From Chidi Precious, Umuahia

 As Abia State prepares to mark the second anniversary of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, the State Government has announced that the event will be observed in a low-key manner, despite notable strides in governance and development over the past 23 months.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this on Monday while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Exco meeting presided over by Governor Otti.

Prince Kanu who explained the reason for the State Government’s choice of a low key option said that the celebration would focus on introspection and evaluation rather than pomp and pageantry.

The Commissioner revealed that activities lined up for the anniversary include an interdenominational thanksgiving service, presentation of scorecards by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the commissioning of completed projects, and the flag-off of new ones.

He noted that several roads in Aba under the Urban Renewal Agenda of the State Government including Umuode road, Bakassi road, and Isi-Ihitteukwu Close are completed and awaiting commissioning.

“Also the construction of Umuosi, Ihuoma and Umukanna Roads as part of the Urban Renewal Agenda of the State Government through GADA is ongoing.

“Those projects have reached advanced stages and they will be completed and commissioned as well”, Prince Kanu said.

The Commissioner also disclosed plans to develop a “new Umuahia City”, to expand the capital’s landscape and aesthetics, along with the renovation of the long-neglected vocational and skills center at Mgbarakuma.

He noted that ongoing beautification efforts in Umuahia, including the planting of trees along Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, road reconstruction on Library Avenue to FMC junction, and plans for a redesigned Government House Roundabout and Cooperative Junction.

“The reconstruction of the Library Avenue to FMC junction has reached an advanced stage. The Cooperative Junction is on the verge of being asphalted together a section of Item Road.

“The Roundabout in front of Government House, Umuahia will soon be wearing a new look. A median will be introduced at the T-Junction the flows from the Okpara Avenue to the Abia Line area”, Prince Kanu stated.

The Commissioner said that Abia is poised to enter the Guinness Book of Records, due to the creative effort of an Aba-based artist, Mr. Nuel Geoffrey.

Prince Kanu said that with support from the State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Geoffrey is set to paint 300 faces in one hour on May 23rd at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, a feat that would surpass the current record of 217.

“The Arts , Culture and Creative Economy is actively supporting this process of promoting a local talent in order to showcase the creative potentials of Abians at the global stage

“We are aware that currently Abians are holding their heads up high in all parts of the country and the world and this is what has happened in the past 23 months.

“Hitherto it was not so, any where Abia State was mentioned people will look down but today Abians hold their heads high and it is all part of the achievements of the State Government”, the Commissioner noted.

Prince Kanu also highlighted the State’s recent achievements in sports, with Abia clinching 33 medals — 9 gold, 10 silver, and 14 bronze at the maiden NDDC Sports Festival.

He added that the State hosted the U-12 and U-15 National Handball Championships, involving 12 states, while the Abia Warriors Football Club chases a continental slot after defeating Rivers United 2-0.

“These milestones underscore the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment through sports,” he said.

Prince Kanu who condemned acts of vandalism and theft of public properties, revealed the arrest of the Facility Manager and two staff members of the Aba Textile Mill for alleged robbery and sabotage.

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Nollywood Star, Funke Akindele, has emerged the second highest grossing Nollywood writer for the year 2024, along with Collins Okoh and Akinlabi Ishola.This was for the film “Everybody Loves Jennifer” which had generated N1,125 billon at the box office.This was revealed by filmone on its instagram page @filmoneng on Friday.

Stephen Oluboyo became the first highest grossing Nollywood writer with the films: “Everybody Loves Jennifer”, “Alakada Bad and Boujee” and “Aburo” which all raked in N1. 38 billion.For the third highest grossing Nollywood writers, Anthony Joseph clinched the position for the films: “Queen Lateefah”, “The Waiter” and “Alakada Bad and Boujee” with N780 million revenue generated.Jack’ Enneth Opukeme emerged the fourth highest grossing Nollywood writer with films like: “Farmer’s Bride” and “All’s fair in Love” which had generated N299 million at the box office.Stephen Okonkwo made the fifth highest grossing Nollywood writer with “Ajosepo” which raked in N257 million.Adebayo Tijani and Ola Olaoye emerged the sixth highest grossing Nollywood writers with “Beast of Two Worlds: Ajakaju” scooping in N253 million at the box office.Oluyombo Oluwagbemiga and Toyin Abraham became the seventh highest grossing Nollywood writers in 2024 with “Alakada Bad and Boujee” generating N229 million.Also, Odunlade Adekola and Akorede Ibrahim emerged the eighth highest grossing Nollywood writers with “Lakatabu” which generated N202 million.Ayo Makun made the ninth highest grossing Nollywood writer for 2024 with “The Waiter”, generating N185 million while Tunde Babalola emerged the 10th highest grossing Nollywood writer with “Funmilayo Ransom Kuti” which raked in N157 million at the box office. (NAN)

Wizkid, Burna Boy and some other Nigerian A-list artistes, on Wednesday at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square, left their fans in awe as they gave mind-blowing performances during the Greater Lagos Countdown to usher in the  New Year.

The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture was an unforgettable night of music, excitement, and celebration.

The annual end-of-year celebration brought together people from all walks of life, united by their love for music and desire to celebrate the start of a new year.

The show featured star-studded lineups like Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Niniola, Olamide, Adewale Ayuba, Runtown, Bnxn, Nice, Seyi Vibez and several others.

Wizkid, known for his captivating stage presence, got the audience singing along to his hit tracks, while Burna Boy brought his signature energy and passion to his performance.

Tiwa Savage, the Queen of Afrobeats, delivered a sultry and energetic set, showcasing her impressive vocal range and captivating stage presence.

Niniola, the soulful songstress, delivered a heartfelt and emotive performance, showcasing her powerful vocals.

Fuji Maestro, Adewale Ayuba, took his fans to a heightened level of excitement as he performed his old musicals like  “Ejo”, “Ijo Fuji”, and others.

Nice also brought back the “Alapomeji” vibes back on stage with ‘steeze’.

Another highlight was the moment host of the show, renowned comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, taught Gov.  Babajide Sanwo-Olu the popular ‘Oblee’ moves.

Earlier, Sanwo-Olu appreciated Lagos residents for demonstrating resilience throughout 2024.

Sanwo-Olu said: “It is indeed another honour to be here at the Tafawa Balewa Square for the countdown 2024 to 2025. Last year, we were all together, and this year, even bigger, better and brighter.

“We are all together at the Tafawa Balewa Square for the countdown to the year 2025. I want to say that indeed this outgoing year was a year of tremendous opportunities for the young.

“It is a year that you have shown true resilience that makes you true Lagosians. If we are together we can succed together.

“So, for your resilience and productivity, I want to say thank you for staying with our government throughout the year 2024, and we wish all of us as we go into 2025 that the very best will happen to each and everyone of us.

“2025 will be a better year for you, for you and for you. To my people in Ajeromi, Ajegunle, Victoria Island, Ajah, Ibeji-Lekki, Ojokoro, Oworoshoki, we will see you bigger and better in 2025.”

The Greater Lagos Countdown 2025 held simultaneously at the five divisions of the state. (NAN)