The former Mayor of Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, Mr Newman Azuh has congratulated the people of the state on the 35th anniversary of its creation, while commending Governor Alex Otti for what he described as a transformative approach to governance and development.

The former mayor made the statement at his country home in Ogwe Asa, Ukwa West, while interacting with newsmen on the achievements of the Otti administration, his tenure as mayor, developments in Ukwa West and the 2027 general elections.

He described his appointment by Governor Otti as the first Mayor of Ukwa West as one of the greatest honours of his life, noting that the opportunity enabled him to return from the diaspora to serve his people.

According to him, the appointment was a positive signal to Abians at home and in the diaspora, adding that he and other pioneer mayors gave their best in the service of the people.

He commended Governor Otti for changing the narrative of leadership and governance in Abia State, saying Abians across the world are proud of the administration’s achievements.

He said the governor’s administration had recorded notable progress in infrastructure, road construction, electricity, healthcare and education.

“Since the inception of this Government under His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, every Abian, both at home and in the diaspora, is really proud of what he has been able to achieve in changing the narrative about leadership and governance in our state,” he said.

On the development of Ukwa West, an oil-producing local government, the former mayor said more attention was still required because of the peculiar challenges associated with oil-producing communities and decades of neglect.

He, however, commended the administration for initiatives through the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), particularly projects in Ukwa West.

He mentioned the construction of the road linking Obehie to Owaza as some of the notable developments in the area, while expressing optimism that more projects would be executed.

“We are very hopeful and positive that, going forward, there will be more things to come to my local government. Because of decades of neglect, there are a lot of facilities and infrastructure that need to be rebuilt,” he said.

Reflecting on his 11-month tenure as mayor, he described the period as challenging but rewarding, saying his administration made visible changes to the local government.

He listed the construction of a new police station, rehabilitation of the High Court and Customary Court, interventions in water supply and efforts to restore electricity in some communities among his administration’s achievements.

According to him, the projects were aimed at improving security, justice, water supply and the general welfare of residents.

“Every Ukwa citizen will testify that we changed the face of our local government for the first time in a long time. If you go there, you will see the physical structures we put in place,” he said.

Speaking on the 2027 elections and his support for Governor Otti’s re-election, the former mayor declared that he was already mobilising support for the governor and the Labour Party at the grassroots.

He said his ward, Ogwe Ward in Ukwa West, remained firmly behind the governor, describing the area as politically secure for Otti’s re-election.

According to him, his political influence extends beyond his immediate community, adding that he and his political associates were actively involved in mobilising support for the Labour Party across the area.

“There is no competition against His Excellency here. This place is secure for four over four,” he declared.

He also disclosed that following the end of his tenure as mayor, he had returned to his private business while remaining active in grassroots political activities.

On his message to Abians as the state marks 35 years since its creation, the former mayor urged residents to remain optimistic about the future of the state under Governor Otti.

Using an aviation analogy, he said Abia was in safe hands under the present administration.

“When you have a good captain on the ship or an aeroplane, you see, it is in automatic mode. I believe strongly that Abia State is in very safe hands and is on autopilot,” he said.

He urged Abians to support the administration, saying the governor’s achievements had raised expectations among the people.
“I tell my fellow Abians to relax because we are cruising at high altitude. There is no stopping us,” he added.

The Office of the wife of the Governor in collaboration with the Ministry of women affairs, organized a colourful event in Umuahia to commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child.

The celebration brought together government officials, educators, traditional rulers, students, and other stakeholders to advocate for the empowerment, protection, and holistic development of the boy child.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, emphasized that while significant attention has rightly been given to the girl child over the years, it is equally important to invest in the boy child to raise productive, responsible, and purpose-driven men.

Government college Umuahia band

She stressed the need to nurture boys who are intelligent, morally upright, and capable of becoming responsible husbands, fathers, and leaders. According to her, true strength lies not in aggression but in character, discipline, and integrity.

Dr. Aghukwa further called for increased opportunities in skills acquisition, mentorship, education, and personal development to enable boys to excel and contribute meaningfully to society.

Representing the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the Wife of the Deputy Governor described the celebration as a landmark initiative that reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive child development.

She noted that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Empowering Boys for a Balanced Future,” is both timely and relevant, considering the numerous challenges confronting young boys today, including negative social influences, substance abuse, and violence.

Addressing the boys, she encouraged them to believe in themselves, dream big, work hard, and never underestimate their potential.
She assured them of the continued commitment of the Governor’s wife to the welfare, protection, education, and holistic development of all children in Abia State, regardless of gender.
She also urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to raise boys who are confident without violence, strong without cruelty, resourceful without selfishness, and successful without compromising their values.

In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Sir Kelechukwu Nwosu, stated that training and empowering the boy child is crucial to societal growth and development.

He observed that many social vices, including cybercrime, drug abuse, armed robbery, and other criminal activities, stem from the neglect of the boy child. He stressed the need to provide boys with quality education, moral guidance, and skills development opportunities.

Nwosu also highlighted Governor Dr. Alex Otti’s reforms in the education sector, including the recruitment of 10,000 teachers and the allocation of 20 percent of the state’s budget to education, describing the initiatives as significant investments in the future of Abia children.

Delivering the keynote address on the theme, “Empowering the Boy Child for a Balanced Future,” Pastor Ogbonna Samuel of the Living Word ministries described a boy child as “a male child being raised to become a responsible father.”
He stated that every boy carries seeds of greatness and should never be neglected, warning that continued neglect could have far-reaching consequences for society.

According to him, education remains the most effective tool for empowering boys, helping them understand their rights, responsibilities, and place in society.

Pastor Samuel also highlighted the challenges associated with toxic notions of masculinity, where boys are often told to suppress their emotions and face life’s challenges alone.

He advocated giving equal value and opportunities to both boys and girls, stressing that a balanced society can only be achieved when no child is neglected.

He maintained that proper training and moral upbringing of boys would significantly reduce crime rates, noting that many perpetrators of crimes such as armed robbery, internet fraud, and drug abuse are male youths who lacked proper guidance and support.

The cleric emphasized that the responsibility of raising responsible boys rests on families, schools, religious institutions, and society as a whole.

The event also featured several competitions among participating schools.
In the Spelling Bee Competition, Intellectual Giants Christian Academy emerged winner with six points, while Government College Umuahia finished as runner-up with five points. Other participating schools included Trailblazers Academy and Ndume Otuka Secondary School.

In the Quiz Competition, Mayfair Academy emerged winner with five points, Ibeku High School came second with four points, while Government College Umuahia secured third place with three points.

For the Tongue Twister (Okwu Ntabire) Competition, Amuzukwu Secondary School emerged victorious.

Schools that emerged victorious in the various competitions were presented with a learning pad, a dictionary, and a cash prize of ₦30,000 for their school libraries.

Among dignitaries present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Ogechi Betty Oguama; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere; wives of mayors from across the state, traditional rulers, political appointees, and other stakeholders.

Highlights of the celebration included cultural dance displays, thrilling Ohafia War Dance performances, and musical renditions by participating schools, all of which entertained guests and added colour to the occasion.

The event concluded with a renewed call on parents, educators, and policymakers to invest in the boy child, recognizing his vital role in building a balanced, peaceful, and prosperous society.

A new chapter in youth driven civic participation unfolded in Umuahia on Friday as the Concerned Abia Youths Initiative (CAYI), a non partisan advocacy group focused on governance, accountability and youth development, formally inaugurated its state executive council and grassroots leadership structure across Abia State.

The inauguration ceremony, held in the Abia State capital, brought together representatives from all seventeen local government areas, ward coordinators, community leaders, professionals, youth advocates and stakeholders from various sectors of society.

The exercise was conducted by legal practitioner Barrister Kenneth Ibedu, who administered the inauguration process and formally ushered in the organisation’s newly constituted leadership at state, local government and ward levels.

Speaking shortly after the inauguration, the State Coordinator of the organisation, Chimdi Kanu, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the group’s mission to promote good governance, justice, equity and meaningful youth participation in public affairs.

According to him, the initiative was established to mobilise young people towards constructive civic engagement while supporting policies and programmes capable of improving the welfare and future prospects of youths across Abia State.

He explained that beyond political participation, the organisation has previously undertaken campaigns encouraging voter registration, combating drug abuse, promoting civic education and sensitising young people on their roles in democratic governance.

“Our focus is on youth development, good governance, justice and equity. We believe young people should actively contribute to building society rather than merely seeking short term benefits. We want to encourage initiatives that improve lives and create sustainable opportunities for future generations,” Kanu said.

The event also featured a press conference during which members of the organisation announced their endorsement of Governor Alex Otti for the 2027 governorship election.

In a statement presented on behalf of the group’s leadership, the organisation said its decision followed what it described as extensive consultations, independent assessments and evaluations of governance outcomes across the state.

The statement outlined several projects and policy initiatives undertaken by the current administration, including road reconstruction projects, healthcare investments, educational infrastructure, market renewal programmes, rural development initiatives and efforts aimed at industrial growth and economic revitalisation.

Among the projects cited were ongoing road rehabilitation works across different parts of the state, developments in healthcare infrastructure, educational facility upgrades, agricultural support initiatives and proposed strategic investments designed to stimulate economic expansion and attract private sector participation.

The group stated that these developments informed its decision to support continuity in governance beyond the current administration’s first tenure.
CAYI’s leadership argued that sustained implementation of ongoing projects would contribute to long term economic growth, improved public services and enhanced opportunities for young people.

Chief Convener of the organisation, Mazi Obinna Jeff Okafor, was also recognised during the event for his role in mobilising members and promoting youth centred advocacy. Organisers said the initiative includes contributions from both residents and members of the Abia diaspora who share a common interest in governance, accountability and development.

The inauguration of the Concerned Abia Youths Initiative marks an important development in youth driven civic engagement within Abia State. Beyond establishing a statewide organisational structure, the event underscores the increasing willingness of young people to participate in governance conversations, advocate for accountability and contribute to policy discussions affecting their communities. The group’s endorsement of Governor Alex Otti also signals the growing influence of youth based organisations in shaping political narratives ahead of future elections.

The gathering also featured contributions from community leaders, professionals and stakeholders who encouraged young people to embrace productive engagement, leadership development and civic responsibility.

Participants emphasised the importance of maintaining developmental momentum irrespective of political activities ahead of future elections, stressing that governance and service delivery should remain priorities throughout the electoral cycle.

They noted that the inauguration reflects a growing trend of organised youth participation in governance discussions and policy advocacy across Nigeria, particularly as young citizens increasingly seek greater involvement in decision making processes affecting their communities.

For many attendees, the event represented more than an organisational ceremony. It served as a platform for discussing the future of youth participation, governance accountability and development priorities within Abia State.

As political activities gradually begin to shape conversations ahead of the next electoral cycle, the emergence of groups such as CAYI highlights the evolving role of youth organisations in influencing public discourse, civic engagement and democratic participation.