The Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, on Saturday, August 29, joined his former classmates from Government College Ketu-Epe (GCK), Class of 2001, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their graduation from the college.

The Silver Jubilee Reunion, held at Moonstone Hall, Whitestone Event Center, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos State, was a heartfelt gathering that brought together the GCK Class of 2001, celebrating not just their friendships and shared memories, but also their personal achievements and the lasting values they gained during their school years.

As the Guest Speaker at the event, the Deputy Governor emphasised that the reunion was a homecoming and a tribute to the institution that played a pivotal role in shaping their lives.

Reflecting on his own school days, Emetu shared that returning to the school after 25 years filled him with gratitude, joy, and a wave of nostalgia. He pointed out that no matter the paths they have taken or the successes they have achieved, they all remain proud products of GCK.

He fondly recalled the unique experiences of boarding school life—like the morning bells, study sessions, inspections, hostel chores, and the strong bonds formed among students. He noted that these experiences were crucial in building resilience, discipline, adaptability, and a deep sense of community.

The Deputy Governor also paid heartfelt tribute to the former Principal, Otunba Aybade Obajimi, whom he praised as a visionary leader who recognised that education goes beyond examinations and grades; but about character, discipline, and nurturing individuals.

He highlighted how the former Principal fostered an environment that encouraged excellence, empowered teachers to inspire, and provided students with the chance to realise their full potential.

Emetu also expressed his deep gratitude to the teachers, house masters, and house mistresses, who he described as parental figures away from home, playing a significant role in the growth and development of the students.

“You recognised our potential long before we even saw it ourselves. You stepped in to guide us when we needed correction. You lifted us up during our moments of self-doubt. You pushed us to strive for better versions of ourselves.”

Emetu took a moment to express his gratitude to Mr. Oshinaike for his kindness, fatherly guidance, and unwavering belief in the students. He pointed out that many of the values that continue to shape their lives were instilled by teachers who truly invested in their students.

He seized the opportunity to remind everyone of the vital role teachers play in nurturing future leaders and shaping society.

He noted that while we often celebrate governors, ministers, judges, business leaders, and other high-profile figures, we must never forget the teachers who prepared them for their important roles.

“Without teachers, there can be no leaders, no governors, no deputy governors, and no presidents,” he emphasised.

He encouraged the alumni to give back to the institution that invested so much in them, suggesting that meaningful contributions to its development are the best way to show their appreciation.

According to him, honouring their alma mater goes beyond just attending reunions; it involves supporting infrastructure, creating scholarships, mentoring younger students, and being proud ambassadors of the institution.

Emetu also praised the Planning Committee for their successful organisation of the Silver Jubilee Reunion, acknowledging that it took commitment, sacrifice, vision, patience, and teamwork to pull it off.

He gave special recognition to the Alumni President, Oluwadamilare Shittu, for his leadership and dedication in coordinating the reunion, calling his efforts and those of his team a true testament to service and commitment.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Alumni President, Damilare Shittu, described the Silver Jubilee as a special moment for the GCK Class of 2001 to come together and celebrate their journey. He noted that the reunion was a chance to reconnect, reminisce about their shared experiences, and think about the legacy they can continue to build as a group.

He pointed out that even though everyone has taken different paths in their careers over the past 25 years, the bond they forged during their school days remains as strong as ever.

“The world has changed, but GCK stays the same — the connections we made in our early years still unite us, even as we chase our own dreams and embark on unique journeys.”

The 25th Reunion Anniversary was filled with nostalgia, laughter, and a celebration of the lasting brotherhood among the Class of 2001, with participants from various professional backgrounds reflecting on how their shared experiences transformed them from mere classmates into lifelong friends.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
August 31, 2026.

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has extended warm congratulations to the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and to all the people of Abia State, both at home and abroad, as the state joyfully celebrates its 35th anniversary.

In a heartfelt message marking this significant milestone, the Deputy Governor reflected on the past 35 years of Abia as an incredible journey filled with resilience, innovation, sacrifice, creativity, and the unyielding spirit of its people.

He pointed out that since its establishment on August 27, 1991, Abia has navigated various phases of growth and governance, triumphing over numerous challenges and nurturing citizens whose accomplishments in business, academia, public service, medicine, engineering, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and beyond continue to elevate the state’s reputation.

He noted that this anniversary is not just a time for celebration but also a chance to ponder the duty of the current generation to forge a stronger, more prosperous, and sustainable Abia for future generations.

Engr. Emetu emphasized that the state is now embarking on a new chapter of intentional development, marked by a renewed focus on infrastructure, strengthening institutions, enhancing public service delivery, revitalizing the economy, and prioritizing the welfare of its citizens.

He credited the ongoing transformation to the visionary, disciplined, and results-driven leadership of Governor Alex Otti, highlighting that the administration’s commitment to turning policy goals into real projects and measurable results is steadily reshaping the state’s development path.

The Deputy Governor expressed his thoughts by saying:

“Celebrating thirty-five years in the life of our beloved state is a momentous occasion that deserves recognition. Today, we are not just reflecting on our journey so far; we are looking ahead with fresh confidence and immense pride in the opportunities that lie before us. Thanks to the visionary, disciplined, and purposeful leadership of my principal, Governor Alex Otti, we are turning our governance goals into real actions, always keeping the welfare and prosperity of everyday Abians at the core of our mission.”

Engr. Emetu highlighted that the vision captured in “The Rise of a New Abia” is becoming more evident in the administration’s commitment to revitalizing essential infrastructure, upgrading and equipping public facilities, enhancing healthcare services, bolstering education and human capital development, supporting businesses and investments, and fostering an environment where citizens can thrive.

He emphasized that transforming Abia is a shared responsibility, reminding everyone that the government alone cannot create the state of our dreams. The Deputy Governor urged Abians to come together in unity, peace, responsible citizenship, productivity, and patriotism, while also encouraging those living abroad to invest their knowledge, resources, and expertise back into their home state.

He particularly motivated young Abians to view themselves not just as recipients of the state’s transformation but as active builders of its future, urging them to acquire relevant skills, embrace innovation, and seize emerging opportunities. He also took a moment to commend Abia’s traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youth, professionals, entrepreneurs, artisans, workers, and the organized private sector for their invaluable contributions to the state’s growth and development.

The Deputy Governor urged public servants to stay dedicated to professionalism, integrity, diligence, and service, highlighting that the strength of our institutions is what truly sustains any development we achieve.

Speaking on the spiritual essence of the state’s identity, Engr. Emetu remarked:

“Abia is proudly known as God’s Own State, and our progress is deeply anchored in faith, hard work, and divine guidance. I encourage all Abians to remain steadfast, united, and focused on the tasks ahead. Let’s join forces to create a prosperous, peaceful, and thriving Abia that will shine as a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come.”

He reassured the people of Abia of his unwavering commitment, alongside the Governor, to the shared mission of transforming the state and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

Engr. Emetu prayed for ongoing peace, stability, and prosperity in Abia State, asking God to bestow wisdom, courage, and strength upon the state’s leaders so they can fulfill their duties with humility and dedication.

While acknowledging that Abia has much to celebrate after 35 years, he emphasized that the greatest celebration would be the emergence of a state where every citizen has ample opportunities to live, work, invest, raise a family, and thrive with dignity.

“We honor our past, we cherish the present, but we must be brave enough to forge an even brighter future. The best chapters of Abia’s story are still to come. The journey continues, and together, we will build the Abia of our dreams.”

The Deputy Governor once again congratulated Governor Alex Otti and all the people of Abia State on the 35th anniversary of the state’s creation, wishing everyone a peaceful, joyful, and memorable celebration.

Happy 35th Anniversary, Abia State!

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
Government House, Umuahia
August 27, 2026.

Preparations for the Made-in-Nigeria (Made-in-Aba) Product Expo 2026 have entered full implementation, with the Abia State Government stepping up efforts to showcase the State’s manufacturing strength, entrepreneurial capacity and growing industrial potential to investors and buyers within and outside Nigeria.

The five-day Expo, organised by the Abia State Government in partnership with the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project Office, is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 26, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

The event will be held under the theme, “Showcasing South-East Enterprise, Driving Investment and Accelerating Made-in-Nigeria.”

Speaking on the preparations, the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Michael Enyinnaya Akpara, said the Expo would create an important platform for manufacturers, entrepreneurs, investors, buyers and other stakeholders to establish business connections, access new markets and explore investment opportunities.

According to him, the event will feature a wide range of activities, including product exhibitions, an Investment and Business Forum, business-to-business meetings, MSME clinics, as well as cultural and food showcases.

The Expo is expected to attract exhibitors from Abia State, the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, providing local businesses with an opportunity to display their products before a wider national and international audience.

Akpara also disclosed that the Abia State Product Expo 2026 Planning and Implementation Committee has been inaugurated and is already fully operational.

He added that exhibitor registration is currently open to manufacturers, entrepreneurs and artisans across Abia and the wider South-East, urging businesses and other relevant stakeholders to take advantage of the platform.

The Commissioner called on manufacturers, artisans, entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, development partners and international buyers to participate actively in the Expo, describing it as an opportunity to build partnerships, expand markets and unlock new business opportunities.

Abia Promises Massive Publicity

Also speaking during the engagement, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Okey Kanu, assured organisers and participants that his Ministry would deploy its publicity machinery to give the Expo extensive visibility.

Kanu stressed that the publicity campaign would be broad and aggressive enough to attract substantial participation, investment and business opportunities to Abia.

He said the publicity would “reach the ends of the earth,” underscoring the State Government’s determination to place the Made-in-Aba brand before a global audience.

The renewed push for the Expo comes as Abia continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Nigeria’s major hubs for small and medium-scale manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

Beyond product exhibition, the 2026 Expo is expected to help businesses improve market access, visibility, investment connections and business-to-business relationships, while further promoting Made-in-Aba as a brand associated with originality, craftsmanship, creativity and quality.

With manufacturers and entrepreneurs expected from across the country, the event could provide a significant platform for Abia businesses to move beyond traditional markets and connect with new customers, investors and strategic partners.

The engagement was attended by Mr. Green Amakwe, Special Adviser on PPP; Mr. George Nwabueze, National Coordinator; and Nwosu Chinyere, Abia State Coordinator of the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project.

As preparations gather momentum, all eyes will be on Umuahia in September as Abia seeks to turn the Made-in-Aba brand into an even stronger vehicle for enterprise development, investment attraction and economic growth.

Amnesty International has vowed to make Senator Francis Fadahunsi a test case in its campaign against political incitement and inflammatory statements ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

The organisation’s Country Director in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said on Thursday that Amnesty International would pursue accountability over alleged comments attributed to the senator and ensure that the matter attracts international attention.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Sanusi reacted to a viral video allegedly showing Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, making remarks interpreted as a call for violence against supporters of the Accord Party.

“We are going to use him as an example,” Sanusi declared, arguing that politicians must no longer be allowed to make statements capable of triggering violence without facing consequences.

He described the alleged statement as particularly serious because, according to him, the senator was captured on record making words interpreted as an instruction to “kill them wherever you find them.”

Fadahunsi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has come under intense criticism following the circulation of the video.

The Osun State Police Command had summoned the senator over the controversy and questioned him for about two hours on Wednesday.

Sanusi said Amnesty International views advocacy of hatred and incitement to violence as serious matters that demand an urgent response from the authorities.

He maintained that the organisation would not relent in its efforts to challenge impunity among political actors, particularly during elections when inflammatory rhetoric can escalate tensions.

“I believe that that person does not deserve any peace again, because advocacy of hatred is a crime under international law as well as Nigerian laws,” Sanusi said.

Amnesty International Nigeria had earlier called on authorities to hold Fadahunsi accountable, accusing him of allegedly instructing supporters to kill members of the Accord Party during a campaign ahead of the August 15 election.

The organisation warned that statements advocating violence, whether delivered publicly, online or during political campaigns, could endanger lives and threaten the peaceful conduct of the electoral process.

The controversy has further heightened concerns surrounding Saturday’s election, with stakeholders warning against hate speech, intimidation, vote-buying and other activities capable of undermining a peaceful democratic exercise.

For Amnesty International, the Fadahunsi case could become a defining warning to politicians: electoral ambition, the organisation insists, must never become a licence for incitement or violence.

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has commended Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for creating a peaceful and conducive environment for corps members serving across the state.

Brigadier General Nafiu gave the commendation on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when he led a delegation of the NYSC management on a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at his office.

The NYSC boss disclosed that 8,890 corps members are currently serving in Abia State, comprising 5,083 females and 3,805 males.

According to him, the higher number of female corps members serving in the state is a significant indicator of the prevailing peace and security in Abia.

“To us in NYSC, especially at the management level, any State where you find more female corps members than male, it speaks to something, and that is that there is peace,” Brigadier-General Nafiu stated.

He explained that the NYSC does not deploy corps members to areas considered unsafe, stressing that corps members have been deployed to all 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State.

The DG noted that this is unlike some states where security concerns have made it impossible for the NYSC to deploy corps members to certain locations.

NYSC Camp Renovation Gets Fresh Boost

Brigadier General Nafiu also applauded the Otti administration for the ongoing renovation of the NYSC Orientation Camp at Umunna, Bende Local Government Area.

He specifically commended the renovation of the hostels and multipurpose hall, as well as the installation of solar-powered streetlights, describing the interventions as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare and experience of corps members serving in the state.

He equally appreciated Governor Otti for the upward review of the state allowance for corps members, noting that the decision has generated considerable excitement among corps members.

The NYSC DG expressed optimism that the second phase of the camp’s renovation would commence soon and be executed to the same standard as the first phase.

Abia Attracting More Medical Corps Members

Brigadier General Nafiu further highlighted Abia’s growing appeal as a destination for medical corps members.

He disclosed that the state currently has 53 doctors, 53 pharmacists and 117 nurses, alongside other medical personnel serving under the NYSC scheme.

He said the willingness of medical professionals to serve in Abia is another indication that the state is increasingly being regarded as a safe and conducive environment for national service.

Otti Approves Second Phase of NYSC Camp Renovation

Responding to the NYSC delegation, Governor Otti directed the immediate commencement of the second phase of renovation and infrastructural interventions at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Umunna.

The Governor said his administration had already completed substantial work under the first phase and had approved the next phase of the project.

“And I’m glad with the progress that we have made, though we are not there yet. So, work will start very soon. I already have approved it,” Governor Otti stated.

Governor Otti also expressed satisfaction with the number of healthcare professionals currently serving in Abia through the NYSC programme, noting that their presence could help address some of the manpower gaps in the state’s healthcare system.

He disclosed that his administration had revitalised about 200 primary healthcare centres, while another 77 were renovated through World Bank support. According to him, 151 of the facilities had been functionalised as of Monday, with another 49 ready to commence operations.

The Governor explained that his administration had sought to recruit 861 healthcare professionals but received only 605 successful applicants, leaving a significant manpower gap.

He said the availability of NYSC doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare professionals could provide temporary support while the state works to bridge the gap through permanent recruitment.

“So, with this number of NYSC healthcare professionals, we may not be looking for that number, but of course, it’s short term, because after a year they will leave. But at least they will fill the gap,” Otti said.

Governor Otti consequently appealed to the NYSC management to consider deploying more healthcare professionals to Abia in subsequent batches, stressing that healthcare remains a major priority of his administration.

He assured the NYSC leadership of the state government’s continued cooperation and support.

The visit further underscored the growing partnership between the Abia State Government and the NYSC, particularly in the areas of youth development, healthcare delivery, infrastructure and the welfare of corps members serving in the state.

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has launched the Coastal Highway Guards, a 40-member security and monitoring team tasked with protecting the newly developed coastal highway and other government infrastructure along the route.

The initiative is aimed at preventing activities that could undermine the safety, functionality and long-term sustainability of the highway.

The team, led by retired General Adekunle Shodunke, will monitor the highway and respond to activities including vandalism, hawking, loitering and the unauthorised use of tricycles (keke) and motorcycles (okada) along designated sections of the road.

The guards are also expected to work closely with relevant security agencies to strengthen surveillance and ensure that government infrastructure is adequately protected.

The creation of the Coastal Highway Guards comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to develop and safeguard the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, one of Nigeria’s major ongoing transport infrastructure projects.

Beyond protecting the physical road infrastructure, the new monitoring structure is expected to help maintain orderly use of the highway, discourage activities that could compromise road safety and ensure that the investment in the project is preserved.

With the initial deployment of 40 officers, the Federal Government appears to be adopting a dedicated monitoring approach rather than relying solely on conventional security agencies to protect the highway.

The effectiveness of the initiative, however, will depend on sustained coordination between the guards, the police, other security agencies, road management authorities and affected communities along the coastal corridor.

If properly implemented, the Coastal Highway Guards could become an important component of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to protect critical infrastructure and ensure that the coastal highway delivers its intended economic and transportation benefits to Nigerians.