Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

The abduction of scores of school children and teachers in a school in Oyo state has continued to elicit reactions from stakeholders across the country.

Well meaning citizens had condemned the kidnap and enjoined authorities to be alive to their duties.

Just recently , the Nigeria union of teachers (NUT) organised a nationwide protest where it demanded for the release of the teachers as well as the learners.

Adding their voices to the outcry over inhuman treatment meted out on minors, men and women forcefully taken from a school in Oyo state, the Nigeria women of journalists in Abia state has condemned in totality the development.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Umuahia, the chairperson, Norah Okafor said “the statement had become necessary given the prolonged ordeal of these children whose only offence was attending school in pursuit of education and a brighter future for themselves and the nation.”

Standing in solidarity with the victims, she has urged all female workers in the banks, schools, media, etc to support the call for the release of the victims while urging all female journalists in the state to put on a touch of red colour daily until the kidnapped are freed and returned safely.

“Until these children regain their freedom, female journalists across Abia State are encouraged to wear a touch of red as a symbol of our collective pain, grief, and solidarity with the victims and their families.Enough is Enough,” it said.

“It is deeply troubling that while many leaders sleep comfortably, with their own children secure at home and abroad, the children of ordinary Nigerians whose parents faithfully pay taxes are left to suffer the consequences of the insecurity that continues to plague our nation,” the statement read.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENAWOJ

Abia Condemns Kidnap and Prolonged Captivity of Schoolchildren in Oyo StateThe Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) strongly condemns the kidnapping and over one-week captivity of schoolchildren in Oyo State.This statement has become necessary in view of the .We therefore call on all female journalists, bankers, professionals, and women from all walks of life to rise in defence of these innocent girls and boys who have been held captive in a forest through no fault of their ownven more disturbing is the reported beheading of a teacher, yet life appears to have continued as though the sanctity of human life no longer matters in our society.We raise our voices in unison to say “No” to this growing menace and call on the government and security agencies to deploy every available resource toward the immediate rescue and release of these children. Particular attention must be given to the welfare and safety of the girls, who may be exposed to unimaginable physical and psychological trauma while in captivity..Ambassador Norah OkaforChairpersonNigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ)Abia State Chapter

By Editor , Umuahia

An anniversary parade has been held as part of events to mark the grande finale of the activities for the 3rd year in office of governor Alex Otti.

The event which took place at the Umuahia Township Stadium attracted dignitaries of Abia descent, party faithful, Abia born celebrities, civil servants and residents.

Governor Otti while reading his speech, described the occasion as a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the transformation of the state, noting that democracy had given the people the opportunity to shape their future through good governance.

Governor Otti stated that immediately after assuming office in 2023, his administration commenced decisive actions to restore confidence in governance, beginning with environmental sanitation efforts in Aba.

The Governor noted that the administration had since recorded major achievements across critical sectors, especially in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, power, agriculture, security, and civil service reforms.

Governor Otti affirmed that his government has completed 414 road projects covering over 800 kilometres, while an additional 82 roads spanning more than 200 kilometres are nearing completion across the State.

On healthcare, the Governor disclosed that nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals have been recruited, while over 277 primary healthcare centres have been retrofitted and functionalized under his project Ekwueme Initiative and the WHO impact project, adding that the government has consistently allocated 15 percent of the annual budget to health.

Governor Otti further revealed that 5,394 teachers were recruited last year, while 4,000 teachers are currently being recruited following the sharp increase in school enrollment under the free and compulsory basic education policy.

He disclosed that his government had consistently budgeted not less that 20% to education.

The State Chief Executive also highlighted the administration’s investments in youth empowerment, technology, sports, transportation, and environmental sanitation. He said that thousands of youths have been trained in software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other ICT-related skills through programmes such as TechRise, while over N300 million has been earmarked to support technology-driven enterprises.

Gov. Otti further noted that the declaration of emergency on waste management in 2023 has greatly improved environmental sanitation across the State through the activities of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA.

On transportation and power, Governor Otti said that the newly commissioned Prof. Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal, electric buses, bus shelters, and improved road infrastructure have transformed the transport sector and reduced the burden of commuting on residents.

The Governor added that the ongoing reforms in the energy sector are already attracting private investors and manufacturers into the State, while the digitisation of land administration and implementation of the Certificate of Occupancy in 30 days policy have improved transparency and boosted confidence in the real estate sector.

Governor Otti stated his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, women empowerment, social protection, security, and fiscal discipline.

He said that civil servants and retirees now receive their salaries and pensions promptly, while intervention programmes have continued to support women, vulnerable groups, and persons with disabilities.

Speaking earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole and the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix said that Abia State is witnessing a historic rebirth under the administration of Governor Otti, adding that the people of Abia rejected politics of excuses and chose competence, accountability, and visionary leadership in 2023.

They appreciated the administration’s commitment to gender inclusion, merit-based appointments, and human capital development, saying that the governor has earned himself a second term in office.

In their goodwill messages, member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe ,Chief Chris Uche (SAN) and Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa commended Governor Otti’s leadership style and developmental strides, and described the administration as visionary and transformational.

The highlight of the grand finale of the third anniversary, was the ceremonial parade and salute for the governor by the Nigerian police force in the state…

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has flaged-off the construction of the Abia Specialist and Diagnostic Centre, Umunnato, Alayi Bende LGA.

The project is part of the efforts of Governor Otti to upgrade the long abandoned Umunnato General Hospital into a tertiary healthcare facility, with 100-bed ward, theatres, accident and emergency units, general outpatient departments, maternity wards, dental units and radiology departments.

Performing the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, 28th May, 2026, as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office, Governor Otti said that he decided to demolish and rebuild the old and dilapidated facility to get desired quality.

The Governor instructed the contractor to comply strictly with the specifications and deliver within one year.

He constituted a four-man supervisory team comprising the member representing Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; House of Representatives hopeful for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr Chima Anyaso; and the Deputy Mayor of Bende LGA, Lady Ifeoma Agu.

“We found that it was cheaper to do that (demolish & build a new one) than to try and fix something that you probably wouldn’t even get exactly what you require. Anywhere we flag-off a project, it means it will be commissioned and it will be commissioned in record time, he said.

The Governor expressed optimism that the hospital would be ready for commissioning during activities marking his administration’s fourth anniversary and inauguration of his second term in office.

“So, the contractor is here and I would like to give the contractor a target. “So, in the next one year as we will be celebrating our fourth anniversary and preparing for the next inauguration, we shall be commissioning this project,” Gov. Otti stated.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche noted that the establishment of the specialist hospital was in fulfilment of the Governor’s promise that each senatorial zone in the State would have a tertiary healthcare facility to serve as a referral centre for specialised medical care.

He said that when the Governor took over office, he made it a point of priority that, “every senatorial district or senatorial zone in Abia State must have a tertiary hospital to serve as the pinnacle referral centre for that senatorial zone.“And that is to bring specialised care to the doorstep of Abians so that nobody is left behind”, Prof Uche stated.

The Commissioner noted that the abandoned hospital, was established in 1962, and had deteriorated for decades.“This hospital was initially established in 1962. At that time, it was serving the whole of Abia North. Unfortunately, for 40 years, it has been abandoned,” Prof. Uche stated.

He said that Abia State University Teaching Hospital serves Abia South Senatorial zone, the Amachara Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre caters for Abia Central, while the Umunnato facility would serve the Abia North. Prof. Uche, informed the mammoth crowd that consultants working towards securing the Joint Commission International (JCI) certification, which is regarded globally as one of the highest standards in hospital accreditation, had already commenced work in line with the directive of the Governor.

The Governor later commissioned two Primary Healthcare Centres, including the Umuisi Primary Healthcare facility and the Okafia Primary Healthcare facility all in Igbere, Bende Local Government Areas.