The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), Abia State Cluster 1, has donated teaching materials to Ogbor Community Junior Secondary School, Ogbor Hill, Aba, as part of efforts to improve the quality of education and support community development in Abia State.

The outreach, held on Friday, July 31, 2026, featured the donation of a large whiteboard and whiteboard markers to the school, while also providing an opportunity for the fellows to engage with the management on the institution’s most pressing needs.

The delegation was led by the State Coordinator Mr. Ayantola Matthew, and included Mr. Mike Samuel Elah, Mr. Obinna Chinemerem Owunna, Miss Blessing, Miss Joy, and Mr. Ugwunna.

Welcoming the team, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Ude A. Irene, alongside the Vice Principal, Mrs. Ubani-Ugoala Ezinnanyi Ijeoma, and members of staff, commended the fellows for choosing the school as a beneficiary of the initiative.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Mike Samuel Elah said the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is committed to driving sustainable community development by identifying challenges within communities and implementing impactful interventions, particularly in the education sector.

He explained that the visit was designed not only to donate teaching materials but also to strengthen collaboration with the school and gain firsthand knowledge of its educational and infrastructural needs.

Receiving the donated items, the Principal described the intervention as timely, noting that the school had long been in need of a functional whiteboard to enhance classroom teaching.

“We sincerely appreciate the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme for remembering our school. This donation will greatly improve teaching and learning, and we assure you that the materials will be properly maintained,” she said.

During an interactive session with the school management, Mr. Ayantola Matthew sought the Principal’s assessment of the intervention and inquired about the institution’s most urgent needs.

In response, Mrs. Ude identified several critical challenges facing the school, including leaking classroom roofs requiring urgent re-roofing, inadequate classrooms, lack of functional toilet facilities, the absence of an examination hall and a library, as well as the need for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities to support digital learning.

She appealed to government agencies, corporate organizations, non-governmental organizations, and public-spirited individuals to support the school in addressing these challenges to create a more conducive learning environment for students.

The visit also strengthened the relationship between the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme and the school community, while enabling the fellows to document priority needs that could inform future community development interventions.

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that improve educational outcomes and promote sustainable community development across Abia State.

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.