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Abia infrastructure : Ministry of Budget and Planning gets facelift

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Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

The ministry of budget and planning is now wearing a new look following the renovation and retrofitting of the office complex by the governor Otti’s administration.

Special Adviser to governor Otti on Media and publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma wrote; “Do you recognise this building from the Pictures? Well, a few months ago, I shared pictures from this building belonging to Ministry of Budget and Planning.

“The place was in a state of absolute decay and dilapidation. It looked horrible, dingy, and very unconducive for decent staff to budget and plan. “

The ministry had been in a bad state with inadequate work tools leading to alleged idleness and unproductivity of staff.

Continuing, Mr. Ekeoma said “If you walk into the old Ministry of Budget and Planning building, you’ll see workers sitting together at the entrance near the staircase leading to the main building, gisting and doing nothing. The only thing they have in front of them are lockers and some pieces of paper. Over the years, they have been rendered unproductive, as they neither have offices to work from nor job descriptions to work with.”

He said that apart from the renovation, equipment have been procured to help the staff perform optimally.

“Beyond the beautiful reconstruction that has taken place, the place is being fully furnished to have the necessary amenities and facilities for effective service delivery while the Ministry of Budget and Planning is already working out modalities to retrain the staff and equip them to become productive and useful to themselves and to the state .

“In line with the vision and directive of His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, key building infrastructures in the state are being rebuilt and retrofitted to provide accommodations for staff and heads of different MDAs and create decent working environments that would have the alluring ambiance synonymous with the New Abia standard.

“The Alex Otti led-government is intentional about ensuring systematic and consistent rebuilding of key infrastructures in the state as a way of erasing the old filthy signature of unseriousness and mediocrity made prominent by conspicuous decay and deterioration of key government infrastructures.”

He cited the JAAC building, the old Secretariat, the new secretariat, the Emeka Omerua government Guest House, governor’s banquet hall, Political block, the deputy governor’s office building as examples of structures that had received due attention by the present administration.

He also said, “of course, our hospitals and schools are beginning to wear new looks, courtesy of ongoing reconstruction and retrofitting taking place, to the admittance, admiration and appreciation of Abians across board.

“In the next few days, you’ll see more inspiring pictures of massive reconstruction of building infrastructures going on in different parts of the state.In an exclusive interview he granted some years ago, Governor Alex Otti had this to say “At a point in your life, you start asking yourself certain important questions. You’ve made a success of your career. You can afford the life you want. But you look at where you’re coming from — your state of origin — and realise that millions couldn’t even afford the basic necessities of life. You asked further questions: “There have been governments in this state for 16 years from 1999. Sixteen years of democracy, of civilian rule. Why are the people not better for it? Why is there still large scale poverty? Then it was 16 years, now it’s getting to 24 years.”You then ask even further questions: “Knowing that you’re privileged, would you want to just live for yourself and family alone when you can actually live for more people and help improve their lives?” There’s a limit to how far your personal resources can go. Since successive administrations in the state were unable to improve the lives of our people, I decided to go do that myself. This was why I got into politics —to carry out one of the basic functions of government, which is the welfare of the people.”

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“We are confident that we will finish our mission in Abia”— Governor Otti

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Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed confidence in God towards the actualisation of a second term in office to complete eight years in the governorship seat of Abia State.

Governor Otti stated this on Tuesday, at his office, while receiving in audience members of the old students association of the Federal School of Arts and Science, Aba, who announced their belief that the Governor would be re-elected to complete his laudable projects in Abia State.

According to the Governor, “About 2027, we don’t let it distract us, but you have a point.

” Primaries will happen within the month and then elections will be next year. But, we know that Abia people are not stupid.”They know what is good for them.

“Because of that, we also know that it’s all about politics and I’m not too sure that there is someone that would want to throw away what is good.

“This place is God’s own State, so, at the time that it pleases God, he makes changes here and God doesn’t have unfinished business, or unfinished project.

“So, we are confident that we will complete the projects that we have been asked to do by Abians.

Governor Otti commended the old students of the Federal School of Arts and Science, Aba for their decision to fix one of the hostels in their Alma mater, describing the move as laudable.

“I want to also thank you for your decision to fix one of the hostels.”Is a very laudable action that you have done, because you could have as well ignored.

“I’m sure, there are a lot of members of your school that may not even be coming for these meetings. “So, I want to congratulate you and encourage you to continue, because your story cannot be told without this school.” Gov. Otti stated.

The State Chief Executive thanked the association for the choice of Abia for its bi-annual meeting, noting that, the choice of Abia is commendable.

The Governor disclosed that his decision to support Professor Bart Nnaji to achieve his dream of the Aba power was to ensure that steady power supply is achieved in the State, and commended Prof. Nnaji’s resilience in achieving that.Gov. Otti informed his visitors that an agreement had been signed and Abia was at the point of payment so as to own the Umuahia ringed fence of the EEDC, adding that, when fully realised, the remaining 8 LGAs of the State, including, Umuahia and environs, and the Abia North senatorial zone would be linked to the Geometric power.

“So, there’s excess power. Of course, with an additional turbine, it will be able to generate 188 megawatts. So, the whole idea is to take excess power from Aba to the other eight local governments in Abia Central and Abia North.”We’ve also set up the Abia States Electricity Regulatory Agency.

“And so right now, everything about regulation is within the State. So, we will be detached from the National electricity grid,” Gov. Otti said.

.Speaking earlier, the President, the Old Students Association, Federal School of Arts and Science, Aba, Pharmacist Tony Ejieji while appreciating the good works of Governor Alex Otti in the State, said that they were in the State for their bi-annual meeting of the association.

He noted that Abia is now peaceful and safe, hence, their decision to come to Abia for the meeting which has been taking place in Lagos.

He saluted the transformational projects of Governor Otti which are scattered across the State and urged him to sustain the tempo. Pharmacist Tony Ejieji, who informed the Governor that the alumni of the institution are fixing one of the hostels in their Alma Mater, pointed out the Geometric Power Plant that they visited in Aba and other infrastructural developments they saw in Aba and Umuahia, and expressed the hope and belief that, the opposition would not draw back the wheel of progress in the State under his leadership, urging him to move forward and complete his God given mandate in the State.

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LP Abia state congress : OMPAN Felicitates Iroegbu on emergence as Publicity Secretary

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Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

The Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Abia State Chapter, has congratulated Mr Emenike Iroegbu on his emergence as the publicity secretary of the Labour Party in the state.

In a statement endorsed by the public relations officer of the association, Kate Okereke, OMPAN described Iroegbu’s emergence as well-deserved, noting his track record of dedication, competence, and commitment to effective communication and public engagement.

The association expressed confidence in his ability to project the ideals and programmes of the Labour Party, while fostering transparency and strengthening the party’s relationship with the public and the media.

OMPAN further urged him to uphold professionalism, truth, and integrity in the discharge of his duties, emphasizing the critical role of information management in today’s political landscape.

The group wished him a successful tenure and assured him of continued collaboration in promoting responsible media practices and democratic values.

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From Dilapidation to Dignity: The Mercy Anosike story

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Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Mrs. Mercy Anosike might have still been living in her shacks had help not met her a few months ago.

Mrs. Anosike’s living condition was reportedly deplorable until a journalist, Emma Nwazue of Afia TV brought it to the attention of the governor during a media chat in Umuahia where the governor ordered an immediate intervention.

Confronted by challenges of widowhood and childlessness after the loss of all her children, Mrs. Anosike continued to trudge on not knowing what the future held for her.

However, fate smiled at her and her situation changed for good with the construction and furnishing of a bungalow by the Abia state government.

Residents of her village, Ukome in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State could not contain their joy as they showered encomiums on the wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for donating a fully furnished three-bedroom apartment to the widow.

During the commissioning and handover of the house, Mrs. Otti described Mrs. Anosike’s story as one of remarkable strength and resilience.

According to her, Mama Anosike lost her children and was left alone, yet despite the painful challenges she faced, she has continued to remain a beacon of hope within her community.

.Mrs. Otti was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa,.

According to her the story of the woman’s poor and difficult living conditions elicited compassion from the governor who immediately directed that she be moved out of her dilapidated home and provided with a new, comfortable residence.

She disclosed that through her office, support had continued to reach widows and other vulnerable persons across the state, giving them a renewed sense of belonging and care.

“This house is a testament to our commitment and a tangible expression of our efforts to empower women and support vulnerable groups in Abia State,” she said.

In her remarks, the Deputy Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Mrs. Chinwe Odoemelam, commended the wife of the governor for her compassion and dedication to the welfare of vulnerable members of society.

She also enjoined the community to reciprocate the gesture by supporting the administration of Governor Alex Otti, while appealing to the government to consider addressing some of the community’s challenges, particularly in the area of road construction.

For Miss Patricia Ngborogwu of Flo FM radio , she expressed relief and fulfilment that her foundation provided succour at some point for Mrs. Anosike and commended Governor Otti for his swift and compassionate response when the matter was mentioned to him.

Patricia stated that the governor’s action was a demonstration that responsive leadership and empathy can bring real transformation to people’s lives.

“The beneficiary, Mama Mercy Anosike, in her response expressed gratitude, saying the gesture feels like a dream. She praised Governor Otti for promoting inclusive governance and remembering the less privileged in the society.

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