Steve Oko
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Articles by Steve Oko
News -- Abia picked for regional stroke, neurovascular centre
Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu . As Otti govt secures int’l recognition for health reforms UMUAHIA — Abia State has emerged as the preferred location for a proposed stroke and neurovascular centre to serve Nigeria and West Africa, following its participation in the 2026 Sweden-Africa Neurosurgery Symposium in Gothenburg, Sweden.
News -- Gov Alex Otti of Abia State offers orphaned debate champion, 15-yr-old Esther Christian, varsity scholarship
• 15-yr-old Esther Christian lost father at age four UMUAHIA – Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has offered a full education scholarship up to university level to 15-year-old Esther Christian, captain of the Abia debate team that emerged victorious at the 2026 International Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar. Christian, who lost her father at the age of four, will enjoy the scholarship through the Alex Otti Foundation.
Abia Traders Cry over ‘Neglect’ at Market, Appeal to Otti for Urgent Intervention
Abia Traders Cry over ‘Neglect’ at Market, Appeal to Otti for Urgent Intervention Business/Economy By Steve Oko • 25 Oct 2026 UMUAHIA, Abia – Traders at the Ubani Ultra-modern Market in Abia State have accused successive state governments of abandoning them 13 years after their forced relocation from central Umuahia, saying declining patronage, collapsing infrastructure and inconsistent policy enforcement are driving many out of business.
News -- Abia State records 460,011 new voters, only 21,528 collect PVCs
With preparations for the 2027 general elections gathering momentum, the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) has emerged as a major concern in the South-East, where the region accounts for the lowest share of Nigeria’s registered voters. While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported progress in some states, the absence of updated figures in others has made it difficult to assess the overall level of PVC collection across the geopolitical zone.
News -- Gregory University founder, Prof. Ibe, dies at 63
UMUAHIA — The Founder and Proprietor of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, is dead. Ibe, who was the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Abia State in the 2023 election, died on Sunday at the age of 63 after a prolonged illness, according to his family. His death was announced on Monday in a statement issued by the royal family of HRH Eze Cyril Ibe, Okwelube I of Amaokwe Achara Autonomous Community.
News -- Gov Alex Otti raises scholarship award to N350,000, rewards six first-class graduates
• Foundation inducts 81 new scholars UMUAHIA — Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has increased the annual scholarship award of the Alex Otti Foundation (AOF) from N250,000 to N350,000 per beneficiary and rewarded six first-class graduates with N500,000 each. Otti announced the increase on Saturday at the Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Banquet, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, where 81 new scholars were inducted into the programme.
News -- FG to deploy 3,700 telecom towers to connect 20m Nigerians
• As Tijani commissions first NUCAP site in Abia • Kalu identifies 16 more locations needing coverage in Bende UMUAHIA — The Federal Government has unveiled plans to deploy 3,700 telecommunications towers nationwide to connect about 20 million Nigerians currently without access to telephone and internet services.
News -- 19-Year-old motorcycle accident victim survives emergency brain surgery at Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia, Abia State
UMUAHIA — A 19-year-old motorcycle accident victim has survived emergency brain surgery at the Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia, after doctors evacuated more than 100 millilitres of blood clot compressing his brainstem. The victim was reportedly brought to the hospital on Sunday, October 4, in a deep coma with a Glasgow Coma Scale, GCS, score of six out of 15, which later deteriorated to five.
News -- NYSC Corps member builds fire App, digitises Abia school, grooms student developers
UMUAHIA – A National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member serving at Ibeku High School, Umuahia, Abia State, Kenneth Nweke, has developed a digital fire emergency-response application, digitised key operations of the school and established an ICT club that has produced student developers.
News -- Stop producing reports, start building power
Professor Kingsley Moghalu Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, has challenged Ndigbo to stop producing “excellent reports” that end up gathering dust and begin converting their collective ideas into measurable economic, cultural and political power.
News -- Abia police arraign three kinsmen over alleged threats, trespass
UMUAHIA — The Abia State Police Command has arraigned three kinsmen before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Umuahia over alleged threats to life, intimidation, trespass and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. The defendants — Royal Nwankwo, 49; Chimezie Elekwu Martins, 45; and Kelechi Azubuike Onuoha, 40 — were arraigned on a six-count charge marked MIS/33C/2024, filed by the Commissioner of Police. They pleaded not guilty to the charges. Presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs Ngozi P.
News -- 3 Abia policemen arrested over extortion of 200 victims via 'sting operations'; 4 at large
Three police officers attached to the S-Squad of the Abia State Police Command have been arrested over alleged extortion, abuse of police powers and other acts of misconduct, with more than 200 people reportedly affected by their activities. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, Polycarp Emeka, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Umuahia.
News -- Nothing must happen to Obi
The Kwankwaso National Network, KNN, South-East zone, has warned that “nothing must happen” to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, following the reported obstruction of his convoy in Benue State. The group also demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into Tuesday’s incident, warning that any attempt to trivialise the development could have serious implications for Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nigeria: Attack On Obi Affront On Nigeria's Democracy - Wabara
UMUAHIA — Former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has condemned the reported attack on and obstruction of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, in Benue State.
News -- Man nabbed while attempting to sell own baby in Abia State
The Abia State Police Command said it had arrested a man and three accomplices allegedly caught while attempting to sell and traffic his 16-month-old biological daughter for financial gain. The four suspects were arrested by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Gender Unit, at a hotel in Obi, Obingwa Local Government Area, on September 7, 2026.
Nigeria: Otti Assures Deceased Pensioners' Families As Abia Begins N60bn Gratuity Payments
UMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has assured the next-of-kin of deceased pensioners that his administration will pay benefits due to their late relatives as the state begins clearing more than N60 billion in outstanding gratuity liabilities. Otti gave the assurance on Thursday during his monthly media chat, "Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians," held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.
Nigeria: Double Trouble for the Dead - 16 Months After Death, Abia Widower Still Can't Bury Wife
UMUAHIA -- For more than 16 months, Mr Elijah Ndubuisi Amah has lived with a pain that refuses to go away. His wife, Mrs Nkechi Florence Elijah, died on April 9, 2025, at the age of 32. But while death ordinarily marks the beginning of mourning and burial, for Amah, it has become a prolonged battle to give his wife what he describes as her final dignity -- a resting place.
Nigeria: Amnesty Raises Alarm Over Missing Persons, Police Abuse in South-East, Demands Justice
UMUAHIA - Amnesty International has raised the alarm over alleged widespread human rights violations, unlawful killings and enforced disappearances in the South-East, accusing security agencies of leaving families in agony by failing to account for persons allegedly taken into custody. The organisation called on security agencies to either charge persons in their custody to court or release them, insisting that prolonged detention without trial violates fundamental human rights.
News -- 'Kanu doesn't need ESN camp to win case'
• Demands independent probe, says Nigeria running from truth UMUAHIA — The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dismissed the Nigerian Army’s reported raid on suspected Eastern Security Network (ESN) camps in Anambra State as propaganda, demanding an independent investigation into the operation.
Nigeria: Fake News Fueling Insecurity, Says Information Minister
UMUAHIA — The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned that fake news, misinformation and hate speech have become tools being exploited by criminal elements to fuel insecurity and undermine national unity. Idris spoke on Thursday at the South-East Regional Security Summit held in Umuahia, Abia State, organised by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, in collaboration with the South-East Governors' Forum.
Nigeria: Baby Born Without Anus Gets Lifeline As Onyejeocha Vows to Foot ₦5m Surgery Bill
UMUAHIA — Moved by the plight of a baby born without anus, former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has vowed to bear the full cost of the child's treatment, declaring that poverty should never condemn any child to death.
Nigeria: Kanu's Lawyer Threatens Law Suit Over TV Comment
UMUAHIA -- Lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Mr Aloy Ejimakor, has threatened legal action over an alleged public call for the extrajudicial killing of his client. Ejimakor, in a statement yesterday, condemned what he described as a dangerous and unlawful remark allegedly made by Mr Chigozie Nnabugwu during a programme aired on News Central Television.
News -- Gov Alex Otti directs immediate rehabilitation of Ironsi's alma mater
UMUAHIA—Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has ordered the immediate rehabilitation of Ibeama Primary School, Ndume Otuka, the alma mater of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, the late Gen. Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, as well as the road leading to his ancestral home. Otti gave the directive at the weekend during a civic reception held in honour of the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Austin Nmeregini, at the school premises in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
News -- Abia State University (ABSU) governing council inaugurates search committee to recruit new VC
The Governing Council of Abia State University (ABSU), has inaugurated a search team to commence the process of recruiting the institution’s 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor. Speaking during the inauguration at the Council Chamber, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Rt. Hon. Agwu U.
News -- Bianca Ojukwu among early backers of Abia State redemption struggle
• Lauds Foreign Affairs Minister as ‘Amazon from the East’ Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has revealed that Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, was among the prominent figures who stood by his quest to “redeem” Abia long before he became governor, as he celebrated her on her birthday.
Nigeria: Trailer Crashes Into FMC Umuahia Fence, Causes Traffic Gridlock
UMUAHIA -- A heavy-duty trailer loaded with iron rods crashed into the perimeter fence of Federal Medical Centre Umuahia in the early hours of Thursday after reportedly losing control while climbing a hill along the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Expressway. Although no lives were lost in the incident, a section of the hospital's perimeter fence, recently beautified by the Abia State Government under its urban renewal initiative, was damaged.
Gunshots as Abia youths show the way, attack terrorists, rescue kidnap victims
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News -- Gov Alex Otti of Abia State unveils aircraft named after Chinua Achebe, Obi of Onitsha
Gov Alex Otti of Abia State • Obi of Onitsha hails United Nigeria Airlines for immortalising Igbo icons UMUAHIA — Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has described the naming of two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft after late literary icon Chinua Achebe and the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, as a fitting tribute to the enduring contributions of the Igbo people to scholarship, leadership and national development.
Nigeria: Ipob Rejects Nnamdi Kanu's Purported Suspension, Says Edoziem Group Lost Authority
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dismissed the purported suspension and expulsion of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by the faction led by Chika Edoziem, describing the move as unconstitutional, null and void, and an exercise in futility by officials whose tenure had already been terminated.
Nigeria: At 90, Abia Widow Fights for Life Amid Repeated Assault By Brother's Wife, Kids
FOR most people, old age is a season of rest, dignity, and the comforting embrace of family. But for 90-year-old Mrs. Comfort Nwanchioma Okwuonu, popularly known as Danchama, the twilight of life has allegedly become a horrifying tale of abuse, loneliness, and unending violence. At 90, she suffers a machete attack instead of care; constant assaults and intimidation from a close family member that ought to have provided care for the childless widow.
Kanu: Lawyer raises concerns over trial procedure and defence timeline
By Steve Oko, Umuahia Lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aloy Ejimakor, has raised concerns over aspects of the ongoing trial involving his client,… Headlines Newsletter Subscribe now for weekly top news headlines roundup, delivered directly to your inbox. THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING! Something went wrong.
Democracy has not failed Nigeria, we have – Otti
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Kanu Death penalty bid could affect Nigeria-UK relations — Lawyer
By Steve Oko ABUJA — Lead counsel to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has warned that any attempt to seek the death penalty against his client could have international implications,… Headlines Newsletter Subscribe now for weekly top news headlines roundup, delivered directly to your inbox. THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING! Something went wrong.
Abia 2027: Hurdles before Otti’s challengers, chances and odds
By Steve Oko As political parties begin positioning ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Abia State, early political calculations appear to favour incumbent governor, Alex… Headlines Newsletter Subscribe now for weekly top news headlines roundup, delivered directly to your inbox. THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING! Something went wrong.
News -- MASSOB hails compliance with Biafra Day sit-at-home
• .Seeks Memorial Prayers for War Victims The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has commended residents across the South-East and other parts of the former Eastern Region for participating in Saturday’s sit-at-home observance marking the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra.
News -- How Gov Alex Otti transformed Abia from Nigeria's dirtiest state to one of cleanest 3 States in 3 yrs
• Says Abia must never return to era of darkness • Otti’s scorecard ‘ll speak in 2027 The General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Hon. Ogbonnia Okereke, in this exclusive interview, speaks on how Governor Alex Otti’s administration transformed Abia from a refuse-ridden state into one of Nigeria’s cleanest in just three years. He also unveils ASEPA’s zero-waste vision, including plans for waste-to-wealth conversion through partnerships with private firms.
News -- Gov Alex Otti says Abia State completed 800km of roads, cut debt by 70% in three years
UMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said his administration has reduced the state’s debt burden by more than 70 per cent while completing over 800 kilometres of roads within three years in office. Speaking at the grand finale of activities marking his third anniversary at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Thursday, Otti said his administration had repositioned the state through infrastructure development, fiscal discipline and people-oriented governance.
Umuahia shuts down as residents observe sit-at-home
UMUAHIA — An unusual calm descended on Umuahia, the Abia State capital, on Saturday as residents largely stayed indoors in observance of Biafra Day, a remembrance event held in honour of those who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War. The usually busy city wore a deserted look, with major roads, markets and commercial centres recording minimal activity throughout the day.
Otti says Abia completed 800km of roads, cut debt by 70% in three years
By Steve Oko UMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said his administration has reduced the state’s debt burden by more than 70 per cent while completing over 800 kilometres of roads… Headlines Newsletter Subscribe now for weekly top news headlines roundup, delivered directly to your inbox. THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING! Something went wrong.
News -- MASSOB declares May 30 Biafra anniversary, sit-at-home
• .Describes 59th Biafra anniversary as historic The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has declared this year’s Biafra anniversary celebration as highly significant to the renewed struggle for self-determination and restoration of Biafra.
Col Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu's restructuring offer re-echoes
Col Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu • as Igbo women, youths, monarchs demand ‘justice’ • Seek release of Nnamdi Kanu 59 years after the declaration of the sovereign state of Biafra, Igbo women, youths, monarchs and other stakeholders have reignited the conversation on the Biafra struggle, arguing that what they described as injustice against the Igbo nation remains largely unaddressed.
News -- Gov Alex Otti of Abia State flags off N1.3bn Ubakala, Ariaria water schemes
• .Targets safe water across Abia Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has flagged off the rehabilitation of the Ubakala Water Scheme in Umuahia South LGA, and the Ariaria Water Scheme in Aba, declaring access to potable water a top priority of his administration. The twin projects, valued at N1.3 billion and supported by humanitarian organisation Mercy Corps, were launched on Sunday at Ubakala as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Otti administration.
Nigeria: OYC to Tinubu - Free Kanu or Risk 2027 Backlash
UMUAHIA — Insists trial unconstitutional, cites Dikko abduction case, demands immediate release The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), the apex sociocultural youth organization of the Igbo race worldwide, has renewed its call for the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that his continued trial and incarceration are unconstitutional. National President of the group, Comrade Igboayaka O.
Nigeria: IPOB Declares May 30 Sit-At-Home to Honour Biafra Heroes
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, has declared May 30, 2026, as Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day, describing it as a sacred day dedicated to reflection, honour, and remembrance of those who lost their lives during the Biafran struggle and in its aftermath.
News -- Gov Alex Otti begins grassroots governance impact assessment tour in Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has launched a state-wide community engagement drive aimed at measuring the real impact of his administration. This is as he has secured early endorsement for a second term in office from the people of Nsulu, Isialangwa North Local Government Area where he kicked off the initiative on Saturday.
Nigeria: 2027 - LP Stronger After Crisis, Ready to Field Presidential Candidate - Otti
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has declared that the Labour Party (LP) has overcome its most turbulent phase, assuring that the party is now united, repositioned, and ready to contest the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Thursday while observing the inaugural meeting of the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) at the party's national headquarters, Otti said the crisis that once threatened the party's existence had been resolved. "The worst is over.
News -- Ex-vigilante commander allegedly kills wife, 2 others in Abia community
Panic, grief and disbelief have gripped Amakama community in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State following a gruesome incident in which a former vigilante commander (name withheld) allegedly unleashed deadly violence that left multiple casualties. The tragic episode, which reportedly unfolded within a short span, has cast a dark shadow over the once-peaceful community, with residents still struggling to comprehend the scale of the horror.
News -- Gov Alex Otti flags off 1,200 FHA homes in Umuahia, hails Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda
UMUAHIA – Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has officially kicked off the construction of 1,200 housing units under the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Renewed Hope Housing Scheme in Umuahia, positioning the state among the first in the country—and the first in the South-East—to key into the initiative.
Nigeria: Otti Flags Off 1,200 Fha Homes in Umuahia, Hails Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda
UMUAHIA - Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has officially kicked off the construction of 1,200 housing units under the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Renewed Hope Housing Scheme in Umuahia, positioning the state among the first in the country--and the first in the South-East--to key into the initiative.
I can’t sell my house by force, Abia widow cries out
•It was left for my children and me by my late husband By Steve Oko Sobbing intermittently, a 63-year-old Abia widow, Mrs. Nkechinyere Ndukwe, narrated her bitter story. It was the painful… Headlines Newsletter Subscribe now for weekly top news headlines roundup, delivered directly to your inbox. THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING! Something went wrong.
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