Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has noted that Abia has remained largely peaceful and safe, describing peace and security as critical enablers for development, growth and investment. Kalu made the statement while congratulating the government and people of Abia state on the 35th anniversary of the State. DrumAfricanews reports that Abia was carved out of the old Imo State on August 27, 1991 by the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. In a statement, Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency of the State commended the government and the people for sustaining peace, strengthening security and…

The Abia State Government, through its Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Abia State Public and Private Partnership and Intellectual Property Office, have unveiled the Abia Startup Investors Network (ASIN). The ASIN, which was launched during the Abia Startup & Angel Investment Summit in Aba, is a private-sector-led platform designed to connect potential investors with credible startup opportunities and enable members to participate in investments on a deal-by-deal basis. The summit, which was held under the theme “Unlocking Local Capital for High-Growth Startups”, formed part of activities marking the 35th anniversary of the creation of Abia State and builds…

The Nigeria Police Force has invited Mr. Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as “VeryDarkMan(VDM),” to come and produce, without delay, the evidence upon which he based these serious allegations that police officers manning checkpoints along major highways relay information to kidnappers and bandits. DrumAfricanews reports that VDM at the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, alleged that police officers manning checkpoints along major highways relay information to kidnappers and bandits regarding the identity and movement of travellers, thereby facilitating abductions for ransom. Reacting, the Nigeria Police Force in a statement signed by CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public…

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’adu Abubakar III, on the occasion of his 70th birthday on Monday, August 24, 2026. In a statement by Levinus Nwabughiogu, his Chief Press Secretary Kalu lauded the Sultan’s contributions to peace, national unity, and religious tolerance in Nigeria. The Deputy Speaker described Abubakar as a father figure and a stabilizing voice in the country, noting that his reign has been marked by wisdom, humility, and commitment to dialogue. Kalu recalled that the septuagenarian, who ascended the throne in…

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has felicitated Muslim faithful across Nigeria as they join Muslims around the world to commemorate Eid-el-Maulud (Maulud Nabiyy), marking the birth and life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In a statement marking the occasion, Kalu congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the celebration, urging them to sustain prayers for peace, prosperity and progress in Nigeria. He described Eid-el-Maulud as an important occasion for reflection on the exemplary life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, especially his virtues of humility, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. In a statement by Udora Orizu,…

The Abia State Government has completed the remodelling of a General Hospital, Obingwa Local Government Area. According to the government, the hospital is aimed at transforming into an ultra-modern hospital equipped with AI-enabled equipment, Telehealth, and Electronic Medical Records. The Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya-Uche, said the project was in line with Governor Alex Otti’s vision to make quality healthcare accessible to people in rural and suburban areas will be commissioned on Tuesday. He added that the facility now has consultation rooms, a viewing gallery for the operating room, modern wards, and all the basic facilities required in a…

The Onyedinma Foundation, in partnership with the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), has successfully concluded a two-day Climate-Smart Agriculture Training at the Asa-Umuakwa community in the Ugwunagbo Local Government Area. The training with the theme “Empowering Survivors for a Sustainable Tomorrow”, was supported by ‘The Freedom Fund’ and brought together farmers, women, and youth participants from Ugwunagbo and neighbouring communities. During the two-day training, participants were equipped with practical, climate-resilient agricultural skills to improve food security, livelihoods, and community resilience. With three facilitators from the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) handling topics like Climate, Planets & Agriculture; Poultry & Smart Climate Practices;…

Stakeholders have called for legislative attention and improvement to the Abia State Centre for Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and Any Form of Human Trafficking Law 2026. Recall that Abia recently commissioned her Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) within the premises of the Aba General Hospital, with an assurance by the government that more SARCs will be set up across Abia State. DrumAfricanews reports Governor Alex Otti April 20, 2026 signed into law the Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and any form of Human Trafficking Bill of 2026, hence…

By Charles Thomas Let us begin with numbers, not emotions. Bende Federal Constituency has existed for 34 years. During that period, Umunna has represented the constituency for 24 years, while Ikwuishi has held the seat for 12 years. Ben Kalu has represented it for eight years, and Nnamdi Njoku for four years. These figures show that Umunna has occupied the seat longer than all the other groups put together. On that basis, Umunna cannot reasonably claim the seat for many more years. The argument becomes clearer when we focus on the Fourth Republic, which is where the real debate lies.…

Elder Onwe Ubochi, has reportedly been murdered by unidentified assailants in Osege, Umuogudu Oshia Ngbo Community, in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. DrumAfricanews reports that Elder Ubochi was killed shortly after participating in a prayer session and endorsement of two All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. The elderly man was said to have led other community elders in prayers for Tochukwu Ogalagu, the APGA candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, and Chikaodili Ojimba, the party’s candidate for Ebonyi North Senatorial District, during a political consultation on August 17, 2026. According to Ogalagu, Ubochi was…