Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said that his administration has committed over N40 billion to clearing arrears of salaries and pensions in the past two years.Otti said this on Thursday during an event organised to mark his administration’s two years anniversary with the theme “Transformative Governance: Sustaining the Momentum”, in Umuahia.

The governor said that this move was aimed at restoring dignity and financial stability to the state’s workforce and retirees. He said that prompt salary and pension payments had become an integral part of the system with workers now paid by the 28th of every month.Otti added that pensioners now receive full monthly payments, ending the era of partial disbursements experienced by retirees.He also announced the full renovation of the previously abandoned Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, now housing nearly 1,000 civil servants.The governor revealed efforts to digitise government operations and phase out manual filing systems through the provision of computers.He also said that an agreement with MTN would ensure full network coverage across the state by Dec. 31, 2025.Otti said that the state would also be witnessing the development of the first Aba Digital Mall by MTN, aimed at boosting e-commerce and local trade.Otti reiterated the sustained resolve of Abia Government to allocate 20 per cent of the state’s budget to education, and confirmed that smart schools were under construction across all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs).According to him, the state’s free basic education policy had increased enrolment, prompting the transparent recruitment of 5,300 new teachers earlier this year.He also disclosed that another 4,000 teachers would be recruited to match the growing student population across public schools.The governor assured equal opportunities for all, regardless of state of origin, ethnicity, or religion during the exercise.On health, he said that over 100 Primary Healthcare Centres(PHCs) had been renovated, with commissioning set to begin on June 1.Otti also said that renovations were ongoing at ten general hospitals and two specialist centres to improve healthcare delivery in the state.Otti revealed plans for a medical village to tackle outbound medical tourism and position Abia as Nigeria’s healthcare hub.On security, he credited the government’s security intervention code named ”Operation Crush” for reclaiming territories in Umunneochi and Isuikwuato from criminals, restoring peace and safety.He praised security agencies for their sacrifice and commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.Otti stated that several roads in Umuahia, Aba, and other parts of the state were ready for commissioning starting June 1.He stressed that good governance, accountability, and prudent spending of public funds remain his administration’s core principles.Otti reaffirmed the state’s private-sector-driven economic strategy and commitment to creating a conducive business environment.He highlighted the government’s ₦1 billion empowerment of 10,000 nano-businesses to support entrepreneurship and reduce financial hardship.On electricity, he confirmed that Geometric Power now generated 141 megawatts, with the fourth turbine expected to boost capacity further.He revealed discussions with Enugu DISCO to isolate Umuahia as a power island, following the Aba model.Otti said the move aims to ensure stable electricity across Umuahia, Bende, Umunneochi, Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Arochukwu.He also noted the installation of nearly 7,000 solar streetlights, part of efforts to improve security and drive a 24-hour economy.On sanitation, he celebrated the state’s transformation from one of the dirtiest to among the cleanest in Nigeria.He praised citizens for embracing cleanliness and environmental responsibility as a collective lifestyle.Otti commended civil servants, appointees, healthcare workers, and cleaners for driving the administration’s achievements.He attributed his administration’s success to divine guidance and the unwavering support of the people of Abia.The governor also expressed deep gratitude to the citizens for their support before, during, and after the 2023 elections.He further reaffirmed his commitment to building a functional, safe, and prosperous Abia for all.In their good will messages, the lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, and the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, commended the governor for his transformational leadership style.They urged the people of Abia to continue to support the programmes and policies of the state government.Also, in their remarks, the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, and his deputy, Mr Austin Mmeregini, passed a vote of confidence on the governor.They expressed the resolve of the legislature to continually give the governor all the legislative support required to execute his rebuilding agenda.Report says that the event was attended by the former deputy governor, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, former Chairman of Ohafia LGA, among other dignitaries. (NAN)

Gov. Hyacinth Alia said his administration established the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, to meet the growing needs for higher education in the state. Alia stated this on Thursday in Makurdi when addressing Benue people on the occasion of his 2nd-year anniversary as governor.

According to him, the establishment of the new university is to produce specialised graduates to boost the state economy. Alia stated that it became imperative to engage youths in agricultural activities to ensure food security; hence, establishing the university would help the state achieve that objective.The governor stated that education remained at the heart of his development agenda, adding that over 9,000 qualified teachers were recruited to boost the primary education sector.“For the first time in the history of Benue State, we have recruited over 9,000 qualified teachers through a transparent Computer-Based Testing (CBT) process. “We approved a new ₦75,000 minimum wage for public school teachers and for all state civil servants, reflecting our respect for their essential role in public service. “Infrastructural development in our schools includes the massive construction of new classrooms, libraries, sanitation facilities, and perimeter fences. “Computer-based learning has been introduced in model schools like the UBEC Smart School in Makurdi, with many more to follow,” he said. Alia also said that his administration also constructed and renovated over 253 school structures, including modern storey buildings. He said they have also supplied over 13,347 units of classroom furniture, including facilities for Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE). The governor said in collaboration with the Federal Government, Benue established a state-of-the-art fashion hub and ICT training centre here in Makurdi. He said the initiative was designed to harness the creativity of young people, promote entrepreneurship in the ICT and fashion and garment industry, and position Benue as a new frontier for ICT and textile innovation and production in Nigeria. He said security remained the top priority of his administration, adding that he inherited a fragile security situation in the state in 2023. “The establishment of Operation Anyam Nyôr, a security outfit backed by legislation, has empowered law enforcement agencies to tackle insecurity head-on. “We have distributed Hilux vans, security vehicles and motorcycles to various mainstream security agencies and quasi-security outfits for effective combating of crime. “Let me assure you that we are on the trail of the terrorists, armed herders and bandits terrorising some parts of our state, and very soon, we will decimate them and all other criminal syndicates in the state,”” he said (NAN)

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to Africa’s economic development with a fresh 500 million dollars contribution to the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF).Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, made the announcement at the official signing of agreement at the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings 2025 at Abidjan on Thursday.

Edun said the gesture was a strong signal of Nigeria’s leadership in supporting low-income African countries. He also used the opportunity to pay tribute to the outgoing AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, whom he praised for steering the Bank to new heights over the past decade.“We congratulate and felicitate with Dr Adesina on a most successful tenure of ten years.“He raised the international profile and public persona of the AfDB, putting it firmly on the world stage,” he said.On the renewed commitment to the Trust Fund, Edun disclosed that Nigeria would inject 500 million dollars into the NTF over time and had extended the fund’s tenure to 2040.“We know it is a poll of funds to help the less developing countries among us. We are all developing countries.“We are all striving to achieve the reduction of poverty and improvement of our lives and people and indeed the industrialisation and modernisation of our economy. We must try not to leave anyone behind,” he said. Left to right; Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Dr Akinwunmi Adesina,Presidnt of AfDB during the ceremony in Abidjan o Thursday. The minister said that while all African countries were striving for progress, some face greater challenges than others.“The NTF is there to help the least stable among us, and Nigeria is proud to provide that leadership to Africa and to be an integral part of the AfDB,” he said.According to him, the renewed commitment is aligned with Nigeria’s development priorities, which include poverty reduction, economic modernisation, and industrialisation.He emphasised that no African country should be left behind in the collective push for prosperity.Responding to the gesture, Adesina commended Nigeria’s bold step and described it as a model of leadership in a time of urgent development needs.“The 500 million dollars you have committed to the AfDB for the NTF will allow us to do balance sheet optimisation.” It will provide hybrid capital, and mobilise more private capital for many low-income countries,” Adesina stated.He added that expanding access to capital was crucial for these nations to grow their private sectors and reduce their debt burdens through more sustainable financing models“Nigeria again is doing the right thing and showing the right leadership and commitment to the low-income countries in Africa,” he said.The Nigeria Trust Fund, managed by the AfDB, was created to provide concessional financing for projects and programmes in low-income African countries.With the latest replenishment, the Fund is expected to continue playing a critical role in strengthening development outcomes across the continent. Report says that NTF was created in 1976 by agreement between the AfDB and the Nigerian Government.The Fund is a self-sustaining revolving fund and its objective is to assist the development efforts of the Bank’s low-income regional member countries whose economic and social conditions and prospects require concessional financing.The NTF resources can co-finance operations with the AfDB and the African Development Fund (ADF), as well as fund stand-alone operations in both the public and private sector.Supplementary loans for Bank Group financed projects can also be considered.Unlike the African Development Fund, NTF resources are allocated to projects, and not to countries. (NAN)