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PRISCILLA OTTI SUPPORTS 1,000 INDIGENT ABIA PUPILS WITH BACK-TO-SCHOOL MATERIALS,SAYS BACKGROUND NOT A BARRIER TO GREATNESS 

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The Safe Tent Care Initiative, a pet project of Abia State Governor’s wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has distributed back-to-school materials to 1,000 indigent pupils from 50 public schools across the state’s 17 local government areas, as she declared that background should not be a barrier to greatness.

 

The intervention, organised in collaboration with the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), took place at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, as part of efforts to ease the financial burden on parents, encourage academic excellence and improve access to education for vulnerable children, particularly those in rural communities.

Speaking at the event, the founder of the Safe Tent Care Initiative, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, said the programme was designed to support families struggling to provide essential educational materials for their children and ensure that pupils returned to school adequately equipped and motivated to learn.

She explained that the initiative reached 1,000 pupils from 50 public schools across the state’s 17 local government areas, with particular attention to children from underserved rural communities.

 

According to her, the beneficiaries were selected from disadvantaged families, with consideration given to pupils’ academic performance and efforts to encourage educational excellence.

Mrs. Otti noted that the programme was an extension of the initiative’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable children and supporting families facing economic difficulties.

 

She recalled that the previous edition also provided assistance to pupils and expressed hope that the programme would expand to reach more than 2,000 children in subsequent editions, subject to available resources.

 

The governor’s wife commended the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, head teachers and other education stakeholders for their collaboration in identifying beneficiaries and ensuring the successful implementation of the programme.

 

She also acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organisations committed to supporting underserved children, including the Peter NWachukwu Foundation, whose work, she said, inspired her to pursue similar humanitarian interventions.

 

Mrs. Otti further encouraged parents and guardians to remain committed to their children’s education, while urging pupils to be disciplined, hardworking, respectful and determined to achieve their dreams regardless of their backgrounds.

 

She also called on individuals, businesses and organisations to support the initiative’s humanitarian programmes, announcing plans for the Rising Gems Talent Show and Gospel Music Concert to raise funds for vulnerable children and other beneficiaries across the state.

 

 

In her remarks, the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Lady Ezihe Lydia Onuoha, described the programme as a demonstration of the importance of collective responsibility in advancing children’s education.

She commended Mrs. Otti for establishing the initiative and consistently supporting vulnerable children, noting that the provision of school materials would help improve pupils’ confidence, encourage learning and ease some of the financial pressures on their families.

 

According to her, every child deserves access to the resources and encouragement necessary to learn, excel and fulfil their potential, irrespective of family circumstances or geographical location.

Lady Onuoha said the initiative aligned with the educational transformation agenda of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, which prioritises quality education, human capital development, inclusiveness and improved learning outcomes.

 

She urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the materials provided, remain committed to their studies and demonstrate good character in their schools and communities.

 

The ASUBEB chairman also celebrated Abia pupils who recently represented Nigeria at the 2026 International School Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, where they reportedly emerged overall champions, winning four major trophies and 12 medals.

 

She attributed the achievement to the dedication of the pupils, their teachers and coaches, as well as the support provided by the state government and other stakeholders.

 

Lady Onuoha noted that the accomplishment demonstrated the potential of children attending public schools to compete successfully on the international stage when given the necessary support and opportunities.

 

She called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, parents, communities, development organisations and private individuals to ensure that no child was left behind in the pursuit of quality education.

 

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, described the intervention as an important contribution to efforts to address the challenges faced by vulnerable children and low-income households.

ASUBEB Executive Chairman

She said poverty extended beyond inadequate household income, as it could also limit children’s access to education, healthcare and other essential services.

 

According to her, supporting children’s education and strengthening household welfare are important components of social protection, particularly for families at risk of being excluded from opportunities for development.

 

Mrs Felix commended Mrs. Otti for championing the initiative and called for stronger partnerships among government ministries, schools, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to expand support for vulnerable families.

 

She urged the beneficiaries to remain hardworking, respect their parents and teachers, and understand that their present circumstances should not determine their future achievements.

 

The commissioner also encouraged parents and teachers to continue guiding the children, stressing that their collective efforts were essential to building a generation equipped with the knowledge, skills and values needed to contribute meaningfully to society.

 

The event attracted the wife of the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu; the Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer to the Governor, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu.

 

Others included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka; the Senior Special Assistant on Environment, Professor Ijeoma Iheukwumere; the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Abia State, Comrade Kingsley Mmadu ,wives of local government mayors; and other government officials and education stakeholders.

 

Also present were the Labour Party candidate for Obingwa West State Constituency, Chief Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko, and the Director of the Peter Wachuku Foundation, Mrs. Christiana Wachuku.

 

In her vote of thanks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, expressed appreciation to Mrs. Otti for extending educational support to children from disadvantaged families across the state’s 17 local government areas.

 

She said the initiative had provided encouragement to pupils and relief to parents, adding that the intervention went beyond the distribution of school bags and books to represent an investment in the future of Abia children.

 

Mrs. Nwaka also commended the initiative’s team, local government coordinators, teachers and other partners whose contributions helped make the programme successful.

 

 

included cultural dance performances by pupils of Ndume Otuka Primary School, a spelling bee competition and various fun games that entertained guests and created an atmosphere of excitement.

 

The activities provided an opportunity for the pupils to demonstrate their talents and abilities while celebrating the importance of education, discipline and healthy competition.

 

The programme ended with renewed calls for stronger partnerships to support children from underserved communities and ensure that financial diff

iculties do not prevent them from accessing educational opportunities.

 

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Abia

2027:APC Abia Guber Candidate Eric Opah Pledges Transparent Governance, Unveils Agu Egbe as Running Mate

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3 days ago

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October 6, 2026

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The 2027 Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abia State, Chief Eric Opah, has pledged to deploy the resources of the state for the development and benefit of Abia people if elected.

 

Opah made the pledge during the official unveiling of the party’s Deputy Governorship candidate, Dr Godswill Agu Egbe, at the APC State Secretariat in Umuahia.

 

He assured that his administration would uphold transparency, honesty and integrity in the management of public resources, stressing that government projects would not be inflated under his watch.

 

According to him, he took more than two weeks to carefully assess Agu Egbe before settling for him as his running mate, noting that the Deputy Governorship position requires someone who can work harmoniously with the principal.

 

Opah said he examined Agu Egbe’s professional background and contacted his former employer, BUA International, to obtain an independent assessment of his character and competence. He added that he also consulted party leaders before the final decision was reached.

 

He described Agu Egbe as a man of integrity who would make both the APC and Abia State proud, adding that the Deputy Governorship candidate had fully aligned with the party’s manifesto and vision for the state.

 

The APC Governorship candidate said his government would review the existing tax regime in the state, create employment opportunities and ensure that public funds were judiciously applied.

 

He reiterated that the party was entering the 2027 election with the determination to win and deliver a government that would produce tangible results for the people.

 

The APC State Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, formally presented Agu Egbe to members of the State Working Committee and the State Executive Council, describing him as a candidate with the goodwill of the people.

 

In his response, Agu Egbe expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by Chief Eric Opah and the party leadership.

 

He pledged his total loyalty to the leadership of the party and promised to work in accordance with the decisions of his principal, while aligning himself with the APC manifesto and the vision of the Governorship candidate.

 

Agu Egbe said he was passionate about the APC and would work with Opah to achieve the party’s objectives, including securing victory for the party in the 2027 elections.

 

He also pledged to support the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and work towards ensuring that Abia State records a decisive victory for the APC.

 

Speaking during an interview, Agu Egbe disclosed that his involvement in active politics had prepared him for the responsibility ahead, noting that his political journey had taken him through the APP, CPC and APC.

 

He said he shared a common vision with his principal, Opah and would support him in delivering on that vision, adding that the major difference his administration would make would be measured by the results it produced.

 

Agu Egbe maintained that Abia people deserved better governance and expressed confidence that the APC ticket would provide the leadership required to achieve that objective.

 

Meanwhile, Dr Godswill Agu Egbe was born 57 years ago to the family of Mr. Pliny Igwe Egbe and Mrs. Anna Nnenna Egbe of Ameeke-Elu, Ovim, in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.

 

He is a Project Management and Financial Sector Specialist with more than 27 years of professional experience spanning development finance, pension administration, agribusiness development, institutional capacity building and strategic business advisory services.

Agu Egbe has held senior leadership and technical advisory positions across consulting, financial services and development-focused institutions in Nigeria and Ghana.

 

He is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sane-Konsult International Limited, where he provided strategic leadership in enterprise development, project management, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL), as well as institutional advisory services.

 

He previously served as Deputy General Manager and Project Manager at BUA International, where he was involved in strategic initiatives focused on cotton value-chain development and industrial cluster projects.

Over the years, Agu Egbe has provided technical support to financial institutions, development programmes and agribusiness initiatives under organisations including USAID/Connexus Corporation and the African Development Bank Group.

 

His areas of expertise include agricultural finance, business development, risk management, operational planning, stakeholder engagement and institutional strengthening. He is also a researcher with publications covering financial mathematics, pension systems and financial inclusion.

Agu Egbe is married to Lolo Lilian Ukachi Egbe, and the marriage is blessed with five children-three girls and two boys.

 

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Abia

GOVERNOR OTTI CHARGES SECURITY AGENTS TO ENSURE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL POLITICAL PARTIES IN ABIA.

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2 weeks ago

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September 25, 2026

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Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has charged security agencies in the State to ensure a level playing field for all political parties to lawfully carry out their political activities and campaigns in Abia.

 

Governor Otti gave the charge during the monthly State Security Council Meeting, where security situations across Abia are regularly reviewed to sustain and improve on the gains recorded in keeping the State safe and secure.

 

It will be recalled that Governor Otti was once a victim of an assassination attempt during his political journey to serve the State, an attack that claimed the lives of two police officers attached to him.

 

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), assured of their readiness to ensure hitch-free political campaigns and elections in 2027.

 

According to CP Afolabi: “We just came out from the meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Abia State. A lot of matters were discussed, some centered on the forthcoming elections, and I believe His Excellency has made our work easier. He told us explicitly and in clear terms that all he wants is for us to create a level playing field for all. He also directed that any political party that applies for approval to hold campaigns should be granted express approval. By that, he has made our work less cumbersome.”

 

On the preparedness of security agencies to ensure a violence-free electioneering period, the Police Commissioner disclosed that following a three-day Regional Police Retreat recently held in Imo State – chaired by the Inspector-General of Police and attended by some Governors, senior police officers and other stakeholders – and with the support of the Abia State Government, security agencies are fully prepared to ensure rancour-free campaigns and elections in 2027.

 

Corroborating the CP, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), said: “Basically, His Excellency is a just man. He has made the job simple, as the Commissioner of Police has just said – politics without bitterness. He has given his go-ahead that all political parties that want to campaign should not be impeded, as long as they pay the approved fees for the use of stadiums or any public facilities. They are free, without hindrance, to carry out their campaigns. With this level playing field across party lines, we do not expect mischief-makers to have any excuse.”

 

Navy Commander Ubah warned that mischief-makers would have the law to contend with, stressing that every act capable of breaching public peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

 

“The law has a long arm. The long arm of the law will catch up with anyone who wants to perpetrate trouble or cause mayhem. The State will not sit back and allow anyone to intentionally break the law,” the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security concluded.

 

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA

Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.

September 25, 2026.

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Abia

GOVERNOR OTTI FELICITATES MEMBER REPRESENTING IKWUANO/UMUAHIA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, HON. OBI AGUOCHA ON HIS BIRTHDAY.

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3 weeks ago

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September 18, 2026

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The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, on behalf of his family, the Government and good people of Abia State, heartily felicitates the Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, on the occasion of his birthday.

 

Governor Otti described Hon. Aguocha as a distinguished legislator, a passionate advocate for his constituents, and a proud son of Abia State whose commitment to quality representation, community development and progressive ideals aligns with the New Abia vision.

 

The Governor notes with pride, Hon. Aguocha’s effective representation at the National Assembly, his contributions to the advancement of democracy, and his steadfast support for initiatives aimed at repositioning Abia State and strengthening the Labour Party family.

 

Governor Otti commends the federal lawmaker for his people-oriented leadership, his interventions in youth empowerment, culture and infrastructure within his constituency, and for being a worthy partner in the task of rebuilding Abia.

 

On this auspicious occasion, His Excellency prays that God Almighty grants Hon. Aguocha good health, renewed strength, wisdom and greater accomplishments in his service to his constituency, Abia State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

The Governor wishes him a joyous birthday celebration and many more years of impactful service.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA

Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.

September 17, 2026.

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