The Abia State Government has dismissed as false, malicious, and politically motivated a viral social media story alleging that Governor Alex Chioma Otti confronted operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Aba, blocked their convoy, and ordered the release of dozens of youths allegedly being taken to Abuja.
The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, in a statement, described the report as a “crude fabrication recycled from an old propaganda script, stressing that no such incident ever occurred in Aba under the present administration.
“Let me state categorically and without equivocation that there was no confrontation between Governor Alex Otti and EFCC operatives in Aba—neither recently nor at any time since this administration came into office,” Kanu said.
According to the Commissioner, the story is false from beginning to end and represents a deliberate attempt by opposition elements to mislead the public and discredit a government that has consistently earned the confidence of Abians through transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
Kanu recalled that the same allegation surfaced around May 2025, was thoroughly debunked by the Abia State Government and credible civil society organisations, and quietly disappeared after its authors were exposed.
“What we are seeing now is nothing more than a desperate recycling of an old lie. Its resurrection only confirms that those behind it have run out of ideas, credibility, and constructive engagement,” he said.
The Commissioner emphasised that Governor Otti has never interfered with the operations of any federal law enforcement agency, including the EFCC, noting that such behaviour would be completely at odds with the Governor’s well-known commitment to due process and constitutional order.
“Governor Otti is a firm believer in institutional independence. He has never obstructed, confronted, or interfered with the lawful duties of the EFCC or any other security agency,” Kanu stated.
He further debunked claims of a mass arrest, saying there was no arrest of 59 Aba youths, no attempted transfer to Abuja, and no involvement of the Governor or his security aides. At the time the alleged incident was said to have occurred, Kanu explained, the Governor was verifiably engaged in official state duties elsewhere, a fact easily confirmable from public records.
Describing the allegation that a governor would “block an EFCC convoy” as implausible, the Commissioner said the narrative belonged more to political fiction than reality.
“The EFCC operates within clearly defined legal frameworks. The idea that a sitting governor would theatrically block a federal agency’s convoy is not only false but laughable,” he said.
Kanu warned that the recurring spread of such misinformation follows a familiar pattern—manufactured outrage, ethnic undertones, emotional manipulation, and repetition in the hope that falsehood might pass for truth.
“It failed before, and it will fail again,” he declared.
Reaffirming the stance of the Otti administration, the Commissioner said the government remains committed to protecting lives and property without shielding criminality or undermining lawful institutions.
“The Governor believes that innocence is best protected by justice and due process, not by mob narratives or executive theatrics,” Kanu added.
He urged Abians and the general public to disregard the story and similar falsehoods designed to sow confusion and erode trust in public institutions.
“Misinformation is not opposition, and falsehood is not politics. Abia has moved on and remains focused on rebuilding, restoring confidence in governance, and delivering measurable progress,” the Commissioner said.
Kanu concluded that while falsehood may travel fast, truth ultimately prevails.
“Truth may travel slower than lies, but it always arrives—and when it does, it exposes the storytellers,” he said.

 

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has congratulated Arise Correspondent, Dr Friday Olokor who was conferred with a Doctoral Degree by the University of Jos (UNIJOS).
The NIPR said his journey from the newsroom to academic halls, demonstrates focus, resilience and academic excellence.
The President of NIPR and Chairman of its Governing Council, Dr Ike Neliaku, in a congratulatory letter addressed to Olokor, said it reflects the depth of his scholarship and commitment to intellectual rigour.
The organisation said it recognises Olokor’s contribution to journalism and scholarship, and celebrates the milestone in his career.
See the text of the congratulations below…
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE CONFERMENT OF YOUR DOCTORATE DEGREE
On behalf of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, I write to congratulate you on earning your Ph.D from the University of Jos. This reflects the depth of your scholarship and your commitment to intellectual rigour.
Your journey from the newsroom to academic halls, demonstrates focus, resilience and academic excellence.
We recognise your contribution to journalism and scholarship, and celebrate this milestone in your career.
Accept, please, the assurances of our best wishes.  Ike Neliaku, Ph.D, fnipr, President, Chairman of Governing Council.

Picture: Dr Friday Olokor

“Insecurity has reduced our region to a daily struggle for survival,” — Dr. Tanko

 

 

The Lagos Branch of the Arewa Community Forum has issued a scathing New Year statement condemning Northern Nigeria’s political leaders and elders over what it described as decades of leadership failure, moral collapse, and betrayal of public trust.

The Forum accused the region’s political elite of presiding over deepening insecurity, widespread poverty, and social disintegration, warning that both history and divine judgment would ultimately hold them accountable for the suffering of the people.

In the strongly worded statement signed by its Chairman, Board of Trustees, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Tanko, the Forum said it was “ironically extending gratitude” to Nigeria’s political leadership for overseeing the steady erosion of security, social cohesion, and economic opportunity in the North—failures it said have now subjected the country to damaging international scrutiny, including the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.

Dr. Tanko contrasted the current reality with Nigeria’s early post-independence years, recalling an era when the economy was largely driven by agriculture and guided by leaders committed to equity, nation-building, and social justice. He described the founding generation as “selfless patriots” who prioritised the welfare of ordinary citizens above personal ambition.

The statement highlighted Northern Nigeria’s tradition of principled leadership, citing the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, whose emphasis on mass education, scholarships, and institutional development laid the foundation for inclusive growth through initiatives such as the Northern Nigeria Development Corporation (NNDC). Other leaders of that era—Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Kashim Ibrahim, and Mallam Aminu Kano—were also referenced as exemplars of governance anchored on social justice and empowerment of the masses.

According to the Forum, today’s Northern Nigeria presents a tragic reversal of that legacy. Key sectors of the economy have collapsed, millions of children are denied access to quality education, and widespread unemployment has left young people vulnerable, desperate, and stigmatised. Many youths, it noted, have been pushed into circumstances where they are branded as terrorists, leading to needless bloodshed and the loss of innocent lives.

The Forum attributed the crisis to years of neglect and the deliberate diversion of public resources, alleging that funds meant for schools, hospitals, and community infrastructure were siphoned into criminal networks, political projects, and personal enrichment. It further accused political elites of investing national wealth abroad and educating their children overseas while exploiting poorly educated local youths as instruments of political violence.

“Insecurity has reduced our region to a struggle for survival,” the statement said, warning that the prevailing climate has extinguished hope among jobless youths, stalled development, and widened regional disparities while other parts of the country move forward. It described insecurity as a tool of suppression and cautioned that history would be unforgiving to those responsible.

Beyond historical accountability, Dr. Tanko invoked divine judgment, reminding leaders that ultimate reckoning rests with Allah. “On the Day of Judgment, power, wealth, and influence will count for nothing,” the statement warned.

The Arewa Community Forum stressed that its intervention was driven not by hatred but by conscience, responsibility, and concern for the future of Northern Nigeria. It called on leaders and elders to engage in sober reflection, reclaim the values of justice and service, and take urgent, decisive action to rescue the region from further decline and decay.

 

 

Textron Systems Corporation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has secured a contract to deliver three Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems to Tantita Security Services, in a move expected to significantly strengthen surveillance and protection of Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure.
Under the agreement, the systems will be supplied in a fully ITAR-free configuration, easing export requirements and allowing rapid deployment in Nigeria. The deal also includes options for operator training and additional aircraft, as Tantita expands its operational capabilities in the Niger Delta and other high-risk energy corridors.
Industry sources said the deployment of the Aerosonde platforms would provide persistent aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), enhancing Tantita’s ability to detect pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and other security threats in difficult terrain.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL is a runway-independent unmanned aircraft powered by hybrid quadrotor technology, allowing it to take off and land vertically while retaining the endurance of a fixed-wing system. Its design makes it particularly suited for operations in remote and swampy environments where conventional aircraft access is limited.
Commenting on the award, David Phillips, Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems at Textron Systems, said the platform would deliver a step-change in operational effectiveness.
“The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a mature, highly reliable, and industry-proven autonomous solution that will provide Tantita Security Services with transformational capability,” Phillips said.
“Its demonstrated performance will enable Tantita to expand its capacity to protect oil and gas infrastructure that is essential to Nigeria’s security and economic prosperity.”
The contract builds on the growing global footprint of the Aerosonde family of systems, which has accumulated over 700,000 flight hours across some of the world’s most challenging operational environments. The platform is currently deployed across multiple continents and operates from more than 10 United States Navy ships, underscoring its maritime and littoral surveillance credentials.
Security analysts note that the acquisition aligns with Nigeria’s broader push to deploy technology-driven solutions in tackling crude oil theft and pipeline sabotage, crimes that have cost the country billions of dollars in lost revenue over the years.
Tantita Security Services, a key private-sector partner in Nigeria’s energy security architecture, has in recent years expanded its surveillance footprint through a mix of ground patrols, maritime assets, and aerial monitoring, supporting government efforts to stabilise oil production.
With the addition of the Aerosonde VTOL systems, observers say Tantita is positioning itself at the forefront of integrated, intelligence-led infrastructure protection in the West African energy sector.

By Foster Obi

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has outlined an ambitious governance and development agenda for 2026, pledging massive investments in transport infrastructure, education, healthcare, power, agriculture, and social welfare, while promising to begin the payment of long-outstanding gratuity arrears owed to retirees.

In his New Year broadcast to the people of the state on Thursday, Otti said his administration would consolidate the gains of the past 31 months and intensify reforms aimed at lowering the cost of living, stimulating investment, and accelerating economic growth.

“For us, it will always be Abia first,” the governor said, reiterating his resolve to place the rapid development of the state above every other consideration.

Transport, Electric Buses, and Economic Growth

At the heart of the 2026 programme is an expansion of the state’s transport infrastructure, with Otti announcing plans to deploy 100 electric buses across major urban and semi-urban routes before the end of the year.

According to him, ongoing road projects and the rollout of a mass transit scheme powered by energy-efficient buses have already reduced intra- and inter-city transport costs, with positive effects on productivity, employment, and rural-urban connectivity.

“With the completion of our multimodal transport terminals and strategic road projects, the grand objective is to encourage investments in productive assets, create jobs, and increase our GDP by cutting out bottlenecks that add to production costs,” he said.

Civil Service Reform, Training Centre

The governor disclosed that the state would commit about ₦5 billion in 2026 to manpower training and development, including the establishment of a dedicated centre for the training and retraining of public sector workers.

He said the administration would enforce a strict policy of deploying officials only to roles where they can add value, stressing that “the right persons must be in the right offices” to strengthen service delivery.

Land Reform, Housing Drive

Otti highlighted the success of the state’s land administration reforms, particularly the Certificate of Occupancy-in-30-Days initiative, which he said has improved investor confidence and ease of doing business.

He announced that land administration processes are being automated and digitised, projecting that the ongoing land-mapping exercise would significantly increase the value of Abia’s real estate assets.

Linked to this is a renewed housing drive. The governor said the state would launch new housing projects, acquire abandoned estates, and prioritise low-income earners, while creating room for institutional investors in the high-end property market.

“Roads, power, security, and other support infrastructure will be made available to drive real estate investments,” he assured.

 Education: Teachers, Smart Schools, 20% Budget

Reaffirming education as a cornerstone of his administration, Otti said 20 per cent of the 2026 budget has again been allocated to the sector.

He disclosed that over 5,000 teachers were recruited in 2025, with plans underway to recruit an additional 4,000 teachers to meet rising enrolment following the introduction of free and compulsory basic education.

The governor also announced plans to upgrade science and technical secondary schools into centres of excellence and revealed that the state’s smart schools initiative would soon receive international systems certification.

“There is absolutely no room for compromise when it comes to the quality of education we offer our children,” he said.

Healthcare, Insurance, Budgetary Commitment

On healthcare, Otti said public confidence is returning to government hospitals, with rehabilitated primary and secondary health facilities now operational across communities.

He disclosed that over 120,000 residents have enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to dedicating 15 per cent of the annual budget to healthcare.

“The true measure of the wealth of any community is the health of its population,” he said.

Power Sector Reforms, Energy Investment

The governor described electricity as the “live-wire of modern civilisation” and expressed optimism about the state’s power reforms following the enactment of the Abia State Electricity Law and the establishment of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA).

He said the acquisition of distribution infrastructure outside the Aba ring-fenced corridor and the adoption of a mini-grid regulatory framework would position Abia as a major destination for energy investment in 2026.

Agriculture, Women, Youth Empowerment

Otti said agriculture would receive special attention, with a new farmer database enabling targeted interventions, timely input distribution, and improved output.

He also announced expanded support for women, youth, and persons living with disabilities, including entrepreneurial grants for outstanding graduates and expanded ICT and technical skills training.

“Our idea is simple: we want to train and retain the best and most talented young people here in Abia,” he said.

Gratuity Arrears, Politics, Security

In a major relief to retirees, the governor announced that the state would begin the structured payment of gratuity arrears dating back to the early 2000s, following the approval of a payment framework.

He also urged eligible residents to participate in continuous voter registration ahead of the 2027 elections, while warning that Abia would remain “off-limits” to criminals and troublemakers.

Call for Tax Compliance

As he concluded, Otti called on residents to make regular tax payment a civic duty, stating that the government’s target for 2026 is to fund recurrent expenditure from internally generated revenue.

“Payment of taxes is an investment in the growth of your business,” he said, adding that all revenues would be strictly applied to development projects.

“This is God’s Own State, and when we say yes, no force on earth is powerful enough to stand in our way,” The Governor affirmed.

Picture: Governor Alex Otti

 

 

Egbin Power Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth through its Personal Corporate Social Responsibility (PCSR) initiatives, designed to deepen social cohesion, empower young people, and strengthen relationships across its host communities.

One of such initiatives is the company-sponsored annual football tournament for host communities, which has continued to serve as a unifying platform for youth development, positive engagement, and shared identity among neighbouring communities.

Now in its fourth edition, the programme has evolved into a signature programme that brings together young people from neighbouring communities, encouraging positive interaction, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose. Over the years, it has consistently demonstrated GenCo’s belief that sustainable development thrives where communities are united and actively engaged.

The final of the tournament, held at the Egbin Power sports field, saw Alanu-Omo FC edge Dragon Ipakan FC with a 1–0 victory in a closely contested encounter, capping weeks of spirited participation marked by discipline, camaraderie, and exemplary sportsmanship.

Speaking on the significance of the programme, Felix Ofulue, Head of Corporate Communications & Branding at Egbin Power, described the initiative as a strategic investment in people and communities.

“At Egbin Power, we are deeply passionate about initiatives that bring people together and create lasting value. This programme has grown into a platform for nurturing talent, engaging young people constructively, and strengthening bonds across communities. Beyond recreation, it instils critical life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and resilience, qualities that are essential for personal growth and societal progress,” Ofulue said.

He added that the objective is to evolve the initiative into a unifying force that strengthens relationships across communities while reinforcing Egbin Power’s brand as a responsible and people-centred organisation.

Captain of the winning team, Alanu-Omo FC, Samad Ojikutu, expressed appreciation to Egbin Power for its sustained commitment to youth empowerment.

“We commend Egbin Power for consistently creating opportunities for young people in the host communities. This is a programme we always look forward to. Winning is exciting, but what matters most is the unity we experience as a team and as a community. It reminds us that we can achieve so much more when we work together,” he said.

From the opening fixtures to the final match, the programme featured 16 teams drawn from the host communities, with participants displaying not only skill and competitiveness but also camaraderie and respect for fair play—reinforcing the programme’s positive social impact over the years. At the end of the competition, Alanu-Omo FC emerged champions and received a cash prize of ₦1million, while the runners-up and third-place teams received ₦700,000 and ₦500,000 respectively.

The event also attracted notable stakeholders, who commended Egbin Power for creating a credible platform that promotes youth development. Community leader and retired Grade 1 referee, Prince Samson Ekundayo, described the initiative as impactful and timely.

“Programmes like this are critical for community development. They provide young people with opportunities to showcase their talents, while also learning the values of cooperation, discipline, and respect,” he noted.

Egbin Power reiterated that initiatives of this nature remain central to its commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and sustainable community relations, noting that deliberate investments in youth and social cohesion are essential for building trust, strengthening brand affinity, and driving long-term shared value.

Picture: L-R, Head of Human Resources, Egbin Power, Gabriel Nkanga; Head, Quality, Health, Safety & Environment (QHSE), Egbin Power, Julius Akpong; Captain of Alanu-Omo FC, winners of the tournament, Samad Ojikutu; Brand, Event & PCSR Manager, Egbin Power, Stella Olugbemi; and Chief Security Officer, Egbin Power, Adeniyi Ige, during the trophy presentation to the Champions of 2025 edition of Egbin Power Community Football Competition, at Egbin Power, Ikorodu, Lagos.