By Editor, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Thursday, August 6, 2026, commissioned 20 more electric buses to the Green Shuttle fleet.

During the commissioning at Nnenna Otti- bus terminal in Umuahia, the governor announced the extension of operational hours of the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency [ARTSMA] and other traffic enforcement authorities to 10pm daily.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otti described transportation as a critical driver of economic growth and social development. The Governor affirmed his administration’s commitment to building a modern, environmentally friendly and efficient transportation system.

Governor Otti warned against acts of sabotage, vandalism and indiscipline, capable of undermining the transport system, stressing that his administration would not tolerate criminality or reckless conduct on the roads.

“No one has the right to violate traffic regulations or endanger the lives and property of others. Beating traffic lights, driving against traffic, overloading and reckless parking will attract severe sanctions,” he said.

To ensure strict compliance, the Governor announced the establishment of an independent monitoring team to evaluate enforcement activities and recommend further actions where necessary.

The State Chief Executive charged the inter-agency transport management team to remain committed to protecting government transport assets, maintaining the buses and terminals, prioritising staff welfare, and ensuring that anyone found sabotaging public infrastructure is prosecuted.

“Whoever attempts to drag us back to the darkness of the past will have a very difficult time. We are determined to close the gap between where we are and where we want to be,” Gov. Otti affirmed.

Governor Otti recalled that the first fleet of electric buses was launched in December 2025, noting that the latest addition represents another significant milestone in closing the transportation gap in the state.

“Transportation is the oil that lubricates the wheels of prosperity. It moves people, drives commerce and expands the frontiers of opportunity.”The progress of any civilisation ultimately depends on how its transport system evolves to meet the realities of the time,” the Governor stated.

The Governor explained that the decision to adopt electric vehicles was informed by the need to provide cost-effective transportation, protect the environment, and position Abia ahead of emerging global transportation trends driven by clean energy and technological innovation.

The Governor emphasized that the remarkable transformation witnessed in the State’s public transport sector over the past seven months has introduced orderly queues, technology-driven payment systems, and dependable services comparable to global standards.While appealing to residents to fulfill their tax obligations, Governor Otti noted that sustainable development depends on citizens partnering with government through responsible tax compliance.

He further assured transport operators that government remains open to constructive dialogue, following reports of concerns from some informal transport operators.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, described the event as a celebration of visionary leadership and transformational governance. He noted that Governor Otti’s investments have repositioned public transportation in Abia through innovation, clean energy and people-centred policies.

Dr. Ukaegbu said the additional 20 electric buses would significantly expand intra-city and inter-city operations, providing affordable, safe and comfortable transportation for workers, students, families and other commuters across the State.

He added that beyond improving mobility, the initiative demonstrates government’s commitment to sustainable development through investment in infrastructure, maintenance systems and route planning, while also promoting cleaner air through zero-emission transportation.

The Commissioner commended the Governor for building a future-oriented transport system and assured that the buses would be professionally managed and properly maintained for the benefit of the people.

He also urged residents to protect public assets and encouraged drivers and operators to uphold professionalism, discipline and strict compliance with road safety regulations.

……….promises welfare reforms ahead of polls

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

The gubernatorial hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 election in Abia State, Dr. Kelechi Anosike’s message of people-centred governance, has elicited public discourse.

His supporters have also expressed optimism over his vision for the state’s future.

Although campaigns are yet to officially commence, Anosike has attracted positive receptions at several public engagements, with many supporters describing him as a leader whose ideas on governance and social welfare resonate with the aspirations of ordinary Abia residents.

He had always stated his vision for the state, which he said his administration would prioritize the welfare of the people, stressing that government must first guarantee the well-being of its citizens before embarking on ambitious infrastructure development.

According to him, “The whole essence of government is to serve the people first. The people need to be alive first to use any infrastructure. We shall build lives before we build infrastructure,” he said.

Anosike also assured of food security across the state, expressing confidence that policies under his administration would make food more available and affordable.

“If you have no food today or eat only once a day, when I assume office in 2027, you will have three square meals and even snacks in between because there will be food everywhere,” he said.

The PDP governorship candidate further pledged to make healthcare more affordable by introducing a comprehensive health insurance scheme designed to reduce the cost of medical care for Abians.

He explained that expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare would be a major priority of his administration, ensuring that families no longer face undue financial hardship in accessing essential medical services.

On workers’ welfare, Anosike promised to uphold due process in the public service, maintaining that employees should only retire in accordance with the provisions of the law.

“As a welfarist, we play by the rules. If the law says you work for 35 years or retire at 60 years of age, that is what should apply. If you have not attained either of those milestones, a welfarist will not retire you.

That is why I have said I will recall and reinstate those 10,000 workers who were retired prematurely in Abia State,” he stated.

Reiterating his philosophy of governance, Anosike referenced Mahatma Gandhi’s famous quote: “Not even God will preach the gospel to a hungry man without first offering him bread,” emphasizing that the welfare of the people would remain the foundation of his administration.

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, Anosike’s message continues focus on social welfare, affordable healthcare, food security, workers’ rights, and good governance to improve lives.

By Editor, Umuahia

The Nigerian Embassy in Madrid has disclosed plans to digitise records of Nigerians resident in Spain and introduce Total Quality Management (TQM) principles to improve consular service delivery.

This is aimed at strengthening citizen-centred diplomacy and enhancing engagement with the Nigerian diaspora.

The initiatives were announced by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Ambassador Okezie Ikpeazu, during a meeting with the Executive Committee of the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain (FNCS) at the consulate in Madrid.

Ikpeazu said the digitisation initiative would create a comprehensive database of Nigerians in Spain, enabling the Mission to improve communication, respond more efficiently to consular requests and deliver faster, technology-driven services.

“Our goal is to build a responsive, efficient and truly citizen-centred Mission that better serves Nigerians in Spain,” the ambassador said.

He added that the adoption of Total Quality Management principles would strengthen accountability, professionalism and service standards across the Embassy in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to improved service delivery.

The Ambassador reaffirmed that the welfare, protection and effective representation of Nigerians abroad remain central to the Mission’s mandate and pledged continued collaboration with the Nigerian community in Spain.

Ikpeazu said the Embassy would continue engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders on initiatives that promote the interests of Nigerians in Spain while advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

He said the Mission remains committed to implementing the Federal Government’s 4-D foreign policy framework of Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, noting that stronger engagement with Nigerians abroad, improved service delivery and strategic partnerships with the diaspora are essential to advancing Nigeria’s national development and international standing.

“Our engagement with Nigerians in Spain reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the 4-D foreign policy framework. The diaspora remains a vital partner in promoting Nigeria’s development and strengthening our global presence,” Ikpeazu said.

The Ambassador also urged Nigerians resident in Spain to remain law-abiding and continue projecting a positive image of Nigeria by respecting the laws and institutions of their host country.

“Your conduct reflects the image of Nigeria. Lead with integrity, promote unity and continue to be worthy ambassadors of our nation,” he said.

The FNCS delegation, led by its President, Hon. Jackson Oboh, welcomed the Embassy’s commitment to closer engagement while highlighting issues affecting Nigerians across Spain.

Among the concerns raised was the restoration of direct flight connectivity between Nigeria and Spain, which the federation said would facilitate travel, promote trade and investment, boost tourism and strengthen bilateral relations.

“Direct flights will ease travel, stimulate business and further deepen relations between Nigeria and Spain,” Oboh said.

Both parties agreed to institutionalise regular consultations between the Embassy and the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain to strengthen collaboration, improve the welfare of Nigerians in Spain and support more effective consular service delivery.

The engagement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with its diaspora community in line with the Federal Government’s 4-D foreign policy framework, which recognises Nigerians abroad as strategic partners in advancing national development, economic diplomacy and stronger bilateral relations.