Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The administration of governor Hope Uzodimma has started the equipment of the Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, with modern diagnostic machines including a CT Scan, Mammography system, and Digital Radiography unit. DrumAfricanews reports that the new radiography system provides fast X-ray imaging for fractures, chest infections, bone problems, and emergency care with clearer images and lower radiation. The mammography machine delivers breast cancer screening and early detection of lumps and calcifications, improving treatment outcomes for women. The CT Scan offers detailed cross-sectional images for brain injuries, spinal trauma, cancers, internal bleeding, and complex surgeries, enabling the hospital to handle specialist…

The Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma and his three counterparts, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State were all absent during the Southeast security summit in Umuahia, Abia State capital. While Uzodimma, Soludo and Mbah were represented by their deputies Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, Nwifuru was however, represented by the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa. Also, the Special Guest of Honour, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was equally absent as he…

The Abia State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has taken bold steps towards collaborating the Labour Party (LP) leadership in the state to deliver Governor Alex Otti, and all the party’s candidates in the forthcoming 2027 polls. ASMATA also stressed the need for the LP in Abia State to fully integrate and recognise the crucial roles it could play in the mobilisation and sensitisation of the electorate, especially traders and members of the business community. Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, President-General (PG) of ASMATA who spoke during a courtesy visit to the state Chairman of the LP on Wednesday July 29,2026, informed…

Following a devastating gully erosion that has swallowed more than 10 homes, leaving many displaced in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called on the Federal Government for urgent intervention. Kalu on Wednesday led officials of the Ecological Project Office including the Director, Soil and Erosion Flood Control, B’aba Bomoi to the sites in Uzuakoli and Ozuitem communities for an emergency assessment of the affected areas. DrumAfricanews reports that the Ecological Funds team is expected to submit its assessment report to guide federal government intervention. According…

The Abia State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA) has released the schedule of approved political campaign and advertising permit fees, as well as political campaign advertising guidelines for the 2026/2027 election period. The advertising permit fees and guidelines were released to the public by the Abia State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA) during its 2026 annual stakeholders’ engagement forum, themed: “order in outdoor: partnership for safe campaigns, sustainable revenue and a cleaner Abia 2026”. The HOD strategy, innovation and design of ABSSAA, Ndubuisi Nwaogwugwu said that these guidelines are issued pursuant to the powers conferred on…

Commuters, residents and community members of Nnentu Ngwa (Nnentu Ama Isii) who are majorly occupying the lengthy and dilapidated Ohabiam-Umuebeke Road are currently crying , weeping, and lamenting over the deplorable condition of their major road. They are equally crying over the excruciating experiences they have been having on the road, stressing that it is unfortunate that their son, Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, has been unable to do something about the road. They have therefore pleaded with the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti to please use the same means he has been…

The Bende South State Constituency (Ikwuisii) Traditional Rulers Council has declared its unwavering support for the third-term re-election bid of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. The royal fathers who made their position known during a meeting with the Deputy Speaker led by the Chairman of the Council, Eze Uchendu Okorie, Ekwo II of Akaekwo Uzuakoli, Bende, went further to dismiss claims of an existing zoning agreement being circulated by some vested interests. A statement signed by Udora Orizu, SA Press Affairs, to the Deputy Speaker, said that…

The Government of Abia State has condemned what it termed the brutal killing of a Nigerian citizen of Abia State origin, Mr Chika Ibe, from the Lokpaukwu Umunneochi Local Government Area by officers of the South African Police Service in Cape Town on Wednesday, July 23, 2026. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to Governor Otti on Media and Publicity, said that disturbing videos circulating online show police officers assaulting Mr Ibe, with one officer allegedly using a polyethylene bag to repeatedly suffocate him until he died.  He said that the circumstances surrounding the operation are still under investigation, but what is…

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has commended the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for the speedy approval of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) for two federal tertiary institutions in Bende Local Government Area. DrumAfricanews reports that the two institutions are the Federal College of Education, Bende, and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, Bende LGA. DrumAfricanews reports that that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June, 2025 assented to the bills sponsored by Kalu to establish the two institutions in Bende. Kalu noted that the approvals will accelerate the take-off of the…

The Commissioner for Works, Ralph Nwosu, today assured a delegation from Umuaka Community in Njaba LGA of immediate action to re-channel the floodwater to protect pupils of Umuaka community primary school and residents. He gave the assurance when he received a delegation from Umuaka Community in Njaba LGA led by Hon. Chief Ozioma Worship, Member representing Njaba Constituency. The delegation also included the APC Chairman of Njaba LGA, Chief Chukwudi Egeuka, and other stakeholders. Presenting their requests, Hon. Worship commended Governor Hope Uzodimma’s developmental strides and appealed for urgent intervention on two issues: the stormwater threatening Umuaka Primary School and…