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Category: South East

  • Human Capital Development: Ebonyi Sends 47 Scholars to UK on Scholarship

    Human Capital Development: Ebonyi Sends 47 Scholars to UK on Scholarship

    No fewer than 47 beneficiaries on Monday departed Ebonyi State for the United Kingdom under the state government’s overseas scholarship scheme, as Governor Francis Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to human capital development.

    The beneficiaries departed from the Chuba Okadigbo Airport, where the governor described the programme as a strategic investment in the future prosperity of Ebonyi State.

    Speaking during the send-off ceremony, Nwifuru urged the scholars to remain disciplined and serve as worthy ambassadors of the state, noting that their journey symbolised more than international travel.

    “This event is not just about boarding a flight but destiny taking flight.
    This is about hope leaving the shores of Ebonyi to soar into the future,” the governor said.

    He explained that the scholarship scheme ranked among the most financially demanding interventions of his administration, second only to major infrastructure projects. According to him, the programme initially faced stiff opposition due to economic pressures and competing development needs.

    “Several people called for its suspension, arguing that the resources should be channelled towards roads, hospitals and other pressing needs,” Nwifuru said. “However, we would be mortgaging the future of Ebonyi if we fail to invest in the youths.”

    The governor added that the initiative aligned with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs, which places human capital development at the core of governance.

    “This initiative is deeply personal, as the beneficiaries are being offered opportunities I and many others never had,” he said. “Every fund spent on it is a collective sacrifice of traders, civil servants, artisans and taxpayers, aimed at making the path easier for the next generation.”

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ebonyi Scholarship Board, Chief Chaka Nweze, said the selection of beneficiaries was conducted strictly on merit.

    “We concentrated on first-class graduates, but due to prevailing developments, we also considered those with Second Class Upper division (2:1) with a CGPA of 3.0 and above,” Nweze said.

    He disclosed that an additional 43 beneficiaries would depart at a later date, as they were still awaiting visa clearance. He further revealed that all beneficiaries signed a bond committing them to return to Nigeria and serve Ebonyi State for a minimum of five years after their studies.

    According to him, the scholars would be deployed to educational institutions currently being inaugurated across the state, after which they would be free to pursue personal endeavours upon completing their service period.

    The scholarship scheme is part of the Ebonyi State Government’s broader strategy to build a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable development and long-term growth.

  • Abia Government Rolls Out Civil Service Estate, Boosts City Beautification

    Abia Government Rolls Out Civil Service Estate, Boosts City Beautification

    Umuahia, Abia State – January 20, 2026 – The Abia State Government has announced plans to construct a Civil Service Commission/Pocket Layout Estate in Umuahia, aimed at delivering affordable and quality housing for residents. The announcement was made by Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, following the State Executive Council meeting.

    “The Ministry of Housing will soon commence work on the project, in line with Governor Alex Otti’s vision to improve the welfare of Abia citizens through sustainable housing,” Kanu said.

    The government is also in advanced discussions with private developers under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to develop housing estates at Mbaisii and Mgbarakuma, Umuahia. Agreements are near completion to allow construction to begin promptly.

    As part of its Urban Renewal Programme, the state has intensified efforts to beautify the capital, including tree planting, road repairs, installation of signs, and removal of shanties and illegal building projections. Residents and landlords have been given deadlines to comply, with enforcement by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA). Landlords are required to carry out routine maintenance or facelifts within four weeks.

    In the health sector, the state has recruited 649 medical personnel, including 432 nurses deployed to primary healthcare centers and a neurosurgeon with a rare specialty. Recruitment will continue until the approved 771 positions are filled.

    On transportation, temporary charging stations have been installed to support the government’s free electric bus services, while two distribution substations at the Umuahia Bus Terminal are 80% completed.

    In the power sector, the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) will soon regulate electricity activities, enhancing consumer protection and service delivery following the transfer of regulatory authority from NERC.

    The government also banned illegal commercial vehicle parking and warned defaulters of impoundment.

    The Forum of Academic Doctors recently recognized Governor Alex Otti as the best performing governor in the South-East, citing reforms across housing, health, power, and urban development.

  • Imo State: Achi Mbieri Community Demands Accountability Over Oil Revenue Mismanagement

    Imo State: Achi Mbieri Community Demands Accountability Over Oil Revenue Mismanagement

    Owerri, Imo State – Members of the Achi Mbieri Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area have raised serious concerns over the handling of oil revenue accruable to the community, calling for transparency and accountability from their leadership.

    At a news briefing organized by the Achi Stakeholders Forum on Sunday in Owerri, community members alleged that President-General (PG) Victor Iwuagwu unequally distributed funds paid by Seplat Energy, an oil exploration company, to the component villages without approval or supervision from the community’s executive council.

    The community’s Financial Secretary, Richard Durunna, denied any involvement in the disbursement, stating that Iwuagwu had unilaterally run the community’s affairs.

    “I only learned that funds had been paid when the villages confirmed receiving money. The sharing formula was allegedly based on instructions from his late mother in a dream, which I find bizarrely disturbing,” Durunna said.

    Following a Saturday meeting, the stakeholders and community members issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Iwuagwu convene an emergency meeting to explain his financial decisions.

    Other community leaders also weighed in. Charles Opara, a forum member, described the discovery of oil in the community as a “supposed blessing rather than a reason for chaos” and urged the PG to avoid personalizing community wealth.

    Traditional Prime Minister Nzeh Adolphus Nnadi called on the Imo State Government to order a forensic audit to resolve the dispute, while youth leader Chigazu Ohamadike appealed for peaceful dialogue and calm resolution.

    Attempts to reach PG Iwuagwu for comment were unsuccessful, as he repeatedly declined calls.

    The development underscores rising tensions in oil-rich communities in Nigeria, where mismanagement of resource revenues often triggers community unrest and legal battles.

  • Enugu Gov. Mbah Appoints 13 PermSecs, Insists, No Honeymoon Period

    Enugu Gov. Mbah Appoints 13 PermSecs, Insists, No Honeymoon Period

    Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, on Monday swore in 13 newly appointed permanent secretaries, charging them to immediately align with his administration’s delivery-oriented governance model.

    The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Government House, Enugu, where the governor emphasized accountability, performance, and service delivery across the state civil service.

    List of Newly Appointed Permanent Secretaries in Enugu State

    The newly sworn-in permanent secretaries are:

    • Mr. Chigbogu Nnaji
    • Mrs. Phoebe Edeh
    • Mr. Philip Arum
    • Mr. Jeremiah Egbonwonu
    • Mrs. Ifeoma Igwe
    • Mrs. Ngozi Egbo
    • Mrs. Nkiru Ede-Ogunnaike
    • Mrs. Pamela Ikpa
    • Mr. Canice Ngene
    • Mr. Anyaora Okereke
    • Mrs. Adaobi Nwodo
    • Mr. Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa
    • Mr. Paul Nwabuisi

    Appointments Based on Merit — Gov. Mbah

    Governor Mbah said the appointments were strictly merit-based, following a rigorous and transparent selection process. He noted that the exercise also filled existing vacancies in the Enugu State civil service to promote fairness, inclusion, and efficiency.

    According to the governor, there would be no honeymoon period for the new permanent secretaries, stressing that greater responsibility comes with higher office.

    “I believe you worked very hard to get to this level in your careers and went through a very rigorous process to be selected. It is well deserved,” Mbah said.
    “But the honeymoon is over. To whom much is given, much is expected.”

    Permanent Secretaries Are Engine Room of Government

    Mbah described permanent secretaries as the engine room of government and custodians of institutional memory, adding that his administration is implementing far-reaching reforms across all sectors of the state.

    He urged the appointees to support the government’s reform agenda and ensure effective policy implementation.

    New Permanent Secretaries Pledge Commitment

    Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa, thanked Governor Mbah for the confidence reposed in them.

    Ezenwukwa acknowledged the administration’s achievements in revenue generation and infrastructural development, pledging their full support.

    “We pledge to add value to these achievements and assure you that you will not be disappointed in appointing us,” he said.

  • Abia Enacts Startup Law, Launches Electric Bus Project

    Abia Enacts Startup Law, Launches Electric Bus Project

    Even as states in Nigeria’s North grapple with existential security challenges, some southern states continue to push forward with strategic development initiatives.

    One such state is Abia, where Governor Alex Otti has assented to the Startup Bill passed by the House of Assembly, officially enacting it as the Abia State Startup Law, 2025.

    The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held in Umuahia.

    Kanu said the law was designed to domesticate and implement the Nigerian Startup Act, 2022 within Abia State.

    According to him, the legislation provides a framework to promote innovation, support technology-enabled startups, nurture digital talent, and position Abia as a hub for technology and innovation.

    “The law applies to companies with major operations in Abia and startups duly recognised and labelled under the national Act,” he said.

    The commissioner also announced plans to roll out a state-owned electric bus mass transit system under the Abia Transport Transformation Project.

    He said the first batch of 20 electric buses arrived in November, while another 20 are expected early next year. About 100 buses will be deployed in the first phase of the project.

    Kanu explained that the 40-seater buses, which are custom-built for Abia, can travel up to 400 kilometres on a single charge.

    He added that the buses are equipped with modern safety and comfort features, including surveillance cameras, charging ports, disability access, emergency exits and fire extinguishers.

    According to him, the initiative will position Abia at the forefront of clean and environmentally friendly mass transit in Nigeria.

    On long-term planning, Kanu disclosed that the Abia 25-Year Development Plan would be unveiled on Tuesday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. He said the event would attract development partners, advisory council members, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

    In the health sector, the commissioner said the Abia Global Medical Mission commenced on Monday and would run until December 20, 2025, offering free advanced medical services across designated centres in the state.

    He also announced that 850 youths would graduate from the second cohort of the Abia Techrise ICT Training Programme on Saturday, bringing the total number of beneficiaries trained under the programme in 2025 to 1,399.

    Kanu further said the Ministry of Works was carrying out direct labour interventions on major roads ahead of the yuletide.

    He urged residents to remain vigilant during the festive season and report suspicious activities to security agencies, noting that security agencies have been placed on full alert to protect lives and property across the state.

  • Nwifuru Approves ₦150,000 Christmas Bonus for Ebonyi Workers

    Nwifuru Approves ₦150,000 Christmas Bonus for Ebonyi Workers

    Governor Francis Nwifuru announces ₦150,000 Christmas bonus for Ebonyi civil servants, promises free and fair local government elections.

    Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has approved a ₦150,000 Christmas bonus for all categories of civil servants in the state.

    The governor made the announcement on Sunday during a church service at the Government House Chapel, Abakaliki, describing the bonus as part of his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.

    Governor Nwifuru noted that the decision was taken despite limited revenue accruing to the state over the past year, adding that his government remains focused on prioritising the well-being of its workforce.

    Speaking on the forthcoming local government elections in Ebonyi State, the governor assured aspirants of a level playing field, stressing that he has no preferred or anointed candidate.

    “As far as I am concerned, the will of the people must prevail. The people must choose their representatives without interference from any quarters,” Nwifuru said.

    He also reiterated his directive that political appointees seeking elective positions in the council elections must resign their appointments in line with existing electoral laws.

    “It is not my duty to pick who becomes chairman of any local government area. Any appointee contesting for chairmanship in the next council election must resign as stipulated by law,” the governor stated.

  • Abia Budgets N1.016 Trillion, Focus Education, Health, Roads in 2026

    Abia Budgets N1.016 Trillion, Focus Education, Health, Roads in 2026

    Umuahia, Abia State – Governor Alex Otti on Tuesday presented a N1.016 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Abia State House of Assembly, describing it as the “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities.”

    The proposed budget represents a 13 per cent increase over the 2025 appropriation of N750.28 billion and is aimed at fast-tracking infrastructure expansion, enhancing social services, and deepening ongoing reforms across the state.

    Of the total outlay, N811.8 billion, or 80 per cent, is earmarked for capital projects, while recurrent expenditure accounts for N204.4 billion, representing 20 per cent of the budget.

    Compared with 2025, the capital vote increased by 32 per cent, and recurrent expenditure rose by 33 per cent to support daily operations and new personnel.

    Governor Otti highlighted allocations for key sectors, with education receiving N203.2 billion, including N150.4 billion for salaries of at least 15,000 teachers and new school infrastructure.

    Plans include constructing 17 model primary and secondary schools, three technical colleges, staff quarters, and over 100 ICT laboratories. Tertiary institutions will receive N52.8 billion for staff salaries and new facilities.

    The health sector is set to receive N149.7 billion, representing 15 per cent of the budget, for the acquisition of new equipment at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, 23 other facilities, and the renovation of seven general hospitals.

    Road construction and rehabilitation will take N169.3 billion, or 16.7 per cent of the budget, with priority given to the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene, Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende, and Umuahia-Umueze-Agwu roads.

    The transport sector is allocated N11.1 billion, including N6 billion to fund 80 additional electric buses, complete transport terminals, and build bus shelters.

    Other allocations include over N229 billion for agriculture, entrepreneurship, youth development, sports, ICT, women’s empowerment, housing, environment, and urban renewal.

    Governor Otti projected the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) to reach N223.4 billion in 2026, up from a target of about N100 billion in 2025.

    Recurrent expenses will be fully funded from IGR. Federal allocations are projected at N83.2 billion from FAAC, N67.1 billion from VAT, N26.5 billion from grants, and N168 billion from other federal sources, bringing total revenue to N607.2 billion.

    The governor indicated a budget deficit of N409 billion, or 40 per cent of the budget, which will be financed through concessionary loans strictly for capital projects. He stressed that loans would not be used to fund recurrent expenditure.

    Governor Otti urged the House to consider and pass the budget, emphasizing its importance in sustaining the state’s development trajectory.

    Responding, Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa noted that the state had inherited a deep fiscal hole in 2023 but praised the administration for restoring stability.

    He said the 2026 budget reflects growing responsibilities and expanding development needs and commended the governor for prudent fiscal management.

    Emeruwa assured the governor that the House would thoroughly review the estimates and support initiatives that benefit the state.

  • Ebony state govt commences clearance of N10bn gratuity backlog owed LG retirees

    Ebony state govt commences clearance of N10bn gratuity backlog owed LG retirees

    Ebonyi state government commences clearing the backlog of gratuity estimated at N10 billion it owes over 4,000 retired Local Government employees.

    Flagging off the exercise in Abakiliki on Monday, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Uchenna Igwe, said the move would ameliorate the suffering of the retirees.

    Igwe described the gesture as a defining moment of justice and compassion, as contained in Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s people’s charter of needs mantra.

    “These entitlements were not paid since the state’s creation and the commencement of its payment has restored hope and dignity for selfless service.

    “The governor is a promise keeper who only thinks of ways to enhance the people’s wellbeing,” he said.

    The commissioner urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously especially in supporting their families and communities.

    The commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Mr Ikeuwa Omebeh, recalled that the governor inaugurated a six-member verification committee for the exercise on Aug.1, 2025.

    The committee chaired by the wife of the state’s former deputy governor, Mrs Catherine Ogbu, was tasked with authenticating claims and determining eligibility for retirees.

    “This covers the period of 1996 to 2025 as the exercise has been successfully completed and payments will be carried out on LGA basis.

    “All verified retirees will be paid through their bank accounts as the gesture will beyond welfare, inject liquidity into rural economies and stimulate small businesses,” he said.

    The Executive Secretary of the State Local Government Pension Board, Mr. Emeka Nwonu,.assured that all verified persons would receive their entitlements.

    “The Board collaborated with all relevant bodies concerned with the process, in realising set goals,” he said.

    The Chairperson of the verification exercise, Mrs. Catherine Ogbu, lauded the governor for his vision of prioritising the welfare of retirees.

    “This is a dream delayed, but presently a reality, and promise fulfilled” she said.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ebonyi Council, Mr Donatus Okemini, urged Ebonyi people to pray and support the Nwifuru-led administration as it had the people’s interest at heart.

    Mrs Martha Elom, one of the retirees, thanked the governor for the gesture noting that it had ‘added a new lease of life” to her. 

  • Police warn against caste-based discrimination in Anambra

    Police warn against caste-based discrimination in Anambra

    Apparently worried by rising incidents of violence by state institutions, the Anambra Police Command has called on communities to promote peaceful coexistence.

    In a statement by its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police command advised communities to shun the ‘osu’ caste-based discrimination in particular.

    SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made the call in a statement issued to newsmen in Awka on Wednesday.

    Ikenga stated that the practice of the osu caste system violates fundamental rights of citizens.

    The Nigerian Anchor reports that some state based security agencies have been involved in recent acts of violence leading to loss of life.

    “The Police Command in Anambra has reiterated that any form of discrimination, humiliation, or denial of rights based on caste practices is barbaric, unlawful, and a gross violation of the fundamental human rights guaranteed under Nigerian law.

    “Section 42(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), provides that no citizen shall be subjected to any form of discrimination on the basis of community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion, or circumstance of birth.

    “Likewise, Section 34(1) affirms the right to dignity of the human person and prohibits all forms of inhuman or degrading treatment.

    “The command urges residents of Anambra to promote peace, equality, and mutual respect for human rights, and to report any incident of caste-based discrimination to the nearest police station for appropriate action.

    “In addition, the Discrimination Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2018 criminalises all forms of discrimination and prescribes penalties for offenders.

    “The command warns that attempts to deny couples the right to marry or live freely together on the basis of caste practices is unacceptable and unlawful.

    “Once two consenting adults agree to marry, no cultural barrier or discriminatory practice has any legal standing to override their constitutional rights to freedom of association (Section 40), family life, and dignity,” Ikenga stated.

    He added that the country is governed by the rule of law “and not oppressive or degrading traditional practices, and anyone found culpable of enforcing caste-based discrimination will face the full weight of the law.

    “The dignity, freedom, and security of every individual in the state remain a top priority to the command,” Ikenga added. 

  • Otti grants grants automatic employment to 9 ex-corps members

    Otti grants grants automatic employment to 9 ex-corps members

    Gov Alex Otti of Abia has given automatic employment to nine ex-National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members of Abia origin that received the Presidential Honours awards at the end of their service year.

    Otti announced the automatic employment while receiving the ex-Corps members led by the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Mrs Gladys Adama in his office on Tuesday.

    The governor directed the State Head of Service to issue them with appointment letters with immediate effect.

    “On behalf of the state government, you are going to leave here with a token; but beyond the token, I hereby temporarily lift the embargo on employment to employ the nine of you, except if any of you is not interested.

    “So, having lifted that embargo and having employed all of you, I also close the embargo,” the governor declared.

    He directed the state’s Attorney-General to communicate to the head of service to effect the employment of the nine ex-Corps members without interviews.

    “So, all you need to do is to go and do your documentation and then you can start work on Monday,” Otti stated.

    Otti, who appreciated them for their outstanding performances, charged them to continue to be outstanding in everything they did.

    He also thanked the State NYSC Coordinator for the great work she had done and for bringing them to him.

    Mr. Chinomso Nwogu, who responded on behalf of the ex-Corps members, thanked the governor for the recognition and appointment given to them.

    He promised that they would serve the state with commitment.

    “We are here to sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude to you, your excellency, for the recognition.

    “We also want to use this opportunity to commend your good work in the state.

    “You are a true leader. You are the Joshua of our time. Our prayer is that Almighty God, will give you the wisdom to continue to pilot the affairs of this state in Jesus Name. Amen, ” he prayed.

    The NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Gladys Adama, while presenting the ex-Corps members, said that they made the state proud during their service year.

    She said that they were decorated by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29 July following their outstanding performances in service.

    “I have come with these nine who have done Abia proud, out of about a hundred and something, Abia came first with nine of them.

    “They have excelled in their various places of primary assignment. As you have been told, none of them served in Abia. In fact, only one of them served in the east; others served far away in the North,” Adama said.

    The ex-Corps members granted automatic employment include, Nwogu Chinonso Nwogo, Promise  Anyanwụ, Ezieme Uba, Ezinne Emmanuel, Grace Abia, Chiemela Nwafike, Dr Mark Ugwa, Miracle Eke and James Chukwuebuka.