Stephabie Clems, Umuahia

Ebem Ohafia community in Abia State is set to host a grand celebration in honour of its paramount ruler, His Royal Highness Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha (JP), as he marks his 35th coronation anniversary and 89th birthday.

The event, organised by the Ezie Ebem In-Council in collaboration with the Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU), is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Ohafia LGA Pavilion by 10:00 AM prompt.

A major highlight of the celebration will be the installation of chieftaincy titles on deserving sons, daughters, and friends of Ebem Ohafia, in recognition of their contributions to the development of the community.

The ceremony is expected to attract dignitaries from within and outside the state, including the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), who will be the Special Guest of Honour.

Also expected at the event is Chief Barrister Anaga Kalu Anaga (Oduo Mba of Ebem Ohafia), who will preside as the chairman of the cay.

Organisers say the celebration will not only honour the monarch’s decades of impactful leadership but also serve as a platform to strengthen unity and promote the rich cultural heritage of Ebem Ohafia.

Members of the community, both at home and in the diaspora, have been urged to attend and be part of the historic celebration.

According to the press statement made available by the public relations officer of Even Ohafia , Mr. Ifeanyi Okali the event is expected to showcase the rich cultural heritage and strong communal spirit of the Ebem Ohafia people.

By Editor, Umuahia

Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro has been returned as the chairman of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Abia State chapter.

He with other officers emerged at the association’s election that took place on Friday, 13th March, 2026 at the state’s Secretariat in Umuahia.

The new executive will handle the affairs of the body for the next two years.

The Chairman of the Electoral Committee (ELECO), Ugochukwu Nwankwo had dissolved the outgoing executive committee and urged members to maintain decorum throughout the electoral process.

He charged those that would emerge victorious to uphold the ideals and objectives of the association while working together to strengthen the body.

He also made it known that the association has provided two platforms for voting – Physical and online to give members opportunity to choose their leaders.

In a press statement issued by the P.R.O , Kate Okereke, chief. Promise Uzoma Okoro, Anipr was returned seamlessly since his candidacy was unopposed. Other positions such as the secretary, treasurer, public relations officer, etc also had no contentions and we’re consequently declared winners.

However, the post of the vice chairman had the outgoing secretary, Dr. Steve Unegbu and Chika Nwabueze contest and afterwards the later emerged victorious polling 20 votes while his contender scored 4 votes.

Other officers elected included, Ikokwu Ogbonnaya as Secretary, Chibuzor Aguwa as Treasurer, while Kate Okereke Polycarp was elected as the Public Relations Officer of the association.

Barr. Dim Chinonso Godwin administered the oath of office on the new executive.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman, Okoro, expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to continue working for the growth, unity, and professional advancement of the association in the state.

Reflecting on his first tenure which began in 2024, the OMPAN chairman said the administration was able to implement key reforms aimed at strengthening the structure and public perception of online media practice in the state.

According to him, the association improved internal coordination, enhanced public engagement, and most notably secured a secretariat for the union with the support of one of its patrons, an achievement he described as giving the body visibility and institutional identity.Okoro noted that the media landscape has significantly evolved, stressing that digital platforms have become central to governance communication, political engagement, corporate branding, and public accountability.

He said online publishers must therefore uphold the highest standards of journalism by prioritizing accuracy, fairness, balance, and ethical reporting.The chairman warned members against allowing themselves to be used for political propaganda or vendettas, insisting that the credibility of online media depends on professional conduct and independence.“As members of OMPAN, we must deliberately elevate online media practice in Abia State to a standard that commands national respect,” he said.

Okoro also congratulated the newly elected executive members of the association and emphasized that leadership within the organization would remain consultative and transparent.

Looking ahead to the 2027 election cycle, he assured that the association would provide a neutral platform for political actors to engage with the public.

According to him, OMPAN plans to invite aspirants, particularly governorship and senatorial contenders, to structured media engagements where they will present their development plans to the public ahead of the 2027 elections.

He clarified that the initiative would not serve as endorsement for any candidate but rather promote informed civic participation.

The chairman further revealed that the association would focus on institutional consolidation during the new tenure and pursue another major project to strengthen its legacy.He also announced that a committee would soon be constituted to organize activities marking the 10th anniversary of OMPAN in Abia State, describing the milestone as an opportunity to celebrate the growth of organized online media practice in the state

.Okoro called on members to remain united despite differences in editorial style or political views, stressing that the strength of the association lies in its collective identity.He concluded by urging members to remain committed to professionalism, integrity, and progressive engagement in the media space.

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.