NellysNews.com, Umuahia (2024)

08/01/2024

AROCHUKWU LG: MAYOR PROMISES PRIORITY ATTENTION TO EDUCATION, SAYS IHECHIOWA RING ROAD WOULD BE FIXED

The Mayor of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State, Chief Joe Eze Aru, has promised to give education priority attention within his tenure.

This, Aru, says will be achieved through the introduction of incentive driven programs, advocacy to get the pupils back to school, improved infrastructure and good sanitary conducive learning environment in schools within Arochukwu LGA.

He made the promise at his country home, when the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Gregory University Uturu, Professor Uwaoma Uche, paid him a solidarity visit.

Prof. Uche who doubles as the Convener of the Ihechiowa Scholars Forum, ISF, commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for the appointment of an administrator, Chief Joe Eze Aru as Mayor of Arochukwu LGA.

He described Arochukwu as the "cradle of education in Nigeria with foremost educationist such as Dr Alvan Ikoku, whose legacies and devout interest in quality education is still outstanding and remarkable.

"Therefore the local government cannot be shortchanged in advancing the frontier of education", he stated.

Prof. Uche who commended the Governor for prompt payment of teachers' salaries, appreciated the mayor who has through other pragmatic response to the educational need of the teachers in the local government, boosted the morale of both teachers and pupils and urged him not to relent.

He also appealed to him to work with the Governor to assuage the suffering of the people in ensuring the long overdue Ihechiowa ring road.

On his part, Chief Eze Aru thanked the Don for the visit and described him as a great academic and true progressive son of Ihechiowa whose invaluable contributions will be of immense benefit to the educational development of the council.

He also promised to ensure that the long abandoned Ihechiowa ring road would be given prime attention by the Governor Alex Otti administration.

End.

15/11/2023

University Don Advocates "Peace Journalism" for Conflict Resolution

In the era of ventilation of anger due to harsh economy, a Professor of Mass Communication in Abia State, Uwaoma Uche is advocating peace journalism to stabilise unity and resolve conflicts in the society.

Professor Uche who made the clarion call at the 8th Inaugural lecture of Gregory University, Uturu, harped on the need for journalists across all levels to ensure that mass media contents are peace oriented and contribute to the development of the country.

Speaking on the theme: "Communicating Life and Death in our Atomistic Conflict Prone Society; Media Role in Resolving the Albatross, the 8th inaugural lecturer of the University, Professor Uche, said it is pertinent for the mass media to always stand for the truth rather than dish out hate speeches and stories that incite violence.

He frowned at the polarisation of the journalism profession by Android phone users who claim newsmen on various social media platforms, adding that it poses a threat to peace journalism.

The Professor of Mass Communication warned phone users and digital media against using it to communicate negativity, believes that channeling communications to propagating African values would make the culture evolve and aid development.

"The use of social media in citizen journalism as alternative channels of communication which is supposed to be a blessing has become a serious threat to society. The spread of unreliable and unverified information through the social media, therefore heightens the already fragile peace that is getting atomistic and almost about to wane in the nation", he added.

Continuing, he called on the media and relevant agencies to "rise up to the occasion and ensure that the negative use of social media space does not ignite the fire that will consume our society".

Professor Uche who is also the Deputy Vice - Chancellor, Academic, noted that the political class have been accused of creating atmosphere that promotes unrest, conflict and violence, said there is urgent need to protect the lives of media personnel as well as put an end to intimidations and killings of journalists.

According to him, the mass media has a role to play in ensuring sustainable development in the country through peace journalism; hence, their training should be sustained.

Describing Artificial Intelligence as a new technology that has taken humanity to unchanged territories, Professor Uche however advised against the risks including turning man to become tools to his own creation.

NELLYSNEWS reports that the Professor recommended for a review of the country's media and communication policy and the inclusion of peace journalism templates as panacea to sustainable development of the society.

08/11/2023

Abia Mayors: Joe Eze Aru, A Round Peg in Round Hole ~ Professor Uche

The Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Gregory University Uturu, Professor Uwaoma Uche, has commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, on the nomination of Chief Joe Eze Aru as the transition Chairman/Mayor of Arochukwu Local Government Area.

Prof Uche who described Aru as a square peg in a square hole, noted that the nomination is divinely ordained and one that came at the right time.

Professor Uche who is also the Publicity Secretary of Ihechiowa Development Union, IDU, assured that Chief Joe Aru as a tested administrator and a true grassroot leader will bring his vast of knowledge to bear on his new responsibility.

He thanked the Governor for his love for the people of Ihechiowa Community through his appointment of two of their illustrious sons namely Chief Joe Eze Aru as Mayor of Arochukwu LGA and Eze Linus Nto MBA as Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council.

Prof Uche promised the support of the people of Ihechiowa and assured that their son will deliver on the assignment and creditably show trust and service to his administration.

The DVC Academic, Gregory University, called on the new TC, Arochukwu, to ensure grassroot engagement and particularly see to the construction of rural roads especially the Ihechiowa ring road.

26/10/2023

Group Calls on President Tinubu to Caution Party Men Against Onyejiocha

A group under the aegis of Ladies for Change Movement has called on President Bola Tinubu to tell some Abia APC men to stop further gender discrimination against minister Hon, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

The organisation in a press release stated that they will no longer tolerate further defamation of character on Hon. Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha by few biased individuals who they alleged think she is doing better than them politically.

The group however called on women in Abia State and Nigeria in general to stand up for their gender and put a stop to what they termed " inhumane towards one of us", and added that a woman should have a voice.

The release reads in part;

"The Honourable Minister has not committed any offense to warrant such malicious intent to defame her character, she is a beautiful, intelligent,resilient, resourceful and focused woman who believes in her visions and dreams but this myopic individuals believes that a woman doesn't deserve to have aspirations, dreams and visions

The Honourable Minister of States for Labour and Employment Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha PHD We know has no connection with Labour Party for whatsoever reason, She is too busy discharging her duties as a honourable minister and can never associate herself with such malicious allegations

Her only offense is that she is a woman and to her opponents to be a good woman you must remain visionless, you should not DARE to dream of aspiring for anything, infact your work start from the kitchen and ends in the other room

She is been treated, unjustly,unequally and disadvantageously because she is a WOMAN!

Is unfortunate that some of our brothers from Abia APC that supposed to be her support system are the brain behind the defamation of character. They are not happy about her political growth hence they gang up to pull her down

What our honourable minister is passing through is GENDER DISCRIMINATION and this discrimination is often rooted in preconceived, false societal and personal notions about who a woman is, how she "should" look, the things should do etc

This selected individuals are trying by all means to create a hostile environment for our honourable minister and their actions are against several federal and state laws

Ladies For Change Movement is also appealing to President Tinubu to call this selected individuals to order, they should allow the honourable minister to focus on her duties as Honourable Minister".

Precious David
Ladies For Change Movement
Abia State Chapter.

22/10/2023

Federal Government Begins Enrolment of Veterans & Orphans of Fallen Heroes for Cash Transfer Programme

In line with the Federal Government's cash transfer programme to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has flagged off the enrollment of veterans, widows and orphans of fallen heroes, caregivers for the palliatives.

Speaking at the event which took place at Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, the National Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Maj Gen Abdulmalik Jubril(rtd), emphasized that the initiative is a testament of President Bola Tinubu's commitment to touch lives of at least fifteen million households to reduce hardships.

According to Jubril, there was need to extend the palliative to veterans of the Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in service as well as their caregivers.

The National Chairman who described the gesture as "one of a kind", noted that the households will receive 25,000 naira for three months which will go a long way in cushioning the effects of the sufferings of the people orchestrated by inflation.

Also speaking, the Abia State Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Ambrose Nnabugwu, said the programme was aimed at mitigating the hardship and suffering caused by the removal of fuel subsidy in the country.

Nnabugwu applauded the move, which he said will serve as a relief to families who will benefit from the palliative.

A Director in Joint Services, Ministry of Defence, Jude Alozie, who represented the Minister of Defence, assured that all government economic programmes would be open to all veterans, families of fallen heroes and their dependants.

"This is the first time there's been a deliberate attempt to capture veterans and we know that it will only get better. We are trying to create a national safety register for veterans and with this enrolment, you'll be entitled to all programmes of the federal government", Alozie assured the beneficiaries.

On his part, Brigadier General Caius Akan Baushe, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa, urged the veterans who were present at the inauguration of the enrolment, to take the message to the hinterlands where their members are to ensure they get enrolled for the payment.

In an interview with NELLYSNEWS, some retirees including, Major General S.U Umunna and the Legion Chairman of Ohafia local government area of Abia State, Legion Kalu Ndem, they thanked the President of Nigeria for the relief. They equally expressed optimism that the palliative if received, will enable them solve some of their problems, albeit temporary.

The veterans, however suggested to the federal government that instead of giving them palliatives, their children should be offered employment or any other forms of empowerment that would guarantee them steady incomes.

21/10/2023

Academicians Tasked on Providing Solutions to Africa's Challenges ~ Professor Uche

African scholars, academic and researchers have been challenged to look inwards and implement academic curricular, research and innovations to tackle the myraid of challenges facing the African continent.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Gregory University Uturu, Professor Uwaoma Uche, made the call as the 7th Convocation speaker at I-fatoss University, Cotonuo Republic of Benin.

Prof Uwaoma Uche spoke on the topic; Navigating the African Educational System in the Wake of Global Transformation and Quality Learning: An Artificial Intelligence AI Perspectives.

He described artificial intelligence, AI, as an essential instrument of a technological innovation driven education platform to accelerate the human development.

"It is not only changing the phase of knowledge in the facets of communication, education, health care, international diplomacy, religion among others".

The 7th Convocation Speaker at the University who harped on the need to orient the concept and use of artificial intelligence particularly in Africa in a responsible way for African solution, added that it is for the service of humanity.

Professor Uche described the speed and reach of the AI technology as unprecedented and called for caution as the AI technology cannot replace the human brain. He also warned against technology should not be allowed turn humanity as tools in the hand of the AI tools and another modern tool easily manipulated by the heavy database economy of the west economy to strangulate the African and developing or less database economy.

The Vice Chancellor, Academic, Gregory University called for collaboration for African countries, institutions, researchers and scholars to leverage on the skills and innovation development already provided by the Innovation hub in Abuja, Nigeria owned by Gregory University Uturu to train students, academic and scholars.

This, he said will help to drive the 21st century African innovation.

While calling on governments, supervisory educational agencies in Africa to have the educational mandate of making university education more responsive to the needs of society, Professor Uche also urged them to commit themselves towards funding education and creating the enabling environment for lecturers, researchers and students to thrive through such funding without discrimination between public and private educational systems.

"We as educational stakeholders should ensure the removal of plenty square pegs in round holes amongst lecturers and students in the tertiary educational systems especially those employed on political, clannish patronage who have no passion and training for education", Professor Uche reiterated.

17/10/2023

Join in Efforts to Address African Agriculture & Pressing Climate Crises, Sam Onuigbo to Stakeholders

The Chairman, Security, Special Interventions and Climate Change, Governing Board, NorthEast Development Commission, NEDC, Sam Onuigbo, has called on concerned Stakeholders to join hands in championing climate action, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Onuigbo made the call at the first conference on, "Accelerating Agricultural Adaptation in Africa, which took place in Abuja, Nigeria.

Speaking at the three day conference which had participants from forty-four (44) African countries and the World Bank, Onuigbo, said there was need to address “the future of African agriculture and the pressing Climate crises".

The former member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia, noted that the role agriculture plays in Africa’s development, livelihoods, and sustainability cannot be over-emphasized.

"Agriculture employs more than half of Africa’s workforce out of which small holder farmers constitute 60 percent of the population in low-income African countries. Africa has 60 percent of the world’s uncultivated arable land, and agriculture accounts for 30-40 percent of its GDP (According to World Bank and Africa Development Bank reports)", Onuigbo stated.

He informed that Nigeria is one of the eleven countries selected as intervention zones for the Great Green Wall in the Sahel region, adding that some of the states in the zone fall within the Sahel and Great Green Wall Belt.

Onuigbo expressed worry that the impact of climate change in the region has led to drought, desertification, drying up of Lake Chad, loss of livelihoods, and forced migration which fuels insecurity and insurgency.

He noted that as the Chairman of the Security, Special Interventions, and Climate Change Committee of the Governing Board, he prioritizes Agriculture as one of the pillars of the development agenda of the Commission to restore and sustain the livelihoods of the people of the zone.

Continuing, Onuigbo maintained that Climate-Smart Agriculture remains one of the approaches to addressing climate change within the agricultural sector.

"Agriculture is not merely an economic sector; it's a lifeline for millions of people, particularly women who are the backbone of African agriculture. Nigeria has taken a significant step forward with its Climate Change Act 2021, which now serves as a beacon of hope in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change in the agricultural sector.

He added that "Nigeria is leading the way towards a more climate-resilient future for agriculture".

He harped on the need to involve youth and women in sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security, poverty reduction, and economic growth adding that gender-sensitive approaches are needed to address climate change's differential impact on women and men.

Onuigbo commended President Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security which is targeted at ensuring food security and a robust economy.

"As advocates for climate action, we must applaud and support such initiatives that pave the way for a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector", he reiterated.

He stressed that through collaborative future for all would be secured.

17/10/2023

My Motion Birthed "Operation Crush" & I'm Glad Kidnapping Spate has Reduced Drastically in Umunneochi ~ Ume Matthias

The Member Representing Umunneochi State Constitutuency at the Abia State House of Assembly, Honourable Ume Matthias Nwachi, says it was the first motion he moved on the floor of the House of Assembly for the Executive to come to the aid of the people of Umunneochi against kidnapping, that birthed "Operation Crush", a joint security outfit that helps to fight crime in the state.

The State lawmaker disclosed this to some journalists in Umuahia over the weekend.

He expressed happiness that the area has recorded lasting peace in the past one month with the collaboration of all security apparatus working tirelessly to ensure that kidnapping and other forms of crimes are nipped in the bud.

Speaking on the Local Government Autonomy Bill, the State Lawmaker noted that the bill was passed into law and assented to during the past administration but has not been implemented.

Ume, noted that Governor Alex Otti has promised to fully implement the law by December, 2023, adding that the move will help in monitoring constituency projects' ex*****on at the local government level.

Asked about the 2023 Budget Implementation, the House Committee Chairman on Budget Planning, Multilateral and SDGs, emphasized that what matters is that the stages were followed in line with the constitution, adding that the timing was immaterial.

The lawmaker who likes to be addressed as Nwachi, believes that his four year tenure as the "mouth" of Umunneochi State Constitutuency, will have significant achievements compared to the past twenty four years of his predecessors.

"One of the things I promised my Constituency is that my 4 years will compete with past 24 years. If any fund is released for the people of Umunneochi as a Constituency allowance, I'll set up and inaugurate an implementation committee that will plan and execute projects in the area. Hence; my resolve not to touch the money meant for my people".

He also informed that he wilI only promise the people of Umunneochi what is within his reach and none of his campaign promises will go unfulfilled.

22/09/2023

Abia State Government Commences Compensation Payment to Claimants of Affected Structures on Ossah Road

Abia State Government says it has commenced the payment of compensation to those whose structures would be affected in the demolition plan for the construction of a six lane Ossah road in Umuahia.

The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chaka Chukwumerije, who disclosed this in a town hall meeting with the people of Ossah and Umuorie, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, noted that about hundred and thirty structures will be affected.

The Commissioner also said that the people affected had been notified earlier, while valuation, and enumeration had started and the various claimants have also confirmed their claims.

Chukwumerije noted that the time for relocation had been postponed several times to allow proper time for engagement and relocation; hence, the need to commence demolish on the road soon.

According to Chukwumerije, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, approved the full payment of the compensation, "the people have been very supportive. We gave assurance to the people that they will start receiving alerts and this is in line with the government keeping to its words".

"We have given sufficient time for relocation, over and above what was provided by the law. So, we are ready to move forward with development in the interest of Abians", the Commissioner for Lands and Housing added.

Some of the claimants who sought for clarifications on when their accounts will be credited, also complained that the ongoing process of compensation seems one sided as they have no idea how much they are expecting.

Responding to questions asked by the people, the General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Kingsley Agomuo, told those whose structures were not marked not to fret as all structures that would be demolished are already marked.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for works, represented by a director in the ministry, Augustine Ibe, also gave clarity to some of the concerns raised by the people of Ossah and Umuorie, and assured that the state government has good intentions for them as seen in the ongoing compensation.

13/08/2023

Abia State Government Bans Okada in Aba & Umuahia

Public Notice:

GOVERNMENT OF ABIA STATE

BAN ON THE OPERATION OF COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLISTS, OKADA

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has directed the immediate ban on the operation of commercial motorcyclists, otherwise known as Okada, within Umuahia, the State capital, and Aba Metropolis.

Effective Monday, August 14, 2023, any motorcycle seen on the streets of Umuahia and Aba townships being used for such purpose will be impounded by the security agencies.

Also, security agencies have been directed to arrest any individual caught violating this order, for possible prosecution.

This directive takes immediate effect.

SIGNED
Kazie Uko
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Abia State

12/08/2023

Professor Uche Congratulates HRM Eze Nto Mbah on His Elevation; Calls Him Pride of Ihechiowa Community

The Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Gregory University, Uturu, Professor Uwaoma Uche, has congratulated His Royal Majesty, HRM, Eze Sir Linus Nto Mbah, (KSS, KSM), on his emergence as the Chairman, Abia State Traditional Rulers Council.

In a congratulatory message signed by Professor Uwaoma Uche, who doubles as the Publicity Secretary, Ihechiowa Development Union, it noted that the Royal father is a pride to his community, Ihechiowa and the entire Arochukwu Local Government Area, where he was the chairman of the Traditional Rulers council before his recent elevation.

According to Professor Uche, he has no doubt that Eze Nto Mba's remarkable philanthropic and godly disposition will be brought to bear in his new office.

He prayed that the Eze Mbah will achieve success and greater glory for Abia State under his reign.

12/08/2023

Abia State Government Commences Sensitisation of Transporters on TSA

Abia State Government has commenced the sensitisation on Single Treasury Account for transporters to enable them understand the new payment platform.

The Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Internally Generated Revenue, Chimereze Okigbo, led the State Harmonized Revenue Enforcement Team, HARET, to some motor parks in Aba for the sensitisation exercise.

Okigbo said it is their avowed determination to get all state revenues to the government purse so as to avoid leakages.

According to Okigbo, there is need for transporters to be captured in the tax payers database as this will help avoid double taxation and discourage touting.

He informed that the Task Force Team on Revenue whose responsibility is to ensure compliance and educate transporters more on revenue collection, are not expected to collect money from anyone.

"We are urging ndi Abia to comply with the directives so that we can build more good roads for them and carry on with other developmental projects in the state. The era of paper and manual process has gone. We don't have any revenue agent, what we have is revenue collection vendors which the state government has profiled", Okigbo added.

In their separate remarks at Milverton park, Aba, the Chairmen of Luxurious Bus Owners and Cargo Transport in the state, Chibueze Chikere and Ifeanyi Mbaike, pledged to ensure full compliance from their members.

The sensitisation of transporters which started from Aba and some segments of Obingwa LGA, is an ongoing process, which will be taken to other parts of the state in the days ahead.

10/08/2023

"Permit to Operate", See New Abia Commercial Transporters Tariff👇👇

Abia State Government through the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Internally Generated Revenue, Chimereze Okigbo, has made public the Abia State Commercial Transporters Tariff.

It is the expectation of the state government that transport unions leaders across the state, beckon on their members to comply with the payments.

09/08/2023

Task Force on Revenue Set to Commence Operation in Abia ~ S.A on IGR, Okigbo Announces

In line with the New Reform, Abia State Harmonized Revenue Enforcement Team, AHARET, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Internally Generated Revenue, Chimereze Okigbo, has announced that a revenue task force will commence operation on Thursday.

Okigbo, who dropped the hint to some journalists in Umuahia after an enlarged meeting with the leadership of transport unions across the state, revealed that the task force will drive compliance around revenue collection and anti-touting.

The meeting was aimed at getting the transport union leaders to partner with the state government to ensure that their daily ticketing known as "Permit to Operate" are collected harmoniously.

The Permit to Operate is meant for every commercial transport operator to pay to the state government which comes with a daily or periodic payment option.

According to Okigbo, "It is not tax, it is a contribution paid by every commercial transport operator to the state on a daily or monthly basis as one wishes"

The IGR Adviser who regretted that the compliance level was low, called on Abians and transport unions to support the move to be effective as the government had come up with a unified and friendly system where people can make their payment.

He highlighted benefits of full compliance to include free medical insurance, as well as a discounted amount in terms of the number of days a transporter would want to pay.

"A code (Abia Pay Account number) will be given to transporters and whatever they pay in a day, lasts for the day while the payment made for a month, comes with a discount amount and it's a period of twenty two days instead of thirty days". Transporters in the state will do a biometric enumeration, obtain an identity card and a sticker so as to be logged into the payment processes, he added.

Continuing, Okigbo added that "We are not contracting our revenue. People have the ability to pay by themselves. Either you pay from your mobile phone or you go to an agent on the street and make your payment".

He also encouraged the transport union leaders to ensure that their members remain in the parks and not cluster on the roads.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on special duties, Dr. George Chidozie, said the process enables all revenues to be deposited in the state government account as against what it had in the past where some revenue generation ends up in private pockets.

He disclosed that they will launch a Campaign to educate road transporters and the public about revenue collection adding that it is not peculiar to transport unions alone.

"Abia has bled enough and we are here to block all loopholes to ensure that every revenue gets to the state government and same used to salvage the situation the government met on ground", he maintained.

Dr. Chidozie also informed that the task force is trained to avoid harassment and incidences that could lead to accidents on the roads.

Responding on behalf of other transport unions leaders, the State Chairman of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, Nnamdi Dalogu, promised to ensure that their members who have not started making payments, will comply with the directives.