test (CBT) in Umuahia, the Abia capital.

    The candidates, who wrote Mathematics and other science subjects, regretted that the computer did not have scientific calculator.

    According to them, since candidates were not allowed to carry calculator and other writing materials into the examination hall, it was difficult for them to solve some problems.

    They said that in most cases, they engaged in guess work, whether right or wrong.

    Jennifer Onyeka, a candidate of Computer Science, said that although she was proficient in the use of computer, yet “the computer calculator is not scientific.”

    Onyeka said: “It is elementary calculator and cannot be used to solve the kind of questions we had in the exam yet we were not allowed to use biro and other writing materials.

    “It became difficult to do calculations involving Mathematics, Physcis and Chemistry.”

    Also, David Uruakpa, a Banking and Finance candidate, who sat for Mathematics, also complained that he could not solve some of the Mathematics calculations with the in-built calculator.

    He said that because there was neither paper nor space to solve the questions, he resorted to guess work in some cases.

    Christian Nzubechi, who intended to study Business Administration, said that he encountered challenges in Mathematics because there were no tools to work with.

    Nzubechi said: “I really commend JAMB for this CBT method.

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    “It is better than the former paperwork, but it should consider candidates doing calculations, by installing an application that will assist them.”

    Amarachi Okoronkwo, a candidate of Economics, lauded JAMB for a hitch-free examination but said there was still room for improvement.

    Okoronkwo said: “I sat for this exam last year but this year’s own was more organised than the previous ones.

    “I think JAMB should upgrade the software package to accommodate scientific calculator in the interest of candidates in Mathematics and other science subjects.”

    Collins Nweke, however, told NAN that he did not have any difficulty with the use of  the computer.

    Other respondents also identified the lack of computer skills by some candidates as setback.

    Mr Lawrence Ezeigbo, a CBT coordinator for Clems Business Systems Ltd., Umuahia, advised candidates to endeavour to acquire adequate computer skills before entering for UTME.

    Ezeigbo, whose centre is accredited for the examination in the state, decried the poor computer literacy level of most candidates.

    He said that many candidates lacked the technical skill to write the examination.

    He said: “My technical staffs have been going around, assisting those of them that have technical challenge.

    “I advise that these candidates should undertake training on how to use computers to write examination.”

    He commended JAMB for providing adequate facilities needed for the examination.

    Mr Umecheme Ogboso, a JAMB supervisor at the centre, also said that some of the candidates were not familiar with use of the systems.

    Ogboso commended JAMB for ensuring that the examination was hitch-free, describing  the exercise as the best examination JAMB had ever organised.

    He said that the adoption of the CBT helped to eliminate examination malpractice.

    NAN reports that there were visible presence of security operatives in most of the centres visited in Umuahia.

    NAN

     

  • High tension cable kills food vendor in Abia

    An unidentified female food vendor was killed by high tension cable on Thursday, along Okpara Square in Umuahia, Abia State the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The woman, an assistant food vendor, had her life cut short while trying to rescue her co-worker from an electric shock.

    According to an eyewitness, the deceased had rushed to save her colleague, who the high tension cable from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) pole had shocked.

    “Both women were assisting a woman to sell her food beside the high tension pole. When one of the cables fell off, one of them touched it and got shocked.

    “While she was crying for help, the other woman, who is now late quickly rushed to rescue her. It was in the process of rescuing the first victim that she got electrocuted,” the eyewitness told NAN.

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    It was gathered that the person the deceased was trying to save was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for urgent medical attention.

    The deceased was covered with a wrapper while the owner of the food business was reported to have gone to the police.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police, Abia Command, Mr Godfrey Ogbonna, confirmed the incident to NAN, saying the police would investigate the case. (NAN)

  • Ikpeazu to security agencies: clamp down on hoodlums

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed security agencies in the state to urgently review the security situation around major streets in Umuahia, the capital city.

    The streets including Orlu, Kaduna and Arochukwu by Calabar Road were identified as black spots where hoodlums and criminal elements gather before they go out to execute their nefarious acts.

    Our reporter gathered that the activities of hoodlums around Orlu, Kaduna and Arochukwu streets have caused fear among residents while road users avoid the road especially at night because of the activities of hoodlums who dispossess them of their valuables between 7pm and 6am.

    A release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Enyinnaya Apollos said that the move by the state governor was geared towards clearing the area of hoodlums who have been accused of robbing and molesting innocent citizens on a regular basis.

    The release said the governor has also directed the state Commissioner for Public Utilities to immediately commence the deployment of street lights around the area including Umuwaya Road to Shopprite and the aforementioned flashpoints as well as ensure that previously deployed street lights within the state capital function optimally.

    Governor Ikpeazu who expressed the determination of his administration to tackle crimes through job creation and proactive security engagement also directs that brothels located around the aforementioned areas be closed down immediately and proprietors of such facilities, including joints where hard drugs are sold, be prosecuted.

    Unconfirmed reports in Umuahia on Tuesday had it that in line with the marching orders, the state security agencies on Monday night raided four notorious brothels in the capital city.

    The brothels which have now been shut down were said to have been used as hideouts after perpetuating their evil act.

    It was gathered that some suspected hoodlums were arrested during the raid.

    Efforts to speak with the spokesman of the Abia State Command on the Nigerian Police, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna proved abortive as his mobile lines were not reachable at the time of filing the report.

  • IGP condemns attacks on police officers

    ACTING Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu has condemned attacks on policemen across the country.

    A Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) was attacked in Brass, Bayelsa State, on Sunday and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was also attacked at a collation centre in Umuahia, Abia State.

    The police boss, in a statement in Abuja yesterday by the Force spokesman, ACP Frank Mba, who described the attack as unprovoked”, ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of persons involved.

    The IGP also said five suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack on a police officer in Umuahia.

    The statement added: “The IGP, who described the incident as unwarranted and unprovoked, warns that under his watch, such brazen acts of impunity will not be condoned.”

    The IG, who said the attacks on the personnel of the Force shows the risk involved in policing, called for support from stakeholders.

    “These attacks have once again highlighted the risks and hazards inherent in policing our clime, and the need for stakeholders and government at all levels to continue to support the officers and men of the Force in the discharge of their responsibilities.”

    He also praised Nigerians, who identified with the Force by denouncing the actions against the police officers performing their legitimate duties.

  • Female lifeless body found in Abia community

    Residents of Umuabai Afara road in Umuahia the Abia state capital have been thrown into confusion as they woke up Friday morning to meet  lifeless body of a yet-to-be-identified lady.

    The lifeless body of the deceased lady, it was gathered caused the residents to be gripped with tension as many suspected that she could have been killed for ritual purpose but was later dumped in the area after apparently that they were being trailed.

    Some residents of the area, who spoke anonymously, said they woke up on Friday morning to behold the corpse dumped on the side of the road in their area.

    According to some of them, the deceased must have been strangled to death by some unscrupulous people for reasons best known to them, but later dumped her body in the area.

    Meanwhile, operatives of the State Police Command who arrived the scene carried out some preliminary assessment of the corpse before evacuating it.

    A female police officer with the Human Rights Department from World Bank Police Station, who led other policemen to evacuate the corpse, said that they got to know about the incident when some residents of the area reported the incident to the police.

    The police officer who did not want her name mentioned in print said they were at the scene to remove the corpse because health workers from the Umuahia North Local Government Area were not on seat to evacuate the corpse due to the public holidays declared by the Federal Government ahead of the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday (today).

    She added that the corpse would be deposited in a morgue within the state capital, while the police would commence investigation to ascertain what led to the death of the deceased.

    When contacted the Police Public Relation officer in the state Mr. Geoffrey Ogbonna confirmed the incident.

    He said the police got information about the incident and moved in to evacuate the body, adding that investigation to identify the deceased and arrest her killers had commenced.

  • Updated: Gunmen kidnap Abia APC chairman

    The Abia State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Donatus Nwankpa has reportedly been kidnapped by gunmen.

    Nwankpa’s kidnap, our reporter gathered was kidnapped by armed men at Aro Ngwa junction along Aba-Enugu Expressway at about 11pm on his way from Umuahia, the State capital to Aba, the commercial nerve of the state to prepare ahead of the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state.

    It was gathered that members of the party were thrown into panic following the breaking of the news of the abduction of Nwankpa.

    APC Publicity Secretary, Comrade Benedict Godson while confirming Nwankpa’s abduction, told newsmen in Aba on Tuesday that the party got information that there were plots by the opposition to disrupt the party’s presidential rally Tuesday, but never expected that it will get to the level of planning to kidnap the state chairman.

    He said: “There was a plot on ground to disrupt today’s visit by the president, but we never expected this. He was kidnapped and up till now, we’ve not heard from him. He remains our authentic Chairman. Kidnapping Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, a foundation builder, a mover and the man who has brought this party from nowhere to somewhere cannot stop this party from winning Abia.

    “I’m telling you authoritatively that there are some persons in opposition party who might have done this in collaboration with some persons in our own party and we are telling them that this is not the right way to play politics.

    “This move cannot stop Dr. Uche Sampson Ogah, a Godsend industrialist in winning Abia. People are afraid and according to our party Chairman, it’s obvious that some persons were planted into our party by the opposition to distract the party.

    “For now we are not accusing anybody, but we know that the evil people are trying their best, but they’ll fail. We are sure our Chairman will be back soon because he’s a good man and a man of God. We plead with his abductors to release him for he meant well for Abia State.”

    Also reacting to the kidnap of Nwankpa, a chieftain of the party, Hon. Acho Obioma wondered why the gunmen should go after a man that he described as easy going and friendly.

    Obioma who represented Umuahia/Ikwuano constituency at the federal house of representatives, while appealing to the gunmen to release Nwankpa also called on heads of various security agencies to ensure that the state chairman was rescued from the hands of his abductors.