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Abia education advancement: Gov. Otti commissions first smart school.

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Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Ohafia local government area of Abia state has become the very first to host a smart school in the state.

This is all thanks to the lawmaker representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa.

Speaking while commissioning the smart school situated Ofali Akwu Secondary School, Ohafia, governor Alex Otti said that his administration has rolled out free and compulsory education at the primary and Junior secondary levels, adding that he would consider extending the policy to the senior secondary level as soon as the state’s economy improves.

He urged parents and guardians to take advantage of the new policy to send their wards to school, warning that from January 2025, it will be a punishable offence for any parent or guardian whose ward is seen hawking goods on the streets during school hours.

“I hope the parents are taking note, we have given you people some months of grace. From January next year, if we see a child hawking during school hours, running errands and selling wares, we are going to pick up that child not because we want to arrest him but we will pick him up and he will take us to his or her parents”.

“We will exchange the child with the parents and we will lock the parents up”, Governor Otti warned.

The Governor while thanking Chief Okwara Osonwa for facilitating the project and seeing to its completion in record time, said that it would be replicated to serve as a standard in all public schools across the State.

He said that his unquenchable taste for quality education led to the allocation of 20% of the 2024 Budget to the education sector, assuring that 2025 fiscal year will not fall short of acceptable standard.

“Do not forget that for the first time, 20 percent of our budget was allocated to education and that was the 2024 budget”.

“In the next few hours, I will be sitting with the budget committee for the 2025 budget and already, I had given instruction before this meeting that whatever the total budgetary outlay is going to be for 2025, at a minimum, 20 percent of it must also go to education”, the Governor asserted.

In his address, the Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa described the project as a bold step towards transforming education in Abia state, adding that it aligns with the governor’s vision in preparing Abia children for the demands of a technologically advanced world.

The Federal lawmaker disclosed that the facility has replaced traditional chalkboards and marker boards with state-of-the-art, interactive digital screens equipped with cameras as well as digital screens that capture classroom activities and allow students to revisit lessons at any time, while also enabling remote participation for learners outside the school premises.

He emphasized the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, pointing out that his aim is to ensure that the children are equipped with the basics available globally to enable them compete confidently with their peers anywhere in the world.

The law maker said that the school’s teachers, from Nursery to Secondary levels have undergone comprehensive training to operate the new technology with over 70 trained educators expected to serve as trainers for others and expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders including Governor Otti for contributing to the initiative.

Representative of all the development partners, Mr Olayomi Gbolahan said that they are happy to be part of history aimed at bringing the state in tune with the 21st century teaching and learning demands, adding that the school is equipped with full ICT facilities, 24 hours solar – powered, CCTV cameras and can be used for other purposes such as youth empowerment, women digital training and skills acquisition centre.

Responding on behalf of the benefitting school, Ofali Akwu Secondary School, Miss Blessing thanked Governor Otti’s administration and the facilitator Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa for the massive transformation and called for perimeter fencing of the School to safeguard lives and the facilities provided.

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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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