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.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

As the recent abduction of some 25 school girls in Kebbi state continues to elicit reactions from citizens and groups, Protect the Precious Foundation has also condemned in strong terms the abduction of the schoolgirls from their school – Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State.

The attack was said to have been carried out by armed gunmen in the early hours of November 17, 2025, also claimed the life of the school’s Vice Principal, Mr. Hassan Yakubu Makuku.

In a statement made available to the media the Founder of Protect the Precious Foundation, Ambassador Norah Okafor, described the incident as “horrifying, morally repugnant, and a clear sign of worsening insecurity targeting the nation’s most vulnerable our children.”

She stated that the foundation stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the abducted girls, the school community, and all Nigerians who believe that no child should ever live in fear for simply going to school.

According to her, “This is not just a security breakdown; it is a brutal violation of the girls’ fundamental right to education. Schools must be safe spaces for learning, not hunting grounds for criminals.”

Ambassador Okafor further decried the killing of the vice principal, describing it as a tragic symbol of the dangers educators face.

“Mr. Makuku died trying to protect his students. His death is a painful reminder that teachers in this country are often on the frontline, paying the ultimate price in the fight for children’s safety.”

She lamented the recurring pattern of impunity surrounding kidnappings across the nation, noting that these incidents highlight deep gaps in protection, intelligence gathering, and accountability.
“Impunity continues to thrive because the systems meant to protect our children are either weak or ignored. This must end.”

The renowned Abia-born journalist and girl-child advocate also emphasized the urgent need for swift rescue operations and justice for the victims. She urged authorities to intensify efforts until all abducted children are safely reunited with their families.

“Those behind this heinous crime must be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted without delay. Nigeria cannot continue to recycle the same tragedies.”

She further highlighted the need for strengthening preventive mechanisms, describing them as critical to stopping future attacks.
“Enhanced school security, community vigilance, early-warning systems, and stronger legal frameworks are essential. Prevention must now be a national priority.”

Ambassador Okafor called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to deploy every necessary resource to secure the immediate release of the schoolgirls.
“Mr. President must act decisively. The nation is watching, and these children cannot be abandoned to fate.”

She reaffirmed that Protect the Precious Foundation will continue to advocate for the safety, rights, and dignity of every Nigerian child especially the girl child.

By Editor, Umuahia

The management of ABN TV/Radio online station in Umuahia has condemned an unwarranted invasion of its studio on Azikiwe road by the men if the Abia state police command.

In a viral video, some police men were seen barging into a live studio at the ABN station during a programme being hosted by Grace Dorcas with a guest, Mr. Uche Udensi.

It is still not clear what the motive for the action was, but the policemen forcefully took the guest who had resisted arrest for not knowing his offence.

Several gadgets in the studio were reportedly damaged in the course of forcing Mr. Udensi out from the studio .

The management in a press statement signed by the director, Mr. Ifeanyi Okali regrets that the actions of the policemen totally “negates the civil-police relations” being championed by the commissioner of police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie.

The statement further demanded for the replacement of all the damaged tools.

Full text below:

*PRESS RELEASE*

The Invasion Of ABN TV/Radio Station By Police in Umuahia Alarming We are worried by the invasion of our broadcast station in Umuahia by officers of the Nigerian Police, Umuahia Area command in Abia State. At about 2:40pm on Tuesday, January 16, 2023, the policemen invaded our station during a live programme to arrest our guest, one Mr. Udensi Donald during a programme, Youth Rendezvous. The police claimed a senior brother of the guest, one Mr Uche Onwuka Udensi had written a petition against him over a family matter. Despite repeated plea by our staff to the officers to allow the programme come to an end before the guest could be arrested, they insisted whisking him away while the live programme was on. We find this very provocative and indeed an act of overzealousness by the officers who obviously acted in clear contravention of rule of engagement. It clearly also negates the enhanced police-civil relations which the Commissioner of Police, CP Kene Onwuemeile has consistently campaigned for.When the Director of the media organization who was in Aba for an assignment was informed of the development, he quickly reached out to the Commissioner of Police who immediately invited staff of ABN TV/Radio to properly brief him on what happened, officers on duty barricaded the door and harassed, intimidated and threatened to detain them. We also want to put on record, during the gestapo arrest, many of our broadcast equipment were fatally damaged, including a laptop, camera and microphones. We find this an attack on press freedom and most especially open violation of human right to expression, having taken place during a live broadcast where critical issues about youth development were being discussed. We demand an open apology from the Abia State Command of the Nigerian Police over this unprovoked attack in our studio. It has equally left us with huge financial losses following the damage of our equipment. We are also calling for the replacement of the affected tools. From all indications, the officers were not properly schooled on best approaches to relate with the civil populace in a democratic environment where the media plays a key role to enhance their relations with the generality of the society. Signed:*Ifeanyi Okali**Director ABN TV/Radio**17/01/2024*