Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called for financial autonomy and investment in modern security infrastructure for state police services when created, stressing the need for any legal framework for state police to take into account the need for national standards, national support, local capability and local decision-making. Mbah made his position known during the town hall themed, “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security,” organised by Arise News in Abuja on Thursday. The governor emphasised that prioritising security through adequate funding for state police services and investment in technology would enable those responsible for security…

The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that Senator Patrick Ndubueze remains its candidate for the Okigwe Zone (Imo North) Senatorial election. The party said that it has to speak out because it has observed a renewed trend of misinformation campaigns especially as it affects the long concluded Okigwe Senatorial District Nomination process. A statement signed by Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, state Publicity Secretary, the State Working Committee of the Party affirms that the nomination process for all legislative constituencies has been concluded, peacefully, and the names of all the standard bearers elected by Party members…

Impressed by the superlative performance of Imo students in the just concluded International STEM olympiad in Rome, Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved a grand reception for them. Whereas Onyedikachi Egejurum, an eleven year old got a gold and emerged the best in Mathematics in the world in the primary category, Don Anele Munachisom won gold in Science in the world in the secondary category. They were among the three Nigerians who won gold in the STEM olympiad in Rome, Italy. Education advocate and Educare CEO, Alex Onyia sponsored the students in the competition after they emerged top performers at the…

In a move to restore the glory of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike Dozie has began moves towards restoring the living conditions of students at the prestigious institution. The erudite professor recently took over from Professor Nnenna Oti embarked on an unscheduled familiarisation tour of the university’s residential facilities, to see where improvements are needed. There was an atmosphere of excitement and jubilation across the students’ hostels of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) as heade the move. The visit, which attracted enthusiastic cheers from students, formed part of the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to obtaining…

Arc. Uche Ukeje, Director General Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) yesterday announced that No. 71 Clifford Road, Aba is unsafe for human habitation. According to him, the Building Control Unit, Engineering Department, and Town Planning Department of the GADA have responded swiftly to a report of a visible crack in a four-storey building located at No. 71 Clifford Road, Aba, and have done preliminary inspection. Ukeje said that their preliminary inspection revealed extensive cracks around the building’s foundation, indicating that the foundation has been seriously compromised. He said that the defect poses a significant structural risk and could lead to…

The Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna has assured residents of erosion-affected communities across the state that the state government is working diligently to address their plight and provide prompt relief. Ogbonna, gave the assurance during an on-the-spot assessment visit to two severely impacted communities: Amaewu Amamba in Uzuakoli, Bende LGA, and Atta Emede Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA. Accompanied by the Abia State NEWMAP Project Coordinator, Nkiruka Chidia Maduekwe, the commissioner inspected major erosion sites in the areas. He stressed that the situation demands immediate government attention. “The administration of Governor Alex Otti is determined to…

By Ikechukwu Mbah (A concerned Bende Man) For many years, the Igbos, especially those from the Southeast, have been crying of marginalisation, especially since the All Progressives Congress (APC) took over power in 2015. To be fair to the APC, they actually did not set out to marginalise Ndigbo but rather worked with those who supported when the Southeast threw its eggs into one basket to rescue former President Goodluck Jonathan. From the inception of the administration of former president Mohammadu Buhari, it was crystal clear to the Southeast that they are no longer seen and valued in the Nigerian…

PDP House of Representatives candidate outlines an ambitious vision to transform one of Nigeria’s richest energy corridors into a centre of enterprise, innovation and industrial growth. By Onyekachi Eze For more than half a century, the names Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta have been synonymous with oil and gas. Their vast hydrocarbon reserves have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economy, helping to power industries, sustain government revenues and earn foreign exchange for the nation. Yet, in a paradox familiar to many resource-producing regions across the developing world, the communities from which this wealth originates continue to battle inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, environmental degradation and…

Residents, commuters and transporters plying around Aba-Opobo-Azumini Road are crying, gnashing their teeth over the deplorable condition of the road. DrumAfricanews reports that the Aba-Opobo-Azumini Road, which is an important inlet and outlet of Aba that links to both Akwa-Ibom and Rivers State. The road which is equally has important facilities like the modern Aba mechanic village and the National Institute of Nigerian Languages (NINLAN). The situation has gotten worst for residents of Ogbor-Hill area of Aba like Ovom, Emeleogu and other axis as they are currently facing severe mobility challenges following the blockade of a popular shortcut route connecting…

…calls on governor Otti to intervene …warns prospective land buyers to be mindful of pending litigation The management of Abia Hotels Ltd has raised an alarm over the alleged illegal sale of personal assets belonging to Investment Guarantee Ltd, the company that built and managed the hotel worth ₦600 million. As gathered, the management of the hotel instituted legal proceedings against the Abia State Government over what it described as the illegal sealing and the demolition of the hotel, a property it said was duly and legally contracted to Investment Guarantee Ltd under a 25-year lease agreement backed by a…