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Author: Ihechinyere Abaribe

  • Abia Govt. receives 3 school children rescued from human traffickers

    Abia Govt. receives 3 school children rescued from human traffickers
    Gov. Alex Otti of Abia with the three rescued school children
    Rescue
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Nvosi(Abia), June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Abia Government on Saturday received the three rescued school children that were abducted in Amaoba-Ime Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA), on May 10.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three children, aged  8,  6 and 4, are biological brothers and were abducted while returning home from school.
    Speaking during the event in Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South LGA saturday, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia expressed gratitude to God and everyone involved in securing the release of the children.
    Otti also expressed delight that the children had been reunited with their parents and loved ones.
    The governor charged parents to be vigilant regarding the safety and security of their children.
    “I will like to also admonish parents to be more careful because this was avoidable.
    “First of all, you should not hand over your children to people you do not know, whether Keke or Okada riders.
    “There is nothing you’re doing that is more important than looking after your children.
    “That is my word to parents, grandparents and everybody who has something to do with one Abia child or another.
    “It is very very important that we take their security, comfort and safety very seriously.
    “A lot of lessons have been learnt from this and I believe we shouldn’t let this kind of thing repeat itself,” he said.
    He urged the security operatives involved in the rescue operations to continue with their efforts and ensure thorough follow-up investigation of the matter.
    Otti said that this would enable them to prosecute everyone involved in the abduction in order to deter others from committing similar acts.
    Otti promised that the government would provide the rescued children with the support they needed in the manner it deemed most appropriate.
    He also encouraged communities in the state to embrace the positive cultural practice of regarding all children as their own.
    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to secure Abia and develop its economy,  because meaningful development could not take place in the state without adequate security.
    Otti said: “One of the promises that we made to our people is that we must secure the State.
    “Even if it was not our intention to secure the state, but because it is our intention to develop the state and grow our economy, none of those can happen without security.
    “So when you see me working very hard, visiting security agencies and their heads, it is to sit down and be able to map out a security architecture that works for all of us.”
    He said that the  government had established a robust security architecture in order to create a conducive environment that attracts investors and  supports businesses to thrive.
    “I had told criminals, I have sent them notice that this place cannot contain themselves and us; one person must run away.
    “Unfortunately I’m not the one that would run, because I have the mandate of the people and I have the mandate of God.
    “So it’s the evil ones that would run away, even to start running before somebody starts pursuing them and that is what we are seeing.
    “We are also creating a robust economy that will accommodate everyone that has a genuine intention and genuine job to do,” he said.
    In a speech, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, Mr  Osinachi Nwaka, said the rescue unfolded in three stages and  pointed out that he personally led the first operation in Ekwulobia, Anambra.
    Nwaka described the rescue as a remarkable triumph and commended the unwavering commitment of the government and security agencies.
    In a remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Comdr MacDonald Uba (Rtd), commended the governor for his optimism which motivated everyone involved in the rescue operation and described him as a father.
    Also, the member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Mr  Boniface Isienyi, said the rescue operation was not an easy task but it took God’s grace to make it a success.
    Isienyi said he would  introduce a bill requiring proper registration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, to ensuring legal status for operating a motherless babies home.(NAN)(www.nannwws.ng)
    INA/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Otti’s wife launches 2024 maternal, newborn, child health week

    Health
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Wife of Abia Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, on Friday, formally launched the first round of the 2024 maternal, newborn and child health week in the state.
    In a speech at the event in Umuahia, organised by the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHDA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Otti said that the programme held great health prospects for women and children in the state.
    The governor’s wife, represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adaeze Emetu, said that the programme would help to strengthen initiatives focused on improving the health of women and children.
    She said: “Maternal and child deaths have remained on the increase lately and  annoyingly  these deaths are preventable, if we all work together.
    “Mortality from any preventable cause is a violation of the individual’s basic human right and must be stopped.”
    Otti also said that the initiative was necessitated by the need to boost coverage of high impact interventions for mother and child health.
    She described the programme as a simple cost effective mechanism for preventive and curative interventions for improving maternal and child health.
    According to her, activities that will help in reducing the unacceptably high rate of maternal mortality will be supported by the State Government.
    Otti called on health workers to improve their knowledge and  interpersonal communication skills to promote effective healthcare service delivery in Abia.
    In a remark, the Executive Secretary of ASPHDA, Dr Kalu Kalu, said that the programme aimed at delivering a package of basic interventions to women of child-bearing age and children under five.
    Kalu said that the basic interventions had proven to be highly effective in reducing maternal mortality and improving mother and child health.
    “It is a week-long delivery of maternal and child survival interventions, which complement routine health services by ensuring that basic care reach all mothers and children,” he said.
    He also said that the programme would focus on reducing morbidity and mortality from preventable causes and improve the wellbeing of beneficiaries.
    In an address, the Permanent Secretary, Mnistry of Health, Dr Ifeyinwa Uma-Kalu, described the basic health interventions provided for women and children as a step in the right direction.
    Uma-Kalu, represented by Dr Borke Okali, urged the people to embrace the interventions and teachings provided in the various health facilities.
    The Chief of UNICEF, Enugu Field Office, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, expressed delight over  the introduction of maternal, newborn and child health week.
    Chiluwe, represented by Dr Ephraim Chukwu, commended the government for evolving such a health programme.
    She said that the programme would enhance the provision of high impact and cost-effective interventions to women and children in the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the interventions to be provided during the programme include, vitamin supplementation, de-worming, screening of children for malnutrition and immunisation, amongst others.(NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)
    INA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 800 operatives for hitch-free celebration in Abia

    Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 800 operatives for hitch-free celebration in Abia

    FRSC
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Abia Sector Command, says it has deployed 500 regular marshals and 300 special marshals to strategic locations in the state for a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    The Sector Commander, Mr Fredrick Ogidan, said this at a news briefing on Friday in Umuahia, while speaking on the command’s level of preparedness for the celebration.

    Ogidan said, “Our patrol men are already on the road doing speed calming, cautioning drivers and ensuring that people drive safe to their destination.”

    He said that the major preoccupation of the corps during such festive periods was not to arrest but ensure that the road would be free of any obstructions and  gridlocks.

    Ogidan said that dangerous driving and overtaking, lane indiscipline as well as excessive speed often lead to road crashes.

    He, therefore, warned the motoring public against engaging in such acts.

    He also said that such road traffic infractions were common on the highways, adding that FRSC personnel were already on the roads to keep the situation under control.

    The sector commander further  said that the command had deployed vehicles for effective patrol and tow trucks for promp clearance of obstructions on the highway.

    He said that the corps was collaborating with Abia Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service, Homeland Security and other security agencies to ensure effective implementation of all directives for a safe celebration.

    He also said that the command  had set up a traffic control camp and rescue operation point, with a  health section that would offer first aid to accident victims before taking them to hospital.

    “Our ambulances would be visible, our tow trucks would be positioned where they could be easily called and our men will be on the road throughout the day.

    “In the office, we have a 24 hours rescue team on ground and we can be contacted on our 122 line, which is toll free,” Ogidan said.

    He said that the command had commenced effective enforcement of disallowing the use of trucks and articulated vehicles to convey passengers and goods simultaneously.

    “We have visited  the Lokpanta Cattle Market to further drive the message home that any articulated vehicle conveying goods and passengers would be stopped and sanctioned.

    “The  passengers on the trailer will be made to take appropriate alternative means of transport, while the trailer driver would be made to pay fines,” he added

    Ogidan said that the Abia Government had provided the command with special courts to facilitate timely prosecution of traffic offenders.

    “Our special operation starts from today to the 21st.

    “During the programme, we will be doing a lot of arrest of traffic offenders and arraigning them before a magistrate for prosecution.

    “There is yet another arrangement, which is the prosecution of drivers of vehicles involved in crashes, resulting in death of passengers.

    “The driver will be prosecuted not just for minor traffic offence but for driving a vehicle in a manner that led to the loss of life and property.

    “We would be organising a minimum of two mobile courts, doing one on the 19th and another on the 20th,” Ogidan said.

    He advised Abia residents to abstain from causing road obstructions, use of phones while driving and overloading of vehicles.

    He also urged motorists to wear seat belts and use child restraints because they have the ability to reduce the impact of any crash by at least 50 per cent.

    “All hands are on deck to ensure that the celebration period is hitch-free and accident-free,” Ogidan said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    INA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Alleged market closure: Aba traders stage protest in Govt. House

    Alleged market closure: Aba traders stage protest in Govt. House

    Protest
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Traders at the popular Ngwa Road Market, Aba, on Tuesday, organised a peaceful protest at the Abia Government House, Umuahia over the closure of the market allegedly by the Nigerian Army.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the traders, bore placards, with different inscriptions, such as “We are under military siege at Ngwa Road”, “Please Gov. come to our aid”, “We are being intimidated by soldiers”, among others.

    The President, Ngwa Road Traders Association, Mr Chinedu Oforndu, told newsmen that they had been denied access to their shops since May 30.

    Oforndu said: “Since May 30, our businesses have been on lockdown and we cannot access our business places because vehicles and human beings are not allowed within the area.

    “This is as a result of the refusal of the military to allow us to have access to our shops.

    “We are pleading with the government to intervene and help us out in this situation.”

    Also, the Secretary of the association, Mr kenna Ohanaba, said that about 100 shops in the market had remained shut for two weeks “because soldiers do not allow traders to enter the market.

    “It has not been easy for us under this current economic situation to survive without our businesses running.

    “The area of the market within Ibere Road to Ukaegbu Road has been the worse hit.

    “We don’t know the actual reason for this action by the military,” Ohanaba said.

    He called on the State Government  to intervene in the matter because their resources were running down and they were finding it to feed their family members.

    In a response, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, commended the traders for registering their complaint with the government in a peaceful manner.

    “Recall that few weeks ago some soldiers were killed by criminally-minded persons and this has caused military alertness.

    “The governor is committed to ensuring that the situation does not escalate.

    “The citizens should help to get us credible information to make sure that those people are apprehended and that such things do not reccur,” Inem said.

    He appealed to the traders not to confront the soldiers over the matter and assured them that the government would take urgent steps to address the matter.

    A military source, which pleaded anonymity, told NAN correspondent that “there is no such thing and no shop was locked by the Nigerian Army”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    INA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

     

  • Otti advocates for increased fight against oil theft, illegal refinery operation 

    Advocacy
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Nvosi(Abia), June 7, 2024(NAN) Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has emphasised the importance of cracking down on oil theft and illegal refinery operations in the state.
    Otti said this on Friday when he received  the Joint Taskforce Southsouth Operation Delta on a  familiarisation  visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.
    The governor also urged the Taskforce to intensify efforts in the fight against oil theft and illegal operation of refineries.
    He said that enforcing such measures would help protect the state’s resources and foster economic stability.
    He expressed displeasure over the  activities of illegal refineries in the state, and warned that perpetrators of such activities would be made to face legal repercussions.
    Otti urged the taskforce to treat operators of illegal refineries as enemies of the state.
    “Those that operate illegal refineries and other activities, those are the enemies of the state and should be treated as such.
    “Whether they are in Aba or in Ukwa or Port Harcourt or Bayelsa or any of the other 10 states where you operate, the long arms of the government must be made to catch up with them.
    “For us, we do not support any illegality by anybody in any form.
    “You can take it for granted that we as a government will give you all the support to carry out your operation here,” Otti said.
    He also called on the Taskforce to also work to secure the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park (AIIP) at Owaza, in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
    Otti said that the state government would support the taskforce in the area of logistics and intelligence sharing to make its assignment easier.
    According to Otti,  security remains a top priority in  his administration because no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of insecurity.
    Earlier, the Commander of the Taskforce, Rear Admiral John Okeke, said the team was in Abia to familiarise with the state as one of their areas of operations in the fight against oil theft and illegal activities within the oil bearing states.
    Okeke  said that part of their mandate was  focused on curbing illegal activities in the oil and gas sector in Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Imo, Ondo, Anambra, Delta and Edo.
    “The Federal Government thought it wise to come up with Joint Taskforce South South Operation Delta Safe with a mandate to protect oil and gas infrastructure and stem security challenges in the Niger Delta.
    The Taskforce also has the mandate to stop militancy, sea robbery, crude oil theft and other forms of militancy that could impact negatively on the economic activities, with emphasis on the oil and gas sector,” he said.
    Okeke expressed the willingness of the Taskforce to collaborate with the government  to curb illicit activities within their areas of operation.
    He appealed to the government for logistics support  to enable the Taskforce to achieve its mandate.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    INA/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • NAF to establish base in Abia

    NAF to establish base in Abia
    Base
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Nvosi (Abia) June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, says the
    Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is ready to build a base in Abia.
    Abubakar made this known on Friday when he paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
    He said that the decision to institute the presence of NAF in Abia was informed by the need to boost security in the state and the South-East Geopolitical Zone.
    Abubakar said that he was in Abia to engage in meaningful dialogue with the state government and explore opportunities for partnership between NAF and Abia State.
    He appealed to the state government for a parcel of land to facilitate the placement of NAF’s facilities.
    According to him, this will enable the Force’s presence to provide effective and decisive kinetic response to threats, enhance national security and contribute to security in Abia and environs.
    “I want to appreciate your foresight in requesting for the presence of the Nigerian Air Force in Abia.
    “This will not only boost security of the entire state, but would provide invaluable support in emergency response, disaster management and community development initiatives.
    “We’ll take advantage of the opportunity to further extend our reach in the employment of airpower response, especially in Abia, and by extension, the South-East region,” he said.
    Abubakar commended the governor for his visionary leadership style and judicious management of public resources, and the focus on  improving the living standards of the people.
    He also commiserated with the government on the unfortunate incident which led to the loss of five soldiers at the Obikabia Junction in Aba.
    Abubakar advocated for effective implementation of measures that would facilitate improvement of civil-military relations, for better socio-economic growth.
    Responding, Otti described the approval for the establishment of an Air Force Base in Abia as a welcome development, and promised that the government would provide land for NAF operations.
    He said that a temporary site would be provided in Umuahia to serve as its take off location in addition to an operational vehicle, a residence and other logistics.
    Otti expressed confidence that the  establishment of an Air Force Base in Abia would further complement government’s efforts to enhance security of lives and property in the state.
    According to him, the relative peace experienced in the state is an outcome of the efforts of the government and security agencies.
    He said that security had remained a top priority and Abia Government would support the Nigerian Air Force to perform optimally in the state.
    Otti described the visit as timely, especially with the Federal Government’s approval for the establishment of an Airstrip in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    INA/FON/
    =============
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu and Abiemwense Moru

  • Soldiers’ killing: Abia govt. increases bounty to N30m

    Bounty
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Nvosi (Abia), June 7, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on Friday announced an increased of the N25 million bounty placed on the killers of five soldiers at Obikabia junction in Aba to N30 million.
    Otti made the announcement when the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hasan Abubakar, paid him a visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that some gunmen had, on May 30, killed five soldiers at Obikabia junction in Aba.
    The governor said that the increase in the bounty was necessary by an addition of N5 million by an indigene of the state based in U.S.A.
    “Interestingly, the government has placed a bounty of N25 million and just yesterday, an Abia son, who also comes from Obingwa and lives in the United States, sent us N5 million to upgrade the bounty to N30 million.
    “So I am happy to announce that the bounty has just been upgraded to N30 million, to encourage anyone that will have useful information that will lead to the apprehension of the criminals,” he said.
    Otti further stated that the state government had also started working with the security agencies to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the state again.
    He said that government had been working round the clock to ensure that the state remained safe and secure.
    “We also want to thank the intelligence service of the DSS, as they dispatched quite some people here to help us to unravel this case.
    “We are very single-minded about it. We must fish them out and ensure that they get the message that this place is a no-go area for terrorists, killers, kidnappers and other criminals,” the governor said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    INA/FON/WAS
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Aba Killing: We’ve started getting very credible information — Gov. Otti

    Soldiers
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Aba, June 6 ,2024 (NAN) Gov. Alex Otti of Abia says the State Government has started receiving credible intelligence on the killing of five soldiers which took place on May 30 in Aba.
    Otti disclosed this on Thursday when he paid a morale boosting visit to the officers and men of the144 Battalion Nigerian Army, at the Ngwa High School, Aba.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on May 30,
    five soldiers were killed by  yet-to-be-identified gunmen, at the  Obikabia Junction in Aba.
    The governor said that he was on the visit to address the soldiers on the killing of five soldiers at the Obikabia junction.
    He said that the efforts made by the government to gather intelligence on the incident had started producing results and it would be sustained.
    He said :”We have started getting very credible information, this intelligence gathering will continue, but I do not want it to dampen your morale.
    “We have all been working together to secure this state in the last one year that I have been the Governor of the State, and I want to encourage you to continue your work; don’t get distracted.
    “I believe, from credible intelligence available to us, that this criminal act may have been executed by people who are opposed to the progress and the good things that are happening in Abia.
    “So, we will get to the root of the matter, we will arrest everyone that is involved.”
    Otti said that he had visited the widows of the five slain soldiers and promised the commitment of the government to keep giving them adequate welfare support as well as  place their children on scholarship until they graduate from the university.
    He said that the government valued the contributions of the Nigerian Army to the security in Abia and assured the soldiers of the government’s support.
    “I feel it is my responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the state to speak to you, commiserate with you, and also ensure that your morale is boosted, that you don’t get discouraged and you don’t get distracted by this unfortunate incident.
    “The state had already placed a bounty of N25 million on anybody who has information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of people who were involved in this dastardly act, remotely or directly,” he said.
    Otti also appealed to the Army to carry out their investigation with the consciousness of the fact that some of the people already arrested in the course of their investigation may be innocent.
    He said that he had been informed that the people taken by the Nigerian Army for questioning had been released, except for about 10 people who were still being investigated.
    “We support thorough investigation, but we will also appeal to you that a lot of innocent civilians, who you will encounter may not have been involved.
    “I believe that most of them are not involved. It is even possible that those who committed this crime came from outside the state.
    “So whatever be the case we will not like to punish those who are innocent with those who are guilty because like it is said, two wrongs cannot make a right,” he said.
    He commended the Nigerian Army for showing commitment to its duty of protecting the citizens, which had contributed immensely to safety of lives and property in Abia.
    Otti urged the soldiers to remain alert and not to let the killing of their colleagues to dampen their spirit.
    NAN reports that the governor was received by the Commander, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brig.-Gen. Olusola Diya and the Commanding Officer, 144 Battalion, Major K.P. Duniya.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    INA/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Footwear company to build 15,000 daily capacity factory in Abia

    Footwear company to build 15,000 daily capacity factory in Abia

    Footwear
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Nvosi (Abia) June 6,2024 (NAN) A footwear manufacturing outfit, the Comfort Stevens Industries, says it is ready to establish a 15,000 per day capacity footwear company in Abia.

    The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr John Nwankwo, said this on Wednesday in a meeting with Gov. Alex Otti of Abia in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

    He said that the factory had the potentials to boost local footwear production, tackle unemployment and eradicate poverty.

    According to him, the factory, situated in Owerrinta area of the state, would be executed in collaboration with partners from the U.S., Brazil and China to enhance the Made-In-Aba brand.

    He  said that his company’s objective focused on producing footwear and footwear components that Nigerians import from overseas’ market every year.

    “Our vision is to own and run the best indigenous footwear company in Africa.

    “We want to manufacture high quality, durable and affordable footwear through automation to meet the needs of our valuable customers.

    “We will strengthen the naira as we produce locally and bring in foreign exchange through export.

    “We are here to discourage the xenocentric behaviour of Africans through the production of high quality footwears and footwear components,” Nwankwo said.

    He commended the governor for his visionary and impactful leadership style which, he said, had produced remarkable progress in the socioeconomic growth of the state.

    He further expressed the willingness of his company to work in alignment with the industrialisation agenda of the State Government to strengthen the footwear manufacturing industry in the state.

    He also said that the outfit had interest in partnering with the Federal Government to become its supplier of boots for military and paramilitary agencies in the country.

    Nwankwo said that serious plans were underway to ensure that the factory would be completely set up by the end of the year.

    In a speech, one of the foreign partners on the project, Mr Levi Sotomaior, said that a partnership between the government and the company was essential for the execution of the project and establishment of an academy for artisans.

    Sotomaior further said that it would facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, support local manufacturing and production of goods and boost large scale export of finished leather products.

    Another foreign partner on the project, Mr Hon Chik, opined that the project would open up the state to the global footwear industry, which holds a lot of promise for Abia.

    Chik expressed the confidence that the project would be a huge success.

    Responding, Otti gave assurance that the government would partner with the company to establish an academy for artisans and boost footwear production in the state.

    “We are also very encouraged to learn that part of your plans is to also train and upscale our several shoemakers.

    “The major problem a lot of them have is finishing, alot of them are impatient and don’t have the right tools and skills.

    “So, it would be interesting you hang Comfort Steve double as not just products but also training school for our young ones because there are a lot of them.

    “Go to shoe plaza and see what the young men and women are doing there with bare hands you’ll understand that if you introduce them to technology, they will give much more,” he said.

    The governor also said that the government had remained committed to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and boost job creation.

    He said that the government would ensure that the shoe factory would have access to steady power supply.

    He said: “Interestingly, we have awarded the contract to reconstruct the road from Imo River to Umuikaa Junction and then going beyond Umuikaa to Umuene Junction to a dual carriageway to the same contractor for seamless transportation.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    INA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah