UMUAHIA — Abia State is set to take a major step in environmental conservation and eco-tourism following Governor Alex Otti’s approval for the establishment of what is being proposed as the first National Park in the South-East.

Governor Otti gave the approval on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, when he received a delegation from the National Park Service, led by the Chairman of its Governing Council, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, at his office.

The Governor assured the delegation that the Abia State Government would give the initiative its full backing, describing the proposal as timely and consistent with the need to protect the state’s natural resources.

Interestingly, Governor Otti disclosed that he had earlier approved a request from the Commissioner for Environment for the tracing and identification of forest reserves across Abia State.

According to him, the state has 19 forest reserves, with 18 currently available for consideration. He said this provides an opportunity to develop conservation areas across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.

“Coincidences just keep happening. Earlier this morning, I approved a request from the Honourable Commissioner for Environment for the tracing of forest reserves. Clearly, there is somewhere to start from,” Otti said.

Otti Directs Environment Ministry to Begin Work

To accelerate the initiative, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Environment to work closely with the National Park Service and relevant experts to identify the most suitable location for the proposed National Park.

He also announced plans to constitute a dedicated team, led by the Commissioner for Environment and involving climate-change and environmental experts, to guide the state through the process.

Emphasising the importance of conservation, Otti said technological advancement could never eliminate humanity’s dependence on nature.

“Nature is something you cannot do away with. Sometimes, when you think you have overcome nature through technology, nature will still rise. That is why conservation is very important.”

The Governor also congratulated ACG Ugochukwu Michael on his elevation to the rank of Assistant Conservator-General and thanked the National Park Service for bringing the initiative to the state.

National Park Could Transform South-East Conservation

Earlier, Dr. Ononogbu said the delegation’s visit was partly to remind Governor Otti of his previous commitment to establishing a National Park in Abia.

He described the absence of a National Park in the South-East as a major gap that needs to be addressed.

“The South-East has zero in having a national park. This is a glaring omission that must be corrected, and Abia State, under your leadership, is best positioned to pioneer this change,” Ononogbu said.

The Governing Council chairman argued that the proposed park would go beyond environmental conservation, potentially creating new economic and employment opportunities for Abia and the wider South-East.

Among the anticipated benefits are job creation, increased internally generated revenue, tourism development, investment attraction, improved environmental protection, enhanced security and potential reduction in crime.

Abia Asked to Identify Suitable Forest Reserve

The National Park Service requested that the Abia Government identify an appropriate forest or game reserve that could be upgraded to National Park status.

It also urged the state to constitute a committee to work with the Service and relevant experts and subsequently forward a formal proposal to the Minister of Environment or the Conservator-General of the National Park Service.

If successfully established, the proposed National Park could become a significant environmental, tourism and economic asset for Abia, while giving the South-East its first major federal conservation destination.

For Abia, the initiative could also complement the state’s broader efforts to preserve its natural heritage while opening new opportunities in eco-tourism, hospitality, employment, investment and sustainable development.

The passage of the Abia State Real Estate, Landlords and Tenancy Bill by the Abia State House of Assembly marks a major milestone in the state’s efforts to reform property relations and create a fairer housing system for landlords, tenants, and estate agents.

One of the co-sponsors of the bill described its passage as a transformative moment that will bring order, transparency, and justice to property transactions across Abia State. The legislation, which now awaits the assent of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, is expected to take effect immediately after being signed into law.

According to the lawmaker, the bill is the product of an extensive legislative process that included public hearings where landlords, tenants, estate agents, and other stakeholders contributed to shaping its final provisions.

A major highlight of the legislation is the establishment of the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Agency, which will regulate property transactions, oversee compliance with tenancy laws, register estate agents, and ensure that disputes are handled within the framework of the law.

The new bill introduces clear limits on rent advance payments to protect tenants from excessive financial demands.

Under the proposed law:

• Sitting tenants cannot be required to pay more than six months’ rent in advance.
• New tenants cannot be asked to pay more than one year’s rent in advance.

Any landlord who violates these provisions risks prosecution.

To curb exploitation in the real estate sector, estate agents will no longer be permitted to charge more than five percent of the annual rent as agency fees.

Agents who collect more than the approved rate will not only be fined but will also be required to refund any excess amount collected from tenants.

The legislation significantly strengthens tenants’ rights by making illegal eviction a punishable offence.

Landlords will no longer be permitted to demolish, alter, or damage buildings to force tenants out without following due legal process. Likewise, intimidation, harassment, threats, or destruction of tenants’ property now attract criminal sanctions.

Tenants can only be evicted through valid court orders.

The bill also provides that warrants for possession remain valid for three months and may only be renewed up to three times. In addition, no eviction warrant can be executed on Sundays or public holidays.

The legislation prescribes penalties for several offences.

Landlords who demand rent beyond the approved limits face a fine of ₦100,000, three months imprisonment, or both.

Failure to issue rent receipts also attracts a ₦100,000 fine, one month imprisonment, or both.

Illegal eviction, harassment, demolition of occupied property, or damage to tenants’ belongings carries a penalty of ₦250,000, six months imprisonment, or both.

Individuals who obstruct court orders or unlawfully retake possession of property after judicial decisions face similar penalties.

The bill makes registration compulsory for all estate agents operating in Abia State.

Anyone acting as an unregistered agent faces a ₦50,000 fine, three months imprisonment, or both.

All property transactions must also be recorded in the state’s Property Registry. Transactions that are not registered may attract a ₦250,000 fine or six months imprisonment and will not be recognized by courts in Abia State.

The legislation introduces severe penalties for financial misconduct involving escrow or trust accounts.

Anyone found diverting or misappropriating such funds faces up to five years imprisonment or a minimum fine of ₦500,000, or both.

Administrative violations such as late permit renewals or failure to display property identification numbers will attract regulatory fines imposed by the Authority rather than criminal prosecution.

The lawmaker emphasized that the House of Assembly remains committed to ensuring effective implementation of the legislation once it receives the Governor’s assent.

According to him, the Assembly will monitor the establishment and operations of the Regulatory Agency through its oversight responsibilities to ensure the law is implemented fairly and that the rights of landlords, tenants, and estate professionals are adequately protected.

He noted that the legislation balances the rights and responsibilities of all parties by protecting landlords’ investments while safeguarding tenants from exploitation and illegal eviction.

The lawmaker described the passage of the bill as a victory for every Abian, saying it demonstrates the commitment of the Abia State House of Assembly to promoting justice, accountability, and order in the state’s housing sector.

If signed into law by Governor Alex Chioma Otti, the legislation is expected to usher in a new era of regulated property transactions and significantly improve landlord-tenant relationships across Abia State.

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has charged the new leadership of the Ohafia Improvement Union (OIU) Youth Wing and youth leaders from across Ohafia Clan to put the collective interest of Ohafia above personal interests and work together to advance the development of the area.

Emetu gave the charge on Saturday when he received the leadership of the OIU Youth Wing and Ohafia Community Youth Leaders at his residence in Amaekpu, Ohafia.

The meeting was convened to felicitate the newly elected leadership of the OIU Youth Wing and provide an opportunity for greater collaboration among the various youth leadership structures in Ohafia.

Emetu urged the leaders to recognise that their positions are a responsibility and a call to service, rather than an avenue for personal advantage.

He specifically charged them to protect the integrity, dignity and interests of the Ohafia people, irrespective of community affiliations, and to demonstrate maturity, fairness and selflessness in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Deputy Governor said stronger collaboration among the youth leaders would be critical to promoting peace, security, unity and development across Ohafia.

Responding, the National President of the OIU Youth Wing, Chief Ukariwe Godwin, and the Home Branch President, Hon. Ume Kalu, who spoke on behalf of the youth leaders, thanked the Deputy Governor for the warm reception and for his continued support and affection for Ohafia sons and daughters across the various communities.

They pledged to work hand in hand with the community youth leaders to promote peace, strengthen unity and build a safer and more prosperous Ohafia for all.

The engagement underscored the importance of a united youth leadership in driving positive change and ensuring that the collective aspirations of the Ohafia people remain at the centre of community development.

The meeting was attended by the executive members of the Ohafia Improvement Union Youth Wing, as well as youth leaders from the various communities across Ohafia Clan.

Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its air power have received a major boost following the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) aircraft acquired for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

The milestone was recorded at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy, where a joint delegation of the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence conducted the acceptance exercise between June 29 and July 9, 2026.

The development was disclosed on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

According to the NAF, the successful completion of the exercise means the three aircraft have fulfilled all contractual, technical and airworthiness requirements and have been formally certified for delivery to Nigeria.

The aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, underwent comprehensive inspections by representatives of the Nigerian Air Force, Ministry of Defence and Leonardo Aircraft Division before receiving clearance for delivery.

The three platforms are expected to be inducted into the NAF’s growing inventory of modern combat aircraft as Nigeria continues to invest in advanced platforms to address evolving security challenges.

M-346 to boost combat readiness

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as a strategic move to further strengthen the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force.

Aneke said the M-346’s combination of advanced pilot-training capabilities and frontline combat functions would enhance the Air Force’s ability to produce highly trained and combat-ready aircrew.

He added that the aircraft would expand the NAF’s capacity to conduct missions including precision strikes, close air support, air interdiction and other combat operations.

The development is particularly significant as the Nigerian military continues to confront complex security threats requiring increased air support and rapid-response capabilities.

Focus shifts to training and long-term support

Beyond the aircraft acceptance process, the Nigerian delegation engaged Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot training, maintenance training, logistics support and the long-term sustainment of the M-346 fleet.

The team also inspected Leonardo’s Full Mission Simulator, virtual reality-enabled training systems and other ground-based facilities designed to prepare pilots and technical personnel for the effective operation and maintenance of the aircraft.

The NAF said the investment in training and technical support would help strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous capacity, improve operational self-sufficiency and sustain the fleet’s mission readiness over the long term.

Another step in NAF fleet modernisation

The successful Factory Acceptance Test represents another milestone in the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme.

The development also aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in synergy with ground forces.

The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, has continued to prioritise the acquisition of modern defence platforms as part of efforts to improve the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

With the first three M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft now cleared for delivery, attention will shift to their arrival in Nigeria and subsequent induction into the NAF.

The programme is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s aerial combat and training capabilities while contributing to the country’s broader objective of developing a modern, technologically advanced and sustainable defence force.

In one of the most significant military reforms in recent years, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major expansion of the Nigerian Army, increasing its operational structure from eight to twelve divisions while authorising the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.

The sweeping reform is aimed at improving the military’s operational efficiency, enhancing border protection, decentralising command, and ensuring faster responses to emerging security threats across Nigeria.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who described the move as a strategic step towards modernising Nigeria’s defence architecture.

As part of the restructuring, the Federal Government has approved the establishment of four new divisional headquarters in:

• Makurdi (Benue State)
• Ilorin (Kwara State)
• Jalingo (Taraba State)
• Benin City (Edo State)

The additional divisions are expected to decentralise military operations, allowing commanders to make quicker operational decisions while improving coordination in the fight against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other security challenges.

Under the new arrangement, the Nigerian Army will be organised as follows:

• 1 Division – Kaduna: Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States.
• 2 Division – Ibadan: Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States.
• 3 Division – Jos: Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States.
• 5 Division – Makurdi: Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States.
• 6 Division – Port Harcourt: Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
• 7 Division – Maiduguri: Borno and Yobe States.
• 8 Division – Sokoto: Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States.
• 9 Division – Ilorin: Kwara and Niger States.
• 10 Division – Jalingo: Taraba and Adamawa States.
• 81 Division – Lagos: Lagos and Ogun States.
• 82 Division – Enugu: Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
• 83 Division – Benin City: Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.

The reorganisation is expected to improve military coverage across the country’s six geopolitical zones while ensuring every operational area receives more focused attention.

To support the expanded structure, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 28,000 new military personnel.

The large-scale recruitment exercise forms part of a broader investment in Nigeria’s armed forces, which also includes the acquisition of modern military equipment, improved troop welfare, enhanced operational readiness, and continuous force modernisation.

The Federal Government believes the additional manpower will strengthen ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, oil theft, kidnapping, and other criminal activities threatening national security.

According to the Presidency, the implementation will take place in two phases.

The first phase, expected to be completed by September 2026, will establish the 5th, 9th and 10th Divisions while reorganising existing formations.

The second phase, scheduled for completion by December 2026, will see the creation of the 83rd Division in Benin City alongside further restructuring of military formations nationwide.

President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, for their professionalism and dedication in defending the nation.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s Armed Forces remain well-equipped, adequately funded, highly motivated, and fully prepared to tackle evolving security threats across the country.

The expansion represents one of the most ambitious military restructuring efforts in recent history. By increasing the number of divisions, recruiting thousands of new personnel, and strengthening operational capabilities, the Federal Government aims to build a more agile, responsive, and modern Nigerian Army capable of addressing the country’s increasingly complex security challenges.

If successfully implemented, the reforms could significantly enhance internal security, improve border surveillance, and reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s defence institutions.

Abia State is charting a new path of development, renewal, and transformation under the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR. Unfolding developments in health, industry, and the environment point to an ambitious and forward-thinking agenda that continues to yield tangible dividends to citizens.

This was made known by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu in Umuahia the state capital. He highlighted the progress made so far in revitalizing various sectors of the economy.

*Healthcare Transformation on Track*

Abia Social Health Insurance Scheme has crossed a landmark in its existence, having surpassed its 2025 enrolment target of 100,000 beneficiaries. The scheme has enrolled over 103,000 citizens as of August 17, with the enrolment of the informal sector set to start this week—extending quality healthcare to even more families.

The state’s flagship Project Ekwueme is revolutionizing the provision of primary healthcare. 121 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been completed so far. 17 of them are already fully operational, 33 are being equipped in phases, with the remaining to be completed in phases. The current phase is scheduled to be concluded on October 31, 2025. This has already restored public confidence in Abia’s health system, with ABSUTH bed occupancy rising from 50% in August 2024 to 100% as of March 2025.

In a bid to institutionalize reforms, the Ministry of Health created two new departments—the Abia Drug and Medical Commodities Management Agency and the Department of Nutrition—in tandem with federal moves to harmonize health systems. The State Executive Council also endorsed the Abia State Health, Safety and Environment Policy, a proactive step to safeguard the well-being of civil servants.

*Economic Revitalisation Through Industrial Revival*

Economically, Abia is resuscitating its dead industries. The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has finally approved the sale of the moribund Star Paper Mill to the state government. Arrangements are underway to resuscitate the facility, in addition to similar efforts to bring Afro Beverages, Aba Textile Mills, International Equitable Association, and Ken Biscuits back to life. These projects will create thousands of jobs and expand the revenue base of the state.

*Environmental Renewal: Keeping Abia Clean*

The Ministry of Environment has commenced a house-to-house sanitary inspection in all the 17 LGAs under the Keeping Abia State Clean Initiative. Defaulters would be prosecuted based on state environmental laws, rendering the environment cleaner and healthier for the people.

Abia State’s steady progress is a testimony to the resilience of its people and the transformational vision of Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration. With every new milestone, the state draws closer to a future marked by prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development.