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Articles by Godfrey Ofurum
Imo moves to realise special agro-industrial processing zone (SAPZ) in Ohaji-Egbema
…Hands over 170-hectare site to Craneburg Construction Company for work commencement Imo State Government has handed over a 170-hectare site in Ohaji-Egbema to Craneburg Construction Company, for the construction of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Rhema University graduates first set of medical doctors
Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State went agog Wednesday, October 7, 2026, as Rhema University, Nigeria, graduated first set of medical doctors from its College of Medicine and Health Sciences. Rhema University, Nigeria, is an accredited private, Christian University, based in the city of Aba in Abia State, Nigeria. Founded by the Living Word Ministries International and licensed by the National Universities Commission in 2009.
1,000 Abia youths to participate in digital capacity development programme
Governor Alex Otti of AbIa State has approved the expansion of the “ThriveAbia Digital Capacity Development and Mentorship Programme” to accommodate 1,000 young people in its first cohort, following the successful training of 100 participants under the pilot phase. Governor Otti gave the approval, on Tuesday, while receiving a delegation led by the Director and Co-founder of Tech Excentric, the technical partners for the ThriveAbia programme.
Abia seeks increased private-sector investment in clean cooking solutions
Abia State Government has called for increased private-sector investment in clean cooking solutions, describing the emerging sector as an opportunity to drive green economic growth while improving environmental and public health outcomes Philemon Ogbonna, the State’s Commissioner for Environment, made the call during a workshop on developing a sustainable, market-driven clean cooking industry in the state, held at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
Manufacturers decry high cost of energy
…Urge Abia govt to set up industrial clusters Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Imo/Abia and Rivers/Bayelsa Chapters, have decried the high cost of energy, which is currently at ₦241/kWh and called on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Agency (NERC) to reduce energy tariffs to save industries from collapse. The manufacturers made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti at his office in Umuoro Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Abia moves to stop flooding in Ogurube, Ehimiri layouts in Umuahia
…Revokes Trademore Estate building permit over development violations Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has directed the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee comprising the Umuahia Capital Development Autority (UCDA) and the Ministries of Works, Environment and Lands to develop a lasting solution to perennial flooding affecting Ogurube and Ehimiri layouts in Umuahia, adding that the committee had two weeks to submit its report.
FG deepens collaboration with Abia on manufacturing, agriculture
…As NALDA plans to set up farm estate John Uwajimogu, Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, has said that the Federal Government is exploring ways to support businesses in Abia State, particularly those in Aba fashion industry, comprising of garment and finished leather manufacturers. Uwajimogu stated this, on Wednesday, during a visit to Governor Alex Otti, at Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
Abia Police raid criminal camps in Isuochi, discover 28 human skulls
The Abia State Police Command said that it recovered 28 human skulls and bones suspected to be those of victims of kidnapping, during a raid on criminal hideouts in Isuochi, in Umunneochi Local Government Area of the State The operation, conducted on Saturday followed actionable intelligence received by the Command, as part of its ongoing intelligence-led operations under “Operation no hideout for criminal elements in the State.” The raid was carried out by operatives drawn from the Violent...
Chinekezi brothers launch JobSeeker AI, an innovative employment, entrepreneurship development platform
A new chapter in the global conversation around Artificial Intelligence is unfolding with the launch of JobSeeker AI, an innovative employment and entrepreneurship development platform, created by Jesse Charles Chinekezi and Ted Charles Chinekezi of Nigeria, described as among Africa’s leading AI developers and technology innovators.
65 community-owned businesses in Imo ready for registration
…As State targets 656 communities, through OKOBI initiative The Imo State Government has disclosed that 65 community-owned businesses established under the One Kindred, One Business Initiative (OKOBI), have completed risk assessments and business plan development and are now set for formal registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Abia community urges police to prosecute, Evergreen, drug kingpin
The people of Ahiaba Ubi community in the Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State have called on the Abia State Police Command to ensure that they prosecute an alleged notorious drug kingpin arrested in the community last week. Some community members alleged that the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Olokoro, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, arrested a notorious drug kingpin who has been terrorising their community.
Otti says Abia airport runway to be completed soon
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that construction work on the proposed Abia Airport, Nsulu, is progressing significantly, particularly on the runway, which according to him, will soon be completed. Governor Otti gave the update on the project on Sunday at Christ the King Catholic (CKC) Cathedral, Aba, during a Thanksgiving Mass held to mark the 40th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination of Austin Echema, the Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese.
CEHRAWS demands full disclosure of Anambra alleged Obi-era loans
…Urges that public debt should not be reduced to political claims The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), a non-profit organisation, has called on the Anambra State Government to publish a consolidated debt and borrowing accountability statement covering, at a minimum, the Peter Obi, Willie Obiano and Chukwuma Soludo administrations.
Abia College of Health promotes green energy, to begin biogas production
The management of Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology (ABSCOHMAT), Aba, has announced plans to begin the production of biogas to generate electricity and natural gas. Biogas is a renewable gaseous fuel generated from organic materials, including agricultural residues, manure, municipal waste, plant matter, sewage, wastewater, green waste, and food waste. Biogas is environment friendly and has various applications in cooking, drying, cooling and heating.
Nigeria’s market size huge opportunity for local manufacturers, says Otti
…As Abia deepens partnership with Ethnocentrique to scale garment and shoe productions Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has observed that the size of the Nigerian market presents a huge opportunity for local manufacturers to replace imports, while meeting domestic demand. Governor Otti made the observation Tuesday, September 15, 2026, while hosting a team from Ethnocentric Limited and its partners on an official visit to the Government House, Umuahia.
RMAFC commends Otti for prudent management of Abia resources
…As the State moves from 17th to 4th position in fiscal transparency Mohammed Bello Shehu, Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has commended Governor Alex Otti for the prudent management of Abia State resources. Shehu gave the commendation on Tuesday, September 16, 2026, when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at his Nvosi country home in Isialangwa South LGA, in company of his commissioners and other members of his delegation.
NDLEA seeks collaboration with FRSC against drug abuse, other crimes in Abia
Leonard Nnadim, Abia State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for stronger collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in the fight against drug abuse, impaired driving and other forms of crime in the State. Nnadim made the call Wednesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Abia State Command, as part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
Abia launches startup investors network to boost entrepreneurship
Abia State Government, through its Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Abia State Public and Private Partnership and Intellectual Property Office, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, unveiled the Abia Startup Investors Network (ASIN).
We’ll continue to provide infrastructure, other enablers to support business growth – Otti
Alex Otti, governor of Abia State, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing infrastructure and other enablers to support business growth in the state. The governor stated this at the Abia Startup and Angel Investment Summit and the unveiling of the Abia Startup Investors Network (ASIN), held Wednesday at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, the commercial hub of the state.
NINLAN is working hard to ensure that no Nigerian language goes into extinction – Onuoha
Ogbonna Onuoha, a professor, is the executive director, National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), a federal government institution, based in Aba, Abia State. In this interview with GODFREY OFURUM, he reaffirmed his determination to position NINLAN as a globally-recognised centre of excellence in Nigerian languages, multilingual research, indigenous knowledge systems and innovation. Excerpt: Kindly walk us through the mandate of NINLAN?
NASENI empowers 250 Ohafia indigenes with cookstoves, home solar solutions, others
About two hundred and fifty (250) indigenes of Asaga, Ohafia in Abia State benefited from the on-going National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP), which took place Thursday in the state. NASENI, through NSEP is providing relevant skills, tools and renewable technologies including NASENI Home Solar Solutions (solar fan, panel, power bank), cookstoves, etc.
Abia prioritises healthcare, commissions remodeled Obingwa General Hospital
…Renames after Chima Ubani Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that healthcare remains central to his administration’s development agenda, stating that investments in the sector are aimed at restoring confidence in public health institutions and saving lives, particularly those of mothers and newborns. Governor Otti stated this at the commissioning of the remodeled, digitally equipped 80-bed Obingwa General Hospital, Mgboko, the headquarters of Obingwa Local Government Area.
Abia begins payment of N61.8bn gratuity arrears to retirees
…Puts total liability inherited, accumulated from 2001 to 2025 at N61.8bn Abia State Government has commenced the payment of outstanding gratuities to state and local government retirees. A gratuity committee established by the Otti-led administration puts the total liability inherited and accumulated from 2001 to 2025 at N61.8 billion.
Embrace climate-smart agricultural practices to improve yields, Abia farmers urged
…Foundation, Ministry of Agriculture empower modern slavery survivors Farmers have been urged to embrace climate-smart agricultural practices to improve yield. Glory Onwuka, Executive Director, Onyedinma Foundation, gave the advice at a two-day Climate-Smart Agriculture Training for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery in Asa-Umuakwa community in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of Abia State.
CHARS-Africa moves to strengthen execution of Abia Rehabilitation Law
The African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa), with support from the Urgent Action Fund Africa, on Friday, organised a one-day stakeholder engagement on strengthening the operationalisation of the Abia State Centre for Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and any form of Human Trafficking Law, 2026.
Poor sanitation in Nigerian cities worsening health issues
A few years ago, a World Bank’s report raised an alarm on Nigeria’s water and environmental challenges, decrying that the country loses N455 billion, about 1.3 percent of GDP, annually to poor sanitation. As well, Clean Nigeria Campaign, an initiative of the Federal Government, re-echoed the alarm as little or nothing has been done to curb the huge loss, which comes through illness, flood from blocked drainages, low productivity and lost learning opportunities for the vulnerable.
Enyimba economic city project is strategic to South-East development – Ohuabunwa
..Seeks Abia support for its realization Sam Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the Board of Enyimba Economic City Development Company (EECDC), has described the proposed Enyimba Economic City, as a project of strategic importance to Abia, the South-East geopolitical zone and Nigeria, and expressed the board’s readiness to work with the State Government to achieve its objectives.
Crisis brews in Abia APC as Uzo-Kalu’s support group threatens parallel faction
…Accuses state leadership of intolerance The Reality Organisation, one of the biggest political structures in Abia State, has threatened to establish a parallel structure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, accusing the party’s current state leadership of high-handedness, political intolerance, and actions capable of deepening internal divisions.
Stakeholders call for establishment of juvenile remand centre in Abia
The security stakeholders have called for the establishment of a juvenile remand centre in Abia State, to strengthen the state’s response to cases involving children and young offenders. The stakeholders made the call at a one-day capacity-building workshop for Police officers in Aba, Abia State, organised by the African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa), a non-profit organisation with support from the Urgent Action Fund–Africa (UAF-Africa).
Abia deepens partnership with security agencies
The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with security agencies to strengthen security architecture in the state. This is as the government and security agencies in the state agreed to forge stronger partnership to engage and sustain practical measures for stronger communication, coordination and public confidence in the security.
Abia launches App to monitor teenage pregnancies, reduce maternal mortality
The Abia State Government says it has deployed a digital application, known as “CYTrack”, to identify and monitor high-risk and teenage pregnancies, as part of efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality in the state. Okey Kanu, the State’s Commissioner for Information, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Aba assured of improved power as Heirs Energies restores gas supply
Geometric Situation Room, a feedback platform of Geometric Power Aba Limited (GPAL), operators of the Aba Independent Power Plant, Sunday, assured consumers across Aba and its ring-fenced service area of improved power supply.
2027 election: CEHRAWS appeals for downward review of outdoor campaign advertisement fees in Abia
The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), a non-profit organisation, has appealed for downward review of campaign advertisement fees, recently announced by Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA) for candidates participating in the 2027 general election.
Stakeholders call for regional cooperation to tackle insecurity in South-East region
…As Abia hosts maiden South-East security summit Stakeholders have called for closer regional cooperation to tackle insecurity and sustaining peace in the South-East region of Nigeria region. The decision was taken at the maiden edition of the South-East Security Summit, which took place at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, Abia State capital.
Hope rises as Aba Power reports progress on gas supply restoration
…Assures customers of power recovery Aba Power Electric Limited (APLE) has announced significant progress in efforts to restore electricity supply across its network, assuring customers that ongoing repairs to the gas supply infrastructure are nearing completion. In an update issued on Sunday, the management of Aba Power expressed deep regret over the prolonged power outage that had disrupted homes, businesses, and economic activities over the past few days.
We are focusing on policies that drive sustainable development not merely improving growth statistics – Otti
…Hosts James Robinson 2024 Noble Laurate in Economics Governor Alex Otti of AbIa State has said that his administration deliberately focuses on policies that drive sustainable development rather than merely improving growth statistics. Governor Otti made this known while hosting James A.
NEPC urges Aba artisans to embrace digital marketing, e-commerce to grow businesses
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the country’s lead agency in the promotion of non-oil export, has advised Micro Small and Medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in Aba to embrace e-commerce to boost their businesses. Nonye Ayeni, executive director/chief executive officer of NEPC, gave the advice in a keynote address at the MSME digital trade and e-commerce enablement programme, organised by the Abuja office of the Council, in Aba, the commercial hub of AbIa State.
Otti condemns killing of Abia citizen by South African police in Capetown
…Urges South Africa govt to immediately halt carnage Abia State Government has joined the Federal Government to condemn the brutal killing of Chika Ibe, a Nigerian citizen from the State, by members of the South African Police Service in Cape Town on Wednesday, July 23, 2026.
Otti endorses $13.1m CNG investment to accelerate industrialisation in Abia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has endorsed a proposed $13.1 million Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project, saying it will accelerate industrialisation, expand clean energy infrastructure and position the state as a major manufacturing destination in Nigeria.
Otti commits to repositioning education in Abia, unveils Umuomaiukwu smart school
Governor Alex Otti of AbIa State has reiterated that his administration’s Smart Schools initiative, is aimed at laying strong foundation for a future-ready workforce, by equipping children with digital skills and knowledge required to compete in the global economy.
Building collapse: Soil, geotechnical tests mandatory for building construction, approvals in Abia
Abia State Government has introduced mandatory soil and geotechnical testing as prerequisites for obtaining building permits in the state capital. The move is aimed at improving structural safety, preventing building collapse and protection of lives and property of Abia residents. Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information, announced the policy, Monday, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Society of Engineers seeks strategic collaboration with Abia Govt on project execution
Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Umuahia Chapter, has expressed interest in collaborating with Abia State Government in the execution of housing projects across the State. Nwachukwu Christ, chairman, Umuahia chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, expressed the interest, Wednesday, when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Abia State Ministry of Housing, aimed at strengthening collaboration and promoting professionalism in the housing sector.
Otti promises to pay entitlements of workers disengaged by previous administrations
…As Imo indigenes in Abia endorse him for 2027 Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has assured workers disengaged from the state’s public service by previous administrations that they would receive their full outstanding entitlements after verification. Governor Otti made this known Wednesday in an address at a civic reception held in his honour by Imo State indigenes in AbIa State, held at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
Students’ group commends Nigeria Police for insisting on autopsy in Mary Habila’s death Original
The Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD) has commended the Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for insisting on autopsy on the remains of Mary Habila, who was allegedly found dead naked, with blood smear in her mouth, on the premises of David Umahi’s country home at Uburu, Ebonyi State.
NINLAN sets up language laboratory to strengthen language teaching, others
…Holds 8th matriculation ceremony Ogbonna Onuoha, a professor and executive director, National Institute For Nigerian Languages, Aba, Nigeria, has reaffirmed the determination of the school’s management to position NINLAN, as a globally recognised centre of excellence in Nigerian languages, multilingual research, indegenous knowledge systems and innovations.
Two convicted for child defilement in Abia
…As state intensifies action against sexual violence Abia State Government, says it has secured the conviction of two child sex offenders, sentenced to 30 and 10 years’ imprisonments, respectively, for separate cases of defilement, a major breakthrough in its campaign against sexual and gender-based violence. Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information, disclosed this Monday during a press briefing, held at the Government House Umuahia.
Abia records lowest maternal, infant mortality rates in Q1 2026
Abia State records the lowest maternal and infant mortality rates in the first quarter of 2026, making it the best-performing State in maternal and child health in Nigeria within the period under review, Okey Kanu, the State’s Commissioner for Information, has stated. Kanu made this known on Monday in Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council Meeting, presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Don’t scrap 6-3-3-4 education system, Eleazu advises FG
…Says ‘NYSC reforms will promote skills acquisition, provide employment’ Innocent Eleazu, a professor and former president of Nigerian Association of Economists (NAE), has advised the federal government, to withdraw its plan to scrap the 6-3-3-4 system of education policy. Eleazu said that there was nothing wrong with the basic 6-years primary, 3 years in junior secondary and another 3 years at the senior secondary level.
Abia ready to partner Stanbic IBTC on infrastructure financing, SME development
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with Stanbic IBTC Holdings on infrastructure financing, with priority interest in the proposed Abia Medical City, the Obuaku Seaport and the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Smart School project will change face of public education in Abia – Otti
…Inaugurates Ogbo Central Smart School in Umuahia Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that the smart school project promises to change the face of public education in the State.
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