Governors of the five South-East states Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo on Thursday converged in Umuahia, Abia State, for the maiden South-East Regional Security Summit aimed at addressing the region’s worsening security challenges through stronger collaboration and coordinated action.

The summit, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), was convened by the Minister of Defence, Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), under the theme, .”CORROBORATIVE APPROACHES TO STRENGTHENING SECURITY AND REGIONAL STABILITY”

Conceived as a platform to strengthen collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies and host communities, the summit focused on tackling security threats that transcend state boundaries through intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and community engagement.

The meeting comes amid growing concerns over kidnapping, attacks on security personnel, the violent enforcement of illegal sit-at-home orders, armed criminality and other security threats that continue to undermine economic activities and public safety across the South-East.

Gen Ike Nwachukwu Rtd

Declaring the summit open, the Minister of Defence and convener, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), said the gathering was designed to foster stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies and communities in developing coordinated strategies for restoring peace, improving intelligence sharing and enhancing regional stability.

He appealed to governors and other leaders of the South-East to work closely with the Federal Government in ensuring lasting peace and security across the region.

Describing the South-East as one of Nigeria’s most economically vibrant regions, the minister lamented that the activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements have continued to threaten its growth and stability.

He noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to restoring peace across the South-East and other parts of the country, adding that this informed the decision of the Ministry of Defence to convene the summit.

Gen. Musa further disclosed that a new strategy is being deployed to tackle insecurity nationwide and urged South-East leaders to speak with one voice in making the region safe for residents and investors. He also encouraged participants to provide practical recommendations and credible intelligence capable of addressing insecurity and youth restiveness.

In his address titled “Security and Freedom,” the Governor of Abia State and host of the summit, Dr. Alex Otti, said the South-East Governors remain committed to making the region peaceful and secure.

Governor Otti stated that his administration is working closely with security agencies to make Abia State unconducive for criminals and urged residents to see security as a collective responsibility by shunning crime and supporting law enforcement efforts.

In their goodwill messages, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai; Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, represented by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Moses Ije Odunwa; and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brig.-Gen. Joseph Chima Ogbonna (retd.), pledged to sustain collaboration with community leaders, security agencies and the Federal Government in tackling insecurity.

Delivering the keynote address, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika (retd.), former Chief of Army Staff and Chairman of the Abia State Security Advisory Council, stressed that the future of security in the South-East depends on effective collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders.

He said true security should be measured by the ability of citizens to live, work, travel and carry out their daily activities without fear. While acknowledging improvements in the region’s security situation, he noted that organized crime, separatist violence, kidnapping, misinformation and attacks on public institutions still require coordinated, intelligence-driven responses.

He called for stronger institutional cooperation, active community participation, accurate information sharing and lawful security operations to promote lasting peace, economic growth and public confidence.

Representing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Maj. Gen. Hilary Nnabukwu presented a synopsis of the security situation in the South-East and emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to sustain peace and development.

He identified separatist agitation, kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal mining, drug trafficking, communal conflicts and misinformation campaigns as major security threats confronting the region.

According to him, sustained military operations, particularly Operation UDOKA and other Joint Task Force operations, have significantly degraded the capabilities of violent criminal and separatist groups, forcing many of them into remote forests.

He recommended strengthening community-based security and intelligence gathering, enhancing collaboration among security agencies and governments, harmonising state security policies, investing in rural socio-economic development and building stronger capabilities to combat cyber threats and misinformation.

Speaking at the summit, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended the cordial working relationship between Governor Alex Otti and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, despite belonging to different political parties.

He described their collaboration as a reflection of President Tinubu’s vision of national unity and praised the South-East people for their resilience, innovation and immense contributions to Nigeria’s economic development. He also commended Governor Otti’s developmental strides and President Tinubu’s tireless efforts to improve national security.

Following extensive deliberations, participants issued a communiqué calling for stronger regional collaboration to tackle insecurity. They recommended the establishment of a shared database of wanted persons and criminal networks, as well as increased investment in modern security technologies, including drones, CCTV systems, digital databases, forensic tools and surveillance infrastructure.

Deputy Governor Enugu

The summit also called for reforms to strengthen the judiciary to ensure the timely investigation, prosecution and punishment of offenders.

The communiqué emphasized that peace and security remain fundamental to economic growth, investment, agriculture, education, tourism and social stability. It expressed concern that persistent insecurity has continued to disrupt commerce, farming, healthcare, education and public confidence across the South-East.

Retired supreme court Justice Mary Odili

Participants further identified unemployment, youth frustration, drug abuse, political manipulation, social exclusion and unresolved grievances as major drivers of criminality in the region.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Barr. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), expressed appreciation to the keynote speakers, panelists, security agencies, traditional rulers, government officials, organisers and participants for their commitment to addressing the region’s security challenges.

She commended the spirit of collaboration demonstrated throughout the summit and expressed optimism that the resolutions contained in the communiqué would strengthen peace, security and sustainable development across the South-East.

The maiden South-East Regional Security Summit attracted top government officials, security chiefs, lawmakers, traditional rulers and other stakeholders committed to finding lasting solutions to insecurity in the region.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua; the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Maj. Gen. Hilary Nnabukwu; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; senior military and security officers; retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili; Sen General Ike Nwachukwu Rtd, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogallah Fmr chief of Naval staff,Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke Chief of Air staff ,Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa

Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards by the Minister of Defence to deserving personalities, as well as a cultural performance by the Ugochinyere cultural Troupe, which entertained guests with traditional melodies.

Governors of the five South-East states Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo on Thursday converged in Umuahia, Abia State, for the maiden South-East Regional Security Summit aimed at addressing the region’s worsening security challenges through stronger collaboration and coordinated action.

Gov Otti in a warm handshake with Rt Hon Ben Kalu deputy speaker House of Rep

The summit, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), was convened by the Minister of Defence, Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), under the theme, .”CORROBORATIVE APPROACHES TO STRENGTHENING SECURITY AND REGIONAL STABILITY”

Conceived as a platform to strengthen collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies and host communities, the summit focused on tackling security threats that transcend state boundaries through intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and community engagement.

The meeting comes amid growing concerns over kidnapping, attacks on security personnel, the violent enforcement of illegal sit-at-home orders, armed criminality and other security threats that continue to undermine economic activities and public safety across the South-East.

Christopher Musa Minister of Defense and Sen Abdulaziz Yaradua rep of Senate President 

Declaring the summit open, the Minister of Defence and convener, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), said the gathering was designed to foster stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies and communities in developing coordinated strategies for restoring peace, improving intelligence sharing and enhancing regional stability.

He appealed to governors and other leaders of the South-East to work closely with the Federal Government in ensuring lasting peace and security across the region.

Describing the South-East as one of Nigeria’s most economically vibrant regions, the minister lamented that the activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements have continued to threaten its growth and stability.

He noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to restoring peace across the South-East and other parts of the country, adding that this informed the decision of the Ministry of Defence to convene the summit.

Gen. Musa further disclosed that a new strategy is being deployed to tackle insecurity nationwide and urged South-East leaders to speak with one voice in making the region safe for residents and investors. He also encouraged participants to provide practical recommendations and credible intelligence capable of addressing insecurity and youth restiveness.

In his address titled “Security and Freedom,” the Governor of Abia State and host of the summit, Dr. Alex Otti, said the South-East Governors remain committed to making the region peaceful and secure.

Governor Otti stated that his administration is working closely with security agencies to make Abia State unconducive for criminals and urged residents to see security as a collective responsibility by shunning crime and supporting law enforcement efforts.

In their goodwill messages, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai; Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, represented by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Moses Ije Odunwa; and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brig.-Gen. Joseph Chima Ogbonna (retd.), pledged to sustain collaboration with community leaders, security agencies and the Federal Government in tackling insecurity.

Delivering the keynote address, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika (retd.), former Chief of Army Staff and Chairman of the Abia State Security Advisory Council, stressed that the future of security in the South-East depends on effective collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders.

Chief of Air staff delivering his speech

He said true security should be measured by the ability of citizens to live, work, travel and carry out their daily activities without fear. While acknowledging improvements in the region’s security situation, he noted that organized crime, separatist violence, kidnapping, misinformation and attacks on public institutions still require coordinated, intelligence-driven responses.

He called for stronger institutional cooperation, active community participation, accurate information sharing and lawful security operations to promote lasting peace, economic growth and public confidence.

Representing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Maj. Gen. Hilary Nnabukwu presented a synopsis of the security situation in the South-East and emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to sustain peace and development.

Retired supreme court Justice Mary Odili

He identified separatist agitation, kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal mining, drug trafficking, communal conflicts and misinformation campaigns as major security threats confronting the region.

According to him, sustained military operations, particularly Operation UDOKA and other Joint Task Force operations, have significantly degraded the capabilities of violent criminal and separatist groups, forcing many of them into remote forests.

He recommended strengthening community-based security and intelligence gathering, enhancing collaboration among security agencies and governments, harmonising state security policies, investing in rural socio-economic development and building stronger capabilities to combat cyber threats and misinformation.

Speaking at the summit, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended the cordial working relationship between Governor Alex Otti and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, despite belonging to different political parties.

He described their collaboration as a reflection of President Tinubu’s vision of national unity and praised the South-East people for their resilience, innovation and immense contributions to Nigeria’s economic development. He also commended Governor Otti’s developmental strides and President Tinubu’s tireless efforts to improve national security.

Following extensive deliberations, participants issued a communiqué calling for stronger regional collaboration to tackle insecurity. They recommended the establishment of a shared database of wanted persons and criminal networks, as well as increased investment in modern security technologies, including drones, CCTV systems, digital databases, forensic tools and surveillance infrastructure.

The summit also called for reforms to strengthen the judiciary to ensure the timely investigation, prosecution and punishment of offenders.

The communiqué emphasized that peace and security remain fundamental to economic growth, investment, agriculture, education, tourism and social stability. It expressed concern that persistent insecurity has continued to disrupt commerce, farming, healthcare, education and public confidence across the South-East.

Participants further identified unemployment, youth frustration, drug abuse, political manipulation, social exclusion and unresolved grievances as major drivers of criminality in the region.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Barr. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), expressed appreciation to the keynote speakers, panelists, security agencies, traditional rulers, government officials, organisers and participants for their commitment to addressing the region’s security challenges.

She commended the spirit of collaboration demonstrated throughout the summit and expressed optimism that the resolutions contained in the communiqué would strengthen peace, security and sustainable development across the South-East.

The maiden South-East Regional Security Summit attracted top government officials, security chiefs, lawmakers, traditional rulers and other stakeholders committed to finding lasting solutions to insecurity in the region.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua; the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Maj. Gen. Hilary Nnabukwu; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; senior military and security officers; retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili; Sen General Ike Nwachukwu Rtd, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogallah Fmr chief of Naval staff,Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke Chief of Air staff ,Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa

Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards by the Minister of Defence to deserving personalities, as well as a cultural performance by the Ugochinyere cultural Troupe, which entertained guests with traditional melodies.

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), Abia State Cluster 3, has donated chairs, tables, whiteboards, markers and duster to pupils of Migrant Farmers Nursery and Primary School, Aroayama Ndioru, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, as part of its community development initiative.

The donation, carried out in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is aimed at improving the learning environment for pupils of the rural school. Abia State Cluster 3 of the programme comprises Ikwuano, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Arochukwu and Isuikwuato Local Government Areas.

Speaking during the presentation, the Abia State Coordinator of NJFP, Mr. Matthew Ayantola, said community development remains the core mandate of the programme, which is funded by the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

According to him, the fellows identify the needs of communities and contribute their quota toward addressing them.

“We look at our communities, identify their needs, and in our own little way contribute to solving those needs,” he said.

Ayantola disclosed that after assessing several schools, the fellows selected Migrant Farmers Nursery and Primary School because of its poor state and urgent need for intervention.

He further explained that the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme was established to equip young graduates with employable skills and practical experience in their chosen fields while encouraging community service.

In his remarks, the Education Secretary of Ikwuano Local Government Area, Dr. Paul Udensi, commended NJFP for its thoughtful gesture, describing the donation as timely and impactful.

Dr Paul Udensi Education Secretary Ikwuano Local Government

He noted that Ikwuano has over 135 public schools and said the administration of Governor Alex Otti has continued to provide furniture and renovate schools across the state. He described the governor as education-friendly and praised his efforts in improving the education sector.

Pupils enjoying their classroom with new chairs,desk and white board

Dr. Udensi recalled that many schools in the local government were in a deplorable condition when he assumed office and appealed to philanthropists, corporate organizations and non-governmental organizations to support the government in improving educational infrastructure.

He further revealed that the state government has been informed about the condition of Migrant Farmers Nursery and Primary School and assured the community that renovation of the school would commence soon. He also announced that Ndioru Community would have a Junior Secondary School by September, following government approval.

The President-General of Aroayama Ndioru Community, Evangelist Ekperewechi Okoro, expressed appreciation to NJFP for its generosity toward the school and the community.

He explained that although the school was established by the local government, the community has largely sustained it over the years despite numerous challenges. He appealed to other non-governmental organizations and well-meaning individuals to emulate NJFP by supporting the school, while also urging the Abia State Government to undertake comprehensive renovation of the facility.

Also speaking, the Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Nwamaka Jonathan, expressed profound gratitude to NJFP for the donation, describing it as a timely intervention.

According to her, before the donation many pupils sat on mats during lessons due to the lack of desks and chairs.

“This generous gesture came at a time when we were in dire need. Our pupils used mats for learning, but your donation of chairs and tables has made the learning environment more conducive. This is a huge investment in the future of these children, and we assure you that the items will be properly maintained,” she said.

Mrs. Jonathan also appealed to the Abia State Government and other well-meaning individuals to assist the school in addressing its numerous challenges, including leaking roofs, unplastered classroom walls, inadequate textbooks and syllabuses, and dilapidated classroom structures.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the Community, Mazi Godwin Uchechukwu Okorie; the Community Secretary-General, Mazi Nwankwo Inyama; the representative of the Village Head, Mazi Chibuike Chikatara; as well as other community leaders and youths.

The ceremony ended on a cheerful note as excited pupils entertained guests with a colourful welcome address drawing applause from everyone in attendance.