The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has praised the church for its continuous prayers and support for his administration.

The Governor made this statement during a visit from the Aba Provincial Joint Council of Knights of the Anglican Communion at Government House, Umuahia. He was represented by his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu.

The Governor expressed gratitude to the church for recognizing his administration’s efforts in the state, and pointed out that good governance plays a crucial role in lightening the burdens faced by society.

“We are pleased to see that you acknowledge the progress taking place in Abia State through the renewed Abia vision. This administration is committed to ensuring our people receive the premium they deserve. That’s why we focus on creating job opportunities for our youth, reducing unrest, and building a supportive environment for businesses. The improvements in security, infrastructure, healthcare, and education are all part of a larger goal to restore the dignity and pride of the people of Abia”, Governor Otti noted.

He emphasized that state development is not just the job of the government; it requires everyone in the state to work together.

“As I have often said, we cannot rely solely on the government to drive the progress of our state. It takes a united effort from all of us: the church, religious bodies, businesses, the media, and every caring Abian. Your presence today highlights the essential role that churches and religious institutions play in shaping our moral values and aiding the social growth of our community. Abia is God’s Own State, and we are determined to make that a reality in governance, in service delivery, and in the everyday lives of our citizens,” the Governor stated.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Apostle K.C. Wiper, praised the long-standing relationship between the Anglican Church and the current administration. He highlighted the Church’s active role in supporting Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, before and during the general 2023 elections and encouraged them to keep the administration in their prayers.

In his address, the President of Presidents, Aba Provincial Joint Council of Knights, Sir Dr. Collins Ugo Obi, said the purpose of the visit was to officially meet with Governor Otti’s administration and to show their brotherly support.

He commended the Governor for the significant progress his government has made in such a short time, restoring the dignity of governance, improving infrastructure, and rekindling hope for the people of Abia.

“Your Excellency, we are proud of the courage, transparency, and renewed hope in our people and the faith in leadership you have inspired. We have watched with admiration as the spirit of the late Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe seems to be reflected in your leadership. The legacy of purposeful governance is alive again in Abia under your leadership,” Sir Obi said.

The Aba Provincial Joint Council of Knights of the Anglican Communion prayed that God would continue to grant the Governor, his Deputy, and all government appointees wisdom, strength, and good health so that the work of renewal and transformation can continue to grow for the glory of God and the benefit of future generations.

The Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Apostle K.C. Wiper, the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Pilgrims Board, Mrs. Chinweoke Mike-Iheadindu, and other top government officials were present during the visit.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, KSJI
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
Government House, Umuahia
3rd September, 2025.

The Abia State Government has officially inaugurated a 23-member planning committee for the second edition of the Abia International Trade Fair, with a strong mandate to deliver an event that surpasses the inaugural edition in scope, quality, and impact.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Hall, Government House, Umuahia, was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, who also serves as Chairman of the Trade Fair Committee.

While addressing the newly inaugurated members, Engr. Emetu emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from the experiences and challenges of the previous edition.

He urged the committee to bring innovation, dedication, and excellence to the planning and execution of this year’s event.

He congratulated the members and encouraged them to take the assignment seriously, highlighting the significance of the trade fair to Abia’s economy and business community.

“We are expecting increased participation from industrialists, investors, and entrepreneurs who will showcase their products and services. We must be open to new ideas and ensure our preparations reflect the true spirit of Abia,” Emetu stated.

He also announced that all financial transactions related to the trade fair will now be centralized under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce to promote transparency and accountability.

The ministry will manage the event’s accounts, with the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce serving as Secretary of the Committee. The Vice Presidents of the Aba and Umuahia Chambers of Commerce will serve as Co-Vice Chairmen.

The Deputy Governor called for enhanced collaboration with traditional media and social media influencers to ensure widespread publicity.

He stressed the importance of grassroots mobilization through local government Mayor’s and community leaders.

“The orientation agency has its work cut out. We must work closely with radio stations and also harness the power of social media to drive awareness,” he added.

Engr. Emetu further advised the committee to immediately fix and announce a date for the fair, so it can be officially included in the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA)’s event calendar. This, he said, would facilitate proper scheduling, sponsorship drives, and formal engagement with corporate participants.

In their remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce, and Industry, Mr. Nwaka Inem, and his Investment Promotion counterpart, Chief Greene Amankwe, expressed optimism that the 2025 edition of the trade fair would be more impactful than the last.

They emphasized that while trade fairs should be government-driven, their success depends on close collaboration with the Chambers of Commerce, which possess a rich database of businesses operating within the state.

Also speaking, the President of the Aba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Geoffrey Uzoagbara, expressed his gratitude to the state government for the opportunity to participate in the planning process. He described the initiative as laudable, noting that organizing trade fairs traditionally falls within the responsibilities of the Chamber of Commerce.

The second Abia International Trade Fair is expected to attract both local and international stakeholders across various sectors and further position the state as a hub for commerce, investment, and innovation in Nigeria.

The Obicare Charity Foundation is once again shining a light on good governance by distributing palliatives in Abia North, continuing its mission to support those in need.

In a heartfelt effort to uplift the less privileged, the foundation brought joy to over 400 widows and vulnerable persons in the Abia North Senatorial District. This humanitarian outreach, a staple of the foundation’s work, took place Saturday 30th August at the home of Elder Engr. Obinna Odum, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, located in Ugwu Abba, Asaga, within the Ohafia Local Government Area.

The event drew a large crowd, with beneficiaries from Arochukwu, Ohafia, Bende, and Isiukwuato Local Government Areas receiving a variety of essential items. Umunneochi LGA will be captured in the next phase of the program in the coming months. The beneficiaries were given 5kg bags of rice, cartons of noodles, vegetable oil, condiments, wrappers, and even cash gifts. The atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude as recipients expressed their heartfelt thanks to the foundation for its unwavering dedication to their well-being.

During the event, Elder Engr. Obinna Odum highlighted that this initiative is not just about showing compassion to widows and vulnerable individuals; it’s also a celebration of the good governance being fostered in Abia State under Governor Alex Chioma Otti. He pointed out that the Governor’s focus on people-oriented policies and transparent leadership has reignited hope among the citizens, making it easier for organizations like Obicare to play a vital role in improving lives at the grassroots level.

Elder Odum reiterated the foundation’s commitment to making this outreach a regular program, encouraging beneficiaries to stay hopeful and prayerful. He assured them that the Obicare Charity Foundation will continue to be a steadfast support for those in need across Abia North and beyond.

The event also saw the presence of community leaders, youth groups, women’s organizations, and other stakeholders, all of whom praised the Obicare Charity Foundation for its consistent efforts in promoting humanitarian causes.

You could see the joy shining on the faces of those benefiting from the outreach, which truly highlighted Obicare’s mission to spread love, hope, and empowerment. It also reinforced the idea that when good governance is celebrated and supported, it can lead to a positive impact in our communities.

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The Deputy Governor of Abia State has commended the Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Abia State Chapter for their clear vision, commitment to peaceful conduct, and proactive involvement in the process of state building.

Emetu gave the commendation during a courtesy visit made by the leadership of the Christian Youth Organization to his office at Government House, Umuahia on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

The Deputy Governor highlighted the current administration’s focus on youth empowerment, pointing to initiatives like the training of over 1,000 youths at CSS Farm in Nasarawa and giving start-ups to the beneficiaries, the ongoing Abia State Leadership Academy Boot Camp which aims to train 1,000 Abia Youths aged between 16-20 years, with the pioneer batch of 250 young individuals undergoing leadership skills training, which serves as a clear demonstration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti-led government’s dedication to preparing and empowering the next generation of leaders.

He called on them to remain steadfast in their support to the current administration while assuring governments continued provision of people oriented projects with the limited available resources.

“I urge you to continue to collaborate with the government under the leadership of Dr. Alex Otti, OFR. This administration is committed to reforms implementation and creation of more opportunities for the youth in Abia State. We don’t blow our trumpets, but we try as much as possible to do the best we can with the limited resources available to us. Under a space of two years, we paid off over 60% of inherited debts from the previous administration without borrowing.

“The Governor’s vision is to transform the state into a benchmark for inclusive governance, ensuring that youths, women, and all stakeholders are actively involved in the development process”, Emetu stated.

Earlier in his address, the Immediate Past Chairman of the Abia State chapter of YOWICAN, Apostle Ogbuka Uche Ph.D., congratulated Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu for the two years of transformation in all sectors of the state.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that your administration has proved beyond any reasonable doubt that there is a fresh air in Abia State. From the feeders we have received from the grassroots in our various churches, platforms and communities, from Teachers, Pensioners, Civil Servants, it seems that the administration of Governor Alex Otti has changed the several and wasted years of maladministration that has characterized the previous experiences that we have witnessed in the State”, Dr. Uche said.

He described the Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria as “the foremost ecumenical youth organization in Nigeria that interface between the government, the church and the communities on matters of faith and how best to employ religion to the betterment of the society “.

He called for a partnership with the government to enhance its civic education and voter sensitization campaigns throughout Abia communities as well as the provision of a bus
to aid in grassroots mobilization efforts, particularly in preparation for upcoming continuous voter registration exercises. He emphasized that such initiatives are crucial for combating voter apathy and maintaining the progress in good governance that has been observed under Governor Otti’s administration.

The visit saw the presentation of the newly elected Executive Members of the organization to the Deputy Governor.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, KSJI
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
August 19, 2025.

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has decorated two Police Officers attached to his office who were recently promoted in recognition of their hard work and commitment to duty.

The decoration ceremony, held at the Deputy Governor’s Office, Government House, Umuahia, was a moment of honour and appreciation for the officers who have distinguished themselves through dedication, discipline, and professionalism.

The newly promoted police personnel are: Bassey John, a native of Uruan LGA of Akwa Ibom State, who was promoted from Inspector of Police to Assistant Superintendent of Police, and Chukwuma Desmond who hails from Bende LGA of Abia State was promoted from Police Corporal to Police Sergeant.

Deputy Governor Emetu congratulated the officers on their well-deserved promotions and commended them for their steadfastness in the discharge of their responsibilities. He admonished them to be of good conduct and to continue to uphold integrity , discipline and high standards in their duties.

“Let me congratulate you for the new heights and extra feathers added to your wings. I associate with progress, growth and development. You don’t need to relax on your oars, but always remember the oath you swore; to protect lives and property of the citizenry.

Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, ASP Bassey John described Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, as a security conscious governor, one who puts security of lives and property first in everything he does, and pledged to redouble their efforts in serving the Office of the Deputy Governor, the people of Abia State and Nigeria at large.

The event was witnessed by the Chief Security Officer, Government House, Umuahia, CSP Ken Nwosu, represented by DSP Joshua Chukwuma, Administration Officer (Security), Government House, Umuahia, as well as appointees of the Deputy Governor.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, KSJI
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
Government House, Umuahia
August 05, 2025.

I live in Nigeria—physically. But mentally, I no longer live here.

My body walks these roads. I breathe the air, endure the blackouts, hear the noise, and feel the tension in every overcrowded market and traffic jam. But my mind? It has relocated to a saner future. Not out of arrogance—but for survival. Because if I allowed my entire being to be absorbed into this present reality, I would either go mad or conform to the madness.

Nigeria is not a country that rewards deep thinking. It is a place built for hustling. For scrambling. For grabbing. And in a culture where urgency is king, depth dies a quiet death.

Let’s be clear: the problem is not just the economy. It is the culture that the economy has birthed and sustained. A culture where the goal is not to build a better world but to collect whatever crumbs one can before the next person does. We don’t work to change systems—we work to extract from them. That’s why real vision is rare. That’s why long-term thinking is almost extinct. Because you can’t go deep when you’re barely staying afloat.

Who, in this daily chaos, has time to think about a 10-year investment? A generation-long project? A purpose bigger than personal escape? It’s almost unthinkable. Not because we’re lazy or dull—but because the human brain, when trapped in survival mode, simply cannot think long-term. It becomes wired for the next bill, the next job, the next fuel price. Vision collapses into urgency. Legacy gives way to luck.

And so, hustling becomes culture. Hustling, by design, is short-term. You don’t plant trees when you need firewood tonight. You don’t invest in education when you need lunch. The average Nigerian isn’t dreaming of changing the world—they’re dreaming of escaping it. Morality bends, patience snaps, and shortcuts become instinct. Because in this culture, survival is success—and strategy is often seen as a waste of time.

But culture did not fall from the sky. It was shaped over decades—by leaders who rewarded loyalty over merit by institutions that punished integrity and glorified fraud by a society that slowly came to believe that ends always justify means. And now, even the best minds are cornered. Forced to either flee, fake it, or fall in line.

Think of dogs. There are intelligent breeds, aggressive ones, loyal ones. But even the smartest dog, placed in the wrong environment—where discipline is punished and corruption is rewarded—will underperform or turn wild. So, too, with people. Our problem isn’t a lack of intelligence. It’s a cultural starvation of discipline. We have not been trained to delay gratification, to drill deep, or to endure the long drought before the harvest.

Even the talented suffocate. Imagine if our best footballers had been forced to stay in Nigeria. Would they have become stars? Or would they still be dribbling on dusty streets, hoping someone “connects” them? Without structure, even brilliance decays.

And in this decay, shortcuts take over. From padded contracts to fake certificates, from ritual brotherhoods to quiet bribery, the logic is the same: the system won’t reward honesty, so bend it before it breaks you. And when those who bend the system are the ones we celebrate, what reason does anyone have to build anything that lasts?

We often say Nigeria’s economy is broken. But a broken economy can be fixed with policy. A broken culture, however, takes generations to rebuild. Because culture is upstream of everything—upstream of laws, institutions, even leadership. And until our culture changes, no reform will last. Because policy without value is just paperwork.

We must be honest: this country is not designed for deep thinking. Not yet. And until we make it so—not just on paper, but in practice—we will keep raising brilliant minds trapped in shallow waters. We will keep producing hustlers who run fast but go nowhere.

If we want to break this cycle, we must stop romanticizing the hustle. We must start rewarding patience, honoring discipline, and building structures that outlive us. Because the future will not be built by those who merely grab—it will be built by those who dig. And right now, we’re not digging. We’re scrambling.

In a dramatic shake-up, Governor Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday dissolved the entire State Executive Council, effectively sacking all commissioners and his Chief of Staff.

The announcement, which came shortly after the conclusion of the 12th State Executive Council meeting of 2025, was made public through a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula.

According to the statement, Governor Alia directed all outgoing commissioners to immediately hand over the affairs of their ministries to their respective permanent secretaries.

The move brings an abrupt end to the tenure of officials who have worked alongside the governor for the past two years.

While thanking the former commissioners for their service, Alia urged those who may not be reappointed to remain loyal to the party, noting that their exit would open the door for other qualified citizens to contribute to the state’s development.

“No one is being pushed out. Rather, space is being created for others to serve,” Kula stated.

The biggest surprise of the day was the replacement of the Chief of Staff, Mr. Paul Biam. In his place, the governor appointed renowned legal practitioner and two-term former Attorney General of the state, Mr. Moses Atagher.

Atagher, who also once served as the acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, is expected to bring seasoned administrative expertise to the governor’s inner circle.

Reacting on behalf of the dissolved cabinet, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr. Bemsen Mnyim, thanked Governor Alia for the opportunity to serve.

“At every stage in life, everywhere you are called to serve is a school. We have learnt a lot while working with you,” he said.

While no official reason has been given for the sweeping changes, political observers believe the governor may be repositioning his administration ahead of the second half of his tenure.

Source: gistmania.com

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu felicitates with Abia-Born newly elected Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) National President, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu (Magic Fingers).

Emetu describes his victory against strong competitors as a reflection of the trust his colleagues have in his abilities, leadership style and vision for the union. He expresses delight in this feat, as his emergence honours our dear state, Abia and inspires many young professionals

Deputy Governor Emetu is optimistic that Prince Emeka Kalu’s leadership will advocate for media workers across Nigeria, fostering professionalism, bring innovative solutions and collaborative efforts that will benefit both the union members and the media landscape.

He assures the new President of the Abia State Government’s support for a successful tenure marked by progress, unity and significant achievements.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, KSJI
Chief Press Secretary To The Deputy Governor of Abia State
July 17, 2025.

Naija News reports that Atiku disclosed his decision to leave the main opposition party in a letter to the PDP Chairman Jada 1 ward, Jada LGA, Adamawa State.

The letter read: “I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the opportunities I have been given by the Party, Serving two full terms as Vice President of Nigeria and being a Presidential candidate twice has been one of the most significant chapters of my life. As a founding father of this esteemed Party, it is Indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision.

“However, I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for. It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognizing the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.

“I wish the Party and its leadership all the best in the future. Thank you once again for the opportunities and support.”