Uncategorized
Environmental degradation : Abia to continue tackling erosion menace through increased counterpart funding.
By Editor, Umuahia

Governor Alex Otti has assured that his government will continue to remit its counterpart funding in order to adequately tackle erosion menace across the state.
The Governor gave the assurance on Tuesday, 26th November, when he received in audience the National Project Coordinator of Nigerian Climate Adaptation, Watershed Project (NEWMAP)–European Investment Bank funding, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks and his Team who paid him a working visit in his Umuehim Nvosi country home, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.
Governor Otti explained that his administration considers the environmental impact of everything it does, saying that “some of our actions in the past are what we are paying for today.”
He informed the NEWMAP team that the State could not wait for them before swinging into action to arrest the ravaging impact of a gully erosion site at Ovom Street, Aba.
A few months back, the Governor visited the erosion site where he saw the devastating impact of the ravaging erosion and ordered the immediate evacuation of residents around the area and the immediate engagement of experienced contractors to deal with the situation.
He noted that although the team had identified about 57 erosion sites in the State and prioritized 20 sites, the figures were understated because some erosion sites may not be very evident at the moment, but a closer look at them will help discover that they are disasters in the waiting.
“So, we can start with 20 for a start but we hope that you will come again so that we can nip some of these things in the board”.“I can assure that if we require to set aside additional counterpart funding, we will do it. The difference in our own administration is that approval is equal to release. We do not approve when we don’t have the funding. As soon as we give the approval, we have the funding ready” the Governor assured.
He commended Engr. Ikechukwu Ukaegbu, the NEWMAP Project Coordinator in Abia State, for the great job he and his team are doing, which has prepared the State for the implementation of NEWMAP projects. He thanked the team for the endorsement it has given the State and assured them that the State will give them all the support that they will require as they carry out their assignment.
Earlier in his speech, the team leader and National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP Engr. Yalaks said that he and his team came to Abia State to access erosion sites and ascertain how ready Abia is, as one of the 23 States benefiting from the NEWMAP-EIB 175 million Euros erosion funding projects in Nigeria. He said that the project objective is to reverse land degradation, “be it flooding, erosion and land degradation in a targeted sub-watershed.” He said that the project has a duration of five years, effective from 2024.Engr.
Yalaks commended Governor Otti for approving and releasing the counterpart fund of 500 million Naira for the project, noting that he has demonstrated the highest political will to get Abia ready for the project. “In Government, there would be approvals, but there are releases. But in this case, you have approved and released the sum of 500 million. We are grateful for that Your Excellency. Sir, permit me to inform you that under your able leadership and for what you are known to be, you have demonstrated the highest level of political will on this project and have secured Abia to have met all the conditions required. Congratulations your Excellency” He described Governor Otti’s choice of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) headed by Mr. Ikechukwu Ukaegbu as the best.Engr. Yalaks said that the identified sites are active, expanding at an alarming rate, separating communities and threatening livelihoods. He stated that some of the basic causes of the problems are poor road designs and inadequate drainage systems. He called for more counterpart funding and continued community engagements for the citizenry to own the projects.
The Project Coordinator in Abia, Engr. IKechukwu Ukaegbu attributed their achievements to the Governor’s overwhelming support to ensure the readiness of the State for the projects.In his vote of thanks, the Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna thanked Governor Otti for his intentional and enduring support to prepare the State for the NEWMAP-EIB funded projects. He also thanked the visiting National NEWMAP team led by Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks for doing a thorough Job in their assignment of accessing the State’s readiness for NEWMAP-EIB and for confirming that the State is fully prepared having met the requirements for the project.The NWEMAP-EIB engineering and environmental consultants were all part of the visit.
Uncategorized
LP Abia state congress : OMPAN Felicitates Iroegbu on emergence as Publicity Secretary
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.
Human angle
From Dilapidation to Dignity: The Mercy Anosike story
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.
News
APC state Congress: Aguoru emerges Publicity Secretary as OMPAN felicitates
Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Following the emergence of Chief Uche Aguoru as the publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Abia state from the Congress held on Tuesday, 3rd March, 2026, bloggers under the auspices of the Abia Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) in Abia has congratulated him on his new position.
Chief Aguoru emerged like other members of the state working committee through a harmonised list of stakeholders across the 17 LGAs of the state which also has Hon. Chijioke Chukwu as the new party chairman of the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Public Relations Officer of the Association, Comrade Loveday Chidi, OMPAN expressed confidence in Chief Aguoru’s capacity to effectively project the image and ideals of his party, noting that excellence and professionalism remain core principles of the association.
“On behalf of the State Chairman and the entire membership of OMPAN, we extend our warm congratulations to one of our own, Chief Uche Aguoru, on his election as the State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State.
“We have no doubt that he will diligently and competently discharge the responsibilities entrusted to him,” the statement read.
The statement further reaffirmed the continued support of the association’s leadership, under the chairmanship of Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro, to members who distinguish themselves in their respective organizations and spheres of influence.
OMPAN assured Chief Aguoru of its goodwill and institutional support as he assumes his new responsibilities.
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