Gov Otti commissions new Court building, reaffirms Judiciary’s role as bulwark against tyranny

 

By Foster Obi

 

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary as an independent pillar of democracy, describing it as society’s ultimate defence against tyranny and abuse of power.

Speaking at the commissioning of the newly constructed Court Building in Umuene, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Otti said the judiciary remained “the bulwark against tyranny” and a central institution in defending the rights of citizens in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.

“Without an effective judicial system, society becomes a jungle where the strong feed on the weak and might confers right,” the Governor declared. “It is therefore to the judiciary and its officers that we owe our freedom to enjoy the inalienable rights that the benevolent Creator has graciously endowed mankind with.”

The Governor recalled that the project was flagged off on October 3, 2024, with a promise to deliver within 12 months—a promise now fulfilled. He said the construction of modern, fully equipped court buildings across all 17 local government areas underscores his administration’s conviction that there can be no meaningful development without equitable access to justice.

Otti explained that his government’s investment in judicial infrastructure was part of a holistic approach to governance that links justice delivery to social order, investor confidence, and community security.

“Progress for us is beyond physical infrastructure,” he said. “An effective judiciary is as important to development as quality roads, power supply, and other basic amenities.”

The Governor commended the Chief Judge of Abia State, Honourable Justice Lilian Abai, for what he called her “focused leadership” and for maintaining the integrity and objectivity of the judicial arm in advancing the boundaries of justice in the State.

He urged judicial officers to remain steadfast and fearless in dispensing justice, especially in a world where technology and social influence have made exploitation and manipulation more sophisticated.

“When victims run to your new judicial altars in tears, do not fail them,” Otti charged. “When you do, the villain is emboldened, innocence is lost, and the seeds of treachery spread.”

Otti also announced that other completed court buildings in the 16 remaining local government areas would be inaugurated over the coming weeks, each equipped with independent power systems, water supply, standard IT tools, and maintenance facilities.

He disclosed plans to begin the construction of two multi-functional, ultra-modern judicial complexes in Aba and Umuahia, each housing 15 courtrooms, a 1,000-seat multipurpose hall, and conference spaces.

“Never again will our judicial officers operate from structures that are below their standing and stature as oracles of truth and conscience,” he said.

The Governor further commended the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, for developing a framework that fosters a strong, respectful relationship between the executive and judicial arms of government.

Otti assured continued executive support for ongoing judicial reforms, emphasizing that institutional strengthening was key to building a fair, prosperous, and peaceful Abia.

“The goal is to build a State that offers equal opportunity to every individual to live out the full expression of their abilities,” he said. “We must shake off mediocrity and refuse to punch below our weight, for we are better than that.”

The Governor concluded by reaffirming his belief that an empowered and incorruptible judiciary would remain the cornerstone of the “New Abia” his administration envisions—a society founded on justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity.

Picture: The Governor in a group photo with the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN and, the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai.

 

 

 

Otti flags off Abia’s Duct Infrastructure Project, Says State ready to lead Nigeria’s Digital Revolution

By Foster Obi

 

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that the state is determined to take its place among global leaders in the technology-driven economy, as he flagged off the Abia State Duct Infrastructure Development Project in Aba on Wednesday.

Speaking at the event held at Aba Town Hall, Otti said the initiative marks a major step in building the backbone for Abia’s digital transformation — an interconnected underground duct system designed to power reliable broadband access, enhance enterprise innovation, and expand digital opportunities for businesses and residents across the state.

“We no longer want to play at the lower rungs of the global technology ecosystem,” the governor said. We want to function at the apex and compete with the best minds anywhere in the world. The Abia of today is determined to push its people into the league of global entrepreneurs mining the boundless power of human intellect to drive prosperity.”

Otti noted that the duct infrastructure would form the base for Abia’s smart city and digital economy vision, describing it as a bold attempt to transform every development frontline in the state.”

The project, to be executed in partnership with the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), will provide an underground network supporting high-speed internet connectivity, digital services, and technology-driven governance systems across sectors.

“Technology has no sectoral limitations,” Otti said. “The farmer in the village, the shoemaker in Aba, the fashion designer exporting to Europe — all can benefit equally. This infrastructure will support everything from education and health to business, security, and public service.”

The governor emphasized that Abia’s development strategy under his leadership is built on diversification, innovation, and knowledge-based growth. He said the state’s recent strides — from improved fiscal stability and urban sanitation to enhanced security and record capital investments — demonstrate that his administration’s model is delivering measurable progress.

Otti also revealed that the duct project would pave the way for the expansion of broadband access to homes, schools, and offices across the 17 local government areas within the next 18 months, assuring that “no community will be left behind.”

“This project will attract global tech players to Abia,” he noted. “It will lead to new jobs, enterprise partnerships, and a multiplication of entrepreneurial opportunities.”

The governor expressed confidence in WIOCC’s capacity to deliver, citing the company’s track record in managing over 75,000 kilometers of terrestrial and submarine fiber networks across multiple countries and supporting global telecommunications giants.

He commended the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. David Kalu; Chief Information Officer, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe; and the project’s technical team for their *“diligence and commitment”, urging them to maintain focus until full completion.

“Tomorrow belongs to those who make the most of the opportunities that today provides,” Otti declared. “With faith in ourselves and the wind in our sails, we shall take tomorrow.”

The Abia State Duct Infrastructure Development Project, according to the governor, aligns with the administration’s broader ambition to position the state as Nigeria’s digital hub, anchored on innovation, efficiency, and a modern service delivery framework.

 

 

 

 

FULafia gets new Vice-Chancellor

The Federal University, Lafia, FULafia, has appointed Prof Mohammed Isa Kida, as the new Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

This was contained in the appointment letter, dated October 29, 2025.

The letter stated that Prof Kida’s tenure will last for a single term of five years, beginning February 11, 2026.

Meanwhile, the university council expressed confidence that he would leverage his wealth of experience to advance the growth and development of the university.

DAILY POST reports that Prof Kida succeeds Prof Shehu Abdul Rahman, who will leave office in February 2026.

Before his appointment, Prof. Kida served as the Dean of the Faculty of Management Science.

The accomplished accountant received his letter of appointment from the Chairman of the FULafia Governing Council, Mrs Lola Fibisola Akande.

Boko Haram attacking churches, mosques – Information Minister

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is working to secure the lives of both Christians, Muslims and Nigerians in general.

Idris said Boko Haram extremists target both mosques and churches, adding that reports that only the North is being attacked were false.

Speaking during an interview on CNN The Exchange, Idris insisted that Nigeria is religiously tolerant.

He said: “We believe and I would reiterate that we do have security challenges in Nigeria, we are not denying this or asking for denial in that direction.

“But what we are saying is that we need to make Nigerians and the world believe that this government is actually working to ensure the security of lives of everyone, Christians, muslims living side by side with each other.

“When you say that only a particular region is being targeted that is not true. We know that some of these Boko Haram extremists have targeted Muslims in the mosques, they have targeted Christians in their churches.

“And that is why we need the world to know that there is indeed this challenge and as a religious issue, it’s not helpful for our country, it will drive us towards division.

“What these criminal elements and extremists want the world to feel that there is a fight between Christians and Muslims, which is not the case, it’s absolutely false.

“The Constitution guarantees the right of citizens to practice their religion whether you are a Christian or Muslim and in the hierarchy of our government there are both Christians and Muslims living harmoniously and working together.”

Board warns Nigerians against fake paramilitary recruitment messages

IMMIGRATION CDCFIBThe Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has warned Nigerians to beware of fraudulent recruitment messages circulating online, as the 2025 paramilitary recruitment exercise enters a crucial phase.

In a statement posted on its official X handle late Wednesday, the board clarified that it will not contact applicants through email or SMS, stressing that all legitimate updates are available only on its portal.

It urged applicants to visit the site to update their profiles and print examination slips, as part of the ongoing shortlisting process.

“CDCFIB will not send emails or SMS to applicants. Visit our portal, and once shortlisted, update your profile to print your examination slip.

The CDCFIB’s warning follows the release of names of candidates shortlisted for the paramilitary agencies’ computer-based test.

In a statement on Wednesday, the secretary to the board, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, urged candidates who applied for recruitment into any of the four paramilitary agencies to visit its official recruitment portal at https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng from Thursday to check if they had been shortlisted.

“From Thursday, October 30, 2025, candidates are to check if they have been shortlisted for the next stage of the exercise, as well as centres for the Computer-Based Test (CBT).

“Shortlisted candidates are further requested to take note of the venue, date, as well as time scheduled for the CBT,” he said.

The statement enjoined applicants to take note of the correct portal address highlighted to avoid being scammed.

Reps seek FG, CBN support for cassava farmers

House of RepresentativesThe House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, to ensure that cassava farmers have easy access to short-term loans as part of efforts to strengthen food security and expand the agricultural value chain.

The lawmakers also urged President Bola Tinubu to reconstitute the defunct Presidential Committee on Cassava Initiative to enhance the welfare of cassava farmers and reposition the subsector for export competitiveness.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Canice Nwachukwu (APC, Imo) during Wednesday’s plenary session.

Nwachukwu noted that cassava cultivation had become one of Nigeria’s most organised and promising agricultural ventures, with widespread processing for food products, livestock feed, and industrial applications.

He highlighted that cassava by-products, such as garri, had become major export commodities, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

Cassava, grown in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, serves multiple economic and nutritional purposes.

Beyond its use as food, cassava peels and starch derivatives are valuable in livestock feed production, pharmaceuticals, and industrial manufacturing.

Nwachukwu said easy access to short-term loans and modern processing equipment would revolutionise cassava farming and enhance farmers’ income and productivity.

“If cassava processing machines and short-term loans are provided, farmers can transform cassava into garri and fufu hygienically and efficiently.

“This will boost market value, improve food quality, and help farmers contribute more to national GDP,” he said.

Nwachukwu added that Nigeria could achieve greater economic diversification by harnessing cassava’s export potential, using it as a viable alternative to crude oil for foreign exchange earnings.

He, however, expressed concern that despite being one of Africa’s largest cassava producers, Nigeria still processed about 90 per cent of its yield locally, largely at the cottage level using rudimentary technology.

“Most processors are women who work under poor hygienic conditions with limited access to credit and modern equipment. These challenges result in low productivity, poor packaging, and minimal profits along the value chain,” he lamented.

Following extensive deliberations, the House urged the CBN to direct the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry, and other financial institutions to create mechanisms that would guarantee cassava farmers easy access to short-term credit facilities.

 

 

The lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to revive the Presidential Committee on the Cassava Initiative Programme (popularly known as the Composite Cassava Flour Initiative of 2002) to promote value addition, research, and farmer support.

Additionally, the House mandated the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to embark on extensive training for peasant farmers on cassava production, processing, and packaging to improve standards and competitiveness.

The committees on Agricultural Production and Services and Legislative Compliance were directed to monitor implementation and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

Okogbuo Charity Foundation set to empower Youth and Orphans in Isuikwuato

The people of Umukogbuo community in Eluama, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, have united to launch a new initiative — the Okogbuo Charity Foundation — aimed at assisting the less privileged, orphans, and out-of-school youths within the community and beyond.

The foundation, convened by Mr. Chikwendu Nnabuko, seeks to rekindle the traditional spirit of compassion and collective responsibility that the Okogbuo people are known for.

In his address to members of the community, Nnabuko said discussions have been ongoing among sons and daughters of Okogbuo to establish a structured platform that would “help the less privileged among us and reach out to charity homes in Isuikwuato.”

He lamented that some young people in the area have been unable to attend school or acquire skills due to a lack of support, warning that the trend, if not addressed, could endanger the future of the community.

“We have young people of school age who are not in school because they have no one to help them. Some want to acquire skills but lack both direction and means. That does not speak well for the future of our community,” he said.

“Idleness and hopelessness have driven our youth into drugs and violent crimes. If we continue to keep quiet today, tomorrow may be bleak.”

According to him, the Okogbuo Charity Foundation will also collaborate with similar Foundations to extend support to vulnerable children.

Nnabuko explained that contributions to the foundation will be strictly voluntary, noting that what matters most is the spirit of giving. “No one will be tasked. The spirit is what matters. God has been kind to us, and putting a little of what we have together to help others will gladden His heart,” he said.

He announced that a Board of Trustees and an Implementation Committee will be inaugurated to guide the operations of the foundation, ensuring transparency and effective outreach to beneficiaries.

While calling on indigenes at home and in the diaspora to key into the initiative, Nnabuko emphasized that donations will not be limited to members alone, but also open to friends, in-laws, and well-wishers.

The foundation, he added, will be formally launched during the 2025 Christmas holidays, with all interested members listed in a dedicated forum to coordinate activities.

“This is not compulsory for anyone, but those who find this a worthwhile cause will be listed as members. Together, we can give hope to the hopeless and secure a better future for our community,” Nnabuko affirmed.

Picture: Umukogbuo Town Hall

We must rebuild systems that reward excellence, says Gov Otti at Oxford Leadership Conference

By Foster Obi

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has called on Nigerian leaders to rebuild national systems that reward excellence, competence, and integrity, insisting that the country can achieve true development only through disciplined leadership, visionary ideas, and courageous execution.

Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference on “Better Leadership for a Better Nigeria” and the public presentation of Prof Arunma Oteh’s new book, All Hands on Deck: Unleash Prosperity through World Class Capital Markets, held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in Abuja, Governor Otti stressed that “prosperity requires more than just huge deposits of raw minerals. Long-term progress is initiated and sustained by the discipline of leadership, the power of ideas, and the courage of execution.”

Leadership and the Power of Ideas

Governor Otti argued that the real difference between successful and struggling nations lies not in the abundance of natural resources, but in the quality of human capital and the focus on leadership.

“Development is a human function — a rigorous intellectual exercise and the end product of blistered hands,” he said.

“Natural resources, when not paired with the requisite human intellect to make the most of them, can in themselves become an albatross to a society’s development aspirations.”

He commended Prof. Arunma Oteh, founder of the Oxford Global Think Tank and author of the newly launched book, for her “brilliant and peerless contributions to the holistic development of the human community, especially in Nigeria and across Africa.”

According to Otti, Oteh’s new book presents “a clear path to resource mobilization without the sneers that come from borrowing,” describing it as “an excellent treatise on economic freedom, preservation of national sovereignty and integration of domestic financiers into the development matrix.”

Fixing the Leadership Recruitment System

Governor Otti identified Nigeria’s “dysfunctional leadership recruitment template” as a major cause of its developmental setbacks, lamenting that mediocrity and arrogance have too often displaced character and competence in public life.

“We have become victims of a system that places scant regard on character, treats compassion as evidence of weakness, mistakes arrogance for competence, and promotes the noisy over the truly courageous,” he declared.

He endorsed Prof. Oteh’s 4Cs leadership philosophy — Character, Compassion, Competence, and Courage — as a model that should guide Nigeria’s next generation of leaders.

Education and Human Capital Development

Otti emphasized that no nation can progress without nurturing its people’s minds through quality education and sound values. He announced that his administration has consistently allocated 20% of Abia State’s annual budget to education in the last two years, making education free and compulsory across the state.

“This policy has more than doubled school enrolment within three months,” he revealed.

“We have recruited over 5,000 teachers and are preparing to hire another 4,000, while upgrading infrastructure and improving teacher welfare.”

He added that the focus of tertiary education in Abia has shifted from producing job seekers to “building leaders who will shape the future of their industries.”

Healthcare as a Human Development Pillar

Governor Otti also highlighted Abia’s renewed investments in healthcare, noting that the state has consistently committed 15% of its annual expenditure to healthcare, in line with the 2001 Abuja Declaration.

He said the goal is to ensure that “every citizen, especially those in rural areas, has access to a properly equipped and staffed medical facility within walking distance.”

A Call for National Renewal

The governor urged Nigerians to embrace a new consciousness of excellence, discipline, and collective responsibility for national rebirth.

“We have stayed in the difficult place of mediocrity for too long. At 65, we should be able to stand firmly on our feet and

March forward in an unyielding resolve to actualize the great destiny that our nation has been called to,” he stated.

Otti expressed pride in Prof. Oteh’s global achievements, describing her as “a shining light and a brilliant example of what we can become when leadership is driven by the commitment to make an impact.”

He concluded by challenging Nigerians to “do better, think deeper, and act bolder,” adding that the path to Nigeria’s greatness lies in the courage to rebuild systems that honour merit and human potential.

Reps proposes creation of additional local government areas in Benue

The House of Representatives has proposed a bill seeking to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to allow for the creation of additional Local Government Areas ,LGAs, in Benue State.

The bill has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill, recorded as HB2527, is sponsored by Rep. David Ogewu of the Oju/Obi Federal Constituency (APC).

It came up for second reading on Tuesday, October 28, where it scaled through after extensive debate on its general principles.

Moving the motion for the bill’s second reading, Rep. Ogewu said the proposed amendment would enhance grassroots governance by bringing government closer to the people.

He noted that Benue, with its vast landmass and growing population, requires more local councils for equitable development and efficient administration.

The motion was seconded by Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogar, representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, who supported the initiative as a step toward deepening democracy and improving service delivery in rural communities.

Rep. Ogewu expressed optimism that once passed into law, the bill would pave the way for the creation of additional LGAs in Benue, particularly within his constituency.

He also recalled that at the close of his second term in 2007, Senator George Akume, then Governor of Benue State, had made similar but unsuccessful efforts to create more local government areas to enhance administrative efficiency.

The bill has now been referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative action.

NEMA receives 153 Nigerians rescued from Chad

Murtala Muhammed International Airport, LagosThe National Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration and other partners, has received 153 Nigerians repatriated from Chad.

The returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 12:15 p.m. on Monday, aboard an ASKY Airlines flight with registration number CAS-AC, NEMA announced in a post on its X handle on Tuesday.

The agency said the returnees were brought back under the Assisted Voluntary Return programme, facilitated by the IOM in partnership with the Federal Government.

According to NEMA, the group comprised 105 adults (63 males and 42 females), 45 children (25 males and 20 females), and three infants (all females).

“Upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation to ensure accurate profiling and facilitate their smooth reintegration into the country,” the agency stated.

NEMA noted that in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified, and humane return of citizens, the returnees were provided with immediate humanitarian assistance, including food and potable water, medical care, ambulance services, luggage handling, logistics support, and counselling.

The exercise, according to the agency, was jointly coordinated by NEMA, the IOM, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and other relevant stakeholders.

“The seamless and well-organised reception reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to prioritise the welfare and dignity of Nigerians returning from abroad,” NEMA added.

Over the years, NEMA, in partnership with IOM and other agencies, has facilitated the voluntary return and reintegration of thousands of Nigerians stranded in different countries.